Sony PlayStation Portable

Sony's PlayStation Portable is the company's first major handheld gaming system, intended to compete with Nintendo's DS platform which had been enjoying a largely uncontested market. It was released in Japan in 2004 and in 2005 globally. The PSP uses universal media discs instead of cartridges, making it the first handheld gaming device to use a disc-based medium. The use of UMDs, coupled with its processor, gives the PSP superior performance than the Nintendo DS. However, the PSP has lagged behind the DS in terms of sales, with current figures placed at 62 million, as well as critical acclaim. Nevertheless, the PSP must be considered a success for Sony, especially compared with other handheld systems that have attempted to compete with Nintendo. A successor, with the innovative title PSP2, is scheduled for release in the near future.

The Greatest PlayStation Portable Games of All-time:

1. [165] Lumines (series) (2005)
2. [193] God of War: Chains of Olympus (2008)

The List by Platform

You can now view the 200 most acclaimed video games by the platform / system on which they appear by clicking on one of the links below.

Note: The platform specific lists have not been updated to reflect the new 2011 rankings. This will be corrected in the near future.

Platforms:
PC
Arcade
Atari Jaguar
Microsoft Xbox
Microsoft Xbox 360
Nintendo Entertainment System
Super Nintendo
Nintendo 64
Nintendo GameCube
Nintendo Wii
Nintendo Game Boy / Game Boy Color
Nintendo Game Boy Advance
Nintendo DS
Sega Genesis / Mega Drive
Sega Saturn
Sega Dreamcast
Sony PlayStation
Sony PlayStation 2
Sony PlayStation 3
Sony PlayStation Portable

Note:
Many games and series appear on multiple platforms. However, there are cases where certain ports or versions of a game are considered to have been underwhelming and others where certain entries in a series are siginificantly less acclaimed than others. Therefore, such games will only be included on the platforms on which they have garnered a considerable amount of acclaim.

Nintendo DS

The Nintendo DS (dual screen) is Nintendo's third major handheld gaming console. It was released in 2004 in Japan and North America and in 2005 elsewhere. It is the best selling Nintendo console, as well as the best selling handheld system, in history with global sales over 135 million. It has seen numerous redesigns since its release and will be supplanted by the Nintendo 3DS in the near future. In addition to its twin-screens, the DS is notable for its innovative touch-screen and voice command controls, making it one of the most progressive gaming systems ever released. It also offers online gaming and downloadable content. However, despite its forward thinking design, the most significant DS releases have all been sequels and remakes of earlier Nintendo titles. Even so, Mario Kart DS and Animal Crossing: Wild World are generally considered to be the apex of their respective series.

The Greatest Nintendo DS Games of All-time:

1. [21] Mario Kart DS (2005)
2. [83] Animal Crossing: Wild World (2005)
3. [175] New Super Mario Bros. (2006)
4. [183] Legend of Zelda: Phantom Hourglass (2007)
5. [186] Pokémon Diamond & Pearl (2007)

Nintendo Game Boy Advance

The Game Boy Advance (GBA) was Nintendo's successor to the Game Boy / Game Boy Color handheld system. It was released worldwide in 2001. It features backward compatibility for previous Game Boy system cartridges and pioneered the use of a built-in light. Additionally, by using the Game Link cable, a player could attach his or her GBA to their GameCube and play GBA games on their television sets. It was a considerable success for Nintendo, enjoying a market that was virtually uncontested, with total sales over 80 million units. The GBA was made obsolete by the Nintendo DS in 2004.

The Greatest Nintendo Game Boy Advance Games of All-time:

1. [80] WarioWare, Inc.: Mega Microgame$! (2003)
2. [95] Advance Wars (2001)
3. [199] Mario and Luigi: Superstar Saga (2003)

Nintendo Game Boy / Game Boy Color

The Nintendo Game Boy (GB) was Nintendo's first proper handheld system, directly inspired by the company's earlier Game & Watch series of standalone handhelds. It was released in 1989 in Japan and the United States and in 1990 in Europe. It was the first major handheld platform. The Game Boy was re-released in 1998 as the Game Boy Color (GBC), which kept the system's appearance but added a color display and increased performance. The Game Boy platforms were huge successes for Nintendo, selling nearly 120 million units combined, and single-handedly created the portable gaming market. Their most notable releases were Tetris, which was bundled with the original Game Boy, and the debut entries in the Pokemon series. The original Game Boy was discontinued in 1999, rendered redundant by the Game Boy Color, while the Game Boy Color was in turn discontinued in 2002 after the release of the Game Boy Advance.

