"Nintendo Console Rankings: A Tier List"

With the unveiling of the Nintendo Switch 2, Nintendo has officially confirmed the launch of its latest console. With a rich history spanning over 40 years in video game hardware, the excitement is palpable, though initial impressions suggest a more conservative approach this time around. For those eagerly awaiting the arrival of this next-generation console, we've thoroughly analyzed the Switch 2 trailer details here. But before we delve into the future, let's take a nostalgic journey through Nintendo's storied past.

Over the past five decades, Nintendo has released eight home consoles (NES, Super NES, Nintendo 64, GameCube, Wii, Wii U, and the Switch) and five handhelds (Game Boy, Game Boy Color, Game Boy Advance, DS, and 3DS). Which of these stands as the pinnacle of Nintendo's legacy? I've taken the liberty of ranking them using an IGN Tier List, considering both the innovation of the hardware and the quality and impact of their game libraries. Here's my personal tier list:

Simon Cardy's Nintendo Console Tier List

The NES holds a special place in my heart as the first console I ever played. Memories of playing classics like Super Mario Bros., Mega Man 2, and the challenging Hook platformer as a young child make it an easy choice for the S tier. The Nintendo Switch, with its innovative hybrid design (despite issues like stick drift), and its outstanding games such as The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom and Super Mario Odyssey, also earns a spot in the top tier.

Do you disagree with my rankings? Perhaps you believe the Virtual Boy surpasses the N64? Feel free to create your own tier list and compare your S, A, B, C, and D rankings with the IGN community.

Nintendo Consoles

Although we've only seen a brief two-minute glimpse of the Nintendo Switch 2 so far, where do you envision it fitting into Nintendo's console hierarchy once it's fully released? Share your thoughts in the comments, and let us know the reasoning behind your console rankings.