NOTE: This list doesn't aim to be the most comprehensive list of NES games out there. The purpose of this list is to be the most logical one, for lack of a better word. These are the games that I think should count towards the commercially released US set. And if you ever wanted to start a collection of NES games, this list would be the most likely one for you to complete. For further details, check the bottom of the page for how I decided what games did or didn't count.
3-D Battles of World Runner
6 in 1
8 Eyes
10-Yard Fight
720°
1942
1943: The Battle of Midway
Abadox: The Deadly Inner War
Action 52
Addams Family
Addams Family: Pugsley's Scavenger Hunt
Advanced Dungeons & Dragons: Dragon Strike
Advanced Dungeons & Dragons: Heroes of the Lance
Advanced Dungeons & Dragons: Hillsfar
Advanced Dungeons & Dragons: Pool of Radiance
Adventure Island
Adventure Island 2
Adventure Island 3
Adventures in the Magic Kingdom
Adventures of Bayou Billy
Adventures of Captain Comic
Adventures of Dino Riki
Adventures of Gilligan's Island
Adventures of Lolo
Adventures of Lolo 2
Adventures of Lolo 3
Adventures of Rad Gravity
Adventures of Rocky and Bullwinkle and Friends
Adventures of Tom Sawyer
After Burner
Air Fortress
Airwolf
Al Unser Jr. Turbo Racing
Alfred Chicken
Alien 3
Alien Syndrome
All-Pro Basketball
Alpha Mission
Amagon
American Gladiators
Anticipation
Arch Rivals: A BASKETBRAWL!
Archon
Arkanoid
Arkista's Ring
Astyanax
Athena
Athletic World
Attack of the Killer Tomatoes
Baby Boomer
Back to the Future
Back to the Future 2 & 3
Bad Dudes
Bad News Baseball
Bad Street Brawler
Balloon Fight
Bandai Golf: Challenge Pebble Beach
Bandit Kings of Ancient China
Barbie
Bard's Tale
Barker Bill's Trick Shooting
Baseball
Baseball Simulator 1.000
Baseball Stars
Baseball Stars 2
Bases Loaded
Bases Loaded 2: Second Season
Bases Loaded 3: Ryne Sandberg Plays
Bases Loaded 4
Batman
Batman: Return of the Joker
Batman Returns
Battle Chess
Battle of Olympus
Battle Tank
Battleship
Battletoads
Battletoads & Double Dragon
Bee 52
Beetlejuice
Best of the Best: Championship Karate
Bible Adventures
Bible Buffet
Big Nose Freaks Out
Big Nose the Caveman
Bigfoot
Bill Elliot's NASCAR Challenge
Bill & Ted's Excellent Video Game Adventure
Bionic Commando
Black Bass
Blackjack
Blades of Steel
Blaster Master
Blue Marlin
Blues Brothers
Bo Jackson Baseball
Bomberman
Bomberman 2
Bonk's Adventure
Boulder Dash
Boy and his Blob: Trouble on Blobolonia
Break Time: The National Pool Tour
Breakthru
Bubble Bath Babes
Bubble Bobble
Bubble Bobble Part 2
Bucky O'Hare
Bugs Bunny Birthday Blowout
Bugs Bunny Crazy Castle
Bump 'n' Jump
Burai Fighter
BurgerTime
Cabal
Caesar's Palace
California Games
Captain America and the Avengers
Captain Planet and the Planeteers
Captain Skyhawk
Casino Kid
Casino Kid 2
Castelian
Castle of Deceit
Castle of Dragon
Castlequest
Castlevania
Castlevania 2: Simon's Quest
Castlevania 3: Dracula's Curse
Caveman Games
Challenge of the Dragon
Championship Bowling
Championship Pool: The Billiard Congress of America Presents
Chessmaster
Chiller
Chip 'n Dale Rescue Rangers
Chip 'n Dale Rescue Rangers 2
Chubby Cherub
Circus Caper
City Connection
Clash at Demonhead
Classic Concentration
Cliffhanger
Clu Clu Land
Cobra Command
Cobra Triangle
Code Name: Viper
Color a Dinosaur
Commando
Conan: The Mysteries of Time
Conflict
Conquest of the Crystal Palace
Contra
Contra Force
Cool World
Cowboy Kid
Crash 'n' the Boys: Street Challenge
Crystal Mines
Crystalis
Cyber Stadium Series: Base Wars
Cyberball
Cybernoid: The Fighting Machine
Dance Aerobics
Danny Sullivan's Indy Heat
Darkman
Darkwing Duck
Dash Galaxy in the Alien Asylum
Day Dreamin' Davey
Days of Thunder
Deadly Towers
Death Race
Deathbots
Defender 2
Defender of the Crown
Defenders of Dynatron City
Déjà Vu
Demon Sword
Desert Commander
Destination Earthstar
Destiny of an Emperor
Dick Tracy
Die Hard
Dig Dug 2: Trouble in Paradise
Digger T. Rock: The Legend of the Lost City
Dirty Harry: The War Against Drugs
Donkey Kong
Donkey Kong 3
Donkey Kong Classics
Donkey Kong Jr.
