Few video game developers can claim to have as much experience in the industry as Nintendo. The gaming giant has released some of the most beloved and critically-acclaimed games of all time, with many of those titles helping to define the medium for fans both young and old.
With such a storied history of releasing games, it's obvious that the Big N would lay claim to some of the most iconic box art of all time. While there are a ton of classics that span back across the company's tenure, there are a few that truly stand out as sincerely great. Here are our picks for the best of the best.
10 Metroid Dread
The most recent entry in the Metroid series (at least until Metroid Prime 4 resurfaces), Metroid Dread sees Samus Aran directly confronting the events of Metroid Fusion, utilizing her abilities and power-ups to deal with both classic series villains and newcomers alike. One of the most cinematic games in the series, it quickly became a fan favorite when it was released on the Switch.
Dread's box art is striking immediately, with Samus' brand-new, white-laced power suit on full display in front of an intense red background. Samus looks ready for action as she poses before an ominous group of EMMI robots, each one silhouetted aside from their respective glowing central eye. "Dread" was absolutely the right subtitle for this game, and this artwork evokes that to a tee.
9 Super Mario 64
Like the Zelda series, Mario's early mainline games were typically known for their subtlety, with many simply showcasing Mario in an action-packed pose over a single-colored background. Later cover art would become much more varied, colorful, and action-packed, with Mario surrounded by friends and foes alike as he traversed the world of his latest adventure.
Super Mario 64 walks the line between both styles of Mario box art, showcasing a Wing Cap-wearing Mario in flight over Princess Peach's iconic castle. The cover is intriguing while still maintaining a subtlety that fits earlier entries in the series, selling players on the idea of flying over the Mushroom Kingdom with this exciting new ability as they explored this large new three-dimensional world.
8 The Legend Of Zelda: Twilight Princess
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The Legend of Zelda series is no stranger to iconic box art, even if many of its games come in surprisingly subtle packages. For most of the early entries, the cover art was essentially the game's logo over a colored background, with a few rare exceptions. Twilight Princess manages to subtly step away from this tradition while still keeping its sensibilities intact.
One of the darker Zelda titles, Twilight Princess sees players controlling a Link who's able to transform into a threatening wolf, and the game's box art depicts that duality with profile shots of Link in his two forms over a gold and silver backdrop. The beautifully varied markings surrounding both headshots, along with the detail in the depictions of Link and Wolf Link, take this cover a step beyond most Zelda game covers.
7 Fire Emblem Three Houses
The Fire Emblem series has seen a bit of a surge in popularity in recent years, with Fire Emblem: Three Houses standing as its best-selling entry. The game places you in the shoes of Byleth, a mysterious new instructor at a military academy separated into three classes, with each classroom representing a different ruling nation in the land of Fódlan.
Three Houses is an example of a game that represents its theme beautifully within its box art. At the top of the box are the leaders of each of its titular three houses, posing dynamically with each of their weapons in characteristically gorgeous artwork. Extra credit for the fact that this box art also depicts both versions of Byleth available to play as in the game.
6 Super Mario Bros/Duck Hunt
While nostalgia isn't everything, there's something to be said for the classics. It certainly doesn't get much more classic than the NES' original Super Mario Bros, and when the company decided to box the game in with Duck Hunt, it gave fans an incredible deal on two of the best games on the system.
The recognizable NES game packaging is taken to a whole new level here, as the familiar black box is split in half, showcasing both 8-bit Mario in action along with one of Duck Hunt's ducks narrowly avoiding a shot. Both covers are great on their own, and together, they're even more effective.
5 The Legend Of Zelda: Breath Of The Wild
Few games capture the joy and wonder of exploration like The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild. The Switch launch title has one of the most vibrant and beautiful open worlds in which to explore, defeat enemies, and collect Korok seeds. Many, many Korok seeds.
Breath of the Wild's cover art feels like it could be a direct screenshot from the game. Link, standing in front of a gorgeous, colorful depiction of Hyrule, gives this packaging the same sense of joyous curiosity that the opening moments of the game do, suggesting a vast and inviting landscape to travel through on your quest to save Princess Zelda.
4 Super Smash Bros.
Long before Super Smash Bros Ultimate was bringing cameos from across the gaming landscape into its roster, the original game in the series shocked the world by pulling together a list of Nintendo's most iconic characters and let them do battle with one another. The formula has been imitated time and time again, but the Smash Bros series still stands head and shoulders above the rest.
The original Smash Bros box art paints a clear picture of what to expect, with characters like Pikachu, Fox, and Mario drawn in a somewhat retro style, locked in combat. It was beyond surprising when it was released, and it still retains the charm and style it had when it was flying off of store shelves years ago.
3 Fire Emblem Awakening
The resurgence of the Fire Emblem series is often credited to Fire Emblem Awakening, the 3DS title that captured the hearts of many longtime fans and newcomers alike. The story of Robin, Chrom, Lucina, and the rest of the game's eclectic cast made for one of the series' most well-received entries, and one of the most critically acclaimed portable RPGs in general.
The cover for Fire Emblem Awakening is a stunning collage of characters that you'll meet and battle alongside throughout the game, with Chrom and Lucina placed front and center, facing opposing directions. The fact that this box art manages to fit in so many characters from the game while still feeling understated and stylized is a testament to how well-designed it is.
2 Super Mario Strikers
Mario and friends are no strangers to the world of sports, with forays in tennis, golf, basketball, and more. During the Gamecube's life cycle, the group added soccer (aka football) to the mix with Super Mario Strikers, a high-octane game with some of the most recognizable box art on the console. It's so memorable that fans were elated when the series' latest entry, Mario Strikers: Battle League, incorporated a similar aesthetic.
Looking at the original game's cover art, it's easy to see why. Have you ever seen Mario this angry? Every character depicted on Mario Strikers' cover looks like they're playing in the most important game of their lives, save the poor frightened Koopa who apparently just showed up for a friendly pickup game. The vivid colors and striking lightning effect add even more intensity to this iconic artwork.
1 The Legend Of Zelda: Majora's Mask 3D
When Nintendo decided to rerelease two of its most beloved Zelda games on the 3DS, fans were overjoyed. Ocarina of Time served as many fans' entry point to the series, and its follow-up, Majora's Mask, is full of unique charm and amazing characters to interact with.
Majora's Mask 3D manages to depict a surprisingly large number of these characters in its cover art, showcasing them all behind Young Link holding the Mask of Truth. Combine this impressive collage with the striking white moon positioned dead-center behind the logo, and you've got one of the best covers in the series.