This list is all about Nintendo! Late 90s and the 2000s. That was the golden age of gaming for me. Whether you want to revisit some of the greats or explore some you’ve never heard of, I encourage you to dive in. Video games are for everyone, no matt...
Sections
5
Mario Kart
3D Platforms
Party Games
Handhelds
Deep Cuts
Mario Kart
The gateway to Need for Speed and Gran Turismo.
Hot take - this was one of the most important games to come from the 64. Massively fun back in the day.
Mario Kart 64 (1997)
It was once my life's goal to be the best racer in Super Circuit, ever. I didn't quite get there, but the thrill of the journey kept me going for endless hours.
Mario Kart: Super Circuit (2001)
The novelty of two characters on one kart at once was enough to blow my mind. Incredible development in this series.
Mario Kart: Double Dash (2003)
3D Platforms
Go wherever, do whatever, for however long you want.
The ecstasy of being able to run wherever I wanted and explore every square inch of the castle will never leave me.
Super Mario 64 (1996)
I'll admit, I didn't expect to love this one. I mean, it was Luigi! No one wanted to play as the brother! And yet, this game was a smashing success.
Luigi's Mansion (2001)
Strong candidate for best Mario game ever. Yes, that's my opinion. I stand by it.
Super Mario Sunshine (2002)
Party Games
Fuel for the classic BYOC – bring your own controller.
The game that was so absurd, so unexpected, that it was the ultimate expression of party fun. I still remember being gathered around the N64, four controller cords, everyone yelling and laughing.
Super Smash Bros. (1999)
A personal favorite. I spent my own money on this game and never regretted it for a single second. It brought friends and family together over and over again.
Super Smash Bros Melee (2001)
I know, I was late to the Mario Party party, but wow, this game was an absolute riot. It got my siblings interested in gaming.
Mario Party 4 (2002)
Full disclosure, I bought this one on a whim. None of my friends had it at the time, so it was a risk, but we all ended up loving it.
Kirby Air Ride (2003)
Handhelds
Keeping car rides lively since the early 2000s.
There are too many Pokemon games to mention, so I'll mention one. My all-time favorite, and I will fight anyone who throws shade on Ruby.
Pokemon Ruby Version (2003)
Yet another example of a game I didn't want to love, but I'd be a liar if I said I didn't have a blast caring for my digital dog.
Nintendogs (2005)
Maybe I'm alone in this one, but Brain Age is an incredibly fond memory. I truly believe it sharpened me mentally.
Brain Age (2006)
I remember thinking this game was dumb for about 5 minutes, and then I tried it. Addictive. I think it was way ahead of its time when looking at the types of games and apps kids play today.
Warioware: Touched! (2005)
Deep Cuts
Don't leave until you relive these classics.
This was my sister's game at first and I slowly started playing it more and more when she wasn't in the room. A classic.
Animal Crossing (2002)
There was something about seeing the battles playing out on my TV which made the experience immensely more satisfying. The handhelds were core and loved, but this game was a surprise win.
Pokemon Colosseum (2004)
Fox was my favorite character from Melee, so of course I had to play Assault. Great fun, per usual.