The NES revived gaming after the 1983 crash and laid Nintendo's foundations: Super Mario Bros., Zelda, Metroid, Mega Man. This Top 100 gathers the console's best 8-bit games, re-tested and re-ranked by RomWize. For each, its re-evaluated score, its versions, their rarity and their collector value — a prime hunting ground for collectors.
"The absolute pinnacle of 8-bit platforming. Eight thematic worlds, revolutionary costumes, infinite secrets. Nintendo at maximum creativity. The best NES game and one of the greatest games ever made."
"The absolute masterpiece of the series. Eight memorable Robot Masters, Takashi Tateishi's legendary soundtrack, perfectly balanced difficulty. One of the greatest video games ever created, on any platform."
"The game that changed everything. Mario in the Mushroom Kingdom, from warp zones to Bowser's castles. Revolutionary level design, immediate and universal fun. The most important video game ever made."
"The perfection of arcade co-op on NES. Bub and Bob blow bubbles, trap enemies, collect bonuses. Inexhaustible, charming, perfect for two. A monument."
"The sequel introduces the hero party and a broader quest. Already richer and more varied than the first. A great step forward that establishes the series formula. Still playable and enjoyable."
"One of the greatest NES games. Read boxers' patterns and counter-attack at the right moment: perfect mechanic. From Glass Joe to Mike Tyson, an epic progression. Timeless and absolutely essential."
"The combined Super Mario Bros. and Duck Hunt cartridge on NES, the iconic launch bundle. The two foundational NES games in one. An invaluable historical document of video game history."
"The second FF on Famicom, radically different from the first: usage-based skill system, named characters. Controversial but fascinating in its experimental boldness."
"The NES triple pack with Super Mario Bros., Duck Hunt and World Class Track Meet. Three classics in one cartridge. Historical document of the Power Pad accessory and NES bundles."
"A revolutionary action-platformer where jumping is impossible. The grappling hook is everything. Brilliant mechanic, inspired level design. One of the most inventive NES games, still perfectly playable."
"The Japanese version of Castlevania III, superior to the western release in many respects. Legendary soundtrack, multiple paths, multiple characters. An absolute masterpiece."
"A monument. Contra redefines the 8-bit run'n'gun with frantic arcade action, a legendary Konami code, and two-player co-op that remains among the best in video game history."
"HAL Laboratory's Japanese precursor to Adventures of Lolo. Impeccable logic puzzles in labyrinths. Even more demanding than its western versions. For pure puzzle purists."
"One of the foundational games in all of video gaming. Samus Aran in armor in a labyrinthine alien world to explore freely. Unique solitary and oppressive atmosphere. Revolutionary, timeless, absolutely essential."
"Mega Man 3 introduces Rush the dog and boss revival levels. Slightly below 2 but still exceptional. Remarkable soundtrack, challenge maintained. The saga at the top of its game."
"The conversion of Konami's TMNT arcade on NES, European version. Co-op beat'em up with the four turtles. Less than the arcade but genuinely fun. One of the best licensed games on the console."
"The European version of Contra with robots replacing human soldiers. Same excellence as the original: explosive co-op, frantic action, punishing difficulty. Just as essential."
"Punch-Out!! with Mr. Dream replacing Mike Tyson. Identical gameplay, still just as perfect: read boxers' patterns and counter-attack. The reference version after the Tyson license withdrawal."
"The original Legend of Zelda on NES. Open world to explore by hand, secrets to discover everywhere. Link, the Triforce, Hyrule: a foundational mythology. Eternal, essential, revolutionary."
"The original Japanese version of Ninja Gaiden on Famicom. Same excellence as the western version. Revolutionary cutscenes, intense action, dark atmosphere. The unedited original."
