62. Pinball (NES)

There just isn’t that much to say about Pinball. It’s a small piece of history, teaching us what home console video games were (essentially not-as-good versions of their arcade brethren) before they knew what they could be — a lesson that can be fully learned by most in one sitting. Nothing here is bad; in fact, the game functions quite well. It's just repetitious, lacking variety, and overshadowed by better options we've enjoyed in the decades since. Those who were around when the NES launched and have fond memories of Pinball will surely find value in revisiting it, but anyone else would probably fare much better going with a modern alternative instead. Easily accessible for Nintendo Switch Online subscribers, there is fun to be had here, but it's simple and limited.

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61. Nightshade (NES)

An action-adventure title with point-and-click gameplay elements, Beam Software's Nightshade offered an odd mixture of gangland action on the mean streets of Metro City with an intriguing system which monitored the main character's popularity of the eponymous vigilante crimefighter. Intriguing, but ultimately unsuccessful, this late NES title (it released in 1992) is perhaps best remembered as the precursor to the much better Shadowrun on SNES.

60. Star Soldier (NES)

As vertical shooters go, Star Soldier hasn't aged brilliantly, and looks particularly drab these days. It's not without merit, and shooter fans may get a kick from it, but better alternatives are readily available. One for 'fans of the genre' only, then.

59. Pro Wrestling (NES)

"A WINNER IS YOU." This game is worth playing at least once just to see that iconic meme phrase in its original context. It's a simple interpretation of professional wrestling with a slim roster, but it's charged with nostalgia and personality, and given the sorry state of the genre in recent years (Fire Pro Wrestling notwithstanding), you could do much worse than returning to Pro Wrestling for a bout.

58. Mappy-Land (NES)

Mappy-Land is a fun, if slight, game that shows its age in its lack of variety. As such, Mappy-Lane's appeal will be limited to those who enjoy its innately dated style and play mechanics. Fans of old-school arcade games will likely enjoy it to a certain degree — it offers solid 8-bit retro diversion — but don't expect anything particularly sophisticated or groundbreaking.

57. Mystery Tower (NES)

Originally released only in Japan on the Famicom, Tower of Babel (renamed Mystery Tower for its debut in the West via Nintendo Switch Online) is a 1986 puzzle-platformer from Namco starring large-nosed Indiana Jones-alike Indy Borgnine. You control the archaeologist as he uses L-shaped blocks to climb the titular tower and reach the exit of each of its 64 storeys. Mystery Tower hardly a must-play from the Famicom library, but as a title that was never previously localised, it's a very welcome addition to the Nintendo Switch Online catalogue.

56. Wrecking Crew (NES)

Wrecking Crew isn't something we'd recommend spending vast sums on, but it's definitely worth checking out as part of the Nintendo Switch Online package of NES games. It can be a frustrating experience and it lacks the control finesse players would come to expect from later Nintendo efforts, but as an early 8-bit Mario puzzle-platformer, it certainly warrants investigation.

55. Yoshi (NES)

Known as Mario & Yoshi in Europe and Yoshi's Egg in Japan, Yoshi is hardly the most scintillating of puzzlers, but we've played worse tile-matching games in our time and it does have a relatively unique plate/column switching mechanic. We'd recommend firing it up for a moment or two to see if the concept catches on. If so, great! If not, move along.

54. Solomon's Key (NES)

A challenging game with imprecise controls that you'll be pleased to have the rewind function for, Solomon’s Key is nonetheless an enjoyable action-puzzler from Tecmo that's worth playing today - provided you've got the patience for it.

53. Xevious (NES)

Xevious on the NES was a solid and very straightforward port of an arcade classic. While there are no additional bells and whistles, the game represents everything that was great about the original and still makes a simple yet fun shooting experience. The OG version is still the pick, of course, but this isn't a bad conversion for Nintendo's 8-bit machine. If you appreciate old-fashioned arcade shooters, definitely give this a try.

52. Donkey Kong 3 (NES)

Perhaps most notable for introducing Stanley the Bugman into the Nintendo canon, Donkey Kong 3 is an odd departure from the previous entries in the series from back when sequels didn't mean rinsing and repeating the concept from the previous game ad infinitum. It's certainly not up to the standard of the arcade original but it's still a fascinating slice of Nintendo history and worth firing up at least once.

51. Ice Climber (NES)

Ice Climber is a solid concept let down by finicky controls. Scaling its mountains can offer diversion if you can overcome how awkward it feels in a modern context, but anyone checking this out on the strength of the characters' inclusion in Smash Bros. best prepare themselves for a cold shower.

50. Super Dodge Ball (NES)

A game in the Kunio-kun canon (him of River City Ransom in North America or Street Gangs in Europe), Super Dodge Ball is a silly, shallow little nostalgia trip that's well worth playing, especially for Kunio fans. It won't keep you entertained for hours, but it's a charming, humorous little sports title best enjoyed with a friend.

49. Dig Dug II (NES)

Dig Dug II is quite a different game from its predecessor, but the gameplay is still comparable, allowing you to clear levels the quick and easy way with few points, or the long and hard way with many points. It's a novel concept, but it never really goes anywhere and eventually starts to get a little repetitive. If you love highscore games, it's still a decent time, though.

48. S.C.A.T.: Special Cybernetic Attack Team (NES)

S.C.A.T.: Special Cybernetic Attack Team is a short title but it provides a decent challenge, and should you be able to arrange a ceasefire with the alien forces there's some good music to be heard. Throw in a fun two-player mode and S.C.A.T. should provide you with plenty of entertainment for an evening.

47. NES Open Tournament Golf (NES)

As with nearly all of the games in the NES library, the formative systems and mechanics put down in games of the '80s have advanced a lot in the interim. However, while NES Open Tournament Golf might lack the bells, whistles and frills we've come to expect from our golf games these days, the core gameplay here is as solid as ever. Eighteen holes might be pushing it, but a swift walk round the back nine will do nicely.