The Nintendo Entertainment System (NES) is home to some of the most iconic video games of all time and the 14th best-selling video game console of all time. From platformers to puzzles, these games captured the imagination of millions of players. Below, we’ll take a closer look at the top 25 best-selling NES games of all time, complete with details on sales figures, release dates, developers, publishers, and a brief synopsis of each game.
1. Super Mario Bros.
- Copies Sold: 40.24 million
- Release Date: September 13, 1985
- Developer and Publisher: Nintendo
- Synopsis: Super Mario Bros. introduced players to Mario and Luigi, two plumbers on a quest to save Princess Peach from Bowser. With groundbreaking side-scrolling gameplay, the game became a cultural phenomenon and set the standard for platformers for years to come. *While it is by far the top of the best-selling NES games of all time, it was also included with the console, which naturally inflates the numbers.
Related: 8 Mario Bros. Easter Eggs To Impress Your Inner 10-Year-Old
2. Duck Hunt
- Copies Sold: 28.31 million
- Release Date: April 21, 1984
- Developer and Publisher: Nintendo
- Synopsis: Duck Hunt became famous for its use of the NES Zapper light gun, allowing players to shoot ducks on the screen. Bundled with Super Mario Bros. in many NES consoles, it became a household favorite. *Duck Hunt, like Super Mario Bros. was included in some console bundles, inflating it’s copies sold number.
3. Super Mario Bros. 3
- Copies Sold: 18 million
- Release Date: October 23, 1988
- Developer and Publisher: Nintendo
- Synopsis: One of the most beloved Mario games, Super Mario Bros. 3 added new power-ups like the Super Leaf and Tanooki Suit. With its world map system and more complex levels, it became a benchmark for platformers. *Super Mario Bros. 3 was also included in some NES bundles, inflating its sales numbers.
4. Tetris
- Copies Sold: 8 million
- Release Date: November 1989
- Developer and Publisher: Nintendo
- Synopsis: The addictive puzzle game Tetris became a massive hit due to its simple yet challenging gameplay. Players needed to fit falling blocks together, and as levels progressed, the game’s speed increased.
5. Super Mario Bros. 2
- Copies Sold: 7.46 million
- Release Date: October 9, 1988
- Developer and Publisher: Nintendo
- Synopsis: Super Mario Bros. 2 took a different approach, allowing players to select between Mario, Luigi, Toad, and Princess Peach. Set in the dream world of Subcon, it introduced new mechanics such as picking up items and enemies.
6. The Legend of Zelda
- Copies Sold: 6.51 million
- Release Date: February 21, 1986
- Developer and Publisher: Nintendo
- Synopsis: The Legend of Zelda was a groundbreaking game that allowed players to explore the open world of Hyrule. Players controlled Link in his quest to rescue Princess Zelda and collect pieces of the Triforce, defining the action-adventure genre.
7. Dr. Mario
- Copies Sold: 4.85 million
- Release Date: July 27, 1990
- Developer and Publisher: Nintendo
- Synopsis: In Dr. Mario, players matched colored capsules to viruses in this puzzle game. The game’s unique gameplay, combined with its catchy music, made it a favorite for puzzle enthusiasts.
8. Zelda II: The Adventure of Link
- Copies Sold: 4.38 million
- Release Date: January 14, 1987
- Developer and Publisher: Nintendo
- Synopsis: A side-scrolling action RPG, Zelda II was a departure from the original Zelda game. It focused on leveling up Link’s abilities, navigating through dungeons, and combat, making it one of the more challenging titles in the series.
9. Excitebike
- Copies Sold: 4.16 million
- Release Date: November 30, 1984
- Developer and Publisher: Nintendo
- Synopsis: Excitebike allowed players to race dirt bikes through tracks while avoiding obstacles and managing their bike’s temperature. Its simple controls and level editor kept players hooked.
10. Golf
- Copies Sold: 4.01 million
- Release Date: May 1, 1984
- Developer and Publisher: Nintendo
- Synopsis: One of the earliest NES sports games, Golf was easy to pick up and play. It laid the foundation for future sports titles on Nintendo consoles.
11. Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles
- Copies Sold: 4 million
- Release Date: May 12, 1989
- Developer: Konami
- Publisher: Ultra Games (NA), Konami (JP)
- Synopsis: Players controlled the four Ninja Turtles in this action-platformer as they fought through New York City to rescue April O’Neil and stop Shredder’s evil plans.
12. Dragon Quest III
- Copies Sold: 3.89 million
- Release Date: February 10, 1988
- Developer: Chunsoft
- Publisher: Enix
- Synopsis: A beloved RPG in Japan, Dragon Quest III expanded on its predecessors with an improved story, job system, and character customization, cementing its legacy as a top JRPG.
