The Most Iconic Nintendo Franchises of All Time

26 December 2025

Nintendo has been a household name in the gaming world for decades. Whether you grew up dodging barrels with Mario or slashing through enemies with Link, chances are you've had a Nintendo game that stuck with you. What makes this iconic company so legendary? It's all thanks to its unforgettable franchises—the heart and soul of Nintendo.

In this article, we’re diving head-first into the most iconic Nintendo franchises of all time. These are the games that sparked childhood memories, defined generations, and turned Nintendo into the gaming giant it is today. Ready? Let’s jump in!

Super Mario — The Face of Nintendo

Let’s be honest—was there any doubt we’d start with Super Mario?

Super Mario isn't just the most iconic Nintendo franchise—it’s arguably the most iconic video game franchise, period. Since his debut in Donkey Kong back in 1981, Mario has been leaping into hearts worldwide. And when Super Mario Bros. dropped in 1985, it pretty much redefined gaming forever.

Fast forward to today, and you’ll find Mario just about everywhere—on consoles, handheld systems, mobile phones, and even theme parks.

From Super Mario 64 revolutionizing 3D platforming to the creative genius of Super Mario Odyssey, each game stands out while staying true to its roots. That’s the magic of Mario—nostalgic but fresh all at once.

And let’s not forget the spin-offs: Mario Kart, Paper Mario, Mario Party, and Luigi’s Mansion. Each one brings something new while still feeling like home.

The Legend of Zelda — Adventure Redefined

If Mario’s the face of Nintendo, Link is its soul. The Legend of Zelda franchise has been crafting epic adventures since 1986. It’s where exploration, puzzle-solving, and storytelling come together in perfect harmony.

The series really hit a new level with Ocarina of Time on the Nintendo 64—often hailed as one of the greatest games ever. Then came Breath of the Wild, which blew minds with its open-world design and freedom-first gameplay. Seriously, it changed the game—literally.

Every Zelda title brings something different to the table, whether it’s time travel, dual worlds, or just a great dungeon design. And while the plot may vary, the goal stays the same: save Hyrule and defeat evil… usually named Ganon.

Pokémon — Gotta Catch 'Em All!

Who didn’t trade Pokémon cards at recess or sneak in some Game Boy time under their desk?

Since 1996, Pokémon has become a cultural phenomenon. From Red and Blue to Scarlet and Violet, the core idea has stayed the same: catch creatures, build your team, and become the very best. It’s a simple formula, yet endlessly addictive.

But Pokémon's impact goes way beyond just games. TV shows, movies, merch, apps—it’s everywhere. And with new generations rolling out regularly, it keeps pulling in new fans while keeping the old ones hooked.

If you’ve ever felt the rush of seeing a shiny Pokémon or finally evolving that stubborn Magikarp, you know why this franchise is such a big deal.

Metroid — Sci-Fi Excellence

Metroid isn’t your typical Nintendo franchise. It’s moody, atmospheric, and surprisingly deep. It follows Samus Aran, a badass bounty hunter exploring alien worlds and uncovering galactic conspiracies.

The Metroidvania genre—yeah, it literally has "Metroid" in the name—was born from this series. That “explore-unlock-explore-more” gameplay loop? That’s classic Metroid.

While it’s not as flashy as Mario or Zelda, Metroid has a hardcore fan base that swears by it. And for good reason. Games like Super Metroid, Metroid Prime, and the newer Metroid Dread are top-tier in design, atmosphere, and storytelling.

Let’s not forget: Samus was the first major female protagonist in gaming. Way ahead of her time, and still one of the coolest characters around.

Donkey Kong — The Original Platform King

Before Mario was saving Princess Peach, he was busy climbing ladders and dodging barrels in Donkey Kong. This arcade classic launched Nintendo into the limelight and introduced the world to both Mario and his not-so-friendly ape.

But Donkey Kong didn’t just stop there. The Donkey Kong Country series on the SNES redefined what platformers could look like. Remember those lush jungle environments and catchy-as-heck music? Total vibe.

Fast-paced, slightly goofy, and always challenging, Donkey Kong has earned its spot as one of Nintendo's legacy icons.

