The 20 Best Nintendo Franchises of All Time

Plumbers, pink puffballs and bounty hunters sit alongside cult strategy sagas and sprawling RPGs, from arcade-era pillars to modern breakouts. Which Nintendo universe earns your crown?

1. 1
   The Legend of Zelda

   Epic action-adventure series following Link across Hyrule, from Ocarina of Time to Breath of the Wild.
   1000pts
2. 2
   Super Mario

   Nintendo's flagship platforming series starring the mustachioed plumber, spanning 2D and 3D classics since 1985.
   900pts
3. 3
   Pokémon

   The monster-collecting phenomenon that became the highest-grossing media franchise in the world.
   643pts
4. 4
   Splatoon

   Colorful team-based ink shooter that became Nintendo's biggest new IP of the 2010s.
   625pts
5. 5
   Advance Wars

   Turn-based military strategy series beloved for its approachable, deep tactical gameplay.
   625pts
6. 6
   F-Zero

   Ultra-fast futuristic racing series that defined high-speed anti-gravity thrills on the Super Nintendo.
   500pts
7. 7
   Donkey Kong

   Arcade-born franchise from the 1981 original to the acclaimed Donkey Kong Country platformers.
   500pts
8. 8
   Pikmin

   Real-time strategy series about commanding tiny plant creatures to survive on alien worlds.
   500pts
9. 9
   Super Smash Bros.

   Crossover platform fighter that unites Nintendo and third-party characters in frantic brawls.
   500pts
10. 10
    Punch-Out!!

    Boxing series of colorful opponents and pattern-based fights, from Mike Tyson to Little Mac.
    423pts
11. 11
    Mario Kart

    The definitive kart-racing series known for chaotic items and blue-shell heartbreak.
    333pts
12. 12
    Kid Icarus

    Mythology-inspired action series starring angel archer Pit, revived with Uprising on 3DS.
    333pts
13. 13
    Metroid

    Sci-fi exploration series starring bounty hunter Samus Aran, co-creator of the Metroidvania genre.
    333pts
14. 14
    Kirby

    Pink puffball series that swallows enemies to copy their powers, loved for its charm and accessibility.
    333pts
15. 15
    Xenoblade Chronicles

    Sprawling JRPG saga celebrated for vast worlds, real-time combat and emotional storytelling.
    333pts
16. 16
    EarthBound

    Quirky cult-favorite RPG series (Mother) set in a surreal modern-day America.
    333pts
17. 17
    Animal Crossing

    Relaxing life-simulation series where you build a village and befriend animal neighbors in real time.
    333pts
18. 18
    Luigi's Mansion

    Spooky ghost-hunting spin-off that gave Mario's brother his own vacuum-wielding adventures.
    227pts
19. 19
    Star Fox

    Arcade-style space combat series starring Fox McCloud and his anthropomorphic squadron.
    227pts
20. 20
    Fire Emblem

    Tactical role-playing series famous for grid-based battles and permanent character death.
    227pts

Comments