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The best Nintendo games

The 24 best games from Nintendo, ranked from 7,136 critic and player ratings.

The best Nintendo game is Super Mario Galaxy 2, with a critic score of 96/100. Updated November 2026.

  • Ranked releases span 1993 to 2023.
  • Average critic score across the 24 ranked games: 84/100.
  • 7,136 critic and player ratings behind this ranking.

How this ranking is built
  • Games are ranked on the aggregated critic score out of 100 imported from IGDB and Metacritic, never on Tier's own grades.
  • A game only enters the ranking with at least 80 external ratings, so a single enthusiastic review never outranks a proven classic.
  • Community grades from F to S are shown next to every game, and only stated as a fact above 5 Tier ratings.
  • Release window covered: 1970 to 2026.
  • 24 games are listed on this page, carrying 7,136 ratings between them.
  • Rankings are recomputed hourly; this one was last rebuilt on 13 November 2026.

Top 24

Played them? Give your tier with the + next to each game. No account needed to try — create one to keep your tiers.

01 Super Mario Galaxy 2 S Super Mario Galaxy 2 2010 · 955 ratings · 2 Tier votes Super Mario Galaxy 2 is the sequel to Super Mario Galaxy and the fourth 3D platformer entry in the Mario franchise. The sequel retains many elements from its predecessor, such as the adventure being in outer space, the element of gravity, and recurring objects such as Launch Stars and Sling Stars. Returning items include the Bee Mushroom and the Fire Flower. However, the game introduces new elements as well, such as the utilization of Yoshi, new power-ups like the Cloud Flower, and the use of a guide within the game for beginner players. 96 /100
02 Super Mario 3D World A Super Mario 3D World 2013 · 440 ratings · 3 Tier votes Super Mario 3D World is a 3D platformer action game for the Wii U, and a follow-up of the Nintendo 3DS installment Super Mario 3D Land. The game builds upon the previous installment, following a similar 3D level-design convention inspired from the 2D platformer titles where players must navigate through a linear-designed level within a time limit to reach a level's Goal Pole. One key aspect introduced in this title is the simultaneous multiplayer: while not the first game in the series to do so, it is the first 3D title in the Mario series to incorporate up to four players cooperating with each other to reach the goal. Players can select their character from a pool of playable characters prior to starting the game, and each of these characters have their own unique playstyle that gives them advantages and disadvantages over other characters. The game makes use of several Wii U exclusive features, such as tapping blocks with the touch screen on the GamePad and blowing into the mic to reveal hidden items and blow away enemies. Various new power-ups are introduced in this title, with the trademark suit being the Cat power-up, which enables characters to perform a melee attack, climb up walls, and leap while midair, as well as the game generally having a cat-based theme. 94 /100
03 Metroid Prime Remastered Metroid Prime Remastered 2023 · 87 ratings Get behind the visor of intergalactic bounty hunter Samus Aran in her critically-acclaimed first-person adventure. Step into the boots of Samus Aran as you navigate the winding paths and interconnected environments of an alluring-yet-dangerous alien planet. Use powers like the iconic Morph Ball and Grapple Beam to revisit hard-to-reach areas and find a path forward. With revamped graphics, sound, unlockable art, and updated control schemes, Samus’ 3D platforming debut has reached greater heights. Calm and capable, Samus takes on this solo mission...but she is far from alone. 94 /100
04 Mario Kart: Super Circuit (2001) Mario Kart: Super Circuit (2001) 2001 · 188 ratings Classic Mario Kart action is back once again, this time in a colorful, lightning-fast game that you can take anywhere. Mario, Luigi, Peach, Toad, Wario, Yoshi and Bowser are all tearing up the track, tossing Koopa Shells and laying banana peels along the way. Mario Kart Super Circuit puts your driving skills to the test on 40 tracks, each littered with wild weapons and obstacles. Choose to play as any of your favorite characters as you speed around classic and brand-new tracks. If you're feeling combative, try out the creative weaponry (mushrooms, bananas, thunder bolts, and stars) in Battle mode. Feel like making some friends eat your dust? No problem. Four players can compete in Mario Kart Super Circuit using only one Game Pak! If each player has a copy of the game, bonus features and new modes of play become available. 93 /100
05 Mario Tennis Mario Tennis 2000 · 134 ratings All of your favorite characters hit the court in a wild and wacky multiplayer tennis game from the makers of Mario Golf. Mario, Luigi, Bowser, Peach, Toad, and Donkey Kong lead off the all-star, 14-player line-up. The fast-paced action will have you unleashing vicious volleys, life-saving lobs, ballistic backhands and electrifying super-charged smashes! 91 /100
