Nintendo Console Rankings Revealed

With the exciting reveal of the Nintendo Switch 2, Nintendo has officially confirmed the arrival of its latest console. With over four decades of experience in video game hardware, we are eager to discover what Nintendo has in store, even though initial impressions suggest a more conservative approach. If you're eagerly anticipating this new console, we've analyzed all the details from the Switch 2 trailer here. But first, let's take a nostalgic journey through Nintendo's storied history.

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) over the past five decades. But which one stands out as the best? I've created a personal ranking using an IGN Tier List, considering both the innovation of the hardware and the quality and impact of each console's game library. Check out my tier list below:

Simon Cardy's Nintendo Console Tier ListThe NES holds a special place in my heart as the first console I ever played. My fond memories include playing classics like the original Super Mario Bros., Mega Man 2, and the challenging Hook platformer at the tender age of five. This nostalgia, combined with its groundbreaking impact on gaming, earns it a spot in the S tier. Similarly, the Switch's ingenious hybrid design (despite the issue of stick drift) and its exceptional game library, including masterpieces like The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom and Super Mario Odyssey, secure its position in the top tier alongside the NES.

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

Nintendo Consoles

Although we've only seen a brief two-minute glimpse of it, where do you think the Nintendo Switch 2 will ultimately rank among its predecessors? Share your thoughts and reasoning in the comments below, and let us know how you've ranked the consoles in your own list.