Here's a post I’ve been dwelling on for a while.
It’s such a difficult decision to make. Because of the number of titles I played as a kid, narrowing it down to just five is no easy task. It’s like when people ask me what my favorite song or band is—how do you even answer that?
So with this Top 5 list, I’m basing it purely on the games that created strong memories for me. This isn’t a ranked list—it’s just five titles that really meant something.
So… let’s get to it!
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DONKEY KONG COUNTRY (SNES)
Man, I discovered this game through my subscription to Nintendo Power magazine. I had no idea it was coming out, but when Nintendo Power sent me a VHS tape hyping it up, I knew I had to have it.
It became my birthday present—and what a gift it was. I was blown away by how much I loved it. From the graphics (which were mind-blowing for the time) to the soundtrack, everything just came together to make an unforgettable experience. My friend and I played the living hell out of it until our eyes couldn’t take it anymore.
Honestly, I think many of you reading this would agree: this is hands-down one of Nintendo’s best games ever.
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BLADES OF STEEL (NES)
Born and raised in Canada, hockey has always been the game up here. Back in the NES days, there were a few hockey options—Ice Hockey, Wayne Gretzky’s Hockey, and Blades of Steel.
For me, Blades of Steel was the clear winner. Everyone around me loved it too. The fighting mechanics were next-level for the time—it felt like a game within a game. I loved going toe-to-toe with friends in hockey fights because I got pretty damn good at it! Haha.
It was such a blast to play, and I’m currently looking to repurchase it. I’ll never forget the joy this game brought me. It’s a true classic.
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Where do I even begin?
This game was based on the arcade machine we all drooled over as kids. I was obsessed with it, so the idea of getting it on my home console felt like a dream. I remember my best friend got it super early from his mom, and I was straight-up jealous! I had to wait until Christmas, and I literally couldn’t sleep on Christmas Eve thinking about it.
This was one of two games I wanted more than anything as a kid—the other being NHL Hockey on the Sega Genesis.
Once I finally got Ninja Turtles, I was hooked for ages. It’s a no-brainer inclusion on my Top 5 list. These days, I actually own the Arcade1Up Ninja Turtles cabinet that includes both the original and Turtles in Time.
Like many other games I’ve lost through moves, I definitely need to get this one back in my collection.
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DOUBLE DRAGON II (NES)
This was a huge franchise when I was growing up, especially in arcades. I actually owned the first Double Dragon on the Sega Master System, and I was always drawn to the arcade cabinets.
Naturally, it made sense to keep playing it at home. Double Dragon II was one of those games I replayed countless times throughout my childhood, and it still brings back a wave of nostalgia every time I think of it.
This series is easily one of the best beat-‘em-up franchises ever made.
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MIKE TYSON’S PUNCH-OUT!! (NES)
Another arcade classic that made its way to both the NES and SNES. This game is insanely fun—and super addictive. Once you start, it’s hard to stop.
I used to ask myself: why is this game so addictive? For me, it’s because every opponent has a unique personality and fighting style. Once you figured out their weaknesses, and mastered the timing of your dodges and punches, you could progress further.
But the deeper you got, the harder it became. I did manage to reach Tyson back in the day, but I never beat him. Honestly, I’m not sure I ever will—but I’d love to give it another shot soon.
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So, there you have it—my Top 5 Nintendo games list.
Yes, I know I left out Mario 3, Super Mario World, Metroid, Ninja Gaiden… Ugh. The list could go on forever. That’s how hard it is to narrow it down to just five!
I’d love to hear your Top 5 in the comments—and let me know what games you think I missed.
By the way, I’ve included Amazon affiliate links for each game. If you choose to purchase through them, I may earn a small commission. That said, I’d also recommend checking with your local retro game shop to compare prices.
Alright, it’s been a slice—until next time… Game on!
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