Top Nintendo Games Celebrating Their 20th Anniversary in 2025

It may seem astonishing, but iconic titles like Resident Evil 4 and Mario Kart DS hit the market 20 years ago. As we reminisce about that era, it’s clear that gaming continues to evolve at a remarkable pace.

In 2005, Nintendo’s GameCube faced stiff competition; however, it emerges as a landmark year for the company. With a diverse library that featured both in-house productions and standout third-party titles, 2005 became a cornerstone of gaming history for Nintendo.

This article highlights the top Nintendo games released two decades ago, showcasing not just Nintendo’s offerings but also noteworthy contributions from acclaimed developers like Capcom and Atlus. Let’s appreciate these timeless classics that defined Nintendo’s legacy in 2005.

10 Pokémon XD: Gale of Darkness

A Traditional Pokémon Experience

Two decades ago, for a classic Pokémon adventure, players eagerly turned to handheld devices. Pokémon XD: Gale of Darkness served as a bridge between typical handheld experiences and earlier console adaptations such as Pokémon Colosseum.

While it may not be flawless, Gale of Darkness laid the groundwork for mature Pokémon narratives, complete with a compelling storyline, propelling the franchise to explore darker themes in subsequent installments. Its dedicated fan base has contributed to its status as a cult classic over the years.

9 Killer 7

A Unique Cult Classic

Much like Resident Evil 4, Killer 7 was a notable Capcom exclusive for the Nintendo GameCube, albeit without achieving the same level of mainstream acclaim. However, it has garnered a significant cult following, establishing Suda 51 as a uniquely creative force in gaming.

Featuring stylish visuals and a captivating neo-noir narrative, Killer 7 stands out due to its impressive voice acting and art direction. Despite a control scheme that some may find simplistic, the game’s distinctive approach makes it a must-play for adventurous gamers.

8 Mario Kart DS

Innovative Handheld Racing

Mario Kart DS may not have introduced handheld kart racing to the world, but it certainly elevated the genre beyond what players experienced in Mario Kart: Super Circuit. This installment showcased the DS’s graphical capabilities and inventive track designs.

Tracks like Waluigi Pinball became instant fan favorites, reflecting the creativity embedded in Mario Kart DS. Despite some gameplay criticisms, including the ease of ‘snake drifting,’ the title remains an impressive addition to the Mario Kart franchise.

7 Nintendogs

Your New Virtual Companion

No discussion of 2005’s best Nintendo games would be complete without Nintendogs. Launched as a flagship title for the Nintendo DS, it charmed players with its homage to past virtual pet trends reminiscent of Giga Pets and Tamagotchis.

More than a fleeting pet simulator, Nintendogs offers a richly immersive experience, utilizing the DS’s touchscreen and microphone capabilities to bring virtual pet care to life.

6 Kirby: Canvas Curse

An Artistic Adventure

Before the launch of Kirby: Canvas Curse, the franchise appeared to be losing its way. However, this title dramatically revitalized the series for the Nintendo DS.

Initially perceived as a mechanics trial, the game cleverly utilized the stylus to create rainbow paths, inviting players to guide Kirby in an enchanting manner that redefined traditional platforming mechanics.

5 Trauma Center: Under the Knife

A Touch of Surgery

Similar to Kirby: Canvas Curse, Trauma Center: Under the Knife is often underappreciated, being labeled as a mere demonstration of the Nintendo DS’s capabilities. However, Atlus’s creation revealed the potential of the handheld system through innovative gameplay.

This surgical simulator emphasizes realism and precision in procedures, pulling players into a healthcare experience that is far deeper than casual arcade-style surgery games, making it approachable for everyone.

4 Animal Crossing: Wild World

Welcome to Your Portable Village

Animal Crossing: Wild World official art

Animal Crossing: Wild World marked the series’ first foray into handheld gaming. While it may have faced a few compromises compared to its GameCube predecessor, the essence of the game remained intact.

Its portability opened up new opportunities to connect with the game world anytime and anywhere, solidifying Wild World as a foundational title in establishing Animal Crossing as a core franchise for Nintendo.

3 Mario & Luigi: Partners in Time

Traveling Back in Time

Mario & Luigi: Partners in Time gameplay

The role-playing elements in Mario & Luigi: Partners in Time seamlessly blend humor and charm, exemplifying the strengths of the Mario RPG series. While the game might not fully utilize all the Nintendo DS’s unique features, its solid design guarantees that it’s a fun experience without unnecessary gimmicks.

Set in the beloved Mushroom Kingdom, it provides engaging gameplay filled with whimsical humor and rich storytelling, staying true to the series’ legacy.

2 Fire Emblem: Path of Radiance

A Standout Fire Emblem Title

Following its introduction to North America on the GameBoy Advance, the Fire Emblem series made its Nintendo console debut with Path of Radiance. As the first 3D title in the franchise, it exemplified the GameCube’s graphical strengths, showcasing beautiful cutscenes that enriched its storytelling.

This installment delved into complex narratives with mature themes, establishing Path of Radiance as a remarkable addition to Nintendo’s catalog, one worthy of revisiting for a 20th-anniversary celebration.

1 Resident Evil 4

2005’s Definitive Game of the Year

Resident Evil 4 famously kicked off 2005 for Nintendo with its January release. This title set a precedent not just for the GameCube but also revolutionized the horror and action genres.

Redefining the survival horror landscape, it abandoned past control schemes in favor of a more dynamic, action-oriented gameplay style. Even as the series evolved, the impact of Resident Evil 4 continues to resonate in modern titles.

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