A Deep Dive Into Nintendo’s Most Underrated Titles

7 August 2025

Let’s be honest for a second — when you think about Nintendo, your brain probably jumps straight to Mario, Zelda, or maybe even Pokémon. Fair enough. These franchises are gaming royalty. But here’s the thing: Nintendo’s library is absolutely packed with hidden gems that didn’t get the spotlight they deserved. Some were overlooked when they launched, while others just ended up in the shadow of bigger releases.

So buckle up, because we’re taking a deep dive into Nintendo’s most underrated titles. I’m talking about the games that you might’ve missed but absolutely should’ve played. If you love quirky mechanics, unforgettable soundtracks, and surprisingly deep gameplay, you’re in for a treat.

Why Do Nintendo Games Get Overlooked in the First Place?

Nintendo is known for top-tier polish and innovation — but even they can’t market every game like it’s the next big thing. Sometimes an underrated gem gets buried under the hype of a new Mario Kart or a Breath of the Wild sequel. Other times, it’s about timing or lack of marketing budget. And let's not forget how weird some of their games can be – which is a double-edged sword.

But what does "underrated" really mean here? We're talking about titles that either didn’t sell well, were critically misunderstood, or simply got lost in the shuffle despite being freaking excellent.

1. The World Ends With You (DS/Switch)

You want different? Here it is.

Originally released on the Nintendo DS, The World Ends With You is one of those games that defies expectations. It’s got a wild urban art style, a killer J-pop/hip hop soundtrack, and a dual-screen combat system that sounds insane on paper — yet somehow it works.

But despite all this freshness, it never really caught fire with the mainstream. Probably because it takes a bit to "click." But once it does? You’re hooked. The story is edgy (in a good way), the characters evolve in cool ways, and the stylus-based controls are surprisingly satisfying when you get the hang of them.

The Switch version gave it some new life, but it still didn’t get the love it deserved.

2. Advance Wars Series (GBA/DS)

Before Fire Emblem went mainstream, there was Advance Wars — Nintendo’s tactical turn-based strategy gem. If you love planning out your moves, watching tiny tanks and soldiers clash on colorful grid-based maps, this is your jam.

The art style is deceptively cartoony, but under that surface lies some seriously deep strategy gameplay. Each CO (commanding officer) has unique abilities that can completely flip the board in their favor. And multiplayer? Oh, it’s a blast.

So why is it underrated? Well, it’s been on an unfortunate hiatus for years, and outside a small cult following, most gamers haven't even tried it. Here’s hoping the upcoming reboot gets more players into the mix.

3. Chibi-Robo! (GameCube)

Okay, imagine playing as a tiny robot tasked with cleaning a house and helping a dysfunctional human family get their lives together. Sounds weird, right? It is. And it’s absolutely delightful.

Chibi-Robo! is one of those games that slips into your heart quietly. You roam around a house that suddenly feels massive, solving quirky puzzles, zapping trash, and slowly unlocking a story that’s surprisingly emotional. There’s even commentary on family, loneliness, and purpose.

Sadly, the GameCube release flew way under the radar. Later spinoffs on the DS and 3DS failed to capture the original's magic. But that first game? Total hidden treasure.

4. Sin & Punishment: Star Successor (Wii)

If fast-paced, on-rails shooters are your thing, Sin & Punishment: Star Successor is straight-up adrenaline. Developed by the legendary Treasure (known for cult action hits), this game is chaotic in the best way possible.

You’re dodging, shooting, and slicing through insane enemies — half of whom look like they just stepped out of a fever dream. The controls are super responsive, and once you get into the rhythm, it’s pure bliss.

Despite fantastic reviews, it barely made a dent in sales outside of Japan. Probably too niche, but for those who tried it, it’s remained unforgettable.

5. Eternal Darkness: Sanity’s Requiem (GameCube)

Horror fans, where you at?

Eternal Darkness is like if Lovecraft wrote a psychological thriller… and someone snuck it onto your Nintendo console. This game messes with your head — literally. Your character has a "sanity meter" that, when depleted, causes the game to do weird things: fake error screens, reversed controls, audio distortions. It’s spooky and brilliant.

It didn’t sell well, likely because it came out before Resident Evil 4 redefined horror for Nintendo players. But to this day, fans are begging for a sequel. It’s that good.

6. BoxBoy! Series (3DS/Switch)

On the surface, BoxBoy! looks like a minimalist platformer. You’re just a little square using other squares to puzzle your way through levels. But don’t let its looks fool you — it gets clever. Real clever.

The puzzles escalate in complexity without feeling punishing. There’s a surprising amount of charm packed in too, from the catchy music to the subtle story beats. Plus, the series spans multiple entries, with co-op added into the mix later.

It’s easy to overlook these games because they’re so visually simple. But sometimes simplicity hides genius.

7. Kid Icarus: Uprising (3DS)

Need a reminder that Nintendo can get weird and wonderful at the same time? Kid Icarus: Uprising is your proof.

This game mixes on-rails shooter action with ground-based swordplay. The dialogue is quick, witty, and downright hilarious. The visuals pushed the 3DS to its limits, and the soundtrack? Top-tier orchestral magic.

So why isn’t it more popular? Honestly, the control scheme didn’t work for everyone — the game’s fast-paced action demanded precision that was tough to manage with a stylus and shoulder buttons. But if you could handle it? The experience was pure gold.

8. Rhythm Heaven Fever (Wii)

Music + minigames = absolute chaos — in the best way.

Rhythm Heaven Fever is more than tapping buttons to the beat. It’s about feeling the rhythm, understanding patterns, and syncing up with some of the catchiest songs you’ll ever hear in a game. Oh, and it’s weird. Like, "singing wrestler love songs" weird.

But man, is it addictive. The challenge ramps up in a fair way, and the art style is clean and charming. It never got the same following as something like Guitar Hero, but it’s arguably more creative.

9. Pushmo / Pullblox (3DS)

If brain teasers are your thing, you need to try Pushmo. You play as a sumo-sized guy named Mallo, climbing 3D block puzzles that you manipulate by pushing and pulling.

Sounds simple, right? Nope. It gets deliciously difficult in no time. There's even a level editor that lets you build your own mind-benders.

The sad part? Barely anyone remembers this game. It didn’t have flashy marketing or big characters, but it was one of the most creative puzzle games on the 3DS.

10. Tokyo Mirage Sessions ♯FE (Wii U/Switch)

So what happens when you mix Fire Emblem with Persona? You get Tokyo Mirage Sessions ♯FE, a bright, pop-music-infused RPG with flashy battles and stylish flair.

The gameplay is deep, the characters are fun, and it’s bursting with personality. Yet it launched on the Wii U, and well… we know how that went. Even the Switch port didn’t make huge waves, which is a shame.

If you like JRPGs even a little, and can stomach a heavy dose of anime-style drama, this one’s for you.

Why It Matters That We Talk About These Games

Nintendo’s known for reinventing the wheel, but sometimes their best innovations are the ones that quietly slipped through the cracks. These games are reminders that gaming isn’t just about blockbuster hits or yearly franchises. It’s about creativity, experimentation, and taking risks.

And who knows? Maybe if more of us talk about these hidden treasures, we’ll see more risks taken in the future.

Final Thoughts: Let’s Give These Games Their Proper Due

You don’t need to spend hundreds of hours in open-world RPGs or constantly chase the next AAA title to have a great time. Sometimes, the magic lies in the small, strange, and unexpected.

So if you’ve got a dusty 3DS, a working Wii U (you legend), or feel like exploring the eShop, give one of these underrated Nintendo titles a shot. You might just find your new favorite.