Nintendo Franchise Tier List 2023: List of Nintendo franchises
by Mathelene
Updated Nov 28, 2023
Nintendo Franchise
Nintendo boasts a wide array of beloved franchises that have become iconic in the gaming world. Among its most prominent is the Super Mario series, featuring the adventures of Mario, the iconic plumber, and his friends in various fantastical worlds. The Legend of Zelda stands as another cornerstone franchise, known for its epic quests, rich storytelling, and the hero Link's battles against evil forces.
Pokémon, with its creature-collecting and battling gameplay, has captured the hearts of millions worldwide. The Metroid series offers immersive sci-fi action, starring the bounty hunter Samus Aran in her battles against space threats. Meanwhile, the Kirby franchise, known for its charming and accessible platforming, centers on the lovable pink puffball, Kirby. Nintendo's franchises span diverse genres and playstyles, each contributing its unique flavor to the gaming landscape.
Nintendo Franchise Tier List 2023
S-Tier Nintendo Franchises (The Best of the Best):
Mario: Undoubtedly Nintendo's premier franchise, Mario's enduring popularity spans over four decades. The series constantly evolves, delivering fresh experiences with each new installment.
The Legend of Zelda: With few exceptions, Zelda games are widely regarded as masterpieces. The series has consistently pushed boundaries, particularly in open-world and action-adventure genres.
A-Tier Nintendo Franchises (Some of Gaming's All-Time Greats):
Pokemon: A sales juggernaut, Pokemon's recent entries have faced criticism for technical issues and a perceived lack of innovation, but it remains a powerhouse franchise.
Super Smash Bros.: Continuously improving with each iteration, Smash Bros. enjoys ongoing success. However, the formula has seen minimal changes since its late-nineties debut.
Animal Crossing: While not universally appealing, Animal Crossing has carved a niche among cozy game enthusiasts. Extended support for titles like New Horizons would be welcome.
Metroid: Despite occasional neglect, Metroid excites fans with each new release. The anticipation for Metroid Prime 4 reflects the series' consistently high-quality adventures.
Mother (EarthBound): A unique RPG franchise, Mother holds a special place in gaming history. While fans desire a new installment, many appreciate the series as it stands.
B-Tier Nintendo Franchises (Nice but Niche):
Fire Emblem: Initially niche, Fire Emblem gained popularity in the West, though it remains in a relatively specialized genre.
Pikmin: Shigeru Miyamoto's beloved franchise, Pikmin, is innovative and distinct, even if it doesn't match the profitability of other Nintendo franchises.
Splatoon: Transforming a traditionally violent genre into a wholesome experience, Splatoon's charm aligns with Nintendo's family-friendly focus.
Xenoblade Chronicles: Originating on PlayStation, the Xeno series, particularly Xenoblade Chronicles, competes with other JRPG giants for sales and critical acclaim.
Kirby: Born from accessibility, Kirby's simplicity endures after three decades, with added complexity for those seeking a challenge.
C-Tier Nintendo Franchises (Left to Decay):
Donkey Kong: Once a platforming powerhouse, Donkey Kong has seen limited releases since Microsoft's acquisition of Rare, leaving fans hoping for a resurgence.
Star Fox: With over three decades since a standout release, Star Fox struggles to recapture past glory, partly due to shifts in the popularity of rail shooters.
Game & Watch: Acknowledging its historical significance, Nintendo has mostly left Game & Watch in the past, sparing it from unnecessary revivals.
F-Zero: Despite being a stellar racing franchise, F-Zero suffered a nearly two-decade hiatus. Recent releases, like a Switch Online-exclusive battle royale, reintroduce the series to a new audience.
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List of Nintendo franchises
1080°
February 28, 1998
November 28, 2003
Animal Crossing
April 14, 2001
March 20, 2020
Another Code
February 24, 2005
February 5, 2009
Arms
June 16, 2017
-
Art Academy
September 14, 2009
May 13, 2016
Art Style
September 29, 2008
May 28, 2010
Balloon Fight
September 1984
April 12, 2007
Battle Clash
October 1992
December 1993
Big Brain Academy
June 30, 2005
December 3, 2021
bit Generations
July 13, 2006
July 27, 2006
BoxBoy!
January 14, 2015
April 26, 2019
Brain Age
May 19, 2005
December 27, 2019
Card Hero
February 21, 2000
December 20, 2007
Chibi-Robo!
June 23, 2005
October 8, 2015
Clubhouse Games
November 3, 2005
June 5, 2020
Crosswords
May 5, 2008
October 1, 2012
Custom Robo
December 8, 1999
October 19, 2006
Daigasso! Band Brothers
December 2, 2004
June 26, 2008
Dillon
February 22, 2012
April 26, 2018
Donkey Kong
July 9, 1981
May 3, 2018 (Nintendo Switch)
Donkey Kong Country
November 18, 1994
May 3, 2018 (Nintendo Switch)
Donkey Konga
December 12, 2003
March 17, 2005
Dr. Mario
July 27, 1990
July 10, 2019
EarthBound / Mother
July 27, 1989
April 20, 2006
Excite
November 28, 1984
-
Famicom Detective Club
April 27, 1988
May 14, 2021
Fire Emblem
April 20, 1990
January 20, 2023
Fluidity
December 6, 2010
-
Fossil Fighters
April 17, 2008
-
F-1 Race
November 2, 1984
-
F-Zero
November 21, 1990
September 14, 2023
Golden Sun
August 1, 2001
October 28, 2010
Hyrule Warriors
August 14, 2014
November 20, 2020
Franchise
Initial Entry
Latest Entry
Nintendo
Nintendo Co., Ltd., a Japanese video game company headquartered in Kyoto, was established in 1889 by craftsman Fusajiro Yamauchi. Initially crafting handmade hanafuda playing cards, Nintendo transitioned into various businesses before becoming a public company. In 1977, it released its first console, the Color TV-Game. Notably, Nintendo gained global recognition with Donkey Kong in 1981, followed by the Nintendo Entertainment System and Super Mario Bros. in 1985.
Renowned for consoles like the Game Boy, Super Nintendo, DS, Wii, and Switch, Nintendo has created beloved franchises such as Mario, Zelda, Pokémon, and many more. With over 5.592 billion video game sales and 836 million hardware units globally as of March 2023, Nintendo stands among the most successful companies in the gaming industry. The company holds various subsidiaries and partnerships and has received prestigious awards for its contributions to technology and gaming.
Nintendo Franchise Tier List 2023 - FAQs
Nintendo was founded in 1889 as Nintendo Koppai by Fusajiro Yamauchi, initially producing handmade hanafuda playing cards.
Nintendo has produced successful consoles like the Game Boy, Super Nintendo Entertainment System, Nintendo DS, Wii, and Switch.
Nintendo has created major franchises such as Mario, Donkey Kong, The Legend of Zelda, Metroid, Pokémon, Animal Crossing, and Splatoon.
As of March 2023, Nintendo has sold more than 5.592 billion video games and over 836 million hardware units globally.
Nintendo has multiple subsidiaries in Japan and abroad, including partnerships with HAL Laboratory, Intelligent Systems, Game Freak, and The Pokémon Company.