It’s hard to believe, but the PlayStation 2, original Xbox, and Nintendo GameCube are now relics of a bygone era, each celebrating over two decades since their debut. Yet, some of the games from that early 2000s generation haven’t just survived—they’ve thrived, continuing to capture the hearts and thumbs of gamers everywhere. Among these, Nintendo’s catalog stands out, not just for its iconic platformers and action-adventures, but for the role-playing games and genre-defining titles that still spark debates and nostalgia alike.
Nintendo’s journey through the video game industry is the stuff of legend. The company pulled gaming back from the brink in the 1980s and has remained at the forefront through constant innovation. Most people know Nintendo for the likes of Mario, Donkey Kong, The Legend of Zelda, and Metroid. But dig a little deeper, and you’ll find a treasure trove of role-playing games (RPGs) that have stood the test of time, as highlighted by ComicBook.com in a March 2026 feature.
Take Mario & Luigi: Bowser’s Inside Story, for example. Released on the Nintendo DS, this quirky RPG flipped the script by making Bowser the unlikely protagonist. Odd? Maybe. But it worked. The game’s humor and inventive gameplay made it a critical and commercial success, and by 2020, it had become the best-selling Mario RPG. Nintendo doubled down on its popularity with a 2018 expanded remake, adding a new side story—Bowser Jr.’s Journey—and smoothing out some rough edges for newcomers and returning fans alike.
Then there’s Fire Emblem: The Blazing Blade. For years, the Fire Emblem series was a Japan-only affair, even as characters from the franchise started popping up in Super Smash Bros. Melee. That changed in 2002, when The Blazing Blade finally brought its complex fantasy drama and tactical combat to a global audience on the Game Boy Advance. The streamlined gameplay, as ComicBook.com notes, made it accessible to new players, while the 2D visuals have aged gracefully—no awkward early-3D graphics here.
Of course, no discussion of classic Nintendo RPGs is complete without Super Mario RPG. When it launched in 1996, it was a dream collaboration between Nintendo and Square, blending Mario’s world with Square’s signature RPG style. The result? An all-time great with sublime turn-based combat and a deep dive into Mario’s universe. Director Chihiro Fujioka’s influence would later be felt in the Mario & Luigi series, even if he wasn’t as hands-on. The 2023 Switch remake added quality-of-life improvements, making it easier than ever to revisit this fan-favorite.
But not every Nintendo RPG has gotten the continued love it deserves. Golden Sun was a blockbuster on the GBA, with its first two entries earning widespread acclaim. The third installment, Dark Dawn, arrived on the DS but couldn’t quite recapture the magic. Since then, developer Camelot has focused on sports titles like Mario Golf and Tennis. Still, thanks to Nintendo Switch Online, fans can replay the original two games—no need to hunt down pricey cartridges.
And let’s not forget Earthbound, a game that perfectly captures Nintendo’s offbeat spirit. Released on the Super Nintendo, Earthbound ditched the typical fantasy and sci-fi tropes for a whimsical take on Americana. Its turn-based combat and wacky bestiary keep things fresh, and its cult status has only grown over the years. While its sequel, Mother 3, never officially made it out of Japan, fan translations have helped bridge the gap. Both games are now available on the Switch Online program, making it easier than ever for curious players to dive in.
Yet, if there’s one Nintendo title that’s sparked more debate than any other, it’s Super Smash Bros. Melee. Released in 2001 on the GameCube, Melee took the crossover fighting game concept to new heights, expanding the roster to 25 characters and delivering a technical showcase for the console. As SVG pointed out, the game’s speed, handling, and array of modes made it a party staple and a competitive mainstay. Some even argue the series has yet to surpass it.
But acclaim hasn’t shielded Melee from criticism. In 2017, The Gamer published a list titled “15 Nintendo Games That Are Painfully Overrated,” placing Super Smash Bros. Melee right at the top. According to Men’s Journal, which reported on the list in March 2026, The Gamer took issue with Melee’s breakneck pace, arguing it was too inaccessible for newcomers and that seasoned players exploited technical quirks to dominate. The outlet also cited problematic stages and an overabundance of “cheap” clone characters, suggesting that later entries like Brawl and Ultimate struck a better balance between fun and competition. “Of all of the Nintendo games that are overhyped, Super Smash Bros. Melee takes the cake,” The Gamer wrote.
Still, the critical consensus leans the other way. Since its release, Melee has earned steady praise from major outlets. IGN ranked it the third-best GameCube game, Game Informer called it the second-best fighting game ever in 2019, and Nintendo Life placed it as the second-best entry in the franchise. A January 2024 Medium article even called it the writer’s “favorite game of all time.” Even The Gamer, for all its criticism, didn’t claim Melee was a bad game—just that it received more adulation than its flaws warranted.
The debate over Melee’s legacy is emblematic of a broader conversation about games from this era. As technology leapt forward, developers like Rare and Capcom pushed boundaries with titles such as Perfect Dark (2000) and the 2002 remake of Resident Evil. Perfect Dark refined the first-person shooter formula, while Capcom’s Resident Evil remake set a new benchmark for atmospheric horror with improved visuals and gameplay. Meanwhile, Square Enix’s Final Fantasy X for the PlayStation 2 modernized RPG mechanics and storytelling, becoming one of the standout titles of its generation.
Star Wars fans weren’t left out, either. Star Wars Rogue Squadron II: Rogue Leader launched with the GameCube in 2001, offering seven spacecraft and a campaign spanning the original film trilogy. Its technical achievements and gameplay depth ensured it would be remembered as one of the best movie tie-in games ever.
As we look back, it’s clear that the early 2000s were a golden age for gaming, with Nintendo leading the charge in both innovation and lasting impact. Whether you’re a fan of quirky RPGs, frenetic fighting games, or cinematic adventures, there’s plenty from this era that still shines. And with many classics now available on modern platforms like the Nintendo Switch Online service, revisiting these gems is easier—and more rewarding—than ever.
For players old and new, the legacy of these games is a testament to their enduring appeal, their ability to spark conversation, and their place in gaming’s ever-evolving story.