Category Archives: Top 10

Nintendo has been at the forefront of the gaming industry for decades, crafting worlds and characters that have captured the imaginations of millions. But when it comes to sales, which franchises reign supreme? Let’s dive into the top 10 best-selling Nintendo franchises and uncover some lesser-known facts about these beloved series.

10. Brain Age (35.51 Million Copies Sold)

Who said video games couldn’t be educational? Brain Age was designed to stimulate players’ minds through puzzles and memory exercises. Its success demonstrated the broad appeal of the Nintendo DS and the power of games to engage older audiences.

Did You Know? The game’s concept was inspired by the work of Japanese neuroscientist Dr. Ryuta Kawashima, who believed daily mental exercises could keep the brain sharp. The in-game character of Dr. Kawashima is modeled after him.

9. Game & Watch (43.40 Million Copies Sold)

The Game & Watch series laid the groundwork for Nintendo’s handheld dominance. These simple, LCD-screen games were revolutionary in the early 1980s, paving the way for the Game Boy.

Did You Know? The designer of Game & Watch, Gunpei Yokoi, came up with the idea after seeing a bored businessman playing with a calculator on a train. This spark of inspiration led to one of Nintendo’s first major successes.

8. Kirby (50.76 Million Copies Sold)

This pink puffball has stolen the hearts of gamers worldwide. Known for his adorable design and ability to inhale enemies and copy their powers, Kirby has been a staple of Nintendo’s lineup since 1992.

Did You Know? Kirby’s original name was going to be “Popopo.” The name “Kirby” was chosen as a nod to John Kirby, a lawyer who successfully defended Nintendo in a lawsuit against Universal Studios over Donkey Kong.

7. Donkey Kong (65.00 Million Copies Sold)

Before Mario was Mario, he was Jumpman, dodging barrels thrown by the titular ape. The Donkey Kong franchise has evolved over the years, with platforming classics like Donkey Kong Country redefining what the Super Nintendo could do graphically.

Did You Know? Donkey Kong Country was one of the first games to use pre-rendered 3D graphics, a technique that gave the SNES game visuals rivalling early 3D consoles like the PlayStation.

6. Super Smash Bros. (73.74 Million Copies Sold)

Nintendo’s all-star brawler brings together characters from across its franchises, letting fans settle long-debated rivalries. With 73 million copies sold, Super Smash Bros. has become a staple of competitive gaming and casual couch battles alike.

Did You Know? Masahiro Sakurai, the creator of Super Smash Bros., originally envisioned the game as a generic fighter called Dragon King: The Fighting Game. The addition of Nintendo characters was a late-stage decision that changed everything.

5. Animal Crossing (78.98 Million Copies Sold)

Life simulation has never been so charming. Animal Crossing lets players escape to idyllic villages, build relationships with quirky anthropomorphic animals, and live a peaceful digital life. The pandemic-era release of New Horizons catapulted the franchise to new heights.

Did You Know? The original Animal Crossing on the Nintendo 64 was designed to be played in real-time, meaning the in-game time synced with the real-world clock. This was groundbreaking in 2001 and set the tone for the series’ relaxed pace.

4. The Legend of Zelda (163.34 Million Copies Sold)

The adventures of Link and Zelda have captivated players since 1986. With rich storytelling, iconic music, and groundbreaking gameplay, this franchise has sold over 163 million copies. Titles like Breath of the Wild have redefined open-world gaming.

Did You Know? The original Legend of Zelda allowed players to tackle dungeons in any order, an unprecedented feature at the time. This non-linear approach inspired countless open-world games that followed.

3. Wii Series (215.44 Million Copies Sold)

The Wii Series includes legendary titles like Wii Sports, Wii Fit, and Wii Party. These games broke barriers, introducing gaming to people of all ages and fitness levels. Wii Sports alone became a cultural sensation, often bundled with the Wii console.

Did You Know? Wii Sports was used in rehabilitation programs for seniors and patients recovering from physical injuries. The motion controls proved to be a fun and effective way to encourage activity and improve mobility.

2. Pokémon (480.00 Million Copies Sold)

The world of Pokémon has become a global phenomenon since the release of Pokémon Red and Green in 1996. With over 480 million games sold, this franchise has expanded beyond gaming to include trading cards, anime, movies, and merchandise galore.

Did You Know? The iconic sound of Pikachu’s “Pika Pika” almost didn’t happen. The original Pokémon cries were computer-generated noises, but Pikachu’s voice actor, Ikue Ōtani, added such charm to the character that her voice became a staple for the franchise.

1. Mario (826.38 Million Copies Sold)

It’s no surprise that Mario, Nintendo’s mascot, sits at the top of this list. From the iconic Super Mario series to spinoffs like Mario Kart, Mario Party, and Mario Sports, this franchise is a juggernaut in every genre it touches. With over 396.80 million copies sold in the core Super Mario series alone, Mario is synonymous with gaming.

Did You Know? The original name for Mario was “Jumpman,” and he debuted as a carpenter (not a plumber!) in Donkey Kong. His red cap was designed because animating hair was too complicated at the time, and his moustache helped differentiate his face.

