Nintendo has produced and co-produced many landmark titles across multiple consoles. Below are 10 games selected for their critical acclaim, impact and lasting influence, with release year, platform and aggregated critic score where available.
The list and why they matter
The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time — 1998 (Score: 99)
Released for the Nintendo 64 in 1998, The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time is widely regarded as a defining action-adventure title. It brought the series into 3D with gameplay innovations such as target-locking and an expansive world structure that shaped subsequent adventure games. The combination of epic storytelling, inventive puzzles and memorable combat helped secure its reputation as one of the best games ever made.
The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild — 2017 (Score: 97)
Launched on the Nintendo Switch in 2017 and co-produced by Nintendo, Breath of the Wild redefined open-world design for the franchise. The game emphasized player freedom with a nonlinear approach to exploration across Hyrule, integrated realistic physics, and smart puzzle design. Its critical success influenced other developers and reinforced Zelda’s standing as a genre-shaping series.
Super Mario Odyssey — 2017 (Score: 97)
Released for the Nintendo Switch in 2017, Super Mario Odyssey returned Mario to expansive, exploration-driven levels. The title introduced the capture mechanic that lets Mario control enemies and objects, expanding platforming possibilities. Praised for creativity and level design, Odyssey stands out as a modern high point for Nintendo’s flagship character.
Super Mario Galaxy 1 & 2 — 2007 and 2010 (Score: 97)
Super Mario Galaxy and its sequel for the Wii (2007 and 2010) reinvented platforming with spherical level design and gravity-based mechanics. Both games paired innovative play systems with sweeping musical scores and tightly crafted levels, earning them strong critical acclaim and a reputation as transformative platformers.
Metroid Prime — 2002 (Score: 97)
Developed in partnership with Retro Studios and released for the GameCube in 2002, Metroid Prime transitioned the Metroid series into first-person perspective while preserving the franchise’s focus on exploration. The title was lauded for immersive atmosphere, meticulous level design and faithful translation of 2D Metroid elements into 3D gameplay.
The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom — 2023 (Score: 96)
Released for the Nintendo Switch in 2023, Tears of the Kingdom expanded on mechanics from previous Zelda titles and delivered a large open world rich with secrets. The game received widespread praise for its deep narrative, inventive gameplay systems and soundtrack, quickly becoming one of Nintendo’s most celebrated recent releases.
GoldenEye 007 — 1997 (Score: 96)
GoldenEye 007, released for the Nintendo 64 in 1997 and co-produced by Nintendo, had a major impact on first-person shooters on consoles. Combining action, stealth and a memorable local multiplayer mode, the title set a standard for console shooters in the late 1990s and remains influential for its multiplayer design.
The Legend of Zelda: The Wind Waker — 2002 (Score: 96)
Debuting on the GameCube in 2002, The Wind Waker introduced a bold cel-shaded art style that initially polarized fans but later gained wide appreciation. The game’s vast sea-based world, engaging sailing mechanics and refined gameplay established it as a beloved entry in the Zelda franchise and an example of successful artistic risk-taking.
Perfect Dark — 2000 (Score: 97)
Perfect Dark arrived on the Nintendo 64 in 2000 and is often seen as a spiritual successor to GoldenEye 007. Developed by Rare with Nintendo collaboration, it offered a strong single-player campaign and robust multiplayer, along with a futuristic espionage story and competitive gameplay that secured its place among top first-person shooters of its era.
The Legend of Zelda: Majora’s Mask — 2000 (Score: 95)
Released for the Nintendo 64 in 2000, Majora’s Mask stands out in the Zelda series for its darker tone and distinctive time-travel mechanics. Players face complex puzzles and an impending world-ending threat within a three-day cycle, creating an emotionally charged experience and a narrative depth that continues to resonate with fans.
How the list was compiled
This ranking draws on aggregated critic reviews from specialist review aggregators such as Metacritic. Scores reflect critical consensus but do not claim to be an absolute ordering—individual preferences may vary.