The Greatest Game Boy / Game Boy Color Games of All-time:

1. [2] Tetris (1989)
2. [84] Pokemon Red & Blue (1998) / Yellow (1999)
3. [125] The Legend of Zelda: Link’s Awakening DX (1998)

Sony PlayStation 3

The PlayStation 3 (PS3) is Sony's seventh-generation follow up to the PlayStation 2. It was released in late 2006 in Japan and North America and in 2007 elsewhere. From a commercial perspective, the PS3 has been a considerable failure for Sony, which had appeared to have gained an insurmountable lead over its rivals with the PS2. It has sold about 38 million units worldwide, approximately half of what the Wii has sold, a few million less than the Xbox 360 and over 100 million fewer than the PS2. As with the Xbox 360, cross-platform games fill-out most of the system's notable library, with Little Big Planet standing as the only PS3 exclusive to have garnered a significant amount of acclaim thus far.

The Greatest PlayStation 3 Games of All-time:

1. [25] Call of Duty 4: Modern Warfare (2007)
2. [36] Grand Theft Auto IV (2008)
3. [38] Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion (2006)
4. [60] Fallout 3 (2008)
5. [64] Burnout Paradise (2008)
6. [67] Rock Band (series) (2007)
7. [111] Little Big Planet (2008)
8. [132] Metal Gear Solid 4: Guns of the Patriots (2008)
9. [172] skate. (series) (2007)

Nintendo Wii

The Wii is Nintendo's fifth major console and was released worldwide in late 2006. Significantly, the Wii is Nintendo's first truly successful console since the Super Nintendo. As of June, 2010, the company has shipped over 73 million Wii units, easily outpacing the sales figures of its rivals, Sony's PS3 and Microsoft's Xbox 360. If these figures hold, Nintendo will claim its first decisive victory in the console market since the release of the NES. The Wii was explicitly and successfully marketed to casual gamers, partially accounting for its high sales, and implements an intuitive and innovative motion control scheme. However, its focus on the casual market coupled with its esoteric controls have alienated many, with several major publishers ignoring the console resulting in few standout titles.

The Greatest Nintendo Wii Games of All-time:

1. [10] Super Mario Galaxy (2007)
2. [43] Super Smash Bros. Brawl (2008)
3. [54] Wii Sports (series) (2006)
4. [133] The Legend of Zelda: Twilight Princess (2006)

Microsoft Xbox 360

The Xbox 360 (abbreviated here as 360) is Microsoft's followup to the Xbox platform. It was made available globally in 2005. It was the first seventh generation console to be released. Thus far, the 360 has been a success for Microsoft, with its sales doubling that of its predecessor. However, its sales are still far behind the benchmark set by the PlayStation 2. Cross platform titles appear to be the trend that will come to define the seventh generation, with the 360 offering few notable exclusive games and even fewer new gaming franchises.

The Greatest Xbox 360 Games of All-time:

1. [25] Call of Duty 4: Modern Warfare (2007)
2. [36] Grand Theft Auto IV (2008)
3. [38] Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion (2006)
4. [60] Fallout 3 (2008)
5. [64] Burnout Paradise (2008)
6. [67] Rock Band (series) (2007)
7. [89] Mass Effect (2007)
8. [97] Halo 3 (2007)
9. [115] Left 4 Dead (2008)
10. [159] Gears of War 2 (2008)
11. [172] skate. (series) (2007)
12. [173] Braid (2008)

