Every Nintendo Console Tier List

With the exciting announcement of the Nintendo Switch 2, fans around the world are buzzing with anticipation about Nintendo's latest venture into the console market. After more than four decades of pioneering video game hardware, Nintendo's latest offering seems to be taking a more conservative approach, at least based on initial impressions. If you're eager to dive into the details of the Switch 2 trailer, we've got you covered. But before we look ahead, let's take a nostalgic journey through Nintendo's storied history.

Over the past five decades, Nintendo has launched eight home consoles (NES, Super NES, Nintendo 64, GameCube, Wii, Wii U, and the Switch) and five handhelds (Game Boy, Game Boy Color, Game Boy Advance, DS, and 3DS). But which of these iconic systems reigns supreme? I've taken a stab at ranking them using an IGN Tier List, considering both the innovation of the hardware and the enduring quality and legacy of their game libraries. Here's my personal tier list:

Simon Cardy's Nintendo Console Tier List

The NES holds a special place in my heart as the first console I ever played. The memories of tackling Super Mario Bros., Mega Man 2, and the challenging Hook platformer as a five-year-old are indelible, which is why it earns an S-tier ranking. Similarly, the Switch's innovative hybrid design, despite issues like stick drift, along with its stellar game lineup including The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom and Super Mario Odyssey, secures its spot in the top tier.

Disagree with my rankings? Perhaps you believe the Virtual Boy outshines the N64? Feel free to create your own tier list and compare your S, A, B, C, and D rankings with the IGN community.

Nintendo Consoles

Although we've only glimpsed two minutes of the Nintendo Switch 2 so far, where do you think it will ultimately rank among Nintendo's legendary consoles? Share your thoughts and rankings in the comments below, and let us know why you've placed each console where you did.