These Games Can Be Played With Only An NES Controller

Nintendo has come a long way since the original days of the Nintendo Entertainment System. There have been dual screens and motion controls to add new gimmicks to each console. However, there are some things that are always worth going back to, and the Nintendo Switch lets you use the classic controls using an NES controller.

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Of course, not every game is compatible with an NES controller, but some have such limited controls that you can make due with only two buttons, a D-Pad, and a little mapping. So, whether you’re playing on a Nintendo Switch or working towards getting the NES controller working on a PC, here are some games that feel right at home.

10

Shovel Knight

Dirt And Treasure

Shovel Knight may seem like a retro sidescroller at first glance, but it is not as old as it seems. It just has a pixel aesthetic. However, you can take a trip back in time and pretend you’re playing it on a classic system with an NES controller.

This is a very satisfying combination since the game doesn’t use too complex of a control scheme, allowing you to experience most of the game without any problems. So pick up your shovel, collect some treasure, and go save Shield Knight.

9

Mega Man Legacy Collection

NES Classics

The Mega Man Legacy Collection contains many different games from the NES era of the franchise, ranging from the first game to the sixth. These games have you platforming and blasting robots on your way to defeating the bosses of each zone.

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Defeating robots rewards you with unique powers that will assist you in future levels. You can swap between them in the menu whenever you need a bit of a boost. Luckily, these games work well on the NES controller, letting you relive those nostalgic moments.

8

Bloodstained Curse Of The Moon

A Castlevania Inspired Game

Bloodstained Curse of the Moon is a short sidescroller that models itself after the classic NES days of Castlevania. However, instead of one character, you get to control multiple. Zangetsu lets you use a blade, Miriam, who specializes in a whip, the magic-wielding Alfred, and the vampire, Gebel.

The game may not have a wide variety of button inputs, but it gives you plenty of variety when it comes to playstyles. This makes mowing down monsters satisfying, even with a classic controller hooked up.

7

Undertale

A Simple Game With Simple Controls

The only downside to playing Undertale with an NES controller is that you might not be able to access the menu at times. Luckily, everything else works fine whether you’re moving around the underground or landing your hits on monsters.

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Undertale has always been a simple game, since most of the time, you’ll be dodging attacks using the D-Pad or selecting your items and actions with the A button. This can be done easily using the NES controller if you’re willing to commit to your weapon of choice.

6

Super Mario Bros

A Staple Of The NES

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Super Mario Bros.

Systems

Platform(s)

Nintendo Entertainment System

Released

November 17, 1985

Developer(s)

Nintendo R&D4

ESRB

e

The NES has many iconic games that can be played on Nintendo Switch Online. However, none has made more of an impact than the original Super Mario Bros. Save the princess from Bowser in Mario’s first-ever journey across the Mushroom Kingdom.

The NES controller is perfectly adaptable to all of the games on Nintendo Switch Online, making it truly feel like you’re opening your first-ever Nintendo console. Jump on goombas with ease and knock some shells for a free 1-up if you’re skilled enough.

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Nintendo World Championships NES Edition

A Speed Runner’s Dream

Action

Platformer

Party Game

Racing

Systems

Released

July 18, 2024

ESRB

E for Everyone // Mild Fantasy Violence, In-Game Purchases

The Nintendo World Championships brings together many different titles from the original NES with challenges that pit you against other players. These tasks have you trying to beat the clock as you complete stages within the time limit.

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Other challenges include finding an item before your opponent does or collecting a specific amount of coins while beating the clock. If you do well enough, you might even end up on the leaderboards. For a real challenge, try beating your high score using the original NES controller.

4

Knight Terrors

A Mini Game With Flappy Bird Controls

Knight Terrors has the aesthetic of Ghost And Goblins mixed with the gameplay of Flappy Bird. Controls are even simpler, with only one button needed to dodge most obstacles while the other tosses a weapon. In Knight Terrors, you are always running to the right while obstacles fly your way.

This can mean monsters that suddenly appear or walls with very narrow openings that you must fly through. Get as far as you can to get a better score. With multiple different modes of play, it’s a quick experience worth trying at home or on the go.

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The Gardens Between

Turn Back Time

The Gardens Between is an interesting game where you don’t control the characters, but time itself. This puzzle game has you fast-forwarding or rewinding time as Arina and Frendt walk across various islands. You also get to move around the camera angle for a better view.

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Arina will be collecting orbs of light as she walks while Frendt activates chimes. Sometimes, you will need to let them walk a certain distance before rewinding time. This will allow them to use orbs they’ve collected in the future to open new pathways in the past.

2

Tetris Game Boy

A Classic Game Boy Experience

Systems

Released

July 31, 1989

ESRB

e

The NES isn’t the only Nintendo console that can run using a D-Pad and two buttons. The Game Boy can also do this, making it perfectly adaptable to the NES controller’s layout. If you’re looking for the go-to game, though, Tetris will fulfill that hectic puzzle itch.

The Game Boy version of Tetris is as simple as it gets. Try to create unbroken lines by dropping blocks into the right spaces. Don’t forget to check what the next block will be, and don’t let them stack too high.

1

Mario Kart 8 Deluxe

Mario Kart On Hard Mode

Systems

Platform(s)

Switch

Released

April 28, 2017

Developer(s)

Nintendo EAD
, Nintendo EPD

ESRB

E

If you’re looking for a fun but wild experience, then Mario Kart 8 works oddly well with the NES controller. Of course, you might be missing out on some of the more complex mechanics of the game, such as turning the camera around, but you can complete a race from start to finish using only the most basic of controls.

You can also get a speed boost at the start of the race with the NES controller. Though without drift, you’ll have a slightly harder time gaining the lead, so consider it an extra layer of challenge.

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