Nintendo's songs capture a range of emotions. It's evident from looking at games of the past that a quality soundtrack adds to their appeal. What does it say that The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild 2 hasn't released, yet we are anticipating an acclaimed soundtrack?
Nintendo is recognized for its hit soundtracks, and there have been quite a few over the years. These soundtracks have hardly aged despite some having released over twenty years ago. For the sake of giving them recognition, here are the ten best Nintendo soundtracks of all time. Enjoy!
10 Xenoblade Chronicles
Xenoblade Chronicles players can attest to the listenability of the game's soundtrack. It was created by composers Yoko Shimomura, ACE+, Manami Kiyota, and Yasunori Mitsuda. Xenoblade Chronicles has a beefy soundtrack containing almost one-hundred songs that run for a total of 298 minutes!
Longer than your average Nintendo soundtrack, but it's one of the reasons we love the semi-turn-based role-playing game in the first place. This soundtrack is one you can easily jam to while you're gaming or surfing the internet.
9 Kirby Super Star
Now that Kirby Super Star is a part of Nintendo Switch Online, there is little preventing Nintendo fanboys (or fangirls) from hopping into the action. This groundbreaking game initially released for the Super Nintendo Entertainment System (SNES).
Kirby Super Star's soundtrack stands out as one of the greatest of all time. The song "Gourmet Race" was used in later Nintendo releases such as Super Smash Bros. Ultimate. The soundtrack stands out for several hits, and it's one to check out!
8 Super Mario Galaxy 2
Although perhaps not as memorable as the first Super Mario Galaxy's soundtrack, Super Mario Galaxy 2 does have many hits worth a listen.
One of the most memorable songs on Super Mario Galaxy 2's soundtrack is "Throwback Galaxy." It's essentially a remix of a Super Mario 64 song that played on the Whomp's Fortress course. "Bowser's Lava Lair," "Something Special," and "Sky Station Galaxy" are also extraordinary.
7 Super Mario 64
Like most of the main series Super Mario games, Super Mario 64 has a stellar soundtrack to go along with phenomenal gameplay. The soundtrack is above average from an unbiased objective standpoint, but its appeal is limitless from a nostalgic point of view.
The "Staff Roll" song, which plays after completing Super Mario 64, could be the best credits song in the history of gaming. Other notable songs from the Super Mario 64 soundtrack include "File Select," "Ultimate Koopa," and "Dire, Dire Docks."
6 The Legend Of Zelda: Breath Of The Wild
The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild is possibly the most highly acclaimed game on the Nintendo Switch. The adventure puts you on a meandering path that is both inspiring and humbling. BOTW contains a variety of songs that range from intense to relaxing.
The game's relaxing songs are perfect accompaniments for studying or exercising. The songs "Rito Village," "Dark Beast Ganon," "Hyrule Castle," "Main Theme," "Van Medoh," and "Vah Ruta" are masterpieces.
5 Donkey Kong Country: Tropical Freeze
Donkey Kong Country: Tropical Freeze is a Nintendo Switch instant-classic for its amiable characters, flawless gameplay, and ambient soundtrack. The journey through Donkey Kong Country: Tropical Freeze is like one wild musical ride from start to finish. The game even contains remixes of classic Donkey Kong Country songs.
You can't go wrong listening to songs like "Current Caspers," "Punch Bowl, "Twilight Terror," and "Seashore War." We wouldn't be surprised if you decided to mute another game's music and play this soundtrack instead.
4 Mario Kart 8
Nintendo knows what it takes to make hit games, which is why Mario Kart is still fun eight games later. Nintendo puts polish into gameplay, presentation, lasting appeal, and sound.
Each track has a memorable song in Mario Kart 8, even if some are considered better than others. A remarkable soundtrack equates to a wild musical trip throughout Mario Kart 8. We can't forget songs like "Rainbow Road," "Mount Wario," "N64 Rainbow Road," and "Bowser's Castle." The lengthy guitar solo in "Bowser's Castle" is hypnotic.
3 Donkey Kong Country 2: Diddy's Kong Quest
Over twenty years after the release of Donkey Kong Country 2: Diddy's Kong Quest, we still remember the game for its soundtrack. David Wise composed the game's soundtrack album. Its jungle and aquatic themes blend well with the game. It contains a variety of uptempo and relaxing songs that are ideal for gaming.
Donkey Kong Country 2: Diddy's Kong Quest contains one of the best soundtracks of all time. Take time to listen to "Forest Interlude" and "Stickerbrush Symphony." They might be your new favorites.
2 The Legend Of Zelda: Ocarina Of Time
The gaming tunes of The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time add to its unique atmosphere with appropriate pacing. Now keep in mind, The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time released during an era when three-dimensional graphics were unheard of.
As a game that revolves around Link's ocarina instrument, a catchy soundtrack was necessary. We won't easily forget classic Ocarina of Time songs such as "Kokiri Forest," "Lost Woods," and "Gerudo Valley." To be candidly honest, they are all great.
1 Super Mario Galaxy
You may have noticed by now that Nintendo's flagship franchise, Super Mario, has appeared multiple times on this listicle. We double-checked and checked again; Super Mario Galaxy has the best Nintendo soundtrack of all time. Seeing Mario blast off into outer space for the first time was even more bewildering because of the game's soundtrack.
Take time to listen to "Stardust Road," "To the Gateway," and "Fight to the Death at Koopa's Fort." These songs are ideal for studying, gaming, exercising, or whatever occasion comes to mind.