The Nintendo Entertainment System is credited with rescuing a flailing industry in the late '80s and early '90s. Many of its best and most memorable games are now available on Nintendo Switch Online, but dozens of other fantastic titles still haven't reached the service. Out of those remaining, here are 10 NES games that should be added as soon as possible.
Paperboy
Released in December 1988, the NES port of Paperboy was something special. While many ports closely reproduced the arcade version's visuals, the NES iteration utilized more muted colors and simpler graphics that suited the console's capabilities. Tight controls and classic gameplay made it a perfect rental. Players control a paperboy delivering newspapers, navigating obstacle-filled streets while tossing papers to subscribers and sometimes damaging the property of non-subscribers. A risky training course precedes each delivery day. Reaching the end of the week with lives and subscribers intact provides a sense of arcade bliss. Though not a lengthy game, it's a perfect quick retro diversion and could merit a modern remake.
Kiwi Kraze
Taito, a prominent NES publisher, released many strong titles, some of which are now highly prized rarities. Kiwi Kraze, a port of New Zealand Story, is an exception, remaining relatively inexpensive. Like its arcade counterpart, the game features a kiwi bird running, jumping, and riding balloons through a zoo world. Players navigate obstacles, battle cute monsters, and aim to rescue kidnapped friends from an evil walrus. The game includes hidden warps, temporary weapon upgrades, and perilous environmental hazards. It is surprisingly difficult, particularly its boss encounters, but the abundance of secrets makes it highly replayable.
Adventure Island 3
Developed by Now Production and published by Hudson Soft, Adventure Island 3 is the third installment in the series starring Master Higgins. This game sees the protagonist dash through tropical stages, collecting fruit for energy and using weapons like hammers to clear his path of enemies. While difficult, the games are enjoyable. This third installment, along with its successor, never made it to Nintendo's Virtual Console service on Wii or Wii U and was not localized in its original run. Either game would be an exciting addition to the current service.
Destiny of an Emperor
Capcom's Destiny of an Emperor offered a surprisingly deep RPG experience for the NES, depicting heroes banding together to rid China of the Yellow Turban rebels. It features a lengthy quest, a richly detailed world, and strategic battles involving multiple soldiers. It is possible this game inspired later RPG hits like Suikoden. The publisher never localized its NES sequel, but a revival of the original Destiny of an Emperor is long overdue.
The Battle of Olympus
The Battle of Olympus is an overlooked classic developed by Infinity and published in the US by Broderbund. The game follows Orpheus on a quest to reunite with his lover, Helene, traversing various locations and battling mythological monsters with swords and magic. Its action gameplay is reminiscent of Zelda II: The Adventure of Link, complemented by strong visuals that capture ancient Greek mythology. The game developed a loyal following, and its original creators are working on a Steam remake set to launch in early access in January 2027.
Bubble Bobble Part 2
While the original Bubble Bobble cartridge is affordable, its sequel is rare and expensive. This installment in the platforming series features bubble-blowing dinosaurs navigating single-screen levels, collecting prizes, and defeating enemies. The sequel includes multiplayer support, charming graphics, catchy music, and enjoyable gameplay inspired by the arcade original. Adding Bubble Bobble Part 2 to Nintendo Switch Online would provide convenient access to a game that is otherwise costly to acquire.
Princess Tomato in the Salad Kingdom
Hudson Soft's Princess Tomato in the Salad Kingdom casts players as Sir Cucumber on a quest to rescue Princess Tomato from the clutches of the untrustworthy Minister Pumpkin. To find her, players must navigate a vibrant world populated by talking vegetables. The game employs a menu-based interface, akin to classic text adventures but enhanced with visuals. Nintendo previously offered a version on its Virtual Console service, but it is now unavailable following the service's shutdown. The title would be a fitting addition to Nintendo Switch Online.
Faxanadu
Faxanadu, published by Nintendo in North America and Europe, is considered by some to be an early example of the Metroidvania genre. Developed by Hudson Soft as a spin-off of Falcom's Dragon Slayer series, it combines side-scrolling action with RPG elements. The story follows a wanderer returning home to find his town in disarray due to warring elves and dwarves. The hero must uncover the source of the conflict, embarking on an epic adventure. A Nintendo Switch Online release would be welcome, provided licensing issues can be resolved.
Shadowgate
Developed by ICOM Simulations and ported to the NES by Kemco, Shadowgate is a famous point-and-click adventure game set in a medieval fantasy castle. The environment is fraught with peril, featuring numerous monsters that can end the player's adventure abruptly. A battery save feature allowed players to retain progress despite the numerous traps and pitfalls. Its strong fantasy art, dark atmosphere, and challenging gameplay made it a popular title, frequently featured in Nintendo Power. Interest in the franchise remains high, with a sequel, Beyond Shadowgate, in development for Steam. Access to the NES original would be beneficial.
Bionic Commando
Capcom's 1988 NES port of Bionic Commando expanded upon its arcade predecessor, Top Secret. The hero uses a bionic arm to swing to grappling points and traverse platforming stages. For the North American release, certain plot elements and Nazi imagery present in the Japanese version were altered. The game was later adapted for the Game Boy, and the franchise has seen subsequent releases such as Bionic Commando: Rearmed. A Nintendo Switch Online release could revitalize interest in the franchise.
