Top Five Best-Selling Games on the NES

The NES (short for Nintendo Entertainment System) was a pioneer in the video game industry. Before it's released, the industry suffered a devastating crash that crippled its foundation. Fortunately, Nintendo saved the day with their first video game system. Video games wouldn't be what it is today without the influence of the NES. Of course, Nintendo was rewarded financially as well with their revolutionary video game system as some of the best-selling titles ever were NES games. Here are the top five best-selling games on the NES.

5. Zelda II: The Adventure of Link
^{Publisher: Nintendo, Developer: Nintendo, Release Date: 1987}
Many consider that Zelda II: The Adventure of Link the black sheep of the series. This is because of its radical gameplay changes including the 2D side-scrolling gameplay and new role-playing elements. However, Zelda II: The Adventure of Link still manages to become one of the best-selling NES games thanks in large part to the big success of the first game.

4. The Legend of Zelda
^{Publisher: Nintendo, Developer: Nintendo, Release Date: 1986}
The Legend of Zelda was considered one of the biggest games ever when it was released on the NES. Previously games could be finished in one sitting. For The Legend of Zelda, however, the epic adventure requires players to save their progress for the first time. Thanks to the epic and memorable quest, this best-selling NES title emerged into one of the most popular franchises in gaming.

3. Super Mario Bros. 2
^{Publisher: Nintendo, Developer: Nintendo, Release Date: 1988}
Like Zelda II: The Adventure of Link, Super Mario Bros. 2 is the black sheep of the series. In fact, it doesn't even resemble a Mario game if it weren't for the Mario characters. Even then, the gameplay is very unique and fun compared to most other games on the system at that time. With the brand name attached to it to boot, Super Mario Bros. 2 became one of the best-selling NES games.

2. Super Mario Bros. 3
^{Publisher: Nintendo, Developer: Nintendo, Release Date: 1988}
Fans and critics alike believe that Super Mario Bros. 3 is one of the best video games ever made. The NES title also got an incredible amount of hype before launch thanks to a feature film showing short gameplay footage. When it is all said and done, Super Mario Bros. 3 ended up being one of the best-selling games on the NES and, by far and away, the best game on the system period.

1. Super Mario Bros.
^{Publisher: Nintendo, Developer: Nintendo, Release Date: 1985}
Without Super Mario Bros., the NES wouldn't have been successful and Nintendo wouldn't be where they are today. The classic title single-handily revitalized the video game industry due to its incredibly fun gameplay. As a result, you will have a hard time finding a NES owner without a Super Mario Bros. cartridge. By a wide margin, Super Mario Bros. is easily the best-selling game on the NES.