Donkey Kong Jr. Math
Double Dare
Double Dragon
Double Dragon 2: The Revenge
Double Dragon 3: The Sacred Stones
Double Dribble
Double Strike
Dr. Chaos
Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde
Dr. Mario
Dracula
Dragon Fighter
Dragon Power
Dragon Spirit: The New Legend
Dragon Warrior
Dragon Warrior 2
Dragon Warrior 3
Dragon Warrior 4
Dragon's Lair
Duck Hunt
DuckTales
DuckTales 2
Dudes with Attitude
Dungeon Magic: Sword of the Elements
Dusty Diamond's All-Star Softball
Dynowarz: The Destruction of Spondylus
Elevator Action
Eliminator Boat Duel
Excitebike
Exodus: Journey to the Promised Land
F-117A Stealth Fighter
F-15 City War
F-15 Strike Eagle
Family Feud
Fantastic Adventures of Dizzy
Fantasy Zone
Faria: A World of Mystery & Danger!
Faxanadu
Felix the Cat
Ferrari Grand Prix Challenge
Fester's Quest
Final Fantasy
Firehawk
Fire 'n Ice
Fisher-Price: Firehouse Rescue
Fisher-Price: I Can Remember
Fisher-Price: Perfect Fit
Fist of the North Star
Flight of the Intruder
Flintstones: The Rescue of Dino & Hoppy
Flintstones: The Surprise at Dinosaur Peak
Flying Dragon: The Secret Scroll
Flying Warriors
Formula One: Built to Win
Frankenstein: The Monster Returns
Freedom Force
Friday the 13th
Fun House
G.I. Joe: A Real American Hero
G.I. Joe: The Atlantis Factor
Galactic Crusader
Galaga: Demons of Death
Galaxy 5000: Racing in the 51st Century
Gargoyle's Quest 2
Gauntlet (Licensed)
Gauntlet (Unlicensed)
Gauntlet 2
Gemfire
Genghis Khan
George Foreman's KO Boxing
Ghost Lion
Ghostbusters
Ghostbusters 2
Ghosts 'n Goblins
Ghoul School
Goal!
Goal! 2
Godzilla: Monster of Monsters!
Godzilla 2: War of the Monsters
Gold Medal Challenge '92
Golf
Golf Grand Slam
Golgo 13: Top Secret Episode
Goonies 2
Gotcha! The Sport
Gradius
Great Waldo Search
Greg Norman's Golf Power
Gremlins 2: The New Batch
Guardian Legend
Guerrilla War
Gumshoe
Gun.Smoke
Gun-Nac
Gyromite
Gyruss
Harlem Globetrotters
Hatris
Heavy Barrel
Heavy Shreddin'
High Speed
Hogan's Alley
Hollywood Squares
Home Alone
Home Alone 2: Lost in New York
Hook
Hoops
Hot Slots
Hudson Hawk
Hunt for Red October
Hydlide
Ice Climber
Ice Hockey
Ikari Warriors
Ikari Warriors 2: Victory Road
Ikari Warriors 3: The Rescue
Image Fight
Immortal
Impossible Mission 2 (AVE)
Impossible Mission 2 (SEI)
Incredible Crash Dummies
Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade (Taito)
Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade (Ubisoft)
Indiana Jones and the Temple of Doom (Licensed)
Indiana Jones and the Temple of Doom (Unlicensed)
Infiltrator
Iron Tank: The Invasion of Normandy
Ironsword: Wizards & Warriors 2
Isolated Warrior
Jack Nicklaus' Greatest 18 Holes of Major Championship Golf
Jackal
Jackie Chan's Action Kung Fu
James Bond Jr.