Microsoft Xbox

The Xbox was software titan Microsoft's first home gaming console. It was released in 2001 in North America and in 2002 in Japan and PAL regions. The Xbox was the first console to utilize an internal hard drive for saving game content and was the most technologically advanced system of its generation. It also came with built-in support for Xbox Live, allowing for online play and downloadable content. Despite its inability to crack the highly nationalistic Japanese market, its strong sales in North America and, to a lesser extent, Europe, propelled the Xbox's global sales to over 24 million units. Although its sales were significantly lower than Sony's PS2, the Xbox outsold both Sega's Dreamcast and Nintendo's GameCube on its way to becoming the second best-selling system of its generation. Its library was known for top tier action titles, including the first-person shooter Halo: Combat Evolved, which proved that consoles could successfully host online FPS games, and titles from PC developers like BioWare and Tim Schafer's Double Fine Productions. It was discontinued in 2006.

The Greatest Microsoft Xbox Games of All-time:

1. [24] Halo: Combat Evolved (2001)
2. [46] Star Wars: Knights of the Old Republic (2003)
3. [64] Burnout (series) (2002)
4. [72] Madden NFL (series) (2002)
5. [93] Prince of Persia: The Sands of Time (2003)
6. [102] Jet Set Radio Future (2002)
7. [114] Ninja Gaiden [2004] (2004)
8. [119] Psychonauts (2005)
9. [131] Halo 2 (2004)
10. [176] ESPN NFL Football 2K5 (2004)
11. [195] Beyond Good and Evil (2003)

Nintendo GameCube

The GameCube (abbreviated as the 'cube') was Nintendo's followup to the N64. It was released in 2001 in Japan and North America and in 2002 elsewhere. Like the N64, the GameCube was a commercial failure for Nintendo, which saw its market share dwindle to an all-time low as Sony's PS2 outsold it by a ratio of over 6:1 and new competitor Microsoft bested it for the silver medal in the sixth-generation console wars. Common theories for its inability to enthrall the masses include Nintendo's decision to use miniDVDs rather than standard DVDs, the company's continued ineptitude at convincing third-party publishers to support its platforms and its relatively late launch date. In the end, the GameCube only sold 21 million units and was discontinued in 2007. However, it still treated its loyal consumers with quality first-party titles, including a rebooted Metroid franchise and the new Animal Crossing series, and managed to temporarily lure the highly acclaimed Resident Evil 4 away from Sony.

The Greatest Nintendo GameCube Games of All-time:

1. [22] Resident Evil 4 (2005)
2. [43] Super Smash Bros. Melee (2001)
3. [65] Metroid Prime (2002)
4. [83] Animal Crossing (2002)
5. [85] The Legend of Zelda: The Wind Waker (2002)
6. [93] Prince of Persia: The Sands of Time (2003)
7. [120] Eternal Darkness: Sanity's Requim (2002)
8. [126] F-Zero GX (2003)
9. [170] Ikaruga  (2006)
10. [195] Beyond Good and Evil (2003)

Sony PlayStation 2

The PlayStation 2 (abbreviated as PS2) was Sony's second video game console, released worldwide in 2000. It followed the hugely successful PlayStation and eventually usurped its forerunner as the best-selling console of all-time with sales in excess of 145 million. The PS2's remarkable success easily won the sixth-generation console wars for Sony, outselling all of its competitors combined almost three times over. Likewise, it offered its consumers a wide-array of games, having perhaps the largest and most acclaimed gaming library ever assembled for a home console. It remains commercially available a decade after its initial release and still enjoys new titles.

The Greatest Sony PlayStation 2 Games of All-time:

1. [23] Gran Turismo (series) (2001)
2. [34] Guitar Hero (series) (2005)
3. [35] Virtua Fighter 4: Evolution (2003)
4. [37] God of War (2005)
5. [44] Ico (2002)
6. [49] Okami (2006)
7. [56] Grand Theft Auto III (2001)
8. [64] Burnout (series) (2002)
9. [66] Shadow of the Colossus (2006)
10. [72] Madden NFL (series) (2002)
11. [78] Grand Theft Auto: San Andreas (2004)
12. [82] Final Fantasy XII (2006)
13. [91] Tony Hawk's Pro Skater 3 (2001)
14. [93] Prince of Persia: The Sands of Time (2003)
15. [129] Silent Hill 2 (2001)
16. [141] Pro Evolution Soccer (series) (2001)
17. [144] God of War 2 (2007)
18. [149] Katamari Damacy (series) (2004)
19. [151] Grand Theft Auto: Vice City (2003)
20. [176] ESPN NFL Football 2K5 (2004)
21. [182] Metal Gear Solid 3: Snake Eater (2004)
22. [188] Metal Gear Solid 2: Sons of Liberty (2002)
23. [195] Beyond Good and Evil (2003)

