Nintendo isn't known for its painstaking difficult games, but there are plenty of exceptions. Escapists who want an immersive open-world should look no further than The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild. It's a diverse game lush with subtle details. The puzzles, boss fights, dungeons, and non-linear quests are unlike any other game.
The following games are unique, but they all offer a challenge greater than The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild. French playwright Molière said, "The greater the obstacle, the more glory in overcoming it." Only a real Nintendo fanboy (or fangirl) could beat all of these games.
9 F-Zero GX (Nintendo GameCube)
The mascot of the F-Zero series, Captian Falcon, knows his way around the race track like few other Nintendo characters. F-Zero GX is the only F-Zero video game available on the Nintendo GameCube.
It's one of the more arduous games of the series, especially on the Master setting. Few people attempt the Master setting because of the overwhelming nature of the game. The game teases you as you endure the high-speed movements of vehicles like the Blue Falcon. This game requires track memorization and quick reflexes.
8 Bart Vs. The Space Mutants (NES)
Although Bart Vs. The Space Mutants is a phenomenal Nintendo Entertainment System game, it could've benefited from an easier beginning section. It soon becomes clear that Bart Vs. The Space Mutants isn't as easygoing as The Simpsons television series. Bart Vs. The Space Mutants isn't known for platforming like many games of the era, but rather its tricky puzzles. It offers a more challenging experience than The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild.
7 Jet Force Gemini (Nintendo 64)
When Rare was the leading Nintendo 64 game developer, one of their hardest games was Jet Force Gemini. It offered no tutorial level, and using a wobbly Nintendo 64 joystick was less than ideal.
The game's sprawling levels were groundbreaking at its time of release. Nowadays, we look at open-worlds like The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild and marvel at how such a non-linear game is easier than Jet Force Gemini.
6 Donkey Kong Country Returns (Nintendo Wii)
Aside from Mario and Link, Donkey Kong is Nintendo's most famous character. Donkey Kong first appeared in the 1981 game Donkey Kong, in which Donkey Kong was the villain, and Jumpman (now Mario) was the hero. It was a classic tale of a damsel in distress, and it's a key piece of Nintendo history. Fast forward to the Wii; Donkey Kong Country Returns is a platformer and possibly Wii's most challenging game.
5 The Binding of Isaac: Rebirth (Nintendo Switch)
Playing The Binding of Issac on hard mode, a mode incorporated in The Binding of Isaac: Rebirth, is no cakewalk. The enemies appear in greater numbers and require more effort to defeat. Also, you're far more likely to be cursed and drop eternal hearts. This hidden gem of the Nintendo Switch happens to be one of the platform's most difficult games. The Binding of Isaac: Rebirth is quaint, yet novice gamers need not play its hardest difficulty.
4 The Legend Of Zelda (NES)
If it weren't for strategy guides, this game would be almost impossible to beat. While Zelda II: The Adventure of Link requires more practice to beat combat sequences, the original The Legend of Zelda's confusing world makes progression puzzling.
The original The Legend of Zelda has many of the same gameplay elements as Breath of the Wild. You play as Link, and it involves rescuing Princess Zelda from the deviant Ganon. Navigating through dungeons is still perplexing, and you'll have to quicksave more times than in Breath of the Wild.
3 Zelda II: The Adventure Of Link (NES)
The original 8-bit Zelda games that released for the Nintendo Entertainment System are way harder than The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild. The 8-bit generation contained a different class of games. You'll have to save before every fight for the chance to progress slowly. After you've been the game once or twice, however, Zelda II: The Adventure Of Link is easier. This underappreciated game deserves recognition for laying Breath of the Wild's framework.
2 Battletoads (NES)
The Nintendo Entertainment System was meant to be a home family console, yet there are exceptions. We can name at least a dozen games not intended for children because of their hardcore difficulty.
Beat 'em up game Battletoads is Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles inspired. You play as a toad instead of a turtle, but both involve martial arts and are totally awesome. Battletoads has a two-player mode, which makes it even more difficult. Please, let's not mention the impossible turbo tunnel stage.
1 Super Ghouls 'N Ghosts (SNES)
Super Ghouls 'N Ghosts is pervasive for its punishing difficulty. It wouldn't be a stretch to call it the hardest Super Nintendo Entertainment System game ever made. When you die, you lose all your gear and weapons. You'll be caught in its traps and relentless enemies; this game was designed for you to fail.
To the game's credit, it does feature beautiful pixel art. The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild is gorgeous on a different level, but it was released decades later.
Ikaruga (Nintendo Switch)
This game has gained notoriety for being the most difficult game on the Nintendo Switch. It was initially released in Japan arcades in 2001. Contrary to expectations, Ikaruga does not make you want a refund. It's like Dark Souls because you expect excruciatingly difficult gameplay. One could beat this game in a couple of hours, but it'll probably take you much longer. Oh, and it's way more difficult than Breath of the Wild.