Jaws
Jeopardy!
Jeopardy! 25th Anniversary Edition
Jeopardy! Jr. Edition
Jetsons: Cogswell's Caper
Jimmy Connors Tennis
Joe & Mac
John Elway's Quarterback
Jordan vs. Bird: One on One
Joshua & The Battle of Jericho
Journey to Silius
Joust
Jungle Book
Jurassic Park
Kabuki: Quantum Fighter
Karate Champ
Karate Kid
Karnov
Kickle Cubicle
Kickmaster
Kid Icarus
Kid Klown in Night Mayor World
Kid Kool and the Quest for the Seven Wonder Herbs
Kid Niki: Radical Ninja
King Neptune's Adventure
King of Kings: The Early Years
King's Knight
Kings of the Beach Professional Beach Volleyball
King's Quest V
Kirby's Adventure
Kiwi Kraze: A Bird-Brained Adventure!
Klash Ball
Klax
Knight Rider
Krazy Kreatures
Krion Conquest
Krusty's Fun House
Kung Fu
Kung-Fu Heroes
Laser Invasion
Last Action Hero
Last Ninja
Last Starfighter
Lee Trevino's Fighting Golf
Legacy of the Wizard
Legend of Kage
Legend of Zelda
Legendary Wings
Legends of the Diamond: The Baseball Championship Game
Lemmings
L'Empereur
Lethal Weapon
Life Force
Linus Spacehead's Cosmic Crusade
Little League Baseball: Championship Series
Little Mermaid
Little Nemo: The Dream Master
Little Ninja Brothers
Little Samson
Lode Runner
Lone Ranger
Loopz
Low G Man: The Low Gravity Man
Lunar Pool
M.C. Kids
M.U.L.E.
M.U.S.C.L.E.
Mach Rider
Mad Max
Mafat Conspiracy
Magic Darts
Magic Johnson's Fast Break
Magic of Scheherazade
Magician
Magmax
Major League Baseball
Maniac Mansion
Mappy-Land
Marble Madness
Mario Bros.
Mario Is Missing!
Mario's Time Machine
Master Chu and the Drunkard Hu
Maxi 15
Mechanized Attack
Mega Man
Mega Man 2
Mega Man 3
Mega Man 4
Mega Man 5
Mega Man 6
Menace Beach
Mendel Palace
Mermaids of Atlantis
Metal Fighter
Metal Gear
Metal Mech: Man & Machine
Metal Storm
Metroid
Michael Andretti's World GP
Mickey Mousecapade
Mickey's Adventure in Numberland
Mickey's Safari in Letterland
Micro Machines
Mig 29 Soviet Fighter
Might & Magic: Secret of the Inner Sanctum
Mighty Bomb Jack
Mighty Final Fight
Mike Tyson's Punch-Out!!
Millipede
Milon's Secret Castle
Miracle Piano Teaching System
Mission Cobra
Mission: Impossible
Monopoly
Monster in My Pocket
Monster Party
Monster Truck Rally
Moon Ranger
Motor City Patrol
Ms. Pac-Man (Licensed)
Ms. Pac-Man (Unlicensed)
Muppet Adventure: Chaos at the Carnival
Mutant Virus: Crisis in a Computer World
Mystery Quest
NARC
NES Open Tournament Golf
NES Play Action Football
NFL Football
Nigel Mansell's World Championship Racing
Nightmare on Elm Street
Nightshade
Ninja Crusaders
Ninja Gaiden
Ninja Gaiden 2: The Dark Sword of Chaos
Ninja Gaiden 3: The Ancient Ship of Doom
Ninja Kid
Nintendo World Cup
Nobunaga's Ambition
Nobunaga's Ambition 2
North and South
Operation Secret Storm
Operation Wolf
ORB 3-D
Othello
Overlord
P.O.W.: Prisoners of War
Pac-Man (Namco)
Pac-Man (Tengen)
Pac-Man (Unlicensed)
Pac-Mania
Palamedes
Panic Restaurant
Paperboy
Paperboy 2
Peek A Boo Poker
Pesterminator: The Western Exterminator
Peter Pan & The Pirates: The Revenge of Captain Hook
Phantom Fighter
Pictionary
Pinball
Pinball Quest
Pin-Bot
Pipe Dream
Pirates!
