Nintendo Console Rankings Revealed

With the much-anticipated reveal of the Nintendo Switch 2, Nintendo has confirmed the arrival of its latest console. Boasting over four decades of video game hardware innovation, we're eager to see what Nintendo has in store, though initial impressions suggest a safer approach this time. If you're eagerly awaiting this next-generation console, we've analyzed the Switch 2 trailer in detail here. But for now, let's take a nostalgic journey through Nintendo's history.

Over the past five decades, Nintendo has launched eight home consoles, including the NES, Super NES, Nintendo 64, GameCube, Wii, Wii U, and the original Switch, along with five handhelds: the Game Boy, Game Boy Color, Game Boy Advance, DS, and 3DS. But which stands out as the best? I've ranked them using an IGN Tier List, considering both the innovation of the hardware and the quality and legacy of their game libraries. Here's my personal tier list:

Simon Cardy's Nintendo Console Tier ListThe NES holds a special place in my heart as my first console, with fond memories of playing classics like Super Mario Bros., Mega Man 2, and the challenging Hook platformer at the age of five. This nostalgia places it firmly in the S tier. Meanwhile, the Switch's innovative hybrid design, despite issues like stick drift, along with stellar games such as The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom and Super Mario Odyssey, earns it a spot alongside the NES in the top tier.

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 tiers with the broader IGN community.

Nintendo Consoles

Although we've only seen two minutes of footage so far, where do you think the Nintendo Switch 2 will rank once it's fully released? Share your predictions and reasoning in the comments, and let us know how you've ranked the other Nintendo consoles.