Which 8-bit Nintendo games are worth playing today? This critic is playing all 751 of them to find out

June 16, 2026 - 04:33

Veteran game critic Jeff Gerstmann is on a mission that would make most gamers' thumbs ache just thinking about it. He is nearly finished playing and ranking every single game released in North America for the original Nintendo Entertainment System. That is all 751 titles, from the iconic to the utterly obscure.

Gerstmann, a longtime figure in games journalism and the founder of the website Giant Bomb, started this massive undertaking as a personal project. The goal is not just to play them, but to create a definitive ranking of every 8-bit cartridge that officially hit store shelves in the United States. He has been documenting his progress, sharing his thoughts on classics like "Super Mario Bros. 3" and "The Legend of Zelda," as well as notorious stinkers like "Action 52" and "Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde."

The process is methodical. Gerstmann isn't just speed-running through them. He spends real time with each game, evaluating its playability, design, and historical significance. For many of the more forgettable titles, this is likely the first time they have been seriously examined in decades. The project offers a unique, comprehensive look at the NES library, cutting through nostalgia to see which games actually hold up today.

So, which 8-bit Nintendo games are worth playing in 2024? According to Gerstmann's ongoing list, the usual suspects remain at the top. "Super Mario Bros. 3," "Mega Man 2," and "Contra" are all near the summit. But he has also championed lesser-known gems, such as the innovative platformer "Gimmick!" and the challenging action game "Vice: Project Doom." The real value, however, might be in the warnings. His deep dive has confirmed that many beloved childhood memories are best left in the past, as some popular titles are simply unplayable by modern standards. With the finish line in sight, Gerstmann's final ranking promises to be the most thorough critique of the NES library ever assembled.