Top 10 Best Nintendo Consoles
Nintendo has been a giant in the gaming world for decades, releasing a long line of consoles that have left a huge impact on gaming culture and fans alike. From its earliest systems to its latest innovations, each Nintendo console has brought something unique to the table, shaping the way people play games and enjoy entertainment. But with so many different consoles over the years, which ones really stand out as the best?
The Nintendo 64, launched in 1996, was Nintendo's first home console to offer 3D graphics. It utilized cartridges and introduced the analog stick for 360-degree movement. Ooh yeah, that's the best one. Where do I begin with this one? Sure, it only had two launch titles, but one of them - Super Mario 64 - would never get you bored. You know, a revolutionary system. The very first joystick ever, the controller is underrated but great (at least for me).
Masterpieces like Smash Bros., Zelda: Ocarina of Time and Majora's Mask, Banjo-Kazooie, and that launch title I just talked about. The graphics might not have aged well, but it's still a big improvement as those were the first games with such graphics, and on top of all that, it introduced gaming to a brand new 3D world.
The Nintendo GameCube, released in 2001, was Nintendo's first console to use optical discs instead of cartridges. It featured a compact design and offered connectivity with the Game Boy Advance. Sure, the 64 was the nostalgic one, but did it age well? Not really. I mean, don't get me wrong, a lot of the games are cool, but very few have aged well. This is mostly because the 64 was one of the early 3D consoles and Nintendo's first foray into 3D.
However, when we move to Nintendo's next 3D console, the Nintendo GameCube, we get some of the most memorable gameplay, music, and overall experiences Nintendo has offered. Unlike its predecessor, there are plenty of games on the GameCube that still look amazingly impressive to this day.
Just to name a few GameCube games that offered legendary gameplay and amazing visuals that still hold up today, you have Paper Mario: The Thousand-Year Door, The Legend of Zelda: Four Swords Adventures, The Wind Waker, and Twilight Princess (all three are amazing and haven't aged badly), Super Mario Sunshine, and many more.
The GameCube also marked the start of many Nintendo series with the newfound capabilities of the console (take the Mario 128 engine or Pikmin, for example). Another thing is how the GameCube was one of the first consoles to offer a virtual console of sorts. Games like The Legend of Zelda: Collector's Edition had multiple NES games built-in, or Animal Crossing, which had collectible NES games that were playable.
The GameCube really defined Mario Kart, Mario Party, Mario Tennis, and other subseries as true series, as the previous games were honestly not as good. It even started a new Luigi generation with Luigi's first real game, Luigi's Mansion, which is not only fun but also one of the best and gave Luigi a personality. This was further developed in Paper Mario: The Thousand-Year Door, where Luigi goes on a quest without Mario and tells you stories.
Overall, in my opinion, the GameCube is the best console of all time and definitely Nintendo's best, due to its overwhelming amount of fun, unique, and classic titles. These games not only play well to this day but are also still... more
Released in 2006, the Nintendo Wii introduced motion-sensing controllers, revolutionizing gameplay interaction. It was a major commercial success, appealing to both casual and traditional gamers. In my opinion, this is the third-best Nintendo home console. It has to be among the most unique Nintendo consoles but was a bestseller at its time. The best part, in my opinion, is that it is backward compatible with GameCube games.
The Wii controllers aren't really the best but are among them, and it also has other controllers that you could use. It was surprising at that time to use wireless controllers, though not many people thought it was for them. The Wii also had its own shop where you could download many games.
The games do have many online features, and the controllers were attractive. The console was powerful at its time, though the quality wasn't the best. The plugs it used weren't really that good.
The Super Nintendo Entertainment System (SNES), released in 1990, offered 16-bit graphics and introduced iconic franchises like Super Mario World and The Legend of Zelda: A Link to the Past. It became a defining console of its generation. While I never had a SNES, I know someone who does, and I also have ZSNES, an emulator that plays SNES games. I have to say, this thing is so great. It boasts amazing games, masterpieces like Super Mario World, A Link to the Past, Kirby Super Star, Super Metroid, Star Fox, Mega Man, and many more. Not to mention the simple but well-working controller, which is responsive and of good quality.
There's also the fact that the 16-bit graphics and sound effects are amazing, even today in 2017. The music this system produces is purely amazing.
Well... now you're playing with Super Power.
The Nintendo Entertainment System (NES), launched in 1983 in Japan and 1985 in North America, played a crucial role in reviving the video game industry after the 1983 crash. It introduced iconic games such as Super Mario Bros. and The Legend of Zelda. I love Nintendo! It's the best video game system, with games like Super Mario Bros., Donkey Kong, The Legend of Zelda, Mega Man, Pac-Man, Double Dragon, and Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles. It's so cool! I would play it when I came home from school. Super Mario Bros. was the best, along with Double Dragon, Mega Man, and Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles in the bedroom. I love it - it's part of my childhood, and it was a huge deal for everyone.
Kids would want one for their birthday or Christmas. Even if their parents had things like house payments, kids would do housework or get good grades just so they could play it. It was such a big deal.
The Nintendo 3DS, launched in 2011, featured glasses-free 3D technology on a portable system. It included backward compatibility with the DS library and a robust lineup of first- and third-party games. In my opinion, this is the fifth-best Nintendo handheld console. This is the first 3DS ever made. It looks like a boring handheld, but it is indeed full of tech.
The graphics have been improved, there are more buttons, and it can play games in 3D. It has the home button, which helps navigate through menus, and a circle pad, which helps move in circles. It is backward compatible with DS games and also has more apps.