Animal Crossing — Life, But Cuter

Need a break from boss battles and high-octane gameplay? Enter Animal Crossing, Nintendo’s chillest franchise.

This series lets you live your best cozy life—making friends, decorating your home, and catching bugs. It sounds simple, but that’s exactly the charm.

When Animal Crossing: New Horizons dropped during the pandemic, it basically became therapy for millions of people. Its relaxing, no-pressure vibe struck a chord in a big way.

It may not be about saving the world, but honestly? Sometimes planting flowers and fishing is just as rewarding.

Fire Emblem — Strategy and Storytelling

Fire Emblem might’ve taken a while to find success outside Japan, but when it did—boy, did it stick.

Known for its deep tactical combat and rich storytelling, Fire Emblem is all about choices. Who you trust, who you fight, and who you keep alive (or lose forever)—it all matters.

Games like Fire Emblem: Awakening and Three Houses brought drama, romance, strategy, and just the right amount of anime flair to the table. And let’s be real—permadeath makes your decisions actually count.

It’s chess with emotions, and it’s brilliant.

Splatoon — Ink It Up!

Colorful, chaotic, and totally original—Splatoon proved Nintendo still knows how to surprise us.

Instead of bullets, you've got ink. Instead of soldiers, you're squid-kids. It’s competitive, yes, but also super fun and family-friendly. It’s like a paintball fight in a neon dream.

With each new entry, the franchise introduced tighter gameplay, slicker visuals, and wild new weapons. What started as a weird little idea has grown into a massive multiplayer hit.

Splatoon is proof that even after all these years, Nintendo isn’t afraid to get a little weird—and that’s why we love them.

Kirby — The Pink Puffball of Power

Don’t let the cute face fool you—Kirby is an absolute beast.

Since his debut in 1992, Kirby has been swallowing up enemies, copying their powers, and floating through adorable side-scrolling adventures. The formula is simple, but the creativity? Off the charts.

Every game comes with a new twist: robot suits, yarn worlds, 3D transformations—you name it. Kirby isn’t afraid to mix things up.

And honestly, who wouldn’t want to be a floating pink ball that can destroy gods? Kirby might be soft on the outside, but he is one of Nintendo’s strongest (and weirdest) heroes.

Super Smash Bros. — The Ultimate Showdown

Think of Super Smash Bros. as the ultimate Nintendo reunion. Mario vs. Link. Samus vs. Pikachu. Kirby vs. literally everyone. It’s fan service done right.

The idea of smashing your favorite characters into each other in chaotic arenas? Genius. And it’s only gotten better with time—more stages, more fighters, more modes. Smash Ultimate is basically a museum of gaming history disguised as a party game.

Whether you’re a button-masher or a tournament-level player, Smash has a place for you. And let's not pretend you haven’t screamed when someone falls off the edge at 0%.

Honorable Mentions: Franchises That Still Matter

Honestly, there are way too many to list in just one article, but here are a few more Nintendo franchises that deserve a shoutout:

- Pikmin – Real-time strategy meets adorable plant creatures.
- Luigi’s Mansion – Spooky fun with everyone's favorite green plumber.
- Xenoblade Chronicles – Epic JRPGs with mind-bending stories.
- Mario Party – Ruining friendships one mini-game at a time.
- Yoshi’s Island – Platforming with a pastel twist.

Why These Franchises Stand the Test of Time

So why do these franchises keep winning, even after all these years?

Because Nintendo gets it. They understand the balance between innovation and nostalgia. They know how to make games that are fun, accessible, and deeply replayable. Whether you’re a casual gamer or a hardcore fan, there’s something for you in each of these franchises.

And let’s be real: these games helped raise us. They were there during snow days, late nights, and lazy summer afternoons. They’ve grown with us, and in many ways, we’ve grown because of them.

Final Thoughts

Nintendo’s magic lies in its characters, its worlds, and its ability to surprise us time and time again. From plumbers and princesses to pocket monsters and paint-splattering squid-kids, Nintendo franchises have captured the hearts of gamers for generations.

And the best part? They’re not done yet. With new games, remakes, and spinoffs always on the horizon, the future for Nintendo looks just as legendary as its past.