Nintendo Consoles Ranked: A Tier List

With the exciting reveal of the Nintendo Switch 2, Nintendo has finally confirmed the arrival of its latest console. Boasting over 40 years of video game hardware expertise, we're eager to see what innovations Nintendo has in store, even if initial impressions suggest a more conservative approach. If you're eagerly anticipating this upcoming console, we've thoroughly analyzed all the details from the Switch 2 trailer here. However, let's first take a nostalgic journey through Nintendo's storied history.

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 stands out as the best? I've crafted a personal ranking using an IGN Tier List, considering both the innovative aspects of the hardware and the quality and enduring legacy of each console's game library. Here's a peek at my tier list:

The NES holds a special place in my heart as my first console, with cherished memories of playing classics like Super Mario Bros., Mega Man 2, and the challenging Hook platformer at the tender age of five. Its impact lands it firmly in the S tier. Similarly, the Switch's ingenious hybrid design (despite the occasional stick drift) and its stellar lineup, including masterpieces like The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom and Super Mario Odyssey, secures its spot alongside the NES at the top.

Do you disagree with my rankings? Perhaps you believe the Virtual Boy surpasses the N64? Feel free to create your own tier list below and compare your S, A, B, C, and D tiers with the entire IGN community.

Nintendo Consoles

Although we've only seen a brief two-minute glimpse of it so far, where do you think the Nintendo Switch 2 will rank once we've seen its full potential? Share your thoughts in the comments, and tell us why you've ranked the consoles the way you have.