Thanks to the invention of the almighty Nintendo Switch, players around the world can have the joy of keeping an entire arcade in their pocket. With Virtual Console ports, remasters, and simple re-releases, a nostalgic journey to the arcade can be as easy as a click on the eShop icon.
There are dozens upon dozens of games that can be considered arcade classics, and it can be easy to get overwhelmed by the sheer quantity of games the system has to offer. Fortunately, variety is the spice of life and Nintendo has been more than gracious with its selection. From shooters to platformers, there’s something for everyone to enjoy.
10 Contra
Contra is one of the most difficult games ever invented, but it’s also one of the games that devoured the most quarters back in the days of the arcade. This bullet-hell action platformer is currently available through the Arcade Archives collection, as well as in its own anniversary compilation to purchase at the player’s leisure.
Both iterations of the game play exactly as they did way back when, and even work with the Konami Code. There’s been no better time to run and gun again.
9 Burger Time
Burger Time is an arcade classic that doesn’t get nearly the attention it deserves. It’s one of those games that just sucks the players in on an infinite loop of addicting gameplay. That’s quite an accomplishment for a game that has you build giant sandwiches with ladders and salt.
Like so many on this list, it’s a piece of ’80s Nostalgia that can be re-experienced from the comfort of your home and, thanks to portable mode, Burger Time can be played as takeout as well.
8 Double Dragon
Speaking of ’80s Nostalgia, where would arcade beat-em-ups be without Double Dragon? If the NES edition isn’t your cup of tea, a port of the original arcade version is currently available to sink some serious playtime into.
Simple yet effective, this game features two brawling brothers sweeping the streets clean with their fists of fury as they rain blows upon various 16-bit baddies. If that’s not enough, there’s also a neon-soaked remake just itching for a little action.
7 Rygar
This action platformer really didn’t get enough attention back in the day but like the previous entry, both the NES version and arcade version of Rygar are ripped, roaring, and ready to play.
He might not be Conan, but Rygar definitely offers a healthy challenge with his shield-throwing adventure. This game isn’t just hard, it’s Nintendo-hard. So proceed with caution unless truly ready to test your platforming perfection.
6 Big Buck Hunter
Is there really an arcade or a movie theater that doesn’t have some iteration of Big Buck Hunter? Regardless of your skill, it’s hard not to be familiar with the virtual deer and big orange light-guns.
Well, thanks to Nintendo, arcade addicts can bring the game home and on-the-go with the Switch’s port of the game. Yes, it is as blatantly cheesy and ridiculous as the arcade version. It doesn’t break down any barriers, but it’s still fun.
5 Frogger
Frogger is as synonymous with arcades as neon lights and garish carpet patterns. Like so many games on this list, the gameplay is uncomplicated yet so addicting that players continue to come back for more.
The objective is simple, move Frogger across the streets and avoid getting squashed, drowned, or eaten. That kind of basic premise is what keeps a lot of arcade titles in circulation. Once again, it’s a case of simple yet effective.
4 Golden Axe Series
No arcade is complete without beat-em-ups, but Golden Axe needs some special recognition. It has the stereotypical gameplay associated with the genre, but it also throws in incredibly powerful magic spells to wipe the screen clear of enemies.
Available through the Genesis Classic Collection, players pick their warrior of choice, then set out across a barbaric fantasy landscape to defeat the evil Death Adder. What better way to spend a few levels than by pursuing a perilous quest with one’s friends?
3 Streets of Rage Series
Along with Golden Axe, Streets of Rage is another arcade series that players can pick up easily through the same Genesis compilation. Although Final Fight would have been an easy choice, this series is arguably the better contender.
With the fourth entry recently introduced to the series, there’s no better time to play through the first three titles. Walk to the right and watch the bad guys drop at the power of your fighting prowess, and that’s all you need to know before picking up this easy-to-master action game.
2 Donkey Kong
Before the days of tournament fighters or kart racers, there was Kong. At one point, Donkey Kong was the absolute king of the arcade scene. There is no retro gamer or aficionado who is not familiar with the big ape and Mario/Jumpman’s plight to save Pauline from his hairy clutches.
Available through both Nintendo’s online service and as an eShop download, this classic title has never been more accessible to gamers everywhere. The only question is how high can you get?
1 Pac-Man
If there’s one video game absolutely everyone should play anytime they ever step into an arcade, it’s Pac-Man. Often imitated but never duplicated, the original maze running mania has been a pillar of the gaming industry since it first materialized in 1980.
The eShop has various flavors of Pac available, the original can be enjoyed through different editions of the Namco Museum titles, as well as a championship edition. Simply put, Pac-Man will forever be the face of the arcade world. Eat your heart out, Mario.
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