So there you have it, no real surprises for me to see Mario at number 1, but some interesting names on the list. What was the biggest surprise for you?

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The Nintendo 64, a cornerstone of 1990s gaming, introduced players to immersive 3D worlds and unforgettable adventures. Its library boasts titles that have not only stood the test of time but also set benchmarks for game design. Drawing from Metacritic’s rankings, let’s delve into the top 10 N64 games, each accompanied by intriguing tidbits that highlight their unique places in gaming history.

The Nintendo 64, a cornerstone of 1990s gaming, introduced players to immersive 3D worlds and unforgettable adventures. Its library boasts titles that have not only stood the test of time but also set benchmarks for game design. Drawing from Metacritic’s rankings, let’s delve into the top 10 N64 games, each accompanied by intriguing tidbits that highlight their unique places in gaming history.

1. The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time

Metacritic Score: 99

Embarking on a quest as Link to thwart Ganondorf’s sinister plans, players traverse time and the expansive land of Hyrule. This masterpiece is lauded for its pioneering 3D gameplay and the introduction of the Z-targeting system, which revolutionised combat mechanics in action-adventure games.

Interesting Fact: “Ocarina of Time” was the first game to receive a perfect score from multiple gaming publications upon its release, cementing its status as a timeless classic.

2. Perfect Dark

Metacritic Score: 97

As Joanna Dark, players navigate a web of corporate espionage and alien conspiracies. Building upon the mechanics of “GoldenEye 007,” “Perfect Dark” introduced a robust multiplayer mode and a range of futuristic weaponry.

Interesting Fact: The game features an AI bot named “Simulant” in multiplayer mode, which could be customised with different difficulty levels and personalities, a groundbreaking feature at the time.

3. GoldenEye 007

Metacritic Score: 96

Step into the shoes of James Bond in this first-person shooter that combines stealth, strategy, and action. Its multiplayer deathmatch mode became a staple of social gaming, influencing countless shooters that followed.

Interesting Fact: Developed by a relatively inexperienced team at Rare, many of whom were working on their first video game, “GoldenEye 007” exceeded expectations and became a landmark title in the FPS genre. The legendary multiplayer element was not originally planned and was added as a last-minute feature.

4. The Legend of Zelda: Majora’s Mask

Metacritic Score: 95

Diverging from traditional Zelda narratives, this game immerses players in a three-day cycle to prevent the moon from crashing into Termina. Its darker themes and time-based mechanics offer a unique and challenging experience.

Interesting Fact: “Majora’s Mask” was developed in just over a year, a remarkably short development cycle, using the same game engine as “Ocarina of Time” to expedite the process.

5. Super Mario 64

Metacritic Score: 94

Mario’s leap into 3D platforming set new standards for the genre. With 15 open-world courses, players collect Power Stars to rescue Princess Peach from Bowser’s clutches.

Interesting Fact: “Super Mario 64” was one of the first games to feature a dynamic camera system controlled by the player, a significant innovation in 3D game design.

6. Banjo-Kazooie

Metacritic Score: 92

This charming platformer follows the duo Banjo and Kazooie on a quest to rescue Banjo’s sister, Tooty, from the witch Gruntilda. Its vibrant worlds and witty dialogue have endeared it to players for decades.

Interesting Fact: The game’s success led to a sequel, “Banjo-Tooie,” and the characters have made appearances in various other games, including “Super Smash Bros. Ultimate.”

7. Star Fox 64

Metacritic Score: 88

Commanding the Arwing spacecraft, players join Fox McCloud and his team to thwart the evil Andross. The game’s branching paths and voice-acted dialogue added depth to the on-rails shooting experience.

Interesting Fact: “Star Fox 64” was the first N64 game to utilise the Rumble Pak accessory, providing players with haptic feedback during gameplay.

8. Paper Mario

Metacritic Score: 88

With its distinctive paper-cutout art style, this RPG sees Mario embarking on a quest to rescue Princess Peach and the Star Rod from Bowser. The game’s humour and turn-based combat offer a delightful twist on the Mario franchise.

Interesting Fact: “Paper Mario” was initially conceived as a sequel to “Super Mario RPG” but evolved into its own unique series, blending traditional RPG elements with platforming.

9. Super Smash Bros.

Metacritic Score: 88

Nintendo’s iconic characters clash in this crossover fighting game. With a simple control scheme and chaotic multiplayer battles, it laid the foundation for one of Nintendo’s most successful franchises.

Interesting Fact: The original roster of eight characters is arranged in the order of their creation, starting with Mario and ending with Pikachu. 

10. Donkey Kong 64

Metacritic Score: 90

This expansive 3D platformer features Donkey Kong and his crew on a mission to stop King K. Rool. Known for its vast worlds and numerous collectables, it offers hours of gameplay.

Interesting Fact: Donkey Kong 64 has the world record for the most in-game collectables of any game today with a total of 3821.

These titles not only defined the Nintendo 64 era but also left an indelible mark on the gaming industry. If you are a collector of Nintendo 64 games and want to give them the best protection, get them a RetroShell premium case, to keep your treasures well protected.

How do you feel about these rankings? Is there something missing? Let us know in the comments below.