# 10 NES Games Still Worth Playing Today

> NES classics that remain essential to play from start to finish.
- Title: 10 NES Games Still Worth Playing Today · Polygon | Shortify
- Summary: NES classics that remain essential to play from start to finish. Ten NES games from 1985-1990 still offer complete, engaging experiences today.
- Keywords: nes, nes games, nes classic, nes library, nes games 1985-1990, nes games worth playing, nes games from start to finish, nes games 1988, nes games 1989, nes games 1990, gaming, culture
- Source: Polygon — https://polygon.com/best-nes-games
- Author: Jason Venter
- Published: 2026-10-19T02:34:47+00:00
- Read time: 1 min
- Topics: nes, nes games, nes classic, nes library, nes games 1985-1990, nes games worth playing, nes games from start to finish, nes games 1988, nes games 1989, nes games 1990, gaming, culture
## NES Release History
Nintendo released the NES in North America on Oct. 18, 1985, alongside games like Super Mario Bros. and Excitebike.
## Ninja Gaiden (1988)
Ninja warriors clashed in a contemporary city, with players immediately wanting to spend more time with agile hero Ryu Hayabusa.
## Castlevania 3: Dracula's Curse (1989)
Castlevania 3: Dracula's Curse provided a variety of characters and routes through gothic environments for players to enjoy.
## The Legend of Zelda (1987)
The Legend of Zelda released first on the Famicom Disk System in Japan in 1986, then came to the NES in North America in 1987.
## Dragon Warrior 4 (1990)
Dragon Warrior 4 divided its first half into bite-sized RPG adventures before throwing all heroes into one group in the final chapter.
## Kirby's Adventure (1993)
Kirby's Adventure featured colorful exploration in Dream Land with enemy abilities for the pink puff to absorb and utilize.
## Contra (1988)
Contra is a short game that players can complete with the Konami code adding enough lives to reach the closing credits.
## Mega Man 2 (1988)
Mega Man 2 is leaner than later titles and features the most essential and replayable gameplay in the series.
## Mike Tyson's Punch-Out!! (1987)
Mike Tyson's Punch-Out!! pits Little Mac against a roster of global caricatures with unique personalities and attack patterns.
## DuckTales (1989)
DuckTales allows players to conquer five main levels in any order with exotic locations like the Amazon and the Moon.
## Super Mario Bros. 3 (1988)
Super Mario Bros. 3 features dozens of unique stages across eight worlds with floating airships and secret mushroom houses.
## Key takeaway

Ten NES games from 1985-1990 still offer complete, engaging experiences today.