The Most Popular Nintendo Franchise, Ranked

Choose the franchise you think is the most popular!

Author: Gregor Krambs
Updated on May 27, 2024 07:06
Understanding the favorite Nintendo franchises can greatly benefit gamers looking to invest in new titles or those seeking community preferences. A clear hierarchy of these game series helps clarify what might be worth diving into next, based on widespread appeal and proven engagement. This kind of organization assists both seasoned players and those new to gaming in making informed decisions. By contributing votes to rank these beloved franchises, users directly influence the guide that helps others navigate their choices. It creates a dynamic, user-influenced guide that constantly adapts to new trends and changing preferences within the gaming community. Each vote adds value, ensuring that the ranking reflects the current tastes and opinions of real players.

What Is the Most Popular Nintendo Franchise?

  1. 1
    48
    votes

    The Legend of Zelda

    A high fantasy franchise focused on the adventures of Link, a hero tasked with rescuing Princess Zelda and battling the series antagonist, Ganon.
    • First Appearance: The Legend of Zelda (1986)
    • Creator: Shigeru Miyamoto and Takashi Tezuka
  2. 2
    20
    votes

    Super Smash Bros.

    A crossover fighting game series that features characters from various Nintendo franchises.
    • First Appearance: Super Smash Bros. (1999)
    • Creator: Masahiro Sakurai
  3. 3
    16
    votes

    Pokémon

    A franchise that revolves around fictional creatures called "Pokémon" and their capture and training for battle.
    • First Appearance: Pokémon Red and Green (1996)
    • Creator: Satoshi Tajiri
  4. 4
    11
    votes

    Metroid

    A science fiction action-adventure game series that follows Samus Aran, a space-faring bounty hunter, as she protects the galaxy from the Space Pirates and their attempts to harness the power of the parasitic Metroid creatures.
    • First Appearance: Metroid (1986)
    • Creator: Makoto Kano
  5. 5
    10
    votes

    Donkey Kong

    A series of video games featuring the adventures of a gorilla character named Donkey Kong, it began with the arcade game Donkey Kong, where he was the opponent.
    • First Appearance: Donkey Kong (1981)
    • Creator: Shigeru Miyamoto
  6. 6
    9
    votes

    Animal Crossing

    A social simulation video game series that simulates life in a village inhabited by anthropomorphic animals.
    • First Appearance: Animal Crossing (2001)
    • Creator: Katsuya Eguchi and Hisashi Nogami
  7. 7
    7
    votes

    Kirby

    A series of action-platformer video games developed by HAL Laboratory and centered around the adventures of a pink, spherical character named Kirby.
    • First Appearance: Kirby's Dream Land (1992)
    • Creator: Masahiro Sakurai
  8. 8
    5
    votes

    Fire Emblem

    A fantasy tactical role-playing game franchise developed by Intelligent Systems and published by Nintendo.
    • First Appearance: Fire Emblem: Shadow Dragon and the Blade of Light (1990)
    • Creator: Shouzou Kaga
  9. 9
    0
    votes

    Splatoon

    A third-person shooter series that centers around fictional, anthropomorphic cephalopods known as Inklings and Octolings, who use colored ink to attack opponents and clear goals.
    • First Appearance: Splatoon (2015)
    • Creator: Hisashi Nogami
  10. 10
    0
    votes

    Mario

    A franchise centered around the adventures of Mario, an Italian plumber in the Mushroom Kingdom.
    • First Appearance: Donkey Kong (1981)
    • Creator: Shigeru Miyamoto

Missing your favorite franchise?

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About this ranking

This is a community-based ranking of the most popular Nintendo franchise. We do our best to provide fair voting, but it is not intended to be exhaustive. So if you notice something or Franchise is missing, feel free to help improve the ranking!

Statistics

  • 2329 views
  • 126 votes
  • 10 ranked items

Voting Rules

A participant may cast an up or down vote for each Franchise once every 24 hours. The rank of each Franchise is then calculated from the weighted sum of all up and down votes.

Additional Information

More about the Most Popular Nintendo Franchise

The Legend of Zelda
Rank #1 for the most popular Nintendo franchise: The Legend of Zelda (Source)
Nintendo, a giant in the gaming industry, has created many beloved franchises. These franchises have captivated players for decades. Each game series features unique characters, stories, and gameplay mechanics. The company has a knack for creating immersive worlds that players can lose themselves in.

The success of these franchises lies in their universal appeal. They attract both young and old players. The games often blend simple controls with deep gameplay. This makes them easy to pick up but hard to master. The colorful graphics and memorable music add to the charm. These elements create a sense of nostalgia for many fans.

Many of these franchises started on early gaming systems. Over the years, they have evolved with new technology. Despite these changes, they maintain their core identity. This balance of innovation and tradition keeps fans coming back. The company also listens to its audience, often incorporating player feedback into new releases.

The characters in these franchises are iconic. They have become symbols of the gaming world. These characters often appear in various media, including TV shows, movies, and merchandise. Their design is simple yet distinct, making them easily recognizable. This helps in building a strong brand identity.

The stories in these games often involve epic quests. Players embark on adventures that test their skills and wits. The narrative usually includes themes of good vs. evil, friendship, and courage. These timeless themes resonate with players, adding depth to the gameplay.

Multiplayer options are another key feature. Many of these games offer both local and online multiplayer modes. This allows friends and family to play together. It also adds a competitive edge, as players can test their skills against others. The social aspect of these games contributes to their lasting popularity.

The company frequently releases sequels and spin-offs. Each new installment often introduces fresh elements while retaining the core aspects that fans love. This keeps the franchise exciting and relevant. Special editions and remakes of classic games also keep the interest alive.

Marketing plays a crucial role in the success of these franchises. The company uses various channels to promote its games. Trailers, demos, and events generate buzz. Social media and online communities also help in spreading the word. This multi-faceted approach ensures that the games reach a wide audience.

The company also collaborates with other brands. These partnerships result in unique crossover events and special in-game items. Such collaborations expand the reach of the franchises, attracting new fans.

The games often receive critical acclaim. Reviews highlight their engaging gameplay, stunning visuals, and compelling stories. Awards and accolades further cement their reputation. This positive feedback boosts sales and encourages new players to try the games.

In conclusion, Nintendo's most popular franchises have stood the test of time. Their blend of engaging gameplay, memorable characters, and captivating stories make them a staple in the gaming world. The company's commitment to quality and innovation ensures that these franchises will continue to entertain players for years to come.

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