Nintendo started life as a playing card maker in 1899 and entered the digital game market shortly after releasing Japan’s first electronic toys. As Nintendo has repeatedly proven, older stuff can still be huge hits, and their games are no exception.
Although it started with humble beginnings, Nintendo would go on to become one of the most popular brands in the world, creating some of the most successful video game franchises. Franchises like Mario, pokemon, The Legend of Zeldaand more do not base their popularity on their new releases, but a willingness to replay and enjoy previous releases.
10/10 Nintendogs was short lived but loved
Despite having an incredibly short lifespan, only 5 years in existence as a franchise with 2 major titles, Nintendogs has claimed a place in people’s hearts. The game is a simple pet simulator where the player can play, teach and clean his puppies.
Nintendogs ended its reign as the second best-selling DS game in history and to this day claims an avid fan base. While the games were scarce, the Nintendogs franchise found new life in other games, including WarioWare: Smooth Movements for Wii and any Super Smash Bros from brawl until ultimatewhere the puppies appear as a stage hazard, licking the screen as they did in their own games.
9/10 Mario Kart 8 still getting updates
Mario Kart 8 originally released for the Wii U almost ten years ago in 2014. Mario Kart 8 was re-released for the Nintendo Switch three years later in 2017.
Not satisfied with being the best-selling game on one system, Mario Kart 8 Deluxe also held the number one bestseller position on the Switch. The ongoing updates, including the recently released massive DLC, kept the game relevant and made it more popular than its competitors like Garfield Kart.
8/10 Metroid is half of the Metroidvania inspiration
Originally released in 1986 as metro, the franchise would have several sequels released at long intervals. The success of the metro franchise was felt in video games that followed, inspiring half of the Metroidvania hype Castlevania.
While the 3D games were hit and miss with fans, the 2D games that launched the franchise kept it thriving. Following the story of Samus Aran, an intergalactic bounty hunter, metro games let the player explore levels in a non-linear manner, unlocking new areas with power-ups as the game progresses.
7/10 Mother 3 was not released internationally but gained devoted fans
The Mother franchise-released games internationally under the name earthbound, the name of the second game in the franchise. However, only the first two games received official translations, including their re-release for Nintendo Switch Online in 2022. Despite never receiving an international release, mother 3 became an influential entry in the series.
mother 3 only had fan translations thanks to its loyal following. The JRPG game revolved around a psychically powered Lucas, who was part of Super Smash Bros ever since brawland his group of adventurers as they tried to stop the destruction of their world.
6/10 Wii Sports still trends in 2022
The best-selling Nintendo title in the world, Wii Sports was the game that was released alongside the Wii at launch. Wii Sports featured several mini-games based on different sports that used the Wii’s motion controls. The sports in the first game were bowling, boxing, golf, tennis and baseball.
Two major selling factors contributed to the fun of the game: the use of Mii characters and the game’s soundtrack. Miis were custom player characters that can be designed and used as PCs and NPCs in the game. The Wii Sports soundtrack would take on a life of its own, receiving popular remixes for its themes that were often trending on TikTok and YouTube.
5/10 Super Mario 64 Shaped Future Video Games
Released in 1996 as Mario’s first 3D game and first foray into an open world, Super Mario 64 followed Mario as he tried to rescue Princess Peach from Bowser in her castle. The title became one of the most influential games of its generation, shaping how games after it would look and play.
Super Mario 64 is popular to this day thanks to its innovative designs and fans. In addition to being a solid game overall, the speedrunning community is a supporter of the game and still has submitted runs for the gameplay. Game circles also like to discuss Super Mario 64thanks to the various theories, new glitches that have been found, and scientific studies that have incorporated the game.
4/10 Super Smash Bros Melee has ongoing tournaments
While the current Super Smash Bros Ultimate is a well-received game and has a plethora of fans, the fanbase still holds out Super Smash Bros. melee close to. With ongoing tournaments taking place around the world, the refined gameplay and specific character playstyles have preserved the game’s legacy as a major title.
With a selection of 26, melee sets the standard for multiplayer battle games. While new contenders like Multiverse and Nintendo All-Star Brawl have been trying to come up with the best mascot fighting game title, Super Smash Bros. strengthened its position at the top thanks to melee.
3/10 The Legend of Zelda Ocarina Of Time inspired several 3D games after that
Another great video game that has been a focus in the speedrun community, The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time was the fifth game and the first 3D entry from the Zelda franchisee. The story followed Link as he traveled between two time periods to set things right in Hyrule and prevent Ganondorf from taking power.
Developed together Super Mario 64, Ocarina of Time is still a very popular game credited with influencing every major 3D title after it, including Grand Theft Auto, The Witcherand dark souls. Many even quote Ocarina of Time as one of the best video games ever made.
2/10 All Pokémon games can be replayed with fans
Despite every generation of pokemon games with its opponents, each game is still in high demand after its initial release. With big speed records and a wildly popular Nuzlocke community, the entire mainline pokemon released games are still being played.
Since each game follows a protagonist in a JRPG with turn-based battles, a new generation of Pokémon means new gameplay mechanics, and a new or updated region to explore. With the hype for Pokemon: Scarlet and purpleincreasing as the game comes out, fans know they will still be playing ten years later.
1/10 Super Mario Bros. 3 is one of the most important games ever made
The only Nintendo video game deemed important enough to be listed in the Library of Congress as one of the 10 most important games of all time, many gamers are actively playing Super Mario Bros. 3 up to the present day. Following Mario and Luigi as they tried to save the Mushroom Kingdom from Bowser and the Koopalings, the game introduced several key gameplay innovations that lingered for the sequels.
With the introduction of the Played Tanuki Suit and Mario’s Ground Pound, as well as the Hammer Suit and Frog Suit, Super Mario Bros. 3 also featured the first use of an overworld map. The game has remained a mainstay in the public playing field thanks to speedrunners, digital reissues, and its cultural impact.
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