With the Nintendo Switch 2 on the horizon, now is an ideal time to look back at the remarkable legacy of one of gaming’s most legendary publishers. For decades, Nintendo has crafted some of the most adored and highest-selling franchises in the history of video games. While there are numerous series that deserve recognition, we’ve selected 18 of the most well-known ones for this ranking. Of course, we could include hundreds, but let’s keep things concise—after all, no one wants to keep scrolling forever, do they?
From the classic adventures of Super Mario to the grand journeys in The Legend of Zelda, every fan has their own beloved titles. Some series, like Kirby, might not appeal to everyone—and that’s perfectly fine. This tier list is a personal look back at my own experience with Nintendo’s extensive library, shaped solely by how much I’ve enjoyed each series over the years. Take a look at my rankings below:
Simon Cardy's Nintendo Series Tier List
It comes as no surprise that Super Mario and The Legend of Zelda are solidly in the S-tier. These two franchises don’t just define their genres—they’re also always entertaining, full of new ideas, and filled with moments that stick in your memory. They’ve set the bar for what makes a video game truly great.
On the other hand, you might be shocked to find Super Smash Bros. in the C-tier. Before you rush to comment, let me explain: this isn’t a criticism of the series’ quality. Smash Bros. is clearly a cultural icon and a beloved multiplayer fighting game. But as someone who never got into fighting games, and who spent their key gaming years playing TimeSplitters, Guitar Hero, or Call of Duty with friends instead, I simply never developed a strong bond with Smash. It’s not about disliking it—it’s about personal history. So, I’d appreciate your understanding.
Disagree with this ranking? Think Pikmin should be rated higher than Pokémon? Then why not make your own tier list below? Share your S, A, B, C, and D tiers with the larger IGN community and see how your choices compare.