The 20 Worst Nintendo Games

Nintendo’s Not-So-Great Hits

Great franchises sometimes take strange turns. Nintendo has built its name on beloved characters and trusted gameplay, but that hasn’t stopped a few games from stumbling. Some choices baffled longtime fans. Others just feel like missed opportunities. Behind each one is a story of creative ambition that didn’t quite come to fruition. Let’s break down the Nintendo titles that struggled to win over players and left a stain on the gaming titan's legacy instead. 

Urban Champion: Fighting Game of the Month | Unpacking Nintendo's Black Boxes – Episode #27 by Avery Beckett

2. Mario Is Missing! (SNES)

What happens when Mario takes the day off? Mario Is Missing! handed the reins to Luigi, then left platforming behind. Instead of gameplay, players got geography quizzes in recycled Mario World environments. Critics and players alike slammed its dull pacing and weak educational ambition.

Donkey Kong Jr. Math (NES) Playthrough by NintendoComplete

Wii Music - Nintendo Wii - [Longplay 1, Jam] by Gaming Exhibit

Steel Diver 3DS Video Review by IGN

Yoshi's New Island - Review by IGN

Animal Crossing Amiibo Festival Review for Wii U - Nintendo Enthusiast by Nintendo Enthusiast

Nintendo 64 Longplay: Hey You, Pikachu! by N64 Archive

Mario Tennis: Ultra Smash - Video Review (Wii U) by GameXplain

(Wii) Metroid: Other M - Longplay 100% by TanderXS

Chibi-Robo! Zip Lash - Gameplay Walkthrough Part 1 - 3DS 60FPS by XCageGame

12. Star Fox Zero (Wii U)

Rather than a fresh take, Star Fox Zero felt like a retread with clunky execution. Motion controls were forced and disorienting, dividing player focus between screens. Even PlatinumGames’ co-development couldn’t save it. The outdated visuals pushed away fans who hoped for something more current.

Alanis Morissette - Ironic | SiNG PARTY (Wii U) - Party Mode by Obscure Rhythm Games

Mario Party Island Tour Walkthrough Part 1 Perilous Palace Path (1080p 3DS) by BlackWhite Game

PilotWings Resort 3DS - Video Review by IGN

Longplay of Pokémon Rumble U by LongplayArchive

Longplay of Rusty's Real Deal Baseball by LongplayArchive

Endless Ocean (Nintendo Wii) - Full Game Longplay HD (Dolphin) by Jack Alterlife

FIRST LOOK: Flipnote Studio 3D by EmceeRad

20. Wii Play: Motion (Wii)

Bundled with a controller, Wii Play: Motion hoped to replicate the original’s success. However, forgettable minigames held it back. One involved chasing invisible ghosts, but few others stood out. Despite riding the Wii’s popularity, this follow-up lacked the magic that made its predecessor so enduring.