Sega Dreamcast

The Dreamcast was Sega's fourth and final major video game console. It was released in 1998 in Japan and in 1999 globally, making it the first sixth-generation console. Despite the early jump on its competition, the Dreamcast underperformed, only managing to sell around 10 million units. Owing to its declining market share since the Genesis, Sega decided to focus exclusively on making software and discontinued the Dreamcast in 2002. Even though it was a commercial disaster, the Dreamcast was nevertheless an innovative console. For instance, it pioneered online play on home consoles, most notably with the MMORPG Phantasy Star Online. The Dreamcast also played host to a number of highly creative titles, like Rez and Jet Set Radio, as well as to well-respected sports series, such as Virtua Tennis and the 2K Sports franchises. The Dreamcast is proof that technical innovation and artistic fertility do not always lead to commercial viability in the video game industry.

The Greatest Sega Dreamcast Games of All-time:

1. [79] SoulCalibur (1999)
2. [102] Jet Set Radio / Jet Grind Radio (2000)
3. [112] Rez (2001)
4. [118] Virtua Tennis (2000)
5. [139] Crazy Taxi (2000)
6. [170] Ikaruga  (2002)
7. [176] NFL 2K (series) (2000)
8. [180] Skies of Arcadia (2000)
9. [197] Rayman 2: The Great Escape (2000)

Nintendo 64

The Nintendo 64 (abbreviated as N64) was Nintendo's third major console. It was released in 1996 in Japan and North America and in 1997 in the rest of the world. Significantly, the N64 was the last fifth-generation console to be released. This fact, coupled with Nintendo's decision to continue using gaming cartridges and its unpopularity with third-party developers, led to Nintendo being humbled in the fifth-generation console wars with sales of under 33 million units. Although it handily beat its old rival Sega, new competitor Sony's PlayStation console outsold the N64 by a ratio of over three-to-one. Even so, Nintendo was able to deliver highly acclaimed games in the Mario Bros. and Zelda franchises and debuted the Super Smash Bros. series while Rareware's Goldeneye 007 pioneered the FPS genre on the home console. However, due to Nintendo's colossal loss of market share, the N64 must be regarded in hindsight as a moderate failure. It was discontinued in 2002.

The Greatest Nintendo 64 Games of All-time:

1. [3] Super Mario 64 (1996)
2. [4] The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time (1998)
3. [13] Goldeneye 007 (1997)
4. [43] Super Smash Bros. (1999)
5. [72] Madden NFL 99 (1998)
6. [197] Rayman 2: The Great Escape (2000)

Sony PlayStation

The PlayStation (abbreviated as PS1) was Sony's first video game console. It was released in 1994 in Japan and in 1995 in North America and PAL regions. The PlayStation was the best-selling console to that point and easily won the fifth-generation console wars for Sony with sales just over 100 million units. It differentiated itself from Nintendo by explicitly targeting a mature audience, a market formerly thought to be reserved for PC games. Additionally, the PlayStation was the first successful console to use CDs instead of cartridges, which cut the cost of games, allowed for better performance, and was more attractive to developers. Due to this ability to attract third-party developers, the PlayStation offered a fairly robust lineup of games. Specifically, it was responsible for popularizing the stealth and survival horror genres and brought JRPGs to the gaming mainstream. It was discontinued in 2006.

