Top 10 Nintendo Switch Online NES Games

With the launch of Nintendo Switch Online on September 18th, came the much-anticipated release of 20 classic NES era games. From these 20 incredible games, we’ve ranked our top ten picks.

10. Balloon Fight

Everyone loves a good balloon popping game. In Balloon Fight, you get to battle other Balloon Fighters or just yourself as you guide your character through a multitude of airborne challenges. While the game is short, the challenging levels make it a fun NES game worth your time.

9. Excitebike

Do you remember being a motocross expert? Remember watching your temperature gauge turn from green to red while you raced down the track toward victory? Well, this is your chance to relive the fast-paced motorbiking video game of your childhood.

 

8. Ghosts’n Goblins

Similar to the storyline of many other NES games, you are a knight in shining armor, battling enemies to rescue your princess. Though what sets Ghosts’n Goblins apart is the almost Castlevania look and feel throughout the levels. As you battle these difficult creatures of the night with a variety of weapons, you will find yourself craving more adventures.

7. Ice Climber

Everyone knows the Ice Climber game for a reason as it is pure joy to be climbing a mountain while facing off against yetis and dangerous birds. Climb a multitude of mountains and defeat the bonus levels through this game. See how far you can go, but don’t forget to enjoy the pixelated view.

 

6. Double Dragon

In similar aesthetic to Street Fighter, Double Dragon allows you to roam city streets, forests, and warehouses, beating up bad guys to rescue your love interest and get your big finale kiss. While it may be short, Double Dragon has a lot to offer, especially if you like NES fighting games.

5. River City Ransom

Another fighting/beat’em up game is our #5 pick, River City Ransom. Setting itself apart from similar fighting games, River City comes with an interesting graphical presentation and dialogue, allowing you to understand the plot and characters a bit further. It is also an open-world sandbox platform, which enables players to devote more time to explore the world.

 

4. Super Mario Bros.

While Mario didn’t make his first appearance in this game, Super Mario Bros. is where his fame and popularity skyrocketed, reviving the game industry and popularizing similar platform games. In beautiful side-scrolling fashion, play as Mario or Luigi in order to save the Princess. While the mechanics and general gameplay are further improved in later versions, this game is always a great play through, worthy of your time.

3. Donkey Kong

Avoid the barrels and save the lady (aka Princess Peach)! Donkey Kong is where one of our favorite characters, Mario, got his start, therefore claiming our #3 spot. Filled with challenging, yet fun levels to entertain the mind for hours, get excited to play this classic once again.

2. The Legend of Zelda

As I am sure you already know, The Legend of Zelda made history with its gaming mechanics, graphics, and general storyline. Similar to Donkey Kong and Super Mario Bros. countless spin-offs have been created because of this initial game’s success and popularity. The Legend of Zelda has earned its place among the classics and it’s always nice to return to the game that started it all.

1. Super Mario Bros. 3

Super Mario Bros 3 is in my opinion, one of the best games ever created. In this version, building upon the success of the first Super Mario Bros, we are given a fairly long and challenging game where we fight to save our princess (…again). With precise mechanics and vibrant colors, Super Mario Bros 3 is a joyful experience and overall wonderful game. 

By subscribing to Nintendo Switch Online, you are able to connect with friends online or in person and play these classic games together. In single player games, you can take turns playing with your friend or you can control the main character while your friend uses a cursor to help you along the way, pointing out secrets that you may have missed.

Each month will also include new releases of additional NES games like Solomon’s Key in October, Metroid in November, and Wario’s Woods in December.

What game are you most excited about? Aside from The Legend of Zelda and Super Mario Bros. 3, I have my eye on the Metroid release in November. Leave a comment below with your favorite NES game.