The Nintendo Entertainment System (NES) was part of an 8-bit revolution. It helped revitalize the video game market during bleak times for the industry. The bright minds at Nintendo are always innovating. Their latest flagship console, the Nintendo Switch, enables players to play retro SNES and NES games with upscaled resolutions.
Nintendo Switch Online is NES functionality at its best. The service allows subscribers to save, rewind, and play online with friends. Online co-op is a blast, and the option to take turns isn't bad either. If someone has the Nintendo Switch app, they can even use voice chat. Without further ado, here are the best NES games on Nintendo Switch Online.
Updated April 30, 2022 by Mark Sammut: Nintendo Switch Online provides subscribers access to a plethora of classic games from the NES, SNES, and Nintendo 64 eras. Although not an exhaustive list, this selection is constantly updated by Nintendo, bringing new goodies for existing users to sink their teeth into. The service is especially great for people fond of NES games, containing most of the console's greatest releases. This article has been updated to include a few more of the greatest NES games available on Nintendo Switch Online.
14 Ghosts ’N Goblins
An infamously difficult game, Ghosts ‘n Goblins is such a punishing title that it's likely to be a polarizing experience for most players, especially those who did not grow up with the NES release. Putting that aside, there is still a lot to appreciate here, be it the fun combat system, the Halloween-esque visuals, or the neat enemy designs.
While there are better platformers on Nintendo Switch Online, Ghosts ’n Goblins has proven to be one of the most memorable releases from the NES era.
13 Zelda 2: The Adventure Of Link
The first The Legend of Zelda sequel is quite a different experience than its predecessor. The series shifted from being action-adventure to including role-playing elements. Zelda 2: The Adventure of Link lets players level up Link's health, magic, and attack.
It might not be as groundbreaking as the original, yet Zelda 2: The Adventure of Link is an immensely enjoyable experience. Despite popular belief, it's possible to save the game on the NES. Open the inventory screen and press UP+A on the second controller.
12 Kid Icarus
If someone has played a recent Super Smash Bros. game, chances are they have met the character Pit. In Kid Icarus for NES, Pit is an angel who is caught in the Underworld.
Surprisingly, there have only been a handful of Kid Icarus games. Kid Icarus, the first in the series, is worth playing for fans of Pit. This fantasy game delves into Greek mythology and is one of the most overlooked games on the NES.
11 Donkey Kong
One of the most influential games of all time, Donkey Kong is not just a historical relic. An arcade game and a launch title for the NES, this classic platformer sees a familiar plumber gradually climb up a tower in an attempt to rescue a damsel from the titular ape. Simple and timeless, the gameplay is instantly understandable, and the point system incentives repeat playthroughs as people try to outdo their scores.
Donkey Kong Jr. and Donkey Kong 3 are also available through Nintendo Switch Online, and they are great games in their own right. However, there is just no beating the original.
10 Kirby's Adventure
After completing Kirby and the Forgotten Land, why not try out Kirby’s Adventure to see where many of the franchise’s enduring ideas originated? Kirby is one of Nintendo’s most consistent properties, and while 1992’s Kirby’s Dream Land is a classic, its successor is a notable step up. A 2D platformer that is endlessly charming, Kirby’s Adventure follows the eponymous puffball as he goes through more than 40 levels, consuming all sorts of enemies along the way.
This entry introduced Copy Abilities, a mechanic that allows Kirby to acquire new moves by swallowing enemies. Later entries would expand on this concept, but it still works really well in Kirby’s Adventure.
9 Super Mario Bros. 2
It wouldn't be a complete NES video game compilation without the inclusion of at least a few Super Mario games. NES was the birthplace of the highly acclaimed Super Mario Bros. series.
The first Mario sequel, Super Mario Bros. 2, came back with Poisonous Mushrooms and multiple characters to choose from. It wasn't an enormous leap concerning gameplay, but it remains to be a timeless platforming game on the NES.
8 Ninja Gaiden
Like the more recent Ninja Gaiden games, the original Ninja Gaiden has a high difficulty level. The combination of tight platforming and numerous enemies leaves little room for error.
The artwork is phenomenal for games of the era, and the boss fights are intense. Ninja Gaiden has an exciting narrative. It follows Dragon Sword-wielding Ryu Hayabusa, who sets out to avenge his father. This game is essential for those with Nintendo Switch Online and fans of the Ninja Gaiden series alike.
7 River City Ransom
This hidden gem of the NES featured beautiful illustrations and was perhaps way ahead of its time. It's a retro open-world game that contains beat 'em up gameplay.
The story of River City Ransom is about high school students Ryan and Alex, who try to rescue Ryan's girlfriend. Clashing with student gangs, players become immersed in the game's world. River City Ransom is feature-packed, and it's one of the best games to play on Nintendo Switch Online.
6 Excitebike
Nintendo developed this launch title for the NES. Excitebike, as one may have guessed, is a motocross racing game. Performing perfectly timed tricks allows players to drive faster in the game. Obstacles like rough terrain can prevent a driver from claiming a victory. It has been speculated that Excitebike inspired several other games, including the mini-game Pikachu's Beach in Pokemon Yellow. Excitebike was widely popular when it released, and it continues to be relevant as a Nintendo Switch Online NES game.
5 EarthBound Beginnings
Added to Nintendo Switch Online early in 2022, EarthBound Beginnings refers to the first entry in the Mother series, an RPG franchise that has inspired the likes of Undertale. Although its sequel is generally considered to be the superior game, EarthBound Beginnings is nevertheless impressive for its era, and it has arguably aged better than most other NES RPGs.
Set in the present day, the game follows a group of children as they investigate strange disappearances that involve psychic powers and aliens. EarthBound Beginnings’ storytelling is its strongest element, and it still manages to captivate even after all these years.
4 Metroid
Although it's not considered the best Metroid game ever made, it developed the framework for later installments. Metroid follows protagonist Samus Aran, an intergalactic bounty hunter. If that premise alone isn't enough to pique someone's interest, Metroid features a riveting soundtrack to go along with absorbing gameplay. The combination of platforming and navigating through treacherous settings makes Metroid stand out. Also, the game heavily influenced the creation of Super Metroid.
3 Super Mario Bros.
The original Super Mario Bros. for NES is nostalgia at its best. As the best-selling game for the NES, it sold over 40 million copies on the platform. This was not the first Mario game ever made, but it did feature a recurring theme of a damsel in distress. It also introduced many Mario power-ups that reappeared in later Mario games. Notably, Bowser was green in Super Mario Bros., and he was known as King Koopa. Mario encountered several fake Bowsers before facing the real one.
2 The Legend Of Zelda
This action-adventure game was the first The Legend of Zelda game ever made. It has a soundtrack that was featured in later games. The depth of the game is incredible. Link can shoot arrows and attack with a sword, like in all Zelda games.
Navigating through various environments will challenge the most experienced players. Platforming isn't a part of The Legend of Zelda. It introduced Link, as he attempts to rescue Princess Zelda from Ganon in the medieval-inspired land of Hyrule.
1 Super Mario Bros. 3
Improving on the Super Mario Bros. series in nearly every way, Super Mario Bros. 3 is a timeless classic. The level design is smart, and the gameplay is intuitive. In Super Mario Bros. 3, players can play with up to two players. By alternating turns, one can play as either Mario or Luigi. Luigi didn't have his lean figure, but he did have the power to rescue Princess Peach. The game is recognized for introducing the Koopalings. As a game released in 1988, it is the quintessential platformer for the NES.