The best NES games of all time

By Steven Petite and Jesse Lennox Updated July 28, 2024

It wasn’t the first console created, but the NES was most people’s first exposure to home video games and was responsible for pulling the entire industry out of a crash. This is where some of the most iconic video game franchises got their start, and many of the best games of all time come from this humble system. Although the best Switch games have highlighted some of Nintendo’s strengths, Nintendo’s dedication to the craft began here.

From games like Super Mario Bros. to Legend of Zelda, the NES has a game suited for any and all players’ tastes. Although there are many different games, we have listed a few of the top selections based on their genre. See if your childhood favorite makes it on the list, and take a look at the best NES emulators to play on your phone if you want to relive any of these classics in a convenient way.