Best of Nintendo from the past decade (2010-2019): From revolutionizing the handheld to more great Pokémon

Most replay value

One of the things that makes a game worth it for me is how long I'll be able to play it and if I'll be able to enjoy it a second, third, or fourth time after beating it. Here are the Nintendo games of the 2010s with the most replay value.

1. Super Mario Maker 2

Super Mario Maker 2

Super Mario Maker 2 (Image credit: Nintendo)

While there's a lot of fun in replaying the main storyline with its 100+ levels, the real replay value for this game comes from your fellow players. Every time you jump onto the online portion of the game you'll find brand new creations ranging anywhere from super easy to insanely difficult. Since people get to vote for their favorites, you can easily find well-made online creations that fit what you're looking for in a Mario side scroller. As long as people continue to create new levels, you'll theoretically have a never-ending supply of new levels to play. -Rebecca Spear

2. Fire Emblem: Three Houses

Fire Emblem: Three Houses

Fire Emblem: Three Houses (Image credit: Intelligent Systems, KOEI TECMO GAMES CO., LTD.)

Fire Emblem: Three Houses doesn't offer one incredible campaign: it offers three. The faction players choose at the beginning of the game (and another possible choice much later) determine which epic story you'll see through and which characters you'll get to bond with. After you finish, going back and seeing what a different faction was up to fills in more of the story while also providing one incredible "for want of a nail" scenario. Edelgard, Dimitri, Claude, and their houses all have something to offer. -Samuel Tolbert

3. The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild

The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild

The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild (Image credit: Nintendo)

Saying there's a lot to discover in The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild is like saying there's life in the oceans. Sure, it's technically true but it doesn't quite capture the gravity of what is going on. In The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild, Nintendo forsook the tried-and-true heavy dungeon focus and gave players an incredible overworld filled with challenges. The results are incredible. Need to get across a chasm? Chop down a tree as an impromptu bridge. Need to reach a high place but your stamina isn't good enough? Attach those weird Octorok balloons you've been hoarding to something sturdy and float your way up. This game doesn't hold your hand – it teaches you to think outside the box, introducing a wide variety of tools, then says "Okay, figure it out." -Samuel Tolbert

4. Stardew Valley

Stardew Valley

Stardew Valley (Image credit: ConcernedApe)

One of the biggest perks of playing Stardew Valley is that you never get the same game twice, even if you are using the same map for your farm. You never know what kind of fish you might catch off the pier, what artifacts you might find in the mine, or what the weather will look like each day. Since you can also choose between several different maps, even your farm can change drastically. One of the significant aspects of gameplay is also the romance option with a dozen different characters available for you to marry. This means you at least have the opportunity for 12 different playthroughs as you romance and marry each eligible bachelor or bachelorette in the valley! -Jen Karner

5. Pokémon Sword and Shield

Pokemon Sword and Shield

Pokemon Sword and Shield (Image credit: Nintendo)

Even though you beat the Champion and become the Champion yourself and then capture the Legendary Pokémon, there's still so much to do in a Pokémon game. With 400 Pokémon in the Galar Pokédex, that means you have a ton of Pokémon to catch. And since some Pokémon are exclusive to each version of the game, you'll need to find someone else to trade those exclusives with, or hope you get lucky in Surprise Trade. Plus, some Pokémon have very specific conditions before they can evolve, and some, like Alcremie, have several dozen possible combinations, giving you plenty of reason to come back and keep playing if you're a completionist. You can also hunt for shiny Pokémon, build the absolute perfect team for competitive play, work on completing the Curry Dex, and so much more. Just because you're Galar's Champion and have Zacian or Zamazenta doesn't mean you're done with the game just yet. -Christine Romero-Chan

6. Super Smash Bros. Ultimate

Super Smash Bros. Ultimate

Super Smash Bros. Ultimate (Image credit: Nintendo)

One of the most replayable games ever on the Switch is Super Smash Bros. Ultimate. With over 70 fighters on the roster, and every stage possible from the history of Super Smash Bros., there is a ton of stuff to do in Super Smash Bros. Ultimate. And just because you've unlocked every fighter and beat the World of Light campaign doesn't mean you're done! You can always go back to the Classic Mode and beat it with every character, collect all of the Spirits, and always play with friends or online in ranked matches. Nintendo has even brought back fan favorites like Home Run Contest, which are insanely fun to play and try to beat your own high scores. And if you have the Fighters Pass, then you get a new DLC fighter added to the roster every few months, and that always adds a breath of fresh air into the game. -Christine Romero-Chan

7. Mario Kart 8 Deluxe

Mario Kart 8 Deluxe

Mario Kart 8 Deluxe (Image credit: Nintendo)

I don't know how many times I've played this game since I got the Nintendo Switch, but I wouldn't be surprised if it was in the hundreds. Every time my niece and nephew come over, or whenever we throw a party, this game inevitably gets requested. You're constantly unlocking new gliders, karts, and wheels, which all affect your racing stats. For that reason, there's always a new combination of racing gear that can make you go faster or handle turns better. Since there are 41 characters, you've got a lot of different players to use. Since the games don't take long it's easy to play for one round and then turn the game off. The playful tracks and silly weapons make it an addictive game that you can play over and over. -Rebecca Spear

8. Overcooked 2

Overcooked 2

Overcooked 2 (Image credit: Team17)

Say good-bye to your afternoon and your weekend, especially if you decide to pick up Overcooked 2. This game is so addictively fun, you could spend your hours toiling away in a kitchen, willingly. Overcooked 2 has several world maps, different destinations, and tons of DLC to keep you coming back to this exciting couch co-op. While not as exciting to play alone, when you pair up with a buddy, you'll find yourself attempting to pass each of these wonderful stages with all three stars. Chop up some veggies, throw a steak, and try your best not to burn the kitchen down as you step into each wacky new kitchen. Even after you beat the game, you may get the itch to go back to beat your score. Order up! -Sara Gitkos

9. Super Mario Odyssey

Super Mario Odyssey

Super Mario Odyssey (Image credit: Nintendo)

Super Mario Odyssey is an extremely fun sequel with tons of replayability. While the main story may not take terribly long to complete, there are so many places to visit, side missions to complete, and items to collect. There are 999 possible Power Moons to find, numerous costumes to buy, and a challenging hide-and-seek minigame called Luigi's Balloon World that will certainly keep you busy. There is plenty to discover long after you've finished the story. With varying difficulty levels and amiibo and Nintendo Labo additions, Super Mario Odyssey is a game that will keep you busy for a long time. I still find myself going back between other games. Nintendo knows how to make'em last. -Sara Gitkos

10. New Super Mario Bros. U Deluxe

New Super Mario Bros. U Deluxe

New Super Mario Bros. U Deluxe (Image credit: Nintendo)

This is one of the best games to play with your family and friends. It provides a cooperative experience where you all have to work together to collect all the coins, defeat enemies, and win. What's more, the "baby mode" provided by the Toadette and Nabbit characters makes it a game that any child or inexperienced player can enjoy. Mario and Luigi, on the other hand, hold a standard difficulty level for more experienced players. The levels are challenging but fun and since there isn't a meaty storyline, you can jump into any section and replay it whenever you want to. It's the perfect go-to game for any game night. -Rebecca Spear

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