Every Nintendo Console Tier List

The much-anticipated Nintendo Switch 2 has been officially announced, marking another milestone in Nintendo's storied 40-year history of video game hardware. While initial impressions suggest a more conservative approach, the excitement for what Nintendo has in store remains palpable. For a deep dive into the Switch 2 trailer, check out our detailed analysis here. But before we look ahead, let's take a nostalgic journey through Nintendo's past.

Over the past five decades, Nintendo has released 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 ranked them using an IGN Tier List, considering both the innovation of the hardware and the enduring quality of their game libraries. Here's my personal tier list:

The NES, my first console, holds a special place in my heart. Memories of playing classics like Super Mario Bros., Mega Man 2, and the challenging Hook game as a five-year-old make it an easy choice for the S tier. Similarly, the Switch's innovative hybrid design, despite issues like stick drift, and its stellar game lineup, including The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom and Super Mario Odyssey, secure its spot alongside the NES at the top.

Disagree with my rankings? Perhaps you believe the Virtual Boy deserves a spot above the N64? You can create your own tier list and compare your S, A, B, C, and D tiers with the IGN community below.

Nintendo Consoles

Although we've only seen a brief two-minute glimpse of the Nintendo Switch 2, it's intriguing to speculate where it might rank among its predecessors. Share your thoughts in the comments below, and let us know how you've ranked the Nintendo consoles and why.