If you’re looking for a nostalgic experience and want to get stuck in with some of Nintendo’s Golden Oldies, read this list for 10 of the best retro Nintendo games you can play. Granted, some of them may be a bit difficult to get hold of, but some will also be available on the Nintendo Switch’s built-in emulator for members of Nintendo Online.
Check out our list below and see which ones you recognize!
10. Super Mario 64
A legendary game released in 1996 for the Nintendo 64, you get to explore multiple worlds as Mario. This is the first Mario game to include 3D gameplay, innovative for its time. Luckily, this game is still readily available through the Nintendo 64 emulator on Nintendo Switch.
This timeless classic is suitable for all ages and can bring back many fun memories and create new ones for the younger ages who may not have had the opportunity to experience it on release.
9. The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time
The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time is a beautiful game. Despite its aged graphics, the story of this title is magnificent. It allows the player to sink countless hours into the game as they uncover puzzles and complete the temples. Just recently celebrating its 25th anniversary, this game is well-loved by Zelda fans worldwide, and with good reason.
Initially released in 1998 on the Nintendo 64, this game was (and still is) legendary. With a fantastic soundtrack and the first Zelda game to have 3D graphics, it was a complete game-changer.
Using the Nintendo Switch emulator, you can still access this gem of a game. Or, you can play the 3DS version.
8. Super Mario World
Released in 1990 for the SNES, Super Mario World was a colorful delight that introduced new mechanics to the world of Mario. While it played very similarly to Mario games previously, it introduced the Cape Feather and the P-Balloon and was able to Spin Jump.
This game became the best-selling game for the SNES, selling 20.61 million copies worldwide. It’s not hard to see why Super Mario World is so popular, with 96-level exits and fun bosses to defeat.
7. Chrono Trigger
One of the most revolutionary tales of its time, this game was a hit on the SNES. Chrono Trigger doubles as an excellent JRPG and fantastic retro Nintendo game. It’s not hard to see why this game makes it on the list. Square Enix has created amazing games throughout history, with this game being released in 1995. If you want an original copy of this game for the SNES, you may have to shell out quite a bit.
That said, depending on your preference, you can get this game on Steam as a remaster or for the Nintendo DS. This game has one hell of a story you really don’t want to miss out on!
6. Donkey Kong Country
Fun for all the family, Donkey Kong Country was released in 1994 on the SNES, where it later went to the Gameboy Color and Gameboy Advance. A vibrant world with side-scrolling platformer mechanics, you can play as Donkey Kong or Diddy Kong in this single-player game.
There is much fun to be had in this game, and it can even reignite your love for Donkey Kong and all of the games that came before or after this title. This game has some fantastic humor and is so worth the play.
Luckily, this game is readily available with the SNES emulator on Nintendo Switch.
5. Pokemon Red/Blue
It is another timeless classic bound to be intensely nostalgic for many. Introducing the first 191 Pokemon to the universe, there are hours of fun to be had in this family-friendly game made for the Game Boy. Play as Ash and adventure through Kanto, catching as many Pokemon as possible and creating your perfect team to take on the Elite Four.
Unfortunately, this game is challenging to obtain unless you find it on eBay or the like. It is bound to be incredibly expensive. There were emulated versions available on the 3DS shop, but that has since closed down. We can only hope that an emulated version will arrive on the Nintendo Switch in the future.
4. Goldeneye 007
A game aimed at mature gamers, this game is a first-person shooter that was first made for the Nintendo 64. As the name suggests, this game is based on the James Bond film GoldenEye. Not only was this game very intense and fun as a single-player game, but if you had the opportunity to play it multiplayer, you could engage in some very fun deathmatches with friends, which could be equally intense.
Goldeneye 007 is available through the Nintendo Switch Online subscription service, allowing you to travel back in time to experience this game all over again.
3. Kirby’s Dream Land
Introducing Kirby for the first time, Kirby’s Dream Land is a side-scrolling action platformer that was released in 1992 on GameBoy. Players met this adorable little character for the first time and experienced fun mechanics such as inhaling enemies and spitting them back out at other enemies or objects.
Kirby went on to become a major success, and this game was the one that started it all off. While the game looks very simple, it is deceptively difficult and challenges players of all ages.
For those who want a more retro experience, Kirby’s Dream Land is available through the GameBoy emulator on Nintendo Switch via the Online subscription.
2. Mega Man V
A fairly challenging game, this title was released in 1994 for the GameBoy. This is the fifth installment of the Mega Man series. It plays pretty similar to the other Mega Man games, but you have the Mega Arm instead of a Mega Buster. It functions very similarly to the Mega Buster, but you can shoot your arm off and send it flying at an enemy for it to reattach after the attack!
For those who are fans of action platformers, this is the perfect retro game to get stuck into. This game is available on the Virtual Console on the 3DS but is no longer available for purchase through the e-shop as it is now closed.
1. Harvest Moon
Harvest Moon is a timeless classic, igniting many’s love of farming games. Originally released on the SNES, you get to take control of a character and take over the inherited farm. Harvest Moon embodies the cozy vibe that many gamers are looking for, from attending festivals to keeping livestock to forming relationships with the villagers.
This game is perfect for gamers, young and old, and has gone on to be the inspiration for many farming games.
For those who want a hit of nostalgia or want to see why it became so popular, this game is available as part of the SNES emulator on Nintendo Switch.
That sums up our list of the top 10 retro Nintendo games to play. For the most part, many of these are accessible through the Nintendo Switch Online subscription. Unfortunately, some aren’t and will require scouring the internet to find it.
Which retro Nintendo game is your favorite?
