Top 10 Best Games on the Wii Virtual Console

The Virtual Console on the Nintendo Wii was one of the best ways to revisit gaming history without digging out old cartridges or dealing with aging hardware. With a huge library of classic titles from systems like the NES, SNES, Sega Genesis, and even the N64, it gave players access to some of the most iconic games of the '80s and '90s, all playable with a few button presses. For many, it was an introduction to legendary franchises they may have missed the first time around. For others, it was a chance to replay childhood favorites exactly as they remembered them.

So, what are the best games on the Wii Virtual Console? With so many to choose from, narrowing it down can be tough. That's where you come in. Vote for the games you think deserve the top spots and see how your favorites compare to the picks of other players.
The Top Ten
The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time

Greatest game on the Nintendo 64! This game is what all other adventure games aspire to be: memorable, easy to play, and offering awesome gameplay.

It built on the foundation laid by the first generation of 3D adventure platform games and took these concepts to an epic level, improving on all of them. Ocarina of Time was epic, sad, challenging, funny, and scary all in the same game. There is no doubt it is the best Wii download available!

Wow, I was looking at an old Nintendo Power magazine, and it was showcasing this game during its development stage. It turned out WAY better!

Zelda 64? Thank goodness they came up with Ocarina of Time! (Mm, that IS kinda catchy... Zelda 64... Zelda 64!)

Super Mario 64

Best '90s game and Virtual Console game by far! The only games better than Mario 64 are Mario Galaxy and Galaxy 2.

Mario 64 is the best game of the '90s!

Super Mario 64 is perfect! It certainly deserved to be on the Wii Virtual Console.

The game that showed the world how 3D gaming was done. Yet another Mario masterpiece.

Mario Kart 64

Mario Kart is the video game series that has meant the most to me. Mario is the best series, but among his games, Mario Kart is the most enjoyable.

It has brought me so much joy and so many happy memories. It all began with Super Mario Kart, and I've loved the series ever since. Mario Kart 64 is no exception. It might be the best game ever.

Similar to Super Mario 64, it wowed with its 3D shimmer yet thrilled with its fun and frolicking mechanics.

Super Smash Bros.

My personal favorite Virtual Console game has high playability and has aged much better than most games on this list. It has a great combo system, and I'm still finding new combos to use. Just don't expect much in the way of shielding and dodging because these mechanics are poorly implemented.

It's my favorite 4-player party game, even more so than Smash 4 or Mario Party. I've never really been a fan of The Legend of Zelda (flame shield: on). The games just aren't my style, and that's why Ocarina of Time isn't on my list. As for Super Mario 64, it's excellent, but Mario Galaxy 1 and 2 are both better in just about every way. Mario Kart 64? Seriously? I will never understand how people value it as the best Mario Kart. In my opinion, Mario Kart just gets better with each new console, though Double Dash nailed the two-character mechanic.

Super Metroid

The SNES sequel to the 1987 adventure Metroid, this game is still considered one of the best ever.

One of the greatest games ever made. It's also the pinnacle of the franchise.

Super Mario Bros.

One of the best-selling games in history, this 1985 classic was a major reason video gaming caught on.

I used to play this game the most! It was one of the best games I've ever played! And today, I'm still playing it.

Sonic the Hedgehog 2

Cited by many as the best Sonic the Hedgehog game, chosen by many as the best Genesis game, and even considered by some to be one of the finest platformers around.

Punch-Out!!

I am so happy this game is on the list. I agree that Ocarina of Time is the best, but I had to vote for Punch-Out!! because it should be next after Ocarina of Time. It's sadly at number 8 instead.

Fantastic list, though.

The Legend of Zelda

This classic adventure started a series that is beloved and cherished by millions to this day.

Pac-Man

Pills, ghosts, and fruit - oh my! It did start a revolution, after all.

The Newcomers

? Super Mario Bros. 3
? F-Zero X
The Contenders
Paper Mario

It is so much better than Sticker Star, like all the other Paper Mario games from the 2000s.

First off, the sharp presentation is noteworthy. The RPG style is what makes this series, well, Paper Mario. Yes, Super Paper Mario does not have much of the classic Paper Mario feel, but please check out RabbidLuigi's reasons for placing Super Paper Mario on his list of "Top 5 Overhated Games." Most Mario RPGs blow us away in many ways.

Street Fighter II: The World Warrior

Took the fighting genre, nailed it, and exploded it into a phenomenon.

The Legend of Zelda: Majora's Mask

Sequel to Ocarina of Time. Improves on it in every way. There's so much to do.

Only 1,000 points. I would pay 10,000 points for it. It's certainly worth it.

Cave Story
Super Mario RPG: Legend of the Seven Stars

So underrated. Super Mario RPG: The Legend of the Seven Stars will, regardless, get a 9.9/10.

Super Mario World

How are Ocarina of Time and Super Mario 64 at the top? They may be great, but this game is the best of the games before the 21st century!

Chrono Trigger

My favorite game ever! I couldn't imagine such a fantastic game being left out.

The Legend of Zelda: A Link to the Past
Pokémon Snap
Star Fox 64

Super addictive and fun, with great graphics and gameplay.

It's my favorite Virtual Console game.

Alex Kidd in Miracle World
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