Every Nintendo Console Tier List

With the exciting reveal of the Nintendo Switch 2, Nintendo has officially announced the arrival of its latest console. Boasting over 40 years of pioneering video game hardware, we are eager to see what innovations Nintendo brings to the table, although initial impressions suggest a more conservative approach. If you're eagerly anticipating this upcoming console, we've analyzed every detail from the Switch 2 trailer right here. But before diving into the future, let's take a nostalgic journey back through Nintendo's storied past.

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

The NES holds a special place in my heart as my first console, evoking memories of playing classics like Super Mario Bros., Mega Man 2, and the challenging Hook platformer at the tender age of five. Its impact on gaming culture secures its spot in the S tier. Similarly, the Switch's innovative hybrid design, despite the occasional issue like stick drift, is a marvel of engineering. Coupled with stellar titles like The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom and Super Mario Odyssey, it comfortably sits alongside the NES in the top tier.

If you disagree with my rankings or believe that the Virtual Boy surpasses the N64, feel free to create your own tier list. Compare your S, A, B, C, and D tiers with the broader IGN community below.

Nintendo Consoles

Although we've only glimpsed a mere two minutes of the Nintendo Switch 2 so far, where do you predict it will rank among its predecessors once fully revealed? Share your thoughts in the comments, and let us know your rationale for ranking the consoles in your chosen order.