Home News Nintendo Consoles Ranked: A Tier List

Nintendo Consoles Ranked: A Tier List

Author : Joseph Update:Apr 24,2025

With the much-anticipated reveal of the Nintendo Switch 2, Nintendo has finally confirmed the arrival of its latest console. Boasting over 40 years of experience in video game hardware, Nintendo continues to captivate us, even if initial impressions suggest a more conservative approach this time around. If you're eager to learn more about the upcoming Switch 2, we've thoroughly analyzed the trailer details for you. 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 iconic systems reigns supreme? I've taken a stab at ranking them using an IGN Tier List, considering both the innovative aspects of the hardware and the quality and enduring 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. I have fond memories of tackling the original Super Mario Bros., Mega Man 2, and the notoriously challenging Hook platformer at just five years old. This nostalgia propels it into the S tier for me. Meanwhile, the Switch's innovative hybrid design, despite the issue of stick drift, and its stellar game lineup, including The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom and Super Mario Odyssey, earns it a spot in the top tier as well.

Disagree with my rankings? Do you believe the Virtual Boy surpasses the N64? Feel free to create your own tier list and see how your S, A, B, C, and D tiers stack up against the broader IGN community.

Nintendo Consoles

Although we've only glimpsed two minutes of footage so far, where do you predict the Nintendo Switch 2 will land on the rankings once it's fully released? Share your thoughts in the comments section below and explain your reasoning for how you've ranked Nintendo's consoles.

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