Ranking the Best Nintendo Console Exclusives

22 November 2025

If you’re a gamer, there's a good chance that Nintendo has played a key role in your journey—from those nostalgic 8-bit days to modern masterpieces on the Switch. One thing that has always set Nintendo apart is its killer lineup of console exclusives. These aren't just good games—they're the very reason people buy Nintendo consoles. Whether you grew up on Mario or just recently joined the Zelda hype train, you know that Nintendo exclusives are in a league of their own!

In this post, we're ranking the best Nintendo console exclusives—the ones that defined generations, broke sales records, and made us all fall in love with gaming all over again.

Why Nintendo Exclusives Hit Different

Before we jump into the rankings, let’s talk about why Nintendo exclusives deserve this spotlight. Unlike other platforms that chase hyper-realistic graphics or mature storytelling, Nintendo often leans into creativity, charm, and fun-first gameplay. Their games are timeless, appealing to kids and grown-ups alike. Plus, they usually launch in a polished state (yeah, looking at you, broken day-one releases).

Nintendo has mastered the art of "game feel"—the kind of experience that hooks you before the title screen even fades. Now let’s get into the magic.

#10 – Luigi’s Mansion 3 (Nintendo Switch)

Ever play a game that felt like a Pixar movie wrapped in a ghost-hunting puzzle adventure? That’s Luigi’s Mansion 3 in a nutshell. While Mario often steals the spotlight, Luigi shines in this spooky-fun sequel. Set in a haunted hotel, this game balances humor, exploration, and clever level design beautifully.

It’s not just a niche side project—it’s proof that Luigi can carry a game all on his own.

Why It’s Ranked: Unique gameplay, jaw-dropping visuals, and a surprisingly rich multiplayer mode. It’s charming, silly, and full of heart.

#9 – Donkey Kong Country: Tropical Freeze (Wii U / Switch)

Donkey Kong Country games have always been known for their difficulty, but Tropical Freeze is a platforming masterclass. It’s visually stunning, tight in controls, and has one of the best soundtracks in modern games. If you crave old-school challenge with modern polish, this one’s a no-brainer.

Why It’s Ranked: This is pure platforming joy. From the moment you ride a rocket barrel to the beat of a jungle jam, you’re hooked.

#8 – Pokémon Legends: Arceus (Nintendo Switch)

Nintendo finally gave us a fresh spin on the classic Pokémon formula—and wow, did it pay off. Arceus takes us back to a time before Poké Balls were the norm. You’re exploring the ancient Hisui region, actually sneaking up on Pokémon in real-time, and battling in a way that feels new yet familiar.

Why It’s Ranked: It’s the Pokémon innovation fans have begged for, blending open-world exploration with meaningful gameplay changes.

#7 – Splatoon 3 (Nintendo Switch)

Who says multiplayer shooters have to be gritty and full of rage? Splatoon 3 offers all the intensity and strategy of a shooter, without the toxicity. Swap out bullets for ink, and you’ve got a bright, stylish, and genuinely fun competitive experience that appeals to all ages.

Why It’s Ranked: It’s fast, it’s fresh, and it’s the most welcoming competitive shooter out there.

#6 – Super Mario Galaxy (Wii)

Let’s be real, when Super Mario Galaxy launched, it felt like Nintendo defied gravity—literally. The game introduced spherical worlds, motion controls that somehow weren’t annoying, and a sweeping orchestral score that still gives us goosebumps.

Why It’s Ranked: This isn’t just one of the best Mario games—it’s one of the best games, period. It proved the Wii wasn’t just a gimmick.

#5 – Metroid Prime (GameCube)

Metroid Prime took a 2D legend and transformed it into a 3D first-person adventure that respected its roots. Exploring alien planets, scanning lifeforms, solving environmental puzzles—it wasn't just shooting enemies, it was about immersion and atmosphere.

Why It’s Ranked: It redefined what a first-person adventure could be. It’s sci-fi gaming at its finest.

#4 – Animal Crossing: New Horizons (Nintendo Switch)

Remember when this game basically got us all through 2020? New Horizons dropped during global lockdowns and instantly became a cultural phenomenon. Chill vibes, real-time seasons, and endless ways to decorate, trade, and interact gave millions of people a daily digital escape from reality.

Why It’s Ranked: It’s not just a game—it’s a lifestyle. And it brought people together when we needed it most.

#3 – The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild (Nintendo Switch / Wii U)

If you haven’t played this one yet, what are you even doing? Breath of the Wild shattered expectations and redefined open-world adventure games. You can climb nearly anything, cook wild meals, solve physics-based puzzles, and tackle challenges your own way.

It didn’t just change Zelda—it changed how we think about game design.

Why It’s Ranked: This wasn’t just a great Zelda game—it was a revolution. A true modern classic that pushed boundaries.

#2 – Super Smash Bros. Ultimate (Nintendo Switch)

The ultimate crossover of all time. Period. With every character from past Smash games plus newcomers like Ridley, Simon Belmont, and yes, Sora, this game is the definitive fighting celebration of video game history.

It’s not just chaotic fun—it’s smart, balanced, and endlessly replayable. Whether you’re button-mashing with friends or grinding online ranks, Smash Ultimate delivers.

Why It’s Ranked: It’s the most ambitious party-fighter ever made and a love letter to gaming’s greatest icons.

#1 – Super Mario Odyssey (Nintendo Switch)

And here it is. The king of Nintendo exclusives.

Super Mario Odyssey is everything a Mario game should be: imaginative, polished, and endlessly joyful. It blends classic platforming with new tricks thanks to Cappy, Mario’s hat companion who lets you control everything from Goombas to T-Rexes.

The game oozes charm from every pixel. Each kingdom is wildly different and brimming with secrets. And don’t even get me started on New Donk City—pure magic.

Why It’s Ranked: It captures the spirit of adventure and fun like nothing else. It’s Mario at his absolute peak.

Honorable Mentions

There are so many stellar Nintendo exclusives, it’s hard to cover them all. Here are a few more that almost made the cut:

- Fire Emblem: Three Houses – A deep tactical RPG with unforgettable characters.
- Paper Mario: The Thousand-Year Door – Quirky humor and unique combat mechanics.
- The Legend of Zelda: Wind Waker – A beautiful sailing adventure that aged like fine wine.
- Xenoblade Chronicles – Epic storytelling and massive worlds.

Why These Games Matter

These aren’t just great games—they’re cultural touchstones. Nintendo exclusives tend to be more than their mechanics. They create memories. They spark imagination. They’re the kinds of games you revisit decades later and still find joy in.

Unlike many modern titles that seem designed to make you spend more, Nintendo games are designed to make you smile more. They're pure fun—something that's becoming rare in today’s gaming landscape.

What Makes a Nintendo Exclusive GREAT?

Let’s break it down:

- Iconic Characters – From Mario to Samus, Nintendo characters are household names.
- Polished Gameplay – These aren’t rushed out the door. Nintendo takes their time.
- Innovative Mechanics – From motion controls to genre-blending concepts.
- Family-Friendly Appeal – You can play most of these with your kids, your grandma, or your hardcore gamer friends.
- Timelessness – They age well, both visually and mechanically.

Final Thoughts

Nintendo has a way of making games that don’t just fill time—they fill your heart. Whether you’re exploring Hyrule, battling friends in Smash, or cleaning up ghosts in Luigi’s Mansion, these exclusives showcase the best of what gaming can be. They're joyful, imaginative, and masterfully crafted.

So, next time someone asks you why you love Nintendo, just point them to this list. Then hand them a controller and let the magic do the talking.