Big Nintendo Swings Here
Every company has its share of risks that pay off and risks that don’t. For Nintendo, that mix includes groundbreaking hits and ventures that fell short. Some became cultural milestones, while others remain cautionary tales you might remember. Together, they paint a vivid picture of the brand’s journey. Here’s where both the memorable wins and notable flops take center stage. So, let’s start with the ventures that didn’t go as planned.
1. Virtual Boy
In the mid-90s, Nintendo pushed toward 3D gaming with the Virtual Boy. Bold ambitions met harsh reality as it sold fewer than 800,000 units. Limited red-and-black visuals, no color, and discomfort during play drew heavy criticism from players.
2. Wii U
The Wii U’s place in Nintendo history is one of missed connections. Launching with a GamePad controller that many developers underutilized, it failed to explain its purpose to consumers. Sales reached just 13.5 million units, making it one of the company’s weakest home consoles.
Sergey Galyonkin from Raleigh, USA on Wikimedia
3. Metroid: Other M
Developed jointly by Nintendo and Team Ninja, Metroid: Other M aimed to fuse cinematic storytelling with fast-paced action. Mixed reviews followed, citing awkward controls and a controversial portrayal of Samus Aran. Disappointing sales created a nearly decade-long gap before the franchise’s next major installment.
Metroid Other M Nintendo Wii Unboxing Video by Dre's Geek Philosophy Podcast
4. Nintendo 64DD
Sold exclusively in Japan, the Nintendo 64DD aimed to expand the N64 with disk-based media and online connectivity via Randnet. Fewer than 15,000 units sold after repeated delays. Advanced ideas like online play were ahead of their time, but most planned titles never materialized.
5. Game Boy Micro
The Game Boy Micro’s arrival came late in the Game Boy Advance’s lifespan. Just over 2 million units were sold worldwide, far behind the brand’s usual performance. Its miniature form factor appealed to some, yet the tiny screen made it difficult for comfortable long-term play.
Bryan Ochalla from Seattle, WA, USA on Wikimedia
6. Mario & Luigi: Paper Jam
Although it merged the Mario & Luigi RPG series with the Paper Mario universe, the crossover failed to impress. Sales trailed behind previous entries, with criticism targeting repetitive gameplay and limited originality. Released before AlphaDream’s bankruptcy, it became the final Mario & Luigi title.
Mario & Luigi: Paper Jam (Nintendo 3DS) Unboxing!! by POPnGAMES
7. Pokémon Snap (N64)
When Pokémon Snap launched, it stood out by focusing on photographing Pokémon instead of battling them. Selling around 1.5 million copies, it performed modestly for the franchise. Featuring just 63 of the original 151 Pokémon, the game left fans wanting more.
Pokemon Snap Unboxing ASMR - Nintendo 64 by Retrolot
8. Star Fox Zero
Developed with PlatinumGames, Star Fox Zero sought to reinvigorate the series but struggled to win over players. The Wii U’s motion controls divided players, and sales lagged far behind. By reusing familiar story beats, it missed the chance to chart a fresh course for the franchise.
Star Fox Zero with BONUS (Wii U) Unboxing !! by POPnGAMES
9. GameCube
Using a mini-disc format that capped storage capacity, the GameCube still delivered standout hits like Super Smash Bros. Melee. It also broke ground with Nintendo’s first wireless controller. Even so, it sold just 21.7 million units, a distant figure compared to the PS2.
Paweł Durczok north_of_rapture on Wikimedia
10. Wii Music
Wii Music embraced a creative concept and featured Shigeru Miyamoto in the promotions. Its playful yet odd presentation became a meme within the gaming scene. Although it sold over 2 million copies, it was widely criticized for offering shallow gameplay without clear direction.
Wii Music - Nintendo Wii Unboxing by Gbg Mechanical 5
Nintendo’s history is also defined by moments that reshaped gaming and captured imaginations worldwide. Now it’s time to see the titles and consoles that turned ambition into lasting success.
1. Nintendo Switch
Launched after the Wii U’s struggles, the Nintendo Switch redefined console flexibility. Its hybrid design supports both handheld and docked play, appealing to varied lifestyles. Selling 153.10 million units by June 2025, it became Nintendo’s best-selling home console.
2. Game Boy
The Game Boy’s blend of portability, durability, and accessibility made it a worldwide success. Tetris helped fuel its rapid adoption, with combined sales (including the Game Boy Color) exceeding 118 million units. Its role in launching Pokémon internationally solidified its reputation as a handheld gaming trailblazer.
3. Wii
Motion controls turned the Wii into a social activity. Outperforming both the Xbox 360 and PlayStation 3 with over 101 million units sold, it appealed to non-traditional gamers. Wii Sports and Mii avatars turned it into a cultural touchstone for casual and dedicated players alike.
4. Mario Kart 8 Deluxe
Selling over 60 million copies, Mario Kart 8 Deluxe stands as the Switch’s top-selling game. Upgraded from its Wii U origins, it included all prior DLC and continued to receive updates years later. The blend of competitive play and accessibility keeps it thriving in the market.
Mario Kart 8 Deluxe | Nintendo Switch Lite | Unboxing and Gameplay by Nintendo Games
5. Super Mario 64
Released in 1996 as a Nintendo 64 launch title, Super Mario 64 redefined 3D platformers. Selling over 11 million copies, it introduced groundbreaking analog stick controls and offered unprecedented freedom of movement. Its inventive level design continues to influence platformer development decades after its debut.
SUPER MARIO 64 UNBOXING AND REVIEW [4K] (N64) by Chr0mePisto1a
6. The Legend Of Zelda: Breath Of The Wild
This title reimagined open-world exploration, offering unparalleled freedom and systemic gameplay. Selling 33.04 million copies by June 2025, it became the best-selling Zelda game. The game received many Game of the Year accolades in 2017 and influenced the design direction of major titles.
The Legend Of Zelda: Breath of the Wild Unboxing and Gameplay by It'sTheTRIPP!
7. Animal Crossing: New Horizons
Arriving in 2020, Animal Crossing: New Horizons became a social and creative outlet during the pandemic. Extensive customization and community interaction attracted millions of newcomers. It went on to sell 48.19 million copies, the series’ top performer.
Nintendo Switch Animal Crossing: New Horizons Console Unboxing by TheRelaxingEnd
8. Pokémon Red & Blue
These original Pokémon titles ignited a cultural phenomenon. Selling over 31 million copies worldwide, they introduced 151 iconic creatures and kick-started a franchise spanning games and merchandise. The monster-collecting formula inspired countless imitators, while the original designs and mechanics remain deeply cherished by fans.
Unboxing Pokemon Red & Blue by The90sKids
9. Nintendo DS
The Nintendo DS broke expectations with its dual-screen setup, one of which was touch-enabled. This innovation drew in new demographics and revitalized portable gaming. Surpassing 154 million units sold, it became the best-selling handheld console in history.
10. Super Smash Bros. Ultimate
This game sold 36.55 million copies as of June 2025, earning the title of best-selling fighting game ever. It brought together every past fighter alongside new additions. A vast stage roster and extensive music library made it the ultimate crossover experience for players.
Super Smash Bros Ultimate | Nintendo Switch Lite | Unboxing and Gameplay by Nintendo Games
