5 Best Nintendo Games That Aren’t Super Mario or Zelda

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Since the Nintendo Entertainment System, or NES, became popular in 1985, Nintendo has been a leading force in the video game world. Over the past 40 years, the company has created many successful game consoles and games enjoyed by people worldwide. Even today, in 2026, Nintendo continues to innovate and remains at the forefront of the industry with no end in sight.

Nintendo is best known for two incredibly popular game series: Super Mario Bros. and The Legend of Zelda. These franchises have been central to Nintendo’s success since the beginning, and the company consistently finds new ways to refresh and improve them with each new game. Because of this dedication to innovation, both Super Mario and The Legend of Zelda remain critically acclaimed and beloved by players.

Beyond the popular Mario and Zelda series, it can be tricky to pick out Nintendo’s other top games. So, here’s a ranking of five of the best Nintendo games that aren’t part of those franchises. For this list, we’re also leaving out games like Super Smash Bros. and Mario Kart, as they have connections to Mario and Zelda.

5. Fire Emblem: Awakening

Fire Emblem: Awakening was a turning point for the series. Before its release on the Nintendo DS in 2012, Fire Emblem wasn’t very popular in Western countries—it was better known for its characters appearing in Super Smash Bros. However, Awakening changed that, revitalizing the series and leading to many new games over the following decade.

As a huge Fire Emblem fan, I truly believe Awakening isn’t just the game that saved the series, it’s the best one ever made! I was completely hooked by the story and characters, and the gameplay was so engaging and strategic. It was a total must-have for anyone with a 3DS. If you’re new to Fire Emblem, this is the game you need to play first.

4. Animal Crossing: New Horizons

Animal Crossing has grown from a GameCube launch title into one of Nintendo’s most popular franchises. This relaxing, social simulation game helped create the “cozy” genre and has inspired many other developers. While every Animal Crossing game has its own strengths, New Horizons is considered the best in the series, offering players more activities and customization options than ever before.

I have to say, the timing of Animal Crossing: New Horizons coming out on the Switch was just incredible. It launched right when the COVID-19 pandemic started, and honestly, it was exactly what so many of us needed. It was the perfect escape! And Nintendo hasn’t stopped supporting it – the recent 3.0 update is huge! If you haven’t played Animal Crossing: New Horizons yet, now is seriously the best time to jump in.

3. Super Metroid

Besides Zelda and Mario, Metroid is probably Nintendo’s third most popular and highly-rated series. The games follow Samus, a bounty hunter who travels through space, and most of them are fantastic. If we had to pick just one Metroid game to highlight the series, it would almost definitely be Super Metroid.

Super Metroid is widely considered the game that defined the “Metroidvania” genre. Even though it was released early in the genre’s history, it remains one of the very best. The game’s incredible music and art style create a unique and immersive atmosphere, particularly for a Super Nintendo title. With new Metroidvania games appearing constantly, Super Metroid still stands out as a truly essential experience for any Nintendo fan.

2. Wii Sports

When the Nintendo Wii launched in 2006, most people thought the free game included with the console, Wii Sports, was just a simple demonstration of the new technology. However, Wii Sports turned out to be a huge success. It introduced Nintendo fans to the possibilities of motion controls, and its five different sports were incredibly enjoyable, offering hours of fun.

What truly set Wii Sports apart was its simplicity – almost anyone, regardless of age or gaming experience, could pick up and play. This made the game incredibly popular and gave it a lasting cultural impact, even after the Wii console itself faded away. Wii Sports is considered one of the best party games of all time and was a major factor in the Wii’s overall success.

1. Pokemon Gold and Silver

Since it first appeared in 1996, Pokémon has become a huge success – and it’s easy to see why. The series of turn-based role-playing games is fun for everyone and offers a consistently engaging experience. Even after three decades, Pokémon is still one of Nintendo’s biggest assets and is arguably the most famous media franchise in the world.

Although many Pokémon games are fantastic, Gold and Silver (and their updated versions, HeartGold and SoulSilver) are widely considered the best in the series. These games are unique because they let you explore two different regions and challenge 16 Gym Leaders. The story is also particularly engaging, building upon the plot of the original Red and Blue games. Ultimately, Gold and Silver aren’t just the best Pokémon games – many consider them to be among Nintendo’s very best, aside from the Mario and Zelda franchises.

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2026-01-24 19:10