3 Underrated Nintendo Franchises You Need to Play
Nintendo has so many banner franchises that some of the smaller or secondary ones get forgotten about. If you're a casual Nintendo gamer who plays all of the biggest series the legendary company has to offer, take a look at some of the lesser known properties that you'll have fun with. From music to puzzles to racing, there's something for everyone.
Rhythm Heaven
This is the series with the most recent new game released for it, and it was another great one! Rhythm Heaven is a compilation of musical minigames that you learn through repetition and practice, always aiming for a high score and seeing if you can get that elusive perfect rating when the time comes.
Rhythm Heaven is like a rhythm version of the WarioWare series; if you've ever played those games you'll know exactly what this means. The minigames are set to crazy visuals, characters, and storylines. It's like the weirdest Saturday morning cartoon brought to life in all the best ways.
Professor Layton
Professor Layton isn't technically a Nintendo exclusive anymore. When the latest game in the series comes out finally, Professor Layton and the New World of Steam , it will be a multiplatform release.
Still, for years these awesome point-and-click puzzle games were confined to the Nintendo DS and 3DS, and it those consoles were the perfect home for them. Accessible but still challenging, Professor Layton's games are perfect for adults and children alike.
F-Zero
A lot of people know or have heard of F-Zero , but not as many people have actually tried it. Starring Captain Falcon, better known as a fighter in Super Smash Bros. , this racing series is more than a little intense and probably one of the franchises that caters to older gamers rather than children in Nintendo's catalogue. It's been out of commission for quite a while now, but with revived series like Star Fox having success, Nintendo might just consider bringing it back.
What is your favorite forgotten Nintendo franchise? Did it make our list?
This story was originally published by Men's Journal on Sep 1, 2026, where it first appeared in the News section. Add Men's Journal as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
