Nintendo Consoles Ranked: A Tier List

With the much-anticipated reveal of the Nintendo Switch 2, Nintendo has officially announced the next chapter in its storied history of video game hardware, spanning over four decades. While the initial impression might suggest a cautious approach, the excitement around what Nintendo has in store is palpable. If you're eager to learn more about the Switch 2, we've analyzed the trailer in depth here. But before we dive into the future, let's take a nostalgic journey through Nintendo's past.

Nintendo has launched eight home consoles (NES, Super NES, Nintendo 64, GameCube, Wii, Wii U, and the original Switch) and five handhelds (Game Boy, Game Boy Color, Game Boy Advance, DS, and 3DS) across the last five decades. But which one reigns supreme? I've crafted a personal tier list using IGN's ranking system, considering both the innovation of the hardware and the impact and quality of each console's game library. Here's my tier list:

The NES holds a special place in my heart as the first console I ever played. The memories of tackling Super Mario Bros., Mega Man 2, and the notoriously tough Hook platformer as a young child make it an easy choice for the S tier. The Switch, with its innovative hybrid design (despite issues like stick drift), and its stellar lineup of games including The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom and Super Mario Odyssey, also earns a spot in the top tier.

Disagree with my rankings? Do you believe the Virtual Boy outperforms the N64? Feel free to create your own tier list and see how your S, A, B, C, and D rankings compare with the IGN community.

Nintendo Consoles

Although we've only glimpsed two minutes of the Nintendo Switch 2 so far, it's intriguing to speculate where it might land on future tier lists. Share your thoughts in the comments below, and tell us how you've ranked Nintendo's consoles and why.

By reflecting on Nintendo's rich history and looking forward to the Switch 2, we continue to celebrate the innovation and joy that Nintendo brings to the gaming world.