Nintendo – Iconic Games Timeline
Explore the history of Nintendo exclusively through its most legendary games that shaped gaming culture worldwide.
1983–1989 – NES Classics
Nintendo’s NES era introduced the world to enduring classics that defined home gaming.
Super Mario Bros. (1985)
The game that defined platformers and Mario as a global icon.
The Legend of Zelda (1986)
Epic adventure and exploration in Hyrule, launching a legendary franchise.
Metroid (1986)
Introduced atmospheric exploration and the iconic Samus Aran.
Duck Hunt (1984)
Early light gun classic with Nintendo’s NES Zapper.
Excitebike (1984)
Innovative racing and track creation on the NES.
Kid Icarus (1986)
Platforming adventure with mythological themes.
1990–1996 – SNES & Game Boy
Nintendo’s SNES and Game Boy era delivered 16-bit classics and the portable Pokémon phenomenon.
Super Mario World (1990)
Yoshi debuts in this beloved 2D platformer for SNES.
The Legend of Zelda: A Link to the Past (1991)
Expanded Zelda lore with deep dungeons and puzzles.
Donkey Kong Country (1994)
Revolutionary graphics and classic platforming action.
Kirby’s Dream Land (1992)
Introduced Kirby on the Game Boy with unique mechanics.
Pokémon Red & Blue (1996)
Start of the Pokémon RPG phenomenon on Game Boy.
Super Mario Kart (1992)
Launched the iconic kart racing series on SNES.
1997–2002 – Nintendo 64 & Game Boy Color
3D gameplay and portable color graphics defined Nintendo’s next wave of iconic games.
Super Mario 64 (1996)
Redefined 3D platforming with open-world levels.
The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time (1998)
Legendary 3D Zelda adventure praised worldwide.
GoldenEye 007 (1997)
Iconic first-person shooter for N64 with multiplayer.
Pokémon Gold & Silver (1999)
Expanded Pokémon with new creatures and regions.
Mario Kart 64 (1996)
3D kart racing and multiplayer fun on N64.
Donkey Kong 64 (1999)
3D platforming adventure with multiplayer options.
2003–2006 – GameCube & Game Boy Advance
Nintendo refined gameplay and storytelling with GameCube and portable GBA classics.
Super Smash Bros. Melee (2001)
Iconic fighting game with Nintendo’s roster of characters.
The Legend of Zelda: The Wind Waker (2002)
Stylized graphics and oceanic exploration on GameCube.
Metroid Prime (2002)
First-person 3D Metroid adventure on GameCube.
Pokémon Ruby & Sapphire (2002)
Introduces new Pokémon generations on GBA.
Mario Kart: Double Dash!! (2003)
Innovative kart racing with two-character karts.
Advance Wars (2001)
Strategy classic on Game Boy Advance.
2007–2012 – Wii & DS
Motion controls and dual-screen gameplay brought Nintendo to new audiences.
Wii Sports (2006)
Global phenomenon showcasing motion controls.
Super Mario Galaxy (2007)
Innovative gravity-based 3D platforming on Wii.
The Legend of Zelda: Twilight Princess (2006)
Epic adventure blending classic Zelda with motion control.
New Super Mario Bros. (2006)
Revival of 2D Mario for DS and Wii.
Pokémon Diamond & Pearl (2006)
DS titles expanding the Pokémon universe.
Brain Age (2005)
Popularized casual gaming on DS worldwide.
2013–Present – 3DS & Switch
Nintendo blends portable and home experiences with blockbuster franchises and new IPs.
Animal Crossing: New Leaf (2013)
Charming life simulation on 3DS.
Super Mario 3D World (2013)
Creative 3D platforming on Wii U.
The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild (2017)
Revolutionary open-world adventure on Switch.
Super Mario Odyssey (2017)
3D platforming masterpiece for the Switch.
Pokémon Sword & Shield (2019)
Modern Pokémon series with online features.
Animal Crossing: New Horizons (2020)
Phenomenal life-sim success during global lockdowns.