Home News Nintendo Consoles Ranked: A Comprehensive Assessment

Nintendo Consoles Ranked: A Comprehensive Assessment

by Brooklyn Feb 15,2025

Nintendo's Switch 2 is finally here, marking another chapter in the company's impressive 40+ year history of video game hardware. While initial impressions suggest a relatively safe approach, we're eager to see what Nintendo has in store. This article dives into the Switch 2 trailer details and offers a retrospective look at Nintendo's console legacy.

Nintendo boasts eight home consoles (NES, SNES, N64, GameCube, Wii, Wii U, and Switch) and five handhelds (Game Boy, Game Boy Color, Game Boy Advance, DS, and 3DS). But which reigns supreme? This ranking considers both hardware innovation and the quality and lasting impact of each console's game library.

Simon Cardy's Nintendo Console Tier List

My personal S-tier includes the NES, fueled by nostalgic memories of classics like Super Mario Bros. and Mega Man 2. The Switch also earns a top spot due to its innovative hybrid design and its incredible game library, featuring titles like The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom and Super Mario Odyssey.

Disagree? Feel the Virtual Boy surpasses the N64? Create your own Nintendo console tier list and compare your rankings (S, A, B, C, and D tiers) with the IGN community.

Nintendo Consoles

Nintendo Consoles

With only a two-minute trailer currently available, the Switch 2's ultimate ranking remains to be seen. Share your predictions and reasoning in the comments below!