Best NES Games of 2026

James Ryan Avatar
James Ryan
Last Updated: Jan 8, 2026

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NES games are classic video games that were released for the Nintendo Entertainment System in the 1980s and 1990s. These games were revolutionary for their time and helped to shape the video game industry as we know it today. Some of the most popular NES games include Super Mario Bros., The Legend of Zelda, and Donkey Kong. These games have stood the test of time and are still enjoyed by gamers of all ages today. Whether you're a seasoned gamer or just starting out, NES games offer a fun and nostalgic gaming experience that is sure to keep you entertained for hours on end.

At a Glance: Our Top Picks

Nintendo New Super Mario Bros. Wii Renewed Cover #TOP 1
Nintendo New Super Mario Bros. Wii Renewed
ftb score rating icon 9.9
1UPcard Universal Game Cartridge Cleaner 3-Pack Cover #TOP 2
1UPcard Universal Game Cartridge Cleaner 3-Pack
ftb score rating icon 9.8
Nintendo Wii Play Renewed Cover #TOP 3
Nintendo Wii Play Renewed
ftb score rating icon 9.6

Top 10 NES Games

#TOP 1

Nintendo New Super Mario Bros. Wii Renewed

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One Color
One Size
Nintendo New Super Mario Bros. Wii Renewed Cover
Nintendo New Super Mario Bros. Wii (Renewed)

The Nintendo Mario Bros. Wii is a renewed disc-only game, meaning it doesn't come with the original case or manual but is packaged in a generic case for your convenience. This version has been carefully cleaned and tested to ensure it works well, with only minimal signs of previous use. The game features a classic side-scrolling perspective, which provides a familiar and fun way to navigate through levels. Plus, it supports 1 to 4 players, so you can enjoy playing solo or with friends and family for a more social gaming experience.

What We Like
Renewed and tested disc
Side-scrolling gameplay
Supports up to 4 players
Generic case packaging
#TOP 2

1UPcard Universal Game Cartridge Cleaner 3-Pack

1UPcard Universal Game Cartridge Cleaner 3-Pack Cover
1UPcard Universal Game Cartridge Cleaner 3 Card Pack

The 1UPcard Game Cleaner Pack is designed to help you quickly restore your classic game cartridges. It works with many popular systems like Nintendo, Super Nintendo, Sega Genesis, N64, and Atari, so you can keep all your favorite games in top shape. The durable cleaning cards are easy to use and effectively remove dirt and grime, giving your games a new life. You can use these cards with your own cleaning fluid or as an add-on to the original 1UPcard kit, making it a flexible and fast solution to maintain your game collection.

What We Like
Wide system compatibility
Durable cleaning cards
Works with any cleaning fluid
Quick and easy to use
#TOP 3

Nintendo Wii Play Renewed

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The Nintendo Wii Play is a renewed game disc that offers a great value for those looking to enjoy classic gaming. Since it comes as disc only, you won’t get the original case or manual, but it will be safely packaged in a generic case for protection. This version has been carefully cleaned and tested to ensure it works well, so you can expect minimal wear and a reliable gaming experience. If you want a Nintendo game that’s ready to play and affordable, the Nintendo Wii Play is a solid choice.

What We Like
Renewed and tested disc
Minimal wear condition
Generic protective case
Affordable classic gaming
#TOP 4

Nintendo Wii Sports Resort Renewed

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Nintendo Wii Sports Resort Renewed Cover
Wii Sports Resort (Renewed)

The Nintendo Wii Sports Resort is a renewed game disc, which means it has been carefully cleaned and tested to ensure it works well for you. Although it doesn't come with the original case or manual, it will be safely packaged in a generic case to protect the disc during shipping. You get a game that shows very little wear, so it feels almost like new. This product is a great choice if you want a reliable copy of Wii Sports Resort without needing all the extra packaging.

What We Like
Cleaned and tested disc
Minimal wear
Generic protective case
Reliable renewed game
#TOP 5

Nintendo Donkey Kong Country Returns Renewed

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Nintendo Donkey Kong Country Returns Renewed Cover
Donkey Kong Country Returns (Renewed)

The Nintendo Donkey Kong Renewed is a disc-only version of the classic game, perfect for those who already have a case or prefer a more compact option. Since it doesn’t include the original case or manual, it comes in a generic case, making it easy to store or carry. This renewed version has been carefully cleaned and tested, ensuring you get a game that works well and looks good with minimal wear. It’s a reliable choice if you want to enjoy Donkey Kong Country without worrying about defects or damage from previous use.

What We Like
Disc-only format
Generic case packaging
Cleaned and tested
Minimal wear
#TOP 6

Nintendo Super Mario Galaxy 2 Renewed

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One Color
One Size
Nintendo Super Mario Galaxy 2 Renewed Cover
Super Mario Galaxy 2 (Renewed)

The Nintendo Mario Galaxy 2 is a renewed game disc that offers a great way to enjoy a classic Nintendo experience. Since it comes as disc only, you won’t get the original case or manual, but it will be safely packaged in a generic case for protection during shipping. This renewed version has been carefully cleaned and tested to ensure it works well, so you can expect minimal signs of wear. This makes it a reliable choice if you’re looking for a well-maintained game at a good value.

