Uncover Nintendo's Hidden Gems: 10 Underrated Games You Must Experience

Nintendo has been involved in the video game industry since its early days in arcades during the 1980s. Currently, they are among the few companies that release high-quality AAA games, and have recently expanded their ventures to include animated movies such as The Super Mario Bros. Movie. However, there exists a multitude of games that even the most dedicated Nintendo fans have yet to experience.

Ranging from the NES era to the modern Nintendo Switch, these games hold the potential to become favorites among fans. Sadly, many Nintendo enthusiasts may have unknowingly overlooked these hidden gems, whether it be due to being unfamiliar with spin-offs or ignoring games that received negative reviews. It is highly recommended that such titles be actively sought out and given the attention they deserve.

10 Earthbound: Beginnings

Earthbound, a game in Nintendo's library, is often overlooked by casual fans who typically only know it for including Ness in Super Smash Bros. Its sequel, Mother 3, has also never been released in the West and has become popular meme material. Unfortunately, very few Nintendo fans give credit to the original game in the Mother RPG franchise.

Originally released on the NES in 1989 as simply "Mother," this game laid the foundation for Earthbound and many other RPG franchises that followed. After being exclusive to Japan for many years, it is now available on Nintendo Switch Online as "Earthbound Beginnings." It is a game that definitely deserves attention from both Nintendo and RPG enthusiasts.

9 Secret Of Evermore

Despite the success of SNES's Secret of Mana in 1993 as one of the most highly acclaimed RPGs on the platform, Square introduced Secret of Evermore just two years later. Although the two games do not share the same universe, many fans missed out on playing it due to its lack of release in Japan.

For fans of Secret of Mana, Secret of Evermore offers familiar features that made the original SNES RPG enjoyable, such as a real-time battle system, multiple playable characters, and unique art design. However, in Secret of Evermore, players explore an in-game world that includes various realms inspired by different time periods, including the Middle Ages and prehistoric times.

8 Donkey Kong 64

The now-infamous "DK Rap" originated from Donkey Kong 64, but many Nintendo fans have yet to experience the first 3D platformer in the Donkey Kong franchise. While most fans are familiar with the Donkey Kong Country and Donkey Kong Country Returns games, which showcased the enduring appeal of playing as Mario's original foe in a 2D platforming format.

Despite being released over 20 years ago, Donkey Kong 64 still holds up as a solid 3D platformer, thanks to the involvement of Rareware, the studio behind Banjo-Kazooie and Conker's Bad Fur Day. Although some aspects may feel dated, fans of the genre will find it refreshing, even though it has not been added to Nintendo's virtual console library yet.

7 Drill Dozer

Released on GameBoy Advance in 2005, Drill Dozer was seen as a promising new IP for Nintendo. The platformer follows Jill as she uses her Drill Dozer to conquer levels and defeat bosses. Jill even made an appearance as an Assist Trophy in Super Smash Bros. Brawl, which was released in Japan in 2007.

Despite receiving positive reviews among other GameBoy Advance titles, Drill Dozer has not received any sequels. It is hoped that Nintendo will one day include it in their Nintendo Switch Online catalog, so that modern-day video game fans can give this deserving title the attention it rightfully deserved back in 2005.

6 Wario World

Few people are aware of Wario's 3D platformer on the GameCube, as the microgame-centered WarioWare franchise has overshadowed it in the gaming world. Released in 2003, Wario World follows Wario on a quest to retrieve stolen treasure. Unlike Super Mario Sunshine and Luigi's Mansion, the gameplay in Wario World is significantly different. Notably, Wario can utilize his well-known Shoulder Bash move, which originated in Wario Land: Super Mario Land 3 for the GameBoy. Though criticized for its brevity, this actually makes it an ideal choice for Nintendo enthusiasts who are curious to witness Wario's foray into 3D platforming.

5 Kirby's Epic Yarn

The Kirby franchise has often alienated dedicated video game enthusiasts because it is considered too simplistic and child-friendly. This perception holds true for Kirby's Epic Yarn, a Nintendo Wii game that amplifies its accessibility by eliminating the possibility for players to incur loss or defeat. However, this very aspect is what contributes to the game's delightful appeal, as it offers a carefree journey through a charming world adorned with yarn.

Moreover, this game epitomizes the essence of enjoyment for a Nintendo release, allowing Kirby to assume numerous forms resembling yarn as he advances through the gameplay. Additionally, a second player can partake in the fun, assuming the endearing role of Prince Fluff. Overall, Kirby's Epic Yarn may be deemed excessively easy, but who says video games cannot offer a leisurely stroll through the park?

4 The Legend Of Zelda: Spirit Tracks

The Legend of Zelda's Spirit Tracks is often overlooked compared to other titles in the franchise, but it offers a truly distinctive story. Released in 2009 for the Nintendo DS, the game follows Link as he partners with the spirit of Princess Zelda herself, who resides within the armor of a Phantom. Despite not reaching the same level of acclaim as Breath of the Wild or Ocarina of Time, Spirit Tracks provides a fun and one-of-a-kind adventure through the beloved land of Hyrule. It even served as the inspiration for a stage in Super Smash Bros. for 3DS, featuring the iconic Spirit Train from the game.

3 Xenoblade Chronicles X

The Xenoblade franchise has experienced a significant surge in popularity in recent years, primarily due to Shulk's inclusion in Super Smash Bros and Nintendo's unwavering support for new titles. Unfortunately, the Wii U open-world RPG Xenoblade Chronicles X went largely unnoticed by many casual Nintendo fans. However, for those who have yet to experience it, it is undeniably worth a try.

What sets Xenoblade Chronicles X apart from the rest of the franchise, aside from its captivating narrative and intricately crafted world, is the inclusion of giant mechs that enable characters to swiftly traverse the expansive open world. Particularly for fans who relished the freedom offered by Breath of the Wild and Tears of the Kingdom, Xenoblade Chronicles X is an unexplored gem waiting to be unearthed.

2 Kid Icarus: Uprising

Kid Icarus: Uprising is widely acknowledged as one of the top titles available for the Nintendo 3DS. With direction from the renowned Masahiro Sakurai, the creator of Super Smash Bros., this game successfully brings the Greek mythology-inspired NES title into the realm of 3D rail shooters, reminiscent of Star Fox. However, its complex control scheme deterred many potential fans.

Speculation has surfaced suggesting that a Switch port may be in the works, presenting an excellent opportunity for those who initially dismissed the game in 2013 to give it another chance. Not only does Kid Icarus: Uprising possess the potential to cultivate a strong online community through its versus mode, but it also offers delightful and captivating characters that have the ability to amass a devoted fanbase.

1 ARMS

Released in 2017, ARMS marked a pioneering original IP for the Nintendo Switch. In this inventive game, players assume the role of a boxer with elongated, spring-like arms engaged in intense battles within a 3D arena. Despite its significant sales and the inclusion of its own character, Min-Min, in Super Smash Bros. Ultimate, ARMS did not achieve the same level of success as Splatoon did on the Wii U.

Nevertheless, with enhanced support for its online community, ARMS possesses great potential to become Nintendo's premier fighting game franchise, rivaling the popularity of Super Smash Bros. Perhaps Nintendo will eventually bestow enough confidence in the series to create ARMS 2, featuring an expanded roster of characters, thereby captivating fans who may have overlooked the initial release.