With that said, here are the games we feel hold up very well from Nintendo.
WarioWare Inc: Mega Microgame$
When Warioware Inc: Mega Microgame$ was first released it was different for Nintendo. A collection of minigames with a neat framing device using Wario and a cast of characters, it was fun and exciting. Coming back to the game years later, it is amazing how well it still plays, especially if you just want a few minutes of fun here and there and not a long session. The minigames still play well and learning to get the hang of the games may take time but feels rewarding once you do. This is a game you can enjoy on Nintendo Switch Online and when playing there, its pickup-and-play nature shines as a game that never gets old
Super Mario All-Stars + World
This is a bit of a cheat because it is a compilation of remakes that later received a second version that included Super Mario World, but the games all fit the criteria. The Super Mari All-Stars remakes are amazing updates of the original NES and Famicom Super Mario games, with visuals and audio that still stand out well today, in addition to the excellent gameplay. Super Mario World is one of the most fun platformers of the 16-bit era, with amazing replay value, tons of secrets, music that still sounds great now, and a visual style that has become iconic. These are some of the best platformer games Nintendo has produced and it is amazing how well they still play for audiences today.
Ice Hockey
Nintendo released many sports titles on the NES and while most were just okay if not pretty bad, there were a couple that stood out. One of these was Ice Hockey, a title whose gameplay is still fun today ( and especially great when playing online via NSO) and has a lot to offer even decades later, even compared to some SNES sports titles. The visuals and music may seem basic but still have a charm that can be appreciated today, If anything, playing Ice Hoecky today just makes me want to see Nintendo make a new Ice Hockey game. Mario Hockey anyone?
F-Zero X
F-Zero X was not just the sequel to the SNES classic but was a game that pushed the Nintendo 64 to its limits. The game had a smooth framerate that maintained 60 fps despite the blistering speed and addition of multiplayer, and the controls still feel great to this day, The multiplayer was a great addition that made the gameplay feel even more special. For some, this is still the peak of the series and with online multiplayer in the NSO release, F Zero X is a title that transcends time.
Super Smash Bros Melee
Smash Bros games all typically age well, but Melee has aged particularly well, with how it is still played competitively decades after its release. The series truly took off with this entry which added a lot more content compared to the original game and had music and visuals that still feel right today. It may not be on the level of Super Smash Bros Ultimate, but Melee is what cemented the series as a staple franchise of Nintendo and it is still fun to play so many years after its release.
And there you have it. Five Nintendo games that aged well. What Nintendo games do you think have aged well? Or perhaps Sega or PlayStation games? Let us know
