Mario Kart: S-Tier? Ranking Nintendo's Top Series

As the Nintendo Switch 2 approaches, it’s the perfect moment to reflect on some of the most iconic titles from one of gaming’s most legendary publishers. Nintendo has delivered countless unforgettable experiences over the decades, shaping the industry with groundbreaking franchises that continue to resonate with players around the world.

In this piece, I’ve narrowed down 18 of Nintendo’s most recognizable series for evaluation. While the list could easily expand into the hundreds, I’ve kept things focused and digestible—because nobody wants to be reading this all day, right? From timeless classics like Super Mario and The Legend of Zelda to beloved icons such as Kirby and beyond, we all have our favorites—and a few we never quite connected with.

To help organize my thoughts, I used one of our IGN Tier Lists as a framework, ranking each series based purely on my personal enjoyment over the years. You can view the full tier breakdown here:

Simon Cardy's Nintendo Series Tier List

It probably comes as no surprise that both Super Mario and The Legend of Zelda land firmly in the S-tier category. These two franchises are not only among the most influential in video game history but also consistently deliver fun, innovative, and memorable gameplay experiences across generations.

On the flip side, you might raise an eyebrow at Super Smash Bros. landing in my C-tier. Before the comments section fills up with virtual rage, let me clarify: it’s not that I dislike the game—it’s just never been my cup of tea. Fighting games in general have never drawn me in, and while many grew up enjoying Smash Bros. with friends, I was more into other multiplayer experiences like TimeSplitters, Guitar Hero, or even Call of Duty. Simply put, I’ve never formed the same emotional connection to Smash Bros. that so many others have. So yes, I’m sorry if this offends—I ask only for your understanding.

Think Pikmin deserves a higher spot than Pokémon? Don’t agree with my rankings? Why not create your own tier list using our tool and compare your S, A, B, C, and D tiers directly with the rest of the IGN community?

Nintendo Series Tier List

Nintendo Series Tier List

What’s your favorite Nintendo series that didn’t make this list? Share your thoughts in the comments and tell us why you ranked your chosen games the way you did. Let the discussion begin!