Nintendo has consistently delivered memorable experiences, but which games truly stood out over the past ten years? Across multiple generations of consoles—including the Nintendo Switch—players witnessed innovation, creativity, and storytelling evolve in game-changing ways. From groundbreaking mechanics to worlds players can’t stop exploring, these titles left a mark on gaming culture.
Whether through open-world discovery, emotional immersion, platforming mastery, or competitive energy, each of these games showcases what makes Nintendo such a beloved force in the industry. Discover the games that earned their place as the best Nintendo games of the decade—and see what makes them unforgettable.
Innovation defines The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild, setting a new standard for open-world adventure games. Instead of following traditional Zelda formulas, the developers rebuilt the experience from the ground up, focusing on freedom, creativity, and experimentation. The result is a world that feels alive, unpredictable, and filled with possibility.
The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild invites players to explore freely with intuitive mechanics that blend puzzle-solving, survival, and combat in a seamless way. The game abandons linear progression and instead allows players to climb mountains, glide across valleys, cook meals, tame horses, and approach challenges however they choose. Weather patterns, physics-based interactions, and elemental reactions provide endless opportunities for improvisation.
This design encourages organic discovery and creative problem-solving, making The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild a benchmark for player agency and interaction in modern adventure games. It remains one of the most influential titles of the decade, inspiring developers far beyond Nintendo’s own ecosystem. Its legacy continues through its sequel and countless imitators, but few capture the magic and freedom that made Breath of the Wild a cultural phenomenon.
Super Mario Odyssey keeps the classic platforming that fans love while introducing fresh ideas and vibrant worlds. Combining nostalgia with innovation, Odyssey celebrates Mario’s rich history while pushing the franchise into bold new territory. Each kingdom feels like a playground filled with secrets, challenges, and personality.
In Super Mario Odyssey, the standout mechanic is Cappy’s capture ability, which lets Mario control enemies and objects to solve puzzles and explore in new ways. Turning into a Bullet Bill, a Goomba stack, or even a power line completely reinvents how players see the environment. This mechanic expands Mario’s moveset while maintaining the fluidity and precision platforming that define the series.
This innovative twist replaces any “capture the flag” notion with true character capturing, elevating the jump mechanics and creating dynamic challenges that stay fun and engaging throughout Mario’s globe-trotting adventure in Super Mario Odyssey. The game blends creativity, humor, and exploration in a way few platformers can match.
Super Mario Odyssey stands as a reminder of Nintendo’s mastery in reinventing its most iconic franchise. Its charm, responsiveness, and imaginative design make it one of the decade’s most joyful experiences.
Animal Crossing: New Horizons is a relaxing life simulation game that invites players to build their dream island at their own pace. Released during a time when the world needed comfort and connection, the title became a global sensation—uniting players from every corner of the world in a digital escape filled with warmth.
In Animal Crossing: New Horizons, you can customize every corner of your island with paths, furniture, and landscaping, creating a unique space that reflects your style. Unlike earlier entries, the terraforming system allows players to mold rivers, cliffs, and coastlines—turning the island into a true canvas for creativity.
Seasonal events keep Animal Crossing: New Horizons fresh with new activities, crafting materials, and collectibles, encouraging regular play and community interaction. Players often visit each other’s islands to trade items, share ideas, or simply enjoy the cozy environment together. The social element became one of the strongest pillars of the game, bonding families, friends, and online communities worldwide.
This blend of creativity, customization, and cozy vibes makes it appealing to players of all ages. For many, Animal Crossing: New Horizons became more than a game—it became a daily ritual, a creative outlet, and a peaceful escape.
Splatoon 2 is a vibrant and fast-paced multiplayer game that stands out for its colorful ink battles and accessible gameplay. Building on the success of the original Splatoon, the sequel refines and expands the formula with new weapons, modes, and quality-of-life improvements that enhance every match.
Players use innovative ink mechanics to cover the map, swim through their own color, and outmaneuver opponents, making every match strategic and exciting. Success depends not only on eliminating opponents but also on controlling the stage through clever positioning and team coordination. These mechanics create a unique blend of creativity and competitive energy.
With ranked modes, team-based challenges, and a strong focus on cooperation, Splatoon 2 offers competitive depth while remaining welcoming to newcomers, cementing its place as one of Nintendo’s most memorable titles. Events like Splatfests helped build a passionate community, turning the game into an ongoing celebration of style, teamwork, and fun.
Splatoon 2’s bold visual identity and innovative gameplay make it one of the standout multiplayer titles of the decade—not just for Nintendo, but for gaming as a whole.
Nintendo’s impact over the past decade shines through these four best Nintendo games of the decade. The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild, Super Mario Odyssey, Animal Crossing: New Horizons, and Splatoon 2 each redefine their genres with bold design, smart mechanics, and unforgettable worlds. These best Nintendo games of the decade deliver open-world exploration, inventive platforming, cozy life-sim gameplay, and fast-paced multiplayer action, appealing to players of all ages.
Together, these best Nintendo games of the decade showcase Nintendo’s commitment to innovation, creativity, and player-first experiences, cementing its role in shaping modern gaming culture. Whether you’re discovering them for the first time or revisiting their iconic adventures, each game represents the very best of Nintendo’s artistry and imagination.
Amanda has a degree in Languages, is a postgraduate student, and is passionate about content creation. After joining Cenário Capital, she discovered a strong interest in games. She currently works on the Marketing team, in the SEO and Content squad.
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