Platoon
Popeye
Power Blade
Power Blade 2
Power Punch 2
P'radikus Conflict
Predator
Prince of Persia
Princess Tomato in the Salad Kingdom
Pro Sport Hockey
Pro Wrestling
Punch-Out!!
Punisher
Puss N' Boots: Pero's Great Adventure
Puzzle
Puzznic
Pyramid
Q*Bert
Qix
Quattro Adventure
Quattro Arcade
Quattro Sports
R.B.I. Baseball (Licensed)
R.B.I. Baseball (Unlicensed)
R.B.I. Baseball 2
R.B.I. Baseball 3
R.C. Pro-Am
R.C. Pro-Am 2
Race America
Racket Attack
Rad Racer
Rad Racer 2
Rad Racket: Deluxe Tennis 2
Raid 2020
Raid on Bungeling Bay
Rainbow Islands
Rally Bike
Rambo
Rampage
Rampart
Remote Control
Ren & Stimpy Show: Buckeroo$!
Renegade
Rescue: The Embassy Mission
Ring King
River City Ransom
Road Runner
RoadBlasters
Robin Hood: Prince of Thieves
RoboCop
RoboCop 2
RoboCop 3
Robodemons
RoboWarrior
Rock 'n Ball
Rocket Ranger
Rocketeer
Rockin' Kats
Roger Clemens' MVP Baseball
Rollerball
Rollerblade Racer
Rollergames
Rolling Thunder
Romance of the Three Kingdoms
Romance of the Three Kingdoms 2
Roundball 2-on-2 Challenge
Rush'n Attack
Rygar
S.C.A.T.
Secret Scout
Section-Z
Seicross
Sesame Street: 123
Sesame Street: ABC
Sesame Street: ABC/123
Sesame Street: Big Bird's Hide & Speak
Sesame Street: Countdown
Shadow of the Ninja
Shadowgate
Shatterhand
Shingen the Ruler
Shinobi
Shockwave
Shooting Range
Short Order/Eggsplode
Side Pocket
Silent Assault
Silent Service
Silk Worm
Silver Surfer
Simpsons: Bart Vs. the Space Mutants
Simpsons: Bart Vs. the World
Simpsons: Bartman Meets Radioactive Man
Skate or Die
Skate or Die 2: The Search for Double Trouble
Ski or Die
Skull & Crossbones
Sky Kid
Sky Shark
Slalom
Smash T.V.
Snake Rattle n Roll
Snake's Revenge
Snoopy's Silly Sports Spectacular
Snow Brothers
Soccer
Solar Jetman: Hunt for the Golden Warpship
Solitaire
Solomon's Key
Solstice: The Quest for the Staff of Demnos
Space Shuttle Project
Spelunker
Spider-Man: Return of the Sinister Six
Spiritual Warfare
Spot: The Video Game!
Spy Hunter
Spy vs. Spy
Sqoon
Stack-Up
Stadium Events
Stanley: The Search for Dr. Livingston
Star Force
Star Soldier
Star Trek 25th Anniversary
Star Trek: The Next Generation
Star Tropics
Star Tropics 2: Zoda's Revenge
Star Voyager
Star Wars
Star Wars: The Empire Strikes Back
Starship Hector
Stealth ATF
Stinger
Street Cop
Street Fighter 2010: The Final Fight
Strider
Stunt Kids
Sunday Funday: The Ride
Super C
Super Cars
Super Dodge Ball
Super Glove Ball
Super Jeopardy!
Super Mario Bros.
