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Nintendo Console Rankings: Every System Ranked

by Carter Nov 01,2025

Nintendo Console Rankings: Every System Ranked

Simon Cardy's Nintendo Console Tier List

The gaming world is buzzing as Nintendo officially unveils its Switch successor after years of speculation. With four decades of console innovation behind them, expectations run high - even if initial impressions suggest a more conservative approach this time. Before we dive into analyzing every detail from the Switch 2 reveal trailer, let's appreciate Nintendo's incredible hardware legacy.

Over the past fifty years, Nintendo has launched eight home consoles - from the iconic NES to today's hybrid Switch - plus five revolutionary handheld systems. But which stand tallest in gaming history? I've compiled my personal ranking factoring both hardware innovation and game library quality.

The NES holds special nostalgia as my first console - I've got vivid childhood memories struggling through Super Mario Bros., mastering Mega Man 2, and wrestling with Hook's brutal platforming. Meanwhile, the Switch's brilliant hybrid design (drift issues notwithstanding) delivered modern masterpieces like Tears of the Kingdom and Odyssey, earning both systems top S-tier honors.

Want to challenge my rankings? Think GameCube deserves higher praise or Virtual Boy got unfairly maligned? Create your own tier list below and compare your picks with the IGN community. Where do you predict Switch 2 will ultimately land in Nintendo's pantheon? Share your thoughts and reasoning in the comments!