The Greatest Sony PlayStation Games of All-time

1. [14] Metal Gear Solid (1998)
2. [19] Final Fantasy VII
3. [23] Gran Turismo (series) (1998)
4. [32] Castlevania: Symphony of the Night (1997)
5. [55] Tekken (series) (1996)
6. [63] Resident Evil (1996)
7. [68] Ridge Racer (series) (1995)
8. [69] WipEout (series) (1996)
9. [72] Madden NFL (series) (1998)
10. [86] Tomb Raider (1996)
11. [87] Final Fantasy Tactics (1998)
12. [91] Tony Hawk's Pro Skater 2 (2000)
13. [98] Super Puzzle Fighter II Turbo (1996)
14. [110] Resident Evil 2 (1998)
15. [184] Silent Hill (1998)
16. [187] PaRappa the Rapper (1997)

Sega Saturn

The Saturn was Sega's third console. It was released in 1994 in Japan and globally in 1995. It was the first major fifth-generation console available commercially. Infamously, at the E3 trade show in May 1995, Sega announced that the Saturn was available immediately at select stores, four months ahead of its previously announced launch. In theory this should have allowed Sega to get a jump on its competition. In reality this would prove to be a mistake, as the Saturn shipped with a limited gaming library and a comparatively high price tag. Additionally, by only shipping to select stores, Sega alienated several major retailers. The end result was a distant third place finish in the fifth-generation console wars for Sega, with Saturn sales under ten million units. Saturn production ceased in 1998, a mere three years after its launch. However, the Saturn was able to provide its customers with high quality arcade ports, innovative rail-shooters and Saturn Bomberman, which is generally considered to be the best entry in the venerable Bomberman series.

The Greatest Sega Saturn Games of All-time:

1. [35] Virtua Fighter 2 (1995)
2. [86] Tomb Raider (1996)
3. [101] Saturn Bomberman (1997)
4. [103] Panzer Dragoon Saga (1998)
5. [171] NiGHTS into Dreams (1996)

Atari Jaguar

The Atari Jaguar was released in 1993 in North America and in 1994 in the rest of the world. Despite being one of the earliest fifth-generation consoles and having near PC quality performance, the Atari Jaguar was a commercial failure, only selling around 250,000 copies. Because of this, the Jaguar was the last video game console released by the Atari Corporation. It had a notoriously small gaming library, with its most notable releases being ports of PC games, like DOOM and Wolfenstein 3D, and Tempest 2000, a highly revered remake of the arcade game Tempest. The Atari Jaguar was discontinued in 1996.

The Greatest Atari Jaguar Games of All-time:

1. [76] Tempest 2000 (1994)

Sega Genesis / Mega Drive

The Sega Genesis, known as the Mega Drive outside of North America, was Sega's second console, following the unsuccessful Master System. It was released in 1988 in Japan, 1989 in North America and 1990 in PAL regions. Although it was soundly defeated by Nintendo's SNES in Japan, the Genesis / Mega Drive managed to be competitive with Nintendo in most every other global market, managing to claim a higher market share in several key regions. The Genesis was known for its add-ons, such as the Mega CD and Sega 32X, which allowed it to have the best technical performance of any console up to that point. Although the Genesis library is not considered to be as deep in terms of quality as the SNES, it can claim several innovative titles across the genre spectrum, including Herzog Zwei, one of the first RTS games. The Genesis was discontinued in 1995.

The Greatest Sega Genesis / Mega Drive Games of All-time:

1. [73] Gunstar Heroes (1993)
2. [74] Sonic the Hedgehog (1991)
3. [101] Mega Bomberman (1994)
4. [107] Sonic the Hedgehog 2 (1992)
5. [155] Phantasy Star II (1989)
6. [160] Streets of Rage (series) (1992)
7. [196] Herzog Zwei (1990)

Super Nintendo

The Super Nintendo Entertainment System (also known as the Super Nintendo and abbreviated as the 'SNES') was Nintendo's second home console and was released in 1990 in Japan, 1991 in North America and 1992 in Europe and Australia. It edged out the Sega Genesis in the 16-bit console wars, largely due to Sega's inability to enthrall the Japanese market. However, due to the increased competition from the Genesis and, to a lesser extent, the TurboGrafx-16, the SNES sold over ten million fewer copies than Nintendo's earlier NES console. Nevertheless, it is still held in very high esteem by gaming critics and aficionados and is best known for its platformers, adventure titles and RPGs. It was discontinued in 1999.