Super Mario Bros./Duck Hunt
Super Mario Bros./Duck Hunt/World Class Track Meet
Super Mario Bros. 2
Super Mario Bros. 3
Super Off Road
Super Pitfall
Super Spike V'Ball
Super Spike V'Ball/Nintendo World Cup
Super Sprint
Super Spy Hunter
Super Team Games
Superman
Swamp Thing
Sword Master
Swords and Serpents
T & C Surf Designs
T & C 2: Thrilla's Surfari
Taboo: The Sixth Sense
Tag Team Wrestling
Tagin' Dragon
Talespin
Target: Renegade
Tecmo Baseball
Tecmo Bowl
Tecmo Cup: Soccer Game
Tecmo NBA Basketball
Tecmo NBA Basketball (NES-N7-USA)
Tecmo Super Bowl
Tecmo World Wrestling
Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles
Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Tournament Fighters
Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles 2: The Arcade Game
Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles 3: The Manhattan Project
Tennis
Terminator
Terminator 2: Judgment Day
Terra Cresta
Tetris (Licensed)
Tetris (Unlicensed)
Tetris 2
Three Stooges
Thunder and Lightning
Thunderbirds
Thundercade
Tiger-Heli
Tiles of Fate
Time Lord
Times of Lore
Tiny Toon Adventures
Tiny Toon Adventures 2: Trouble in Wackyland
Tiny Toon Adventures Cartoon Workshop
To The Earth
Toki
Tom & Jerry: The Ultimate Game of Cat and Mouse!
Tombs & Treasure
Toobin'
Top Gun
Top Gun: The Second Mission
Top Players' Tennis
Total Recall
Totally Rad
Touchdown Fever
Toxic Crusaders
Track & Field
Track & Field 2
Treasure Master
Trog!
Trojan
Trolls on Treasure Island
Twin Cobra
Twin Eagle
Ultima: Exodus
Ultima: Quest of the Avatar
Ultima: Warriors of Destiny
Ultimate Air Combat
Ultimate Basketball
Ultimate League Soccer
Ultimate Stuntman
Uncanny X-Men
Uncharted Waters
Uninvited
Untouchables
Urban Champion
Vegas Dream
Venice Beach Volleyball
Vice: Project Doom
Videomation
Vindicators
Volleyball
Wacky Races
Wall Street Kid
Wally Bear and the No! Gang
Wario's Woods
Wayne Gretzky Hockey
Wayne's World
WCW: World Championship Wrestling
Werewolf: The Last Warrior
Wheel of Fortune
Wheel of Fortune Featuring Vanna White
Wheel of Fortune: Family Edition
Wheel of Fortune: Junior Edition
Where in Time Is Carmen Sandiego?
Where's Waldo?
Who Framed Roger Rabbit?
Whomp 'Em
Widget
Wild Gunman
Willow
Win, Lose or Draw
Winter Games
Wizardry Master Series: Proving Grounds of the Mad Overlord
Wizardry Master Series 2: Knight of Diamonds
Wizards & Warriors
Wizards & Warriors 3: Kuros Visions of Power
Wolverine
World Champ
World Class Track Meet
World Games
Wrath of the Black Manta
Wrecking Crew
Wurm: Journey to the Center of the Earth
WWF King of the Ring
WWF WrestleMania
WWF WrestleMania Challenge
WWF Wrestlemania Steel Cage Challenge
Xenophobe
Xevious: The Avenger
Xexyz
Yo! Noid
Yoshi
Yoshi's Cookie
Young Indiana Jones Chronicles
Zanac
Zelda 2: The Adventure of Link
Zen: Intergalactic Ninja
Zombie Nation
6 in 1
8 Eyes
10-Yard Fight
720°
1942
1943: The Battle of Midway
Abadox: The Deadly Inner War
Action 52
Addams Family
Addams Family: Pugsley's Scavenger Hunt
Advanced Dungeons & Dragons: Dragon Strike
Advanced Dungeons & Dragons: Heroes of the Lance
Advanced Dungeons & Dragons: Hillsfar
Advanced Dungeons & Dragons: Pool of Radiance
Adventure Island
Adventure Island 2
Adventure Island 3
Adventures in the Magic Kingdom
Adventures of Bayou Billy
Adventures of Captain Comic
Adventures of Dino Riki
Adventures of Gilligan's Island
Adventures of Lolo
Adventures of Lolo 2
Adventures of Lolo 3
Adventures of Rad Gravity
Adventures of Rocky and Bullwinkle and Friends
Adventures of Tom Sawyer
After Burner
Air Fortress
Airwolf
Al Unser Jr. Turbo Racing
Alfred Chicken
Alien 3
Alien Syndrome
All-Pro Basketball
Alpha Mission
Amagon
American Gladiators
Anticipation
Arch Rivals: A BASKETBRAWL!