13. Kung Fu
- Copies Sold: 3.5 million
- Release Date: October 18, 1985
- Developer and Publisher: Nintendo
- Synopsis: One of the earliest beat ’em up games, Kung Fu featured side-scrolling combat where players took on hordes of enemies in their quest to save Sylvia from Mr. X.
14. Baseball
- Copies Sold: 3.2 million
- Release Date: December 7, 1983
- Developer and Publisher: Nintendo
- Synopsis: Baseball offered a simple and fun take on America’s pastime. It set the stage for future baseball video games, giving players a taste of arcade-style sports action.
15. Dragon Quest IV
- Copies Sold: 3.18 million
- Release Date: February 11, 1990
- Developer: Chunsoft
- Publisher: Enix
- Synopsis: The fourth installment of Dragon Quest introduced a chapter-based system where players controlled different characters with interwoven stories, culminating in a battle against the evil Psaro.
16. World Class Track Meet
- Copies Sold: 3.08 million
- Release Date: December 23, 1986
- Developer: TRY Co.
- Publisher: Nintendo
- Synopsis: Bundled with the Power Pad, this game allowed players to compete in Olympic-style track events by running in place on the Power Pad mat.
17. Punch-Out!!
- Copies Sold: 3 million
- Release Date: September 18, 1987
- Developer and Publisher: Nintendo
- Synopsis: Punch-Out!! became famous for its larger-than-life boxing matches, where players controlled Little Mac and faced off against a roster of quirky opponents, including the infamous Mike Tyson.
18. Metroid
- Copies Sold: 2.73 million
- Release Date: August 6, 1986
- Developer and Publisher: Nintendo
- Synopsis: Metroid introduced players to Samus Aran and her battle against the Space Pirates. The game’s open-world exploration and eerie atmosphere made it a standout in the action-adventure genre.
19. Super Mario Bros. 2 (Japanese version)
- Copies Sold: 2.65 million
- Release Date: June 3, 1986
- Developer and Publisher: Nintendo
- Synopsis: Known as Super Mario Bros.: The Lost Levels in the West, this game was similar to the original Super Mario Bros. but with significantly more difficult level designs, making it a challenging sequel.
20. Dragon Quest II
- Copies Sold: 2.55 million
- Release Date: January 26, 1987
- Developer: Chunsoft
- Publisher: Enix
- Synopsis: Dragon Quest II expanded the RPG series with a larger world and party-based combat. It set the template for future RPGs with its grand story and strategic battles.
21. Ice Hockey
- Copies Sold: 2.42 million
- Release Date: January 21, 1988
- Developer and Publisher: Nintendo
- Synopsis: Ice Hockey gave players control of a team of skaters in this fast-paced, arcade-style sports game. With customizable team sizes and frantic gameplay, it became a favorite for multiplayer action.
22. Pro Wrestling
- Copies Sold: 2.4 million
- Release Date: October 13, 1986
- Developer and Publisher: Nintendo
- Synopsis: Pro Wrestling brought the excitement of the ring to the NES, with players choosing from a roster of colorful wrestlers to compete for the championship belt.
23. Mario Bros.
- Copies Sold: 2.28 million
- Release Date: September 9, 1983
- Developer and Publisher: Nintendo
- Synopsis: In this early Mario title, players worked together (or against each other) to defeat enemies emerging from pipes. It set the groundwork for the Mario franchise.
24. Tennis
- Copies Sold: 2.17 million
- Release Date: January 14, 1984
- Developer and Publisher: Nintendo
- Synopsis: Tennis brought the sport to the NES with simple, fast-paced gameplay. It was one of the first games to feature Mario as the referee.
25. Donkey Kong
- Copies Sold: 1.13 million
- Release Date: July 15, 1983
- Developer and Publisher: Nintendo
- Synopsis: Donkey Kong introduced Mario to the world (then known as Jumpman) as he climbed ladders and dodged barrels to rescue Pauline from the giant ape, Donkey Kong.
From timeless classics like Super Mario Bros. to groundbreaking hits like The Legend of Zelda, the NES era laid the foundation for modern gaming. These best-selling NES titles continue to inspire new generations of players and collectors alike. For those looking to explore more of gaming’s rich history, check out our list of the most valuable NES games to see which cartridges are worth a fortune today. Want to see how gaming evolved? Don’t miss our roundup of the highest-rated video games of the late 1990s, or go big and discover the best-selling video game consoles of all time that brought these unforgettable experiences to life.
