Our five 10/10 picks from the NES Classics library are Super Mario Bros. 3, The Legend of Zelda, Metroid, Kirby’s Adventure, and Super Mario Bros. The “10/10” label is our editorial verdict, not an official Nintendo score. Each game offers a distinct reason to revisit the NES: inventive platforming, discovery, connected exploration, approachable action, or a concise classic.
How to choose among these NES classics
These picks are ranked by the experience they offer, not by an official rating or measured consensus. If you want varied platforming, start with Super Mario Bros. 3; for open-ended discovery, choose The Legend of Zelda; and for a maze-like world to learn and revisit, try Metroid. Kirby’s Adventure is the bright, welcoming action choice, while the original Super Mario Bros. is ideal for compact, restartable runs.
1. Super Mario Bros. 3: the most varied platforming
Nintendo lists Super Mario Bros. 3 as a 1990 release in its NES Classics collection. It is our top pick for players who want the broadest-feeling platforming adventure in this group. Its stages keep the basic pleasure of running and jumping while giving the journey a sense of variety and forward momentum.
Choose it when you want a substantial-feeling game that still works in short sessions: you can take on a stage, stop, and return later. If you are deciding between the two Mario games here, this is the more expansive choice; the original is the leaner one.
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#1 Best Overall
- USB Wireless Adapter: Compatible with PC, Window Games and Android Devices with Game Emulator，For using the USB wireless adapter, Please pay atention, Our controller does not compatible with Super Nitnedo, Mini NES, NES CLASSIC EDTION， if you have one of those console, please do not purchase our controller.
- Please download software like" joystick mapper" configure keys first if needed. then you can play on your PC , Macs,Window, Linux ,Raspberry PI Gadget.
- Wireless: Via 2.4GHz Wireless technology.Wireless range Up to 10 meters.
- Turbo Function: You can set your own rapid button as you want. beware you might accidently iniated the turbo function for certain keys when you play game, you can cancel it. please take reference from the manual sheet come with the packing box.
- Build in rechargeable Lithium Ion battery, One charge last around 100 hours playing time.
2. The Legend of Zelda: the best for discovery
Nintendo lists the original The Legend of Zelda as a 1986 NES game and highlights it in the collection. Its appeal is the pleasure of finding your own way through a world: exploring, testing ideas, and gradually learning where to go next. That freedom makes it a rewarding pick if you enjoy experimentation more than a tightly guided route.
Go in ready to keep track of your progress and try possibilities when you are unsure what to do. Players who prefer clear, immediate direction may find its open-ended structure less comfortable than the platformers on this list.
Rank #2
- Wide Compatibility – Compatible with Nintendo Switch (Switch 1 only), Windows PC, Mac OS, Linux, Raspberry Pi, RetroPie, Recalbox and more. Perfect for retro gaming, emulators, and classic game systems. Not compatible with Nintendo Switch 2.
- Advanced 2.4GHz Wireless Connection Stable 2.4GHz RF wireless technology provides a fast and responsive gaming experience with up to 10 meters (32 ft) of range. No lag, no drops — just smooth gameplay.
- Simple Plug & Play Setup: No drivers or software required. Just plug the USB receiver into your device and start playing instantly. Compatible with most programs and emulator platforms that support standard USB game controllers.
- Classic Retro Design with Precision Controls Features a familiar SNES-style layout with super-sensitive buttons for accurate, responsive control. Ideal for NES, SNES, Genesis, GBA, RetroArch, BSNES, OpenEmu, and more.
- Rechargeable Battery with Long Life Built-in 240mAh rechargeable battery provides up to 3 hours of continuous gameplay. Fully charges in about 1 hour. Includes battery level indicator for convenient monitoring.
3. Metroid: an interconnected world to learn
Nintendo’s collection listing identifies Metroid as a 1987 release. We recommend it for its atmospheric, interconnected exploration: the satisfaction comes from learning how its spaces fit together and making progress through curiosity and persistence.
This is the pick for players who like to revisit routes and experiment rather than simply move through a sequence of short stages. It asks more of your memory and patience than Kirby’s Adventure, but that extra effort is central to its appeal.
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Rank #3
- It's a USB Controller Gamepad with premium quality.
- The USB Controller Gamepad is only compatible with Nintendo NES.
- All buttons can be configured.
- Plug and play, no extra drivers needed.
- Package: 1 pcs * USB Controller Gamepad
4. Kirby’s Adventure: colorful, approachable action
Nintendo lists Kirby’s Adventure as a 1993 NES release and features it among the collection’s highlights. Its colorful presentation and action-platforming make it our most inviting starting point for someone who wants a cheerful, direct game rather than extended exploration.
Pick Kirby if you want an accessible-feeling change of pace from Metroid or The Legend of Zelda. That is an editorial judgment about its tone and pacing, not a guarantee that every new player will find it easy.
Rank #4
- USB Wireless SNES Controller-fully compatible with Switch & Switch 2. Great for retro emulators on Windows PC, macOS, Linux and Raspberry Pi.
- 2.4GHz Wireless: Stable 10m(33ft) range with zero-lag performance
- Plug & Play: Standard USB receiver; no drivers needed for compatible devices
- Responsive Controls: High-sensitivity buttons for precise retro gaming
- Built-in rechargeable battery, 10-hour runtime
5. Super Mario Bros.: the compact classic
Nintendo’s catalog lists the original Super Mario Bros. as a 1985 game. It earns its place here as a focused platformer built around clear goals and quick attempts. Its compact session feel makes it easy to pick up for a stage or two, and its straightforward structure is a useful contrast with the more expansive Super Mario Bros. 3.
Choose the original when you want a simple run-and-jump challenge without a longer exploration commitment. If you want more variety across a larger-feeling adventure, play the third game instead.
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- Designed for use with the Original Nintendo Entertainment System (NES)
What you need to play them on Switch
Nintendo includes the NES Classics library with a Nintendo Switch Online membership at no additional charge. The five games above are in Nintendo’s current US NES collection listing. You do not need the Expansion Pack for these NES titles.
Nintendo’s US membership overview, checked on October 4, 2026, lists standard Nintendo Switch Online at $19.99 USD per year for an individual or $34.99 USD per year for a family. The Expansion Pack is listed at $49.99 USD per year for an individual or $79.99 USD per year for a family; it is not required for the NES games discussed here. Prices are US-specific and may change. See Nintendo’s membership overview for current details.
Quick Recap
- Membership access: Nintendo says access to classic game collections requires an active membership on the Nintendo Account playing them. If the membership ends, access to the collection ends.
- Offline play: The games can be played offline, but Nintendo Support says membership status must be verified online at least once every seven days. See Nintendo’s Nintendo Classics FAQ.
- Online play: Online features vary by game. Nintendo describes classic collection play with friends, including competitive or cooperative play where supported and taking turns in some single-player games. Do not assume that every title here has its own multiplayer mode.
- Controller: Nintendo’s NES-style Switch controllers are an optional purchase for members, not a requirement. A standard compatible Switch controller is sufficient to play the NES collection.
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
