Top 10 Nintendo Games That Aged Amazingly Well

When revisiting the Game Boy “Pokémon” titles, there are some clear issues with “Red & Blue.” Balance issues, bugs, and a black and white color palette are just a few things that hold them back. Their immediate successors fixed many of these problems though, giving them much better longevity. Overpowered Pokémon types are now weak to new ones. The classic graphics are in vibrant colors. There’s even a day and night cycle - which is impressive to implement on an 8-bit console. “Gold & Silver” even arguably has the franchise’s best post-game content…still…with the entire Kanto region from the previous games…although that may say more about “Pokémon.” Regardless, “Gold & Silver” are games whose value, like their namesake metals, continues to grow.

Kart racing games in general hold up beautifully. Among the older titles in the genre, the often overshadowed “Diddy Kong Racing” is our pick. Unlike many racers, this game offers a surprisingly robust story mode, with a hub world to explore, items and objectives to collect outside of winning races, and bosses to defeat. The variety of gameplay extends to the races too, since, in addition to the usual karts, you can race with hovercrafts and planes as well. Plus, the colorful cast of characters and infectiously catchy music just makes “Diddy Kong Racing” a fun time no matter when you’re playing it.

Despite being overlooked when it was first released, “EarthBound” has become the poster child for cult hit video games. Although its combat is as classic as an RPG can get, it’s the presentation where “EarthBound” truly shines. Its American-like setting, unconventional heroes, goofy story, and bizarre characters make it unlike anything else, despite inspiring other games. Other RPGs have you fighting monsters and knights, but “EarthBound” pits you against hot coffee, aliens, and piles of vomit. Despite its title, “EarthBound” is anything but down-to-earth, and its reputation only continues to soar.

Mario platformers age like wine - this is common knowledge. Yoshi’s first time in the spotlight is as fine a vintage as you could ask for. Yoshi must rescue a baby Luigi with his brother in tow, while journeying through several brightly colored bouncy worlds. Swallowing enemies and shooting them out as eggs makes for some creative and fun gameplay. The game has tight, responsive controls, intricately crafted stages, and beautiful music. And sure, babysitting an infant Mario may not be everyone’s cup of tea (particularly once he starts wailing), but “Yoshi’s Island” is still a spectacular 2D platformer.

We’ve established that Mario ages perfectly, but RPGs also endure for longer than most games. And the “Paper Mario” art style may be “paper-thin,” but it’s eternal enough to last a thousand years. The second game in the “Paper Mario” series refines the timed button press battle mechanics, while also adding new partner characters with unique abilities. The story and characters are funny and engrossing, and the locations are imaginative. And with the new remake of the Thousand Year Door launching last year, it just proves that Mario’s RPG outings are still as beloved today as they were 20 years ago!

Metroidvania titles age pretty gracefully, and the “Metroid” series’ first foray into 3-dimensions still looks and plays fantastically decades later. “Metroid Prime” effortlessly blends FPS elements with tried-and-true exploration and platforming. The beautifully expansive world of Tallon IV is brimming with atmosphere and secrets, and it’s underscored by an incredible soundtrack and shockingly timeless graphics that make each new area come to life. Whether Samus is battling Space Pirates or solving a puzzle, “Metroid Prime” feels like a truly immersive experience. I guess you could say that it’s still in its “prime.”

Fighting games have a pretty long shelf life, and “Super Smash Bros. Melee” has had an incredibly enduring popularity. The crossover fighter may not have the positively massive rosters of the later entries in its series, but “Melee” is still widely played, with professional tournaments being held even today. While the draw of pitting Nintendo’s greatest characters against each other remains evergreen, it’s the incredibly precise and speedy way the characters control that has “Melee” feeling just as satisfying to play today as it was at the turn of the millennium. The wide variety of modes, wacky items, and music drawn from dozens of other games certainly don’t hurt either.

This space opera shooter franchise has tried and failed again and again to surpass the greatness of “Star Fox 64.” But there’s just no beating it! The Star Fox team’s battles against the evil Andross and his forces play out across various routes on each playthrough, helping every time you play feel unique. Gameplay is split between multiple vehicles, which always helps. As for the characters, “Star Fox 64” is loaded to the brim with iconic animal heroes and villains who deliver a barrage of cheesy one-liners. Even “doing a barrel roll” wouldn’t be enough to shake off this game’s legacy.

There are many classic “Zelda” titles, but we’d argue that this one has aged the best of the bunch. “Wind Waker”’s cel-shaded art style may have been criticized upon its release, but time has proven the haters wrong, since its gorgeous graphics are positively eternal. Meanwhile, Link’s voyages on the Great Sea feature an almost open world level of detail and variety. The charming characters and simple, yet fun combat make exploring every nook and cranny rewarding. And it’s all set to a sweeping soundtrack that’s arguably one of the “Zelda” franchise’s best. Life comes in waves, and “Wind Waker” is still riding high!

We’ve already extolled Mario’s timeless appeal in spin-off games, but “Super Mario World” is one of the absolute gold standards - not only of “Mario” games, but of video gaming as a medium! The 16-bit graphics look good no matter what year it is. The platforming is fine-tuned to perfection. It’s loaded with secrets and hidden areas. The music is catchy and has been stuck in our heads for decades. Honestly, there are plenty of fantastic “Mario” platformers, but “Super Mario World” leaps and bounds over most of them. Much like Mario himself, this game simply does not age.




Is there a timeless Nintendo game we forgot? “We need your help” - tell us your favorites in the comments!