While the Nintendo Entertainment System (NES) boasts an extensive library of iconic games, some titles have stood the test of time and remain fan favorites to this day. Let’s dive into the top 10 selling NES games of all time, exploring each game’s significance, gameplay, and lasting impact on the gaming industry.
1. Super Mario Bros. (1985):
Units Sold: 40,240,000
Super Mario Bros. is not only the best-selling NES game of all time but also one of the most influential video games ever created. Developed by Nintendo’s legendary designer Shigeru Miyamoto, this side-scrolling platformer follows Mario on a quest to rescue Princess Toadstool from the clutches of the evil Bowser. With its tight controls, innovative level design, and memorable soundtrack, Super Mario Bros. revolutionized the gaming industry and laid the foundation for future platformers.
2. Duck Hunt (1984):
Units Sold: 28,310,000
Duck Hunt is a light gun shooter game bundled with the NES. Players use the NES Zapper peripheral to shoot ducks and clay pigeons as they fly across the screen. The game’s simple yet addictive gameplay, combined with its innovative use of the light gun technology, made it a must-have title for NES owners. Duck Hunt’s enduring popularity is a testament to its timeless appeal and status as a classic party game.
3. Super Mario Bros. 3 (1990):
Units Sold: 18,000,000
Super Mario Bros. 3 is often hailed as one of the greatest video games of all time and is the best-selling NES game behind its predecessor. In this sequel to the original Super Mario Bros., players guide Mario through eight distinct worlds, each filled with challenging levels, power-ups, and enemies. With its colorful graphics, diverse gameplay mechanics, and expansive world map, Super Mario Bros. 3 pushed the NES hardware to its limits and set a new standard for platforming excellence.
4. Tetris (1989):
Units Sold: 8,000,000
Originally developed by Alexey Pajitnov, Tetris became a cultural phenomenon upon its release on the NES. Players must arrange falling tetrominoes to form complete lines and clear the playfield. The game’s addictive gameplay, simple controls, and hypnotic music captivated audiences worldwide and helped popularize puzzle games in the mainstream. Tetris remains one of the best-selling and most ported video games of all time, solidifying its status as a timeless classic.
5. Super Mario Bros. 2 (1988):
Units Sold: 7,460,000
Super Mario Bros. 2 is a departure from its predecessor, featuring different gameplay mechanics, enemy types, and level design. Players can choose to play as Mario, Luigi, Toad, or Princess Peach, each with their own unique abilities. The game’s emphasis on vertical scrolling, puzzle-solving, and character selection set it apart from other platformers of its time. While initially released as a reskinned version of a different game in Japan, Super Mario Bros. 2 became a beloved classic in its own right and remains a fan favorite among NES enthusiasts.
6. The Legend of Zelda (1986):
Units Sold: 6,510,000
The Legend of Zelda introduced players to the fantasy world of Hyrule and the heroic journey of Link, the protagonist tasked with rescuing Princess Zelda and defeating the evil Ganon. Combining exploration, puzzle-solving, and action-adventure elements, this iconic title laid the groundwork for the action-adventure genre and set a new standard for open-world gaming. The Legend of Zelda’s non-linear gameplay, sprawling overworld, and memorable dungeons have left an indelible mark on the gaming landscape.
7. Dr. Mario (1990):
Units Sold: 4,850,000
Dr. Mario is a puzzle video game where players take on the role of Mario, who assumes the identity of a doctor tasked with eliminating viruses from a bottle using colored capsules. With its addictive gameplay and catchy music, Dr. Mario quickly became a fan favorite among NES enthusiasts. The game’s escalating difficulty levels and strategic puzzle-solving mechanics kept players engaged for hours on end. Dr. Mario’s unique blend of puzzle and action elements made it a standout title in the NES library and a beloved classic among retro gaming enthusiasts.
8. Zelda II: The Adventure of Link (1987):
Units Sold: 4,380,000
Zelda II: The Adventure of Link is an action-adventure game and the sequel to the original Legend of Zelda. In this installment, players control Link as he embarks on a quest to rescue Princess Zelda and save the kingdom of Hyrule from the clutches of the evil wizard Ganon. The game introduced side-scrolling gameplay and RPG elements, deviating from its predecessor’s top-down perspective. With its challenging dungeons, memorable boss battles, and expansive world to explore, Zelda II: The Adventure of Link offered a unique and immersive gaming experience. Despite its departure from the traditional Zelda formula, the game remains a beloved classic and an essential title in the NES library.
9. Excitebike (1985):
Units Sold: 4,160,000
Excitebike is a motocross racing game that puts players in the driver’s seat of a dirt bike as they navigate obstacle-filled tracks and compete against the clock. With its intuitive controls, customizable tracks, and thrilling gameplay, Excitebike became an instant hit among NES enthusiasts. The game’s innovative Track Editor feature allowed players to design their own custom tracks, adding depth and replay value to the experience. Excitebike remains a beloved classic and a standout title in the NES library.
10. Golf (1984):
Units Sold: 4,010,000
Golf is a sports simulation game developed by Nintendo for the NES. As one of the earliest sports games released for the console, Golf offered players a simple yet engaging golfing experience. Players could choose between various game modes, including stroke play and tournament play, and compete across multiple courses with varying levels of difficulty. With its intuitive controls and realistic gameplay mechanics, Golf provided players with hours of entertainment as they aimed for the perfect swing and navigated the challenging terrain of each course. Despite its minimalistic graphics, Golf remains a timeless classic and a must-have title for NES enthusiasts.
*Source from https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_best-selling_Nintendo_Entertainment_System_video_games