Nintendo is responsible for creating some of the most beloved games of all time. From Super Mario Bros to The Legend of Zelda, the brand has been synonymous with classic gaming gold.
While the company has come a long way in terms of products, the good folks at Nintendo are still more than happy to let modern players enjoy a number of vintage titles, especially on the Switch. Classic arcade games have gotten HD ports, and there are even some modern titles designed to scratch that retro itch. With a little help from Metacritic, players can instantly decide which to choose first.
10 Hammer Watch (70)
Unfortunately, Gauntlet has yet to receive a port to the Nintendo Switch. However, Hammerwatch serves as an adequate substitute for those looking to delve into the deep, dark dungeons on the search for loot and glory. Although the graphics might be different, the gameplay is essentially the same. An isometric dungeon crawler through the dark corners of an ancient castle certainly rings a few bells, especially to those who have dwelt in the arcades.
9 Capcom Beat-Em-Up Bundle (78)
Speaking of titles that dwelt in the arcade, the Capcom Beat-Em-Up Bundle features a series of side-scrolling action classics that no fan of the genre should be without.
Such titles as Final Fight, King of Dragons, Knights of the Round, Captain Commando, and more fill out this compilation of some of Capcom’s best. Punching and clobbering an onslaught of various enemies might not seem too complicated, but it does make for addicting gameplay.
8 Mega Man X Legacy Collection (80)
Of course, one can’t talk about Capcom without mentioning the blue bomber himself, Mega Man. Although his original titles for the NES were released in their own collection, the Mega Man X Legacy Collection felt like it needed its turn in the spotlight. This collection features some of the most challenging action platformers on the SNES, and players can enjoy HD versions with this compilation. Mega Man’s X suit has never looked better.
7 Sega Genesis Collection (80)
If players are looking for more bang for their buck, the Sega Genesis Collection is highly recommended. Of course, the Sega Collection comes with the various Sonic titles, but it also includes a few unique entries in the console’s library such as Beyond Oasis, Comix Zone, and Vector Man.
With a multitude of games in a multitude of genres in this ’90s time capsule, fans of vintage games will have more than enough to keep them satisfied for a good while.
6 Castlevania Anniversary Collection (81)
While the second entry in the popular Castlevania series might be the family black sheep, the rest of the collection features some of the most challenging and solid entries into the Nintendo library. Playing host to not one, but eight entries in the Castlevania series, this collection has all the swashbuckling, whip-slinging, monster-mashing, vampire-killing fun the Belmont clan can offer. Here’s hoping for a volume 2 sometime in the near future.
5 Sonic Mania (86)
If there’s one thing all fans of the blue Hedgehog know, it’s that he plays much better in 2D. Sonic Mania is a game that proves that less is more.
Part throwback, part new entry, all classic Sonic, this game is ideal for anyone who grew up with a Sega system or simply enjoys the fast-paced gameplay of an original Sonic the Hedgehog title. Who said the guy needed a 3D upgrade to be fun?
4 The Messenger (86)
If Ninja Gaiden made a hybrid with Super Metroid, this game would be the beloved offspring of their union. The Messenger is what would happen if the world of the NES collided with that of the SNES, the result is a beautiful bit-styled Metroidvania with ninjas, demons, and challenging boss fights. As the titular Messenger, players embark on a mystical journey to defeat the Demon King and save both the 8-bit past and the 16-bit future.
3 Hyper Light Drifter (88)
It might share some similarities with The Legend of Zelda, but this cyberpunk acid trip is in a class all its own. The retro-inspired graphics might hook retro gamers in, but the deep world and action-packed gameplay will keep them invested.
If they’re looking for a magical story, join the club. Hyper Light Drifter’s Narrative is insanely and intentionally vague. There’s really no set story within the game, only what the player decides themselves. Still, that’s part of the fun.
2 Dragon Quest S (91)
For those looking for a classic, traditional, campy JRPG with all its bells and whistles, they can’t go wrong with Dragon Quest. The most recent entry in the franchise earns a spot on the list for two main reasons. First, it’s a return to form for the series rather than a new spinoff. Second, there’s a retro mode that allows players the option to play the entirety of the campaign in a 16-bit mode. There has never been a better time to get into the series.
1 Shovel Knight (91)
There are few games that take so much from titles of yesterday than Shovel Knight. This little indie darling has all the quirks and charm of an NES game but with a sense of humor befitting the modern era. The gameplay is sharp, the characters are more than lovable, the bits absolutely pop off the screen, and the overall result is a game that deserves to be called a classic. Players, steel thy shovel!
NEXT: 10 Longest Single Player Campaigns On The Nintendo Switch, Ranked By Length
