NES Games That Still Hold Up Today (Ranked)
The Nintendo Entertainment System is nearly 40 years old, yet many of its best games remain shockingly playable today. While some NES titles feel dated due to stiff controls or punishing difficulty, others still deliver tight gameplay, smart design, and timeless fun.
These are the NES games that truly hold up today, ranked based on:
Controls & responsiveness
Game design & pacing
Replayability
How enjoyable they are for modern players
**Release dates are for North America
1. Super Mario Bros. 3 (1990 )
Why it holds up:
Super Mario Bros. 3 still feels modern. The controls are near-perfect, level design is creative, and the world map system adds strategy without slowing the game down.
Tight, responsive platforming
Power-ups that meaningfully change gameplay
Excellent difficulty curve
Still better than many modern platformers.
2. The Legend of Zelda (1987)
Why it holds up:
Open-ended exploration, non-linear progression, and minimal hand-holding make this game feel surprisingly contemporary.
Encourages discovery and experimentation
Simple mechanics with deep impact
Still rewarding to beat without guides
Its influence on modern open-world games cannot be overstated.
3. Mega Man 2 (1989)
Why it holds up:
Mega Man 2 perfected the formula: memorable bosses, iconic music, and precise platforming.
Fair but challenging difficulty
Weapons that encourage experimentation
Short stages that respect your time
Still the gold standard for action-platformers.
4. Super Mario Bros. (1985)
Why it holds up:
This game defined 2D platforming—and it still feels great to play.
Instant responsiveness
Clean visual language
Perfect introduction to game mechanics
It’s a masterclass in game design simplicity.
5. Kirby’s Adventure (1993)
Why it holds up:
One of the most technically impressive NES games ever made.
Bright visuals that rival early SNES titles
Copy abilities add depth and replayability
Beginner-friendly without being boring
A late-era NES game that feels years ahead of its time.
6. Metroid (1987)
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Why it holds up (with caveats):
While it lacks a map and clear direction, Metroid’s atmosphere and exploration still resonate.
Strong sense of isolation
Rewarding progression system
Blueprint for an entire genre
Best enjoyed with patience—or a modern map reference.
7. Mike Tyson's Punch-Out!! (1987)
Why it holds up:
Punch-Out!! remains one of the most readable, skill-based games ever made.
Pattern recognition over reflex mashing
Unique, memorable opponents
Still fun in short sessions
It feels more like a puzzle game than a boxing game.
8. Contra (1988)
Why it holds up:
Fast, chaotic, and endlessly replayable—especially with two players.
Iconic run-and-gun gameplay
Cooperative design still feels great
Tight controls despite high difficulty
One of the best couch co-op experiences on the NES.
9. Castlevania III: Dracula’s Curse (1990)
Why it holds up:
Deeper mechanics and branching paths elevate this above earlier entries.
Multiple playable characters
Atmospheric music and visuals
Challenging but rewarding
A must-play for fans of classic action games.
10. DuckTales (1989)
Why it holds up:
Short, sweet, and incredibly polished.
Excellent level design
Memorable soundtrack
Fun pogo mechanic that still feels unique
One of the best licensed games ever made.
11. Excitebike (1985)
Why it holds up:
Simple, addictive, and endlessly replayable.
Track creation adds longevity
Still fun in quick bursts
Easy to pick up, hard to master
Perfect for casual retro sessions.
12. Tetris (NES Version) (1989)
Why it holds up:
Tetris is timeless, and the NES version is still iconic.
Simple mechanics
Endless replayability
Competitive two-player mode
Still one of the most addictive games ever created.
13. Rygar (1987)
Why it holds up:
Rygar blends action-platforming with light RPG mechanics, making it feel surprisingly modern for an NES title.
Non-linear level progression
Upgrade-based combat system
Strong sense of atmosphere
While cryptic at times, Rygar rewards exploration and patience—qualities that modern players still appreciate.
14. Ninja Gaiden (1988)
Why it holds up (for hardcore players):
The difficulty is brutal, but the mechanics are excellent.
Smooth animation
Fast-paced combat
Cinematic storytelling for its era
Still satisfying—if you’re willing to suffer.
15. Tecmo Super Bowl (1991)
Why it holds up:
Shockingly deep sports gameplay for its time.
Real NFL teams and players
Strategic depth
Still played competitively today
One of the few retro sports games that truly aged well.
Why These NES Games Still Matter Today
What separates these games from the rest of the NES library is design clarity. They rely on:
Responsive controls
Clear visual feedback
Skill-based progression
They don’t require nostalgia to enjoy—just a controller.
While many NES games feel dated, the best NES games still hold up because great design is timeless. These titles remain fun, challenging, and rewarding even for modern gamers.
If you’ve never played them—or haven’t touched them in decades—they’re still worth your time.
The NES Page is a fan-based organization for retro & modern gaming enthusiasts, collectors, and nostalgia seekers. We work within the gaming community to increase awareness and overall fandom for those who grew up in the 80’s, and 90’s, or are fans of the classic gaming era. We aim to promote the retro & modern gaming community and its contributors.