06 Super Mario 3D Land B Super Mario 3D Land 2011 · 387 ratings · 3 Tier votes Super Mario 3D Land is the second 3D Super Mario platformer for a handheld device, and the successor to Super Mario Galaxy 2. The game is closely based on side-scrolling Mario games, as it combine elements from both traditional 2D Mario games and modern free-roaming 3D Mario games. It also introduces elements into the series, including power-ups and gameplay mechanics. 90 /100
07 Mario & Luigi: Superstar Saga Mario & Luigi: Superstar Saga 2003 · 201 ratings An evil witch has replaced Princess Peach's fair speech with explosives! Mario and Luigi must once again come to her rescue, but this time they employ the help of Bowser, their sworn enemy. Mario and Luigi must learn new moves and combine powers to fight off enemies and move closer to the witch's castle. Guide this unlikely bunch through an abundance of minigames such as Border Jump and Mystery Carts. Combine the powers of Mario and Luigi to pull off special tag-team moves. Immerse yourself in this bright, cartoonish, and humorous world, complete with hit music featured in previous Mario games. 90 /100
08 Super Mario Maker Super Mario Maker 2015 · 205 ratings Super Mario Maker lets people’s imaginations run wild. For the first time ever, friends can have fun playing through levels they create for one another. The Wii U GamePad controller makes it so easy for anyone to create levels; it may feel like simply sketching out ideas on paper. Players can enjoy a seemingly endless supply of inventive Mario levels from players around the world. The game includes a book totaling about 100 pages that illustrates the boundless possibilities in Super Mario Maker. Nintendo will also release two special Mario amiibo figures to celebrate the 30th anniversary of the original Super Mario Bros. game. Tapping these amiibo in Super Mario Maker adds a Big Mushroom power-up to your course, allowing Mario to grow big and bust blocks from any direction, as well as adding a retro visual filter to the game, reminiscent of older cathode ray tube televisions. In addition, many other amiibo will also be compatible with Super Mario Maker through the use of a new item called the Mystery Mushroom. This item allows Mario to take the appearance of many other characters, such as Link, Kirby or Wii Fit Trainer, complete with character-specific animations and sound effects. These character costumes can be unlocked by completing the 100 Mario Challenge mode and many can also be unlocked if the player taps the amiibo of the character to the Wii U GamePad. 90 /100
09 New Super Mario Bros. A New Super Mario Bros. 2006 · 417 ratings · 1 Tier vote New Super Mario Bros. is a side-scrolling 2.5D action-adventure platformer game for the Nintendo DS, starring Mario and Luigi. The game features a solo story mode with Mario or Luigi, a two-player wireless game Mario Vs. Luigi, as well as a minigame mode for up to four players. The gameplay of New Super Mario Bros. is very much like that of the classic 2D platformers, mostly Super Mario Bros. and Super Mario Bros. 3, and substantially builds upon them to create gameplay both classic and contemporary. As the game is on DS, the touch screen allows players to store an additional power-up and view the distance still to go in a level. 89 /100
10 WarioWare, Inc.: Mega Microgame$! WarioWare, Inc.: Mega Microgame$! 2003 · 113 ratings Frantic action! Prepare for lightning-quick game play as you blaze through over 200 bizarre microgames designed by a crazy crew of Wario's cronies! There are even two-player contests that can be played on a single Game Boy Advance! Pick up and play! Ultra-simple controls make each game easy to get into...until the games start coming faster... and faster...and FASTER! 89 /100
11 Wario Land 4 Wario Land 4 2001 · 80 ratings 88 /100
12 Fire Emblem: Path of Radiance Fire Emblem: Path of Radiance 2005 · 125 ratings 85 /100
13 Mario Kart 7 Mario Kart 7 2011 · 277 ratings 84 /100
14 WarioWare: Smooth Moves WarioWare: Smooth Moves 2006 · 100 ratings 83 /100
15 Captain Toad: Treasure Tracker Captain Toad: Treasure Tracker 2014 · 125 ratings 82 /100
16 Super Metroid Super Metroid 1994 · 1,090 ratings 100 /100
17 New Super Mario Bros. U New Super Mario Bros. U 2012 · 188 ratings 80 /100
18 Donkey Kong Country B Donkey Kong Country 1994 · 614 ratings · 2 Tier votes 80 /100
19 Nintendo Land Nintendo Land 2012 · 86 ratings 75 /100
20 Super Mario Party Super Mario Party 2018 · 163 ratings 73 /100
21 Mario Party DS Mario Party DS 2007 · 94 ratings 72 /100
22 Donkey Kong Country 2: Diddy's Kong Quest Donkey Kong Country 2: Diddy's Kong Quest 1995 · 519 ratings 70 /100
23 Donkey Kong Country 3: Dixie Kong's Double Trouble! Donkey Kong Country 3: Dixie Kong's Double Trouble! 1996 · 250 ratings 70 /100
24 Mega Man X (1993) A Mega Man X (1993) 1993 · 298 ratings · 1 Tier vote 55 /100
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Frequently asked questions

What is the best Nintendo game?

Super Mario Galaxy 2 currently tops the ranking with a score of 96/100 across 955 ratings. Ranking updated November 2026.

How is this ranking built?

Games are ranked on their aggregated critic score out of 100, with a minimum vote threshold so a single glowing review never outranks a proven classic; the Tier community's own F-to-S grades are shown alongside each game.