What We Like
Cleaned and tested disc
Minimal wear
Generic protective case
Classic Nintendo game
#TOP 7

Super Mario Bros. / Duck Hunt - Nintendo NES

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Super Mario Bros. / Duck Hunt - Nintendo NES Cover
Super Mario Bros. / Duck Hunt (Renewed)

The Nintendo NES Classic Bundle is a Certified Refurbished product that has been thoroughly tested to ensure it performs like new. This means you can enjoy your gaming experience without worrying about functionality issues. The refurbishing process includes a basic cleaning and inspection, so you receive a product that looks great and is ready to play. It comes with all the necessary accessories, making setup easy and straightforward. Plus, with a minimum 90-day warranty, you can feel secure in your purchase, knowing support is available if needed.

What We Like
Certified refurbished quality
Includes all necessary accessories
Minimum 90-day warranty
Thoroughly inspected and cleaned
#TOP 8

Nintendo Mario Super Sluggers (Renewed)

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Nintendo Mario Super Sluggers (Renewed) Cover
Mario Super Sluggers (Renewed)

Nintendo Mario Sluggers is a renewed NES game that has been cleaned, tested, and shows minimal wear. It may come repackaged in a generic case. With immersive Wii controls, you can swing the Wii Remote to bat and pitch and use the Nunchuk to control outfielders. You can build an "all-star" roster of your favorite Mario characters, each with unique personalities and abilities. The game also features two-player baseball games and four-player mini-games, making it an excellent choice for a group of friends or family. Whether you're a fan of baseball or Mario, Nintendo Mario Sluggers is a fun and engaging game that will keep you entertained for hours.

What We Like
Immersive Wii controls
Unique character abilities
Two-player baseball games
#TOP 9

Nintendo Mario Kart: Double Dash Renewed

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Nintendo Mario Kart: Double Dash Renewed Cover
Mario Kart: Double Dash (Renewed)

Nintendo Mario Kart Double Dash is a renewed version of the classic racing game that comes as a disc only, so you won’t get the original case or manual, but it will be safely packaged in a generic case for protection. This renewed game has been carefully cleaned and tested to ensure it works well, giving you a smooth gaming experience. You’ll also notice it shows very little wear, so it feels almost like new. This version is perfect if you want a reliable copy of a fun Nintendo game without the extra packaging.

What We Like
Disc-only format
Generic protective case
Cleaned and tested
Minimal wear
#TOP 10

Ego Is the Enemy

Holiday, Ryan
Portfolio
Jun 14, 2016

Features
Untouched. New Book.
Buying Guide Image

Selecting the Best NES Games to Entertain Your Life

Introduction

If you're a fan of retro gaming, there's no doubt that you've considered picking up a Nintendo Entertainment System (NES) and a few games to go along with it. The NES was home to some of the most iconic and beloved games of all time, and owning a physical copy of one of these classics is a great way to relive your childhood or introduce a new generation to the joys of 8-bit gaming.

Consider Your Collection

Before you start buying NES games, it's a good idea to take a step back and consider your collection. If you already have a selection of NES games, think about what's missing and what you'd like to add. Are there any genres or franchises that you're particularly interested in? Do you want to focus on single-player games, multiplayer games, or a mix of both?

Read Reviews and Watch Let's Plays

Once you have a general idea of what you're looking for, it's time to start reading reviews and watching let's plays of the games you're considering. This will give you a good sense of what the gameplay is like and whether or not the game is worth your time and money.

Check Prices

NES games can vary widely in price, depending on factors like rarity, condition, and popularity. Before you make a purchase, it's a good idea to check prices on a few different websites to get a sense of what you can expect to pay. This will help you avoid overpaying for a game, and it will also give you a better idea of what you can afford to buy.

Ask for Recommendations

If you're still having trouble deciding which games to buy, don't be afraid to ask for recommendations. There are plenty of online communities and forums dedicated to retro gaming, and there are likely many people who would be happy to share their own experiences and opinions. By reaching out to these communities, you can get a better sense of which games are worth your time and money.

Conclusion

Choosing NES games can be a daunting task, but with a little bit of research and guidance, you can build a collection of games that you'll love for years to come. Whether you're a seasoned veteran or a newcomer to retro gaming, the NES has something to offer everyone. So don't hesitate to start exploring the world of 8-bit gaming today!

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. How many total NES games are there?

There are a total of 837 NES games released in the United States and Canada. This includes both officially licensed and unlicensed titles.

2. Does Nintendo still make NES games?

Nintendo is no longer producing new NES games. The final licensed NES game, The Lion King, was released in 1995 as a PAL-exclusive title.

3. What was the last NES game ever made?

The last licensed NES game ever made was The Lion King, released in 1995 as a PAL-exclusive title.

4. Why are NES games so expensive?

NES games can be expensive due to various factors. As time goes on, the availability of working cartridges and game discs decreases, making the remaining copies rarer and driving up prices. Additionally, retro gaming has gained popularity, increasing demand for classic NES games.

5. How much did the original NES cost in 1985?

The original NES was released in 1985 and was priced at $149.99. It quickly became a popular console among gamers.

Editor's Notes

During our nes game research, we found 16 nes game products and shortlisted 10 quality products. We collected and analyzed 106,024 customer reviews through our big data system to write the nes games list. We found that most customers choose nes games with an average price of $41.41.

The nes games are available for purchase. We have researched hundreds of brands and picked the top brands of nes games, including Nintendo, 1UPcard, Portfolio. The seller of top 1 product has received honest feedback from 146 consumers with an average rating of 4.5.

Written by
James Ryan Avatar

James Ryan is a young writer with a degree in journalism. He’s well-versed in topics such as literature, video games, and gaming devices. In his free time, he enjoys editing, playing games, exercising and photography.