Nintendo has long held a prominent position in the realm of handheld gaming. While not the first company to enter the market, it has undeniably transformed gaming with its inventive portable consoles. From the iconic Game Boy of the 1990s to the expansive library of the DS, Nintendo’s contributions often overshadow those of its competitors, including Sony’s PSP. The allure of exclusive games from beloved franchises like Pokémon and Mario has kept a captivated audience eager for new adventures.
Curious about the initial game offerings for Nintendo’s handheld devices? In today’s gaming landscape, it’s typical for a new console to launch with exciting titles. High-quality launch games can serve as compelling incentives for gamers to invest in new hardware. In this article, we will evaluate the best launch games available to early adopters of Nintendo’s handheld consoles, identifying each console’s standout title based on its initial market and examining which games have withstood the test of time.
Although the Nintendo Switch can also be played as a handheld, it is primarily regarded as a traditional console, hence it will not be included in this ranking. Additionally, let’s be candid: selecting Breath of the Wild for the top spot would be too easy. Instead, we will cover one notable game from each handheld platform, taking into consideration factors such as MetaCritic scores and sales figures.
7 Pokémon Party Mini
Pokémon Mini, 2001
|
Score |
Unknown |
|---|---|
|
Sales |
Unknown |
Making an appearance as our list’s curious entry is the Pokémon Mini, which holds the title for Nintendo’s shortest-lived console and interestingly was the first Nintendo device to be launched in the U. S.before Japan! Pokémon Party Mini featured a collection of six mini-games designed for multiplayer and utilized early motion controls. Although it was bundled with the console, similar to Wii Sports, both quickly faded from public consciousness.
6 Ball
Game & Watch Silver, 1980
|
Score |
Unknown |
|---|---|
|
Sales |
250, 000 |
Ball proudly holds the title of Nintendo’s first video game. As one of the launch titles for the Game & Watch series, it operated without interchangeable cartridges during its inception in the early 80s. While it is historic, its gameplay has not aged well compared to contemporary arcade classics like Pac-Man. Interestingly, Ball also inspired the character Mr. Game & Watch seen in the Super Smash Bros.series. Its legacy opened the door for more sophisticated handhelds like the Multi-Screen and Super Color series.
5 Professor Layton and the Miracle Mask
Nintendo 3DS, 2011
|
Score |
82% |
|---|---|
|
Sales |
1.48 million |
The Nintendo 3DS launched with a somewhat underwhelming lineup of titles, but Professor Layton and the Miracle Mask distinguished itself among the competition. As it follows a lineage of successful predecessors, this adventure successfully leverages 3D features for immersive gameplay, offering puzzles that are both engaging and nostalgic.
4 Super Mario Land
Game Boy, 1989
|
Score |
93% |
|---|---|
|
Sales |
18.14 million |
Super Mario Land is an unexpected launch title for the Game Boy, notable for distinguishing itself from typical Mario games. It introduces new gameplay mechanics, such as bouncing Superballs instead of fire, alongside Princess Daisy instead of Peach. The unique thematic elements, from Egyptian motifs to those inspired by Easter Island, make its minimalist design stand out, although it is often labeled as having aged poorly. Many enthusiasts believe its uniqueness is what makes it memorable.
Tetris, a legendary title in its own right, deserves recognition as well. Bundled with the North American release of the Game Boy, it significantly contributed to the console’s popularity, although it is not eligible for this list since it was not part of the Japanese launch lineup.
3 Dragon Quest Monsters
Game Boy Color, 1998
|
Score |
80% |
|---|---|
|
Sales |
2.35 million |
Dragon Quest Monsters made its mark as one of the first monster tamers on the Game Boy Color, introducing innovative gameplay mechanics like monster breeding, influenced by Akira Toriyama’s artistic style. This game stood out in its category by evolving beyond the conventional monster-taming formulas established by Pokémon, aligning itself with practices introduced later in Pokémon Gold and Silver. Despite some dated graphics, its compelling design makes it worth experiencing. Interestingly, this game was initially released for the Game Boy and was backwards compatible, even before the Game Boy Color launched.
2 Super Mario 64 DS
Nintendo DS, 2004
|
Score |
85% |
|---|---|
|
Sales |
11.06 million |
The Nintendo DS, a celebrated handheld platform, had a somewhat lackluster selection of launch games. However, Super Mario 64 DS emerged as a standout, not merely as a remake but through its advancements in technical execution and added features. Offering players a portable version of one of the most acclaimed titles in gaming history allowed it to outshine its competitors, solidifying its position as a worthy addition to the Mario franchise.
1 Castlevania: Circle Of The Moon
Game Boy Advance, 2001
|
Score |
91% |
|---|---|
|
Sales |
890, 000 |
It is fitting that the top-ranking game on our list is Castlevania: Circle of the Moon, a remarkable title for the Game Boy Advance. This game exemplifies the classic side-scrolling action associated with the franchise, set in the iconic Dracula’s castle. Its unique magic system allows players to engage deeply with gameplay by collecting cards to customize abilities, adding valuable complexity to the experience. While it integrates traditional exploration with customization, the game remains not just a distinguished launch title but a timeless classic overall.
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