Nintendo Consoles Ranked: A Tier List

With the much-anticipated reveal of the Nintendo Switch 2, Nintendo has officially announced the arrival of its latest console. Boasting over 40 years of experience in video game hardware, we're eager to see what innovations Nintendo has in store for us this time, even if initial impressions suggest a more conservative approach. If you're as excited as we are about this upcoming console, dive into all the details from the Switch 2 trailer [ttpp]. But before we get ahead of ourselves, let's take a nostalgic journey through Nintendo's storied past.

Over the past five decades, Nintendo has launched eight home consoles (NES, Super NES, Nintendo 64, GameCube, Wii, Wii U, and the Switch) and five handhelds (Game Boy, Game Boy Color, Game Boy Advance, DS, and 3DS). But which of these iconic systems reigns supreme? I've created a personal tier list, considering both the innovation of the hardware and the quality and legacy of each console's game library. Check out my rankings below:

The NES holds a special place in my heart as the first console I ever played, bringing back memories of classics like Super Mario Bros., Mega Man 2, and the challenging Hook platformer. It's no surprise that I've placed it in the S tier. The Switch, with its innovative hybrid design and standout titles like The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom and Super Mario Odyssey, also earns a spot in the top tier, despite issues like stick drift.

Do you disagree with my rankings? Perhaps you believe the Virtual Boy outshines the N64? Create your own tier list and compare your S, A, B, C, and D rankings with the IGN community.

Nintendo Consoles

Although we've only seen a brief glimpse of the Nintendo Switch 2 so far, where do you think it will ultimately rank among Nintendo's legendary consoles? Share your thoughts and reasons for your rankings in the comments below.