Top 10 Ultimate Best Nintendo Games to Play Today

Updated:

31 Mar 2019

Top 10 Ultimate Best Nintendo Games to Play Today

Nintendo is a pillar of the video game industry. They almost single-handedly saved the video game industry in the 80s and have gone on to make some of the greatest games of all time! Nintendo has more games than one person could ever hope to play. That is why I put together a list of the very best Nintendo games you can play today!

10. Fire Emblem Awakening

Nintendo 3DS - Fire Emblem Awakening Accolades Trailer

Fire Emblem Awakening is a tactical turn-based RPG. Awakening is the game that saved the Fire Emblem series with its engaging narrative, strong tactical gameplay, and deep system character interactions that allowed users to pair up units.

The game also allowed you to pair off characters and recruit their children to your army making every playthrough unique. Fire Emblem is an amazing game and Nintendo’s best tactical turn-based RPG.

Fire Emblem Awakening's tactics based gameplay is some of the most satisfying of any strategy game.

Fire Emblem Awakening's story is an engaging one that makes you feel like a part of the world.

9. Pokemon Gold/Silver/Crystal

Pokemon Gold Version and Pokemon Silver Version - Launch Trailer (Nintendo 3DS)

Pokemon Gold and Silver were the follow-up games to the world phenomenon that was Pokemon Red and Blue. Gold and Silver added color to the series, a day/night cycle, breeding, and one of the best post games in gaming history with the return to Kanto-

They also fixed balancing issues from the original Red and Blue with the introduction of Dark and Steel-type Pokemon. A short year later Crystal added more features including animated sprites and the ability to play as a girl.

Pokemon Gold/Silver/Crystal are easily the best generation of Pokemon in terms of what it brought to the series.

Pokemon Gold and Silver: Orignal design artwork for Blissey, Skarmory, and Milktank

Pokemon Gold and Silver were the games that introduce full-color battle sprites.

8. A Link Between Worlds

Nintendo 3DS - The Legend of Zelda: A Link Between Worlds Launch Trailer

The Legend of Zelda: A Link Between Worlds is the spiritual successor to 1992’s Link to the Past. Link Between Worlds takes place in the same world of Link to the Past with an all-new story.

It introduced many new ideas to the franchise including the rental shop that allowed you to get all the items right away and complete dungeons in any order. The game also included the ability to merge into walls which opened a whole new world of puzzle design. A Link Between Worlds is easily the best top-down 2D Zelda game Nintendo has ever made.

A Link Between Worlds is a return to the Hyrule of A Link to the Past

A Link Between Worlds wall-merge mechanic adds an extra layer to traversal and puzzle design.

7. Super Mario Maker

Wii U - Super Mario Maker E3 2015 Trailer

Mario Maker is an in-depth level editor and Mario game creation kit that allows you to design your own Mario levels. Mario Maker also allows users to upload their creation online for others to play giving players a nearly infinite number of levels to play.

Mario Maker is the perfect game for creatives and Mario fans.

Super Mario Maker gives you full control in crafting your levels.

Super Mario Maker comes with 4 main templates themes from the original Super Mario to the New Super Mario series so your levels always have the look you want.

6. Splatoon 2

Splatoon 2 Launch Trailer - Nintendo Switch

Splatoon 2 is Nintendo’s version of an online team-based shooter. Splatoon 2’s focus is its paint mechanic that puts emphasis on painting the arena to win. This makes it so even if you’re not good at team shooters you can still contribute to your team’s overall victory.

Splatoon 2 is all about dominating the turf in your team's ink.

Splatoon 2 has multiple unique weapon types that make for some great team combinations.

5. Mario Kart 8 Deluxe

Mario Kart 8 Deluxe Accolades Trailer - Nintendo Switch

Mario Kart 8 Deluxe is the latest entry of the Mario Kart series. It will see you throwing green shells at your friends and racing around the track. If you haven’t played a Mario Kart game this is the best place to start.

Mario Kart 8 added new features including anti-gravity which allows for more vertical level design. The Deluxe version also added an improved battle mode and new characters plus all the DLC from the original version.

Mario Kart 8 Deluxe brings back battle mode as it was always meant to be.

Mario Kart 8 Deluxe is an absolute hectic kart racer that never stops being fun.

4. Xenoblade Chronicles

Wii - Xenoblade Chronicles Trailer

Xenoblade Chronicles is easily one of the best RPG of all time. Xenoblade Chronicles is an action based RPG that sees you taking control of Shulk along with his team to take on the evil Mechon threat.

The world of Xenoblade takes place on the body of two Titans the Bionis and the Mechonis. No matter where you go in the world you can see your relative relationship to the Titans. The story is one that needs to be experienced if you’re a fan of action based RPGs.

The gameplay is where Xenoblade shines opting to uses a battle system similar to traditional MMO games with cooldown timers. The main gameplay feature is the Monado which allows users to see what the enemy is about to do and set up a countermeasure. The combat is always moving and the game hooks you from start to finish.

Xenoblade Chronicles' Mechonis is always looming over in the distance during the adventure.

Xenoblade Chronicles foresight ability allows you to turn the tide of any battle.

3. Super Mario Odyssey

Super Mario Odyssey - Game Trailer - Nintendo E3 2017

Super Mario Odyssey is the first fully 3D Mario platformer game since Mario 64 and Sunshine.

It introduced Cappy which allowed you to throw your hat and uses it as a quick extra platform. It also allows you to capture and play as other characters from frogs, Goombas, to an actual T-rex. Mario Odyssey is an amazing platformer that is easy for beginners but offers tons for veterans in terms of skill.

Super Mario Odyssey allows you to take control of anything you can get your hat on.

Super Mario Odyssey is the first fully open 3D Mario game since Super Mario Sunshine on the Gamecube.

2. Super Smash Bros Ultimate

Super Smash Bros. Ultimate - Everyone is here! (Nintendo Switch)

Super Smash Bros Ultimate is the latest game in the Smash Bros series with EVERY fighter making a return from previous entries with over 70+ characters with DLC characters still coming. Ultimate has one of the largest rosters of any fighting game.

Smash Bros sees you and your friends battling it out with your favorite Nintendo and third-party characters as you try knocking each other off the edge of the stage. The game also boasts a sizable single-player campaign.

Smash Ultimate is a celebration of Nintendo and gaming history.

Super Smash Bros. Ultimate brings all your favorite characters together.

Super Smash Bros. Ultimate not only sees the return of every previous character but introduces new characters to the fold including Inkling.

1. Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild

The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild - Nintendo Switch Presentation 2017 Trailer

The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild is an open world game based on the original Legend of Zelda's non-linear design. Breath of the Wild provides players with absolute freedom to do whatever they want. They can charge straight to the final boss or spend hours exploring.

Breath of the Wild fixes many problems with the open world genre by emphasizing exploration instead of dumping a bunch of icons on the world map. Players can climb virtual any surface and survey the surrounding area.

The game also contains light survival mechanics with its cooking system that is used to restore your health. A weapon breaking system that constantly keeps you mixing up your play-style as you're always on the look for new and better weapons.

Breath of the Wild is the best Legend of Zelda and the best Nintendo game that you can play today.