Home News Nintendo Console Rankings Revealed

Nintendo Console Rankings Revealed

Author : Aiden Apr 10,2025

With the much-anticipated reveal of the Nintendo Switch 2, Nintendo has officially confirmed the arrival of its latest console. Boasting over 40 years of experience in video game hardware, we're eager to see what innovations Nintendo has in store, even if initial impressions suggest a more conservative approach. If you're eagerly awaiting this upcoming console, we've analyzed all the details from the Switch 2 trailer here. But before we dive into the future, let's take a nostalgic journey through Nintendo's storied past.

Over the past five decades, Nintendo has launched eight home consoles (NES, Super NES, Nintendo 64, GameCube, Wii, Wii U, and the Switch) and five handhelds (Game Boy, Game Boy Color, Game Boy Advance, DS, and 3DS). But which of these stands out as the best? I've ranked them using an IGN Tier List, considering both the innovation of the hardware and the quality and legacy of their game libraries. Check out my personal tier list below:

Simon Cardy's Nintendo Console Tier List

Simon Cardy's Nintendo Console Tier List

The NES holds a special place in my heart as the first console I ever played. My fondest memories include tackling the original Super Mario Bros., Mega Man 2, and the challenging Hook platformer at the tender age of five. This nostalgia propels the NES into the S tier. Meanwhile, the Switch's innovative hybrid design, despite issues like stick drift, has delivered some of Nintendo's finest games, such as The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom and Super Mario Odyssey, securing its place alongside the NES in the top tier.

Do you disagree with my rankings? Perhaps you believe the Virtual Boy surpasses the N64? Feel free to create your own tier list and compare your S, A, B, C, and D tiers with the IGN community.

Nintendo Consoles

Although we've only glimpsed two minutes of the Nintendo Switch 2 so far, where do you think it will ultimately rank among Nintendo's consoles? Share your thoughts in the comments, and explain your rankings for the consoles you've chosen.

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