The Greatest Super Nintendo Games of All-time:

1. [6] Street Fighter II (1991)
2. [9] The Legend of Zelda: A Link to the Past (1992)
3. [15] Super Metroid (1994)
4. [18] Super Mario World (1992)
5. [21] Super Mario Kart (1992)
6. [48] Chrono Trigger (1995)
7. [52] Final Fantasy VI (1994)
8. [90] Super Mario World 2: Yoshi's Island (1995)
9. [101] Super Bomberman (1993)
10. [126] F-Zero (1990)
11. [153] Super Castlevania IV (1992)
12. [168] Donkey Kong Country (1994)
13. [178] Gradius III (1991)
14. [191] Star Fox (1993)
15. [194] Super Mario RPG: Legend of the Seven Stars (1996)
16. [200] Final Fantasy IV (1991)

Nintendo Entertainment System

The Nintendo Entertainment System (NES for short) is Nintendo's first console and was released in 1985 in North America and a year later in Europe. It is considered to have been the savior of the industry in the United States after the so-called 'video game crash' that occurred in 1983. For this reason, it is often cited as the most important video game console of all-time. It was the first system to feature games in many of Nintendo's modern day stalwart series, such as The Legend of Zelda and Metroid, as well as iconic third party series like Mega Man and Castlevania. It was discontinued in 1995, giving it one of the longest commercial tenures of any console. The NES is perhaps best known for its assortment of high quality platformer games.

The Greatest NES Games of All-time:

1. [2] Tetris (1989)
2. [30] Super Mario Bros. (1985)
3. [33] Super Mario Bros. 3 (1990)
4. [47] The Legend of Zelda (1986)
5. [94] Mega Man 2 (1988)
6. [101] Bomberman (1987)
7. [108] Mike Tyson's Punchout!! (1987)
8. [122] Super Mario Bros. 2 (1988)
9. [124] Metroid (1987)
10. [128] Contra (1988)
11. [156] Ninja Gaiden [NES] (1989)
12. [163] Tecmo Bowl (series) (1989)
13. [174] Bionic Commando (1988)
14. [177] Castlevania (1987)

Arcade (coin-op)

The coin-operated arcade video game cabinet was the first video game platform to gain mass approval. The first known arcade game, Galaxy Game, was operational in 1971. Galaxy Game was essentially an arcade port of Spacewar!, one of the earliest computer games, that charged patrons ten cents to play one game. However, as only one Galaxy Game cabinet was designed, its commercial merits were limited. The first arcade game that succeeded from a financial standpoint was Pong, developed and published by Atari in 1972. Formerly, arcade machines were the major source of revenue for video game companies, however, with the rise of home consoles, this began to change. Even though arcade cabinets could offer better graphics and controls than home consoles, the convenience and the perceived value of the consoles won over the masses. Pundits have been predicting the death of the arcade for the past two decades, but the platform nevertheless persists. The majority of the most successful arcade games are those in the fighting, action (particularly shooters) and driving genres. However, more unique titles like Dance Dance Revolution have also found success.

The Greatest Arcade Games of All-time:

1. [2] Tetris (1986)
2. [6] Street Fighter (series) (1991)
3. [26] Pac-Man (series) (1980)
4. [35] Virtua Fighter (series) (1993)
5. [42] Space Invaders (1978)
6. [45] Pong (1972)
7. [55] Tekken (series) (1998)
8. [57] Donkey Kong (1981)
9. [70] Dance Dance Revolution (series) (1999)
10. [75] Daytona USA (1994)
11. [76] Tempest (1980)
12. [88] Mortal Kombat II (1993)
13. [92] After Burner (1987)
14. [98] Super Puzzle Fighter II Turbo (1996)
15. [104] Defender (1980)
16. [106] OutRun (series) (1986)
17. [113] Robotron 2084 (1982)
18. [117] Sega Rally (series) (1995)
19. [148] Final Fight (1989)
20. [152] Galaga (series) (1981)
21. [157] NBA Jam (1993)
22. [164] Asteroids (1979)
23. [169] R-Type (1987)
24. [178] Gradius (series) (1986)
25. [179] Double Dragon (1987)