Specifically, the New 3DS is the best dedicated handheld out there. It comes with a ton of features, such as a clamshell design, face-tracking 3D, AR camera functionality, a built-in stylus, StreetPass, and Miiverse (at one time), all notably missing from the Switch. The library is also stellar, with solid entries in notable Nintendo franchises and DS backward compatibility.
My personal favorite part about the New 3DS is its Virtual Console. It is the best place to play NES, SNES, GB, GBC, DS, and 3DS games all in one system.
The Nintendo Wii U, released in 2012, introduced a gamepad with a built-in touchscreen that allowed for dual-screen gameplay. Despite innovative features, it had limited commercial success compared to other Nintendo consoles. In my opinion, this is the second-best Nintendo home console. This is Nintendo's worst-selling home console due to the ads and the name. Though it has a lot of problems, it is one of the best Nintendo consoles ever made.
It is basically an upgraded version of the Wii with HD graphics and backward compatibility with the Wii menu. The gamepad, in my opinion, is the ninth-best controller, though it does have a lot of disadvantages and is compatible with almost every single Nintendo controller. It is weaker than the PS3 and Xbox 360 but is without a doubt better than the original Wii.
The storage is pretty low but it is still an awesome Nintendo console.
Released in 2004, the Nintendo DS featured dual screens, one of which was touch-sensitive, and became one of the best-selling handheld consoles of all time. It also offered backward compatibility with Game Boy Advance games. Well, it's a great portable system. I think it has way too much overuse of the touch screen in certain games like Phantom Hourglass. But there are still some good games here, like New Super Mario Bros.
Very cool console. Has a good design, GBA slot, and long-lasting battery. Unfortunately, it's discontinued.
Best handheld game worth having, especially if you get only three hours of electric supply per day. Save for graphics, it is second to none in portable games.
The Nintendo Switch, launched in 2017, functions as both a home console and a portable handheld system. It offers seamless transition between TV and handheld modes with a hybrid design. In my opinion, this is the best Nintendo console. This probably isn't surprising since it is technically a hybrid console. It uses a dock to be played on TV, which is a great idea for a console. The Joy-Cons do have a few problems, but they incorporate so much technology. You can just slide them into the console to switch to handheld mode anytime. The dock isn't the best, but it allows for a fast transformation.
Many Wii U games are now available on the Switch, and some have sequels. The console also offers a Pro Controller, which you can buy separately. In my opinion, it is the best Nintendo controller ever made. As the newest console, there may be more features coming in the future. It can also play virtual games like NES and SNES.
The introduction of the Lite version essentially marked the end of the DS family. The modes demonstrate that it is more powerful than previous Nintendo consoles. The games in handheld mode are in HD and can play powerful games that previously only home consoles could handle. It is indeed a huge step forward from previous consoles.
The Game Boy Advance, launched in 2001, was a 32-bit handheld system that offered improved graphics and processing power over its predecessors. It supported a wide range of first-party and third-party titles. This was my first portable gaming console. It was a great improvement from the Game Boy and Game Boy Color due to the backlight and closable screen (just to help hide it in the middle of the night).
I spent all my time using this, bringing it to school to trade or battle Pokémon, or just relaxing. During long trips or when I was just bored, the Game Boy Advance SP was always there for me.
This was the console that introduced me to the world of gaming when I was a kid. I still remember back when I was four years old, I got a Game Boy Advance SP in blue for Christmas in 2004. I even got a copy of The Simpsons Road Rage to go with it.
It had so many good games, like the Super Mario Advance series (I played the Super Mario Bros 3 port, SMA4) and Mario Kart Super Circuit (my first ever Mario Kart game), among many others!
The Newcomers
The Virtual Boy, released in 1995, was an attempt to bring 3D gaming to a portable platform using stereoscopic display technology. It was discontinued after a year due to poor sales and limited game support. An innovative design that would not be touched again by any company until the 3DS. It's a shame they rushed the N64 into production and didn't finish development to normal Nintendo standards.
This console may have given people instant headaches and even blindness, but it inspired everybody, making them realize that 3D gaming is possible. This console was pretty bad.
Nothing happened until 2010-2011 when the 3DS came out, then the Oculus Rift Experiment Kit came along. So that's history for you! (In 3D!)
This console was not good, but some of the games were outstanding!
Hahaha, nobody knows what this is. Yet, I do. It's Nintendo's first console. Everybody thinks the NES is, but it's actually this one.
The original Game Boy, released in 1989, was Nintendo's first portable console to use interchangeable game cartridges. It became an iconic system with popular titles like Tetris and Pokémon. What can I say? It wasn't the Sega Game Gear (actually, I remember Sega beating Nintendo on every technical aspect), but I guess, again, the game library was definitive. I wasn't much of a fan of its screen, but hey, it was revolutionary.
This is truly the brick of legends. This thing was a gift from the gods to bless the world for all it has accomplished. Nothing tops the original Game Boy.
An original Game Boy that went on a weight loss program. Enough said.
The Game Boy Color, released in 1998, was an upgraded version of the original Game Boy, featuring a color display and backward compatibility with older Game Boy titles. It introduced several new color-based games to its library. As an early Gen Z, the Game Boy Color is the first game console I've ever played, back in 2002. I was only a three-year-old baby at that time. I borrowed my older brother's Game Boy Color. The first software I played was Pokémon Gold Version and Zelda: Oracle of Seasons.
Never owned one, so I don't know. But Pokémon Gen 1 looks really cool.
The natural step forward. Now with color.
The first of the first, handheld-wise.