Archon
Arkanoid
Arkista's Ring
Astyanax
Athena
Athletic World
Attack of the Killer Tomatoes
Baby Boomer
Back to the Future
Back to the Future 2 & 3
Bad Dudes
Bad News Baseball
Bad Street Brawler
Balloon Fight
Bandai Golf: Challenge Pebble Beach
Bandit Kings of Ancient China
Barbie
Bard's Tale
Barker Bill's Trick Shooting
Baseball
Baseball Simulator 1.000
Baseball Stars
Baseball Stars 2
Bases Loaded
Bases Loaded 2: Second Season
Bases Loaded 3: Ryne Sandberg Plays
Bases Loaded 4
Batman
Batman: Return of the Joker
Batman Returns
Battle Chess
Battle of Olympus
Battle Tank
Battleship
Battletoads
Battletoads & Double Dragon
Bee 52
Beetlejuice
Best of the Best: Championship Karate
Bible Adventures
Bible Buffet
Big Nose Freaks Out
Big Nose the Caveman
Bigfoot
Bill Elliot's NASCAR Challenge
Bill & Ted's Excellent Video Game Adventure
Bionic Commando
Black Bass
Blackjack
Blades of Steel
Blaster Master
Blue Marlin
Blues Brothers
Bo Jackson Baseball
Bomberman
Bomberman 2
Bonk's Adventure
Boulder Dash
Boy and his Blob: Trouble on Blobolonia
Break Time: The National Pool Tour
Breakthru
Bubble Bath Babes
Bubble Bobble
Bubble Bobble Part 2
Bucky O'Hare
Bugs Bunny Birthday Blowout
Bugs Bunny Crazy Castle
Bump 'n' Jump
Burai Fighter
BurgerTime
Cabal
Caesar's Palace
California Games
Captain America and the Avengers
Captain Planet and the Planeteers
Captain Skyhawk
Casino Kid
Casino Kid 2
Castelian
Castle of Deceit
Castle of Dragon
Castlequest
Castlevania
Castlevania 2: Simon's Quest
Castlevania 3: Dracula's Curse
Caveman Games
Challenge of the Dragon
Championship Bowling
Championship Pool: The Billiard Congress of America Presents
Chessmaster
Chiller
Chip 'n Dale Rescue Rangers
Chip 'n Dale Rescue Rangers 2
Chubby Cherub
Circus Caper
City Connection
Clash at Demonhead
Classic Concentration
Cliffhanger
Clu Clu Land
Cobra Command
Cobra Triangle
Code Name: Viper
Color a Dinosaur
Commando
Conan: The Mysteries of Time
Conflict
Conquest of the Crystal Palace
Contra
Contra Force
Cool World
Cowboy Kid
Crash 'n' the Boys: Street Challenge
Crystal Mines
Crystalis
Cyber Stadium Series: Base Wars
Cyberball
Cybernoid: The Fighting Machine
Dance Aerobics
Danny Sullivan's Indy Heat
Darkman
Darkwing Duck
Dash Galaxy in the Alien Asylum
Day Dreamin' Davey
Days of Thunder
Deadly Towers
Death Race
Deathbots
Defender 2
Defender of the Crown
Defenders of Dynatron City
Déjà Vu
Demon Sword
Desert Commander
Destination Earthstar
Destiny of an Emperor
Dick Tracy
Die Hard
Dig Dug 2: Trouble in Paradise
Digger T. Rock: The Legend of the Lost City
Dirty Harry: The War Against Drugs
Donkey Kong
Donkey Kong 3
Donkey Kong Classics
Donkey Kong Jr.
Donkey Kong Jr. Math
Double Dare
Double Dragon
Double Dragon 2: The Revenge
Double Dragon 3: The Sacred Stones
Double Dribble
Double Strike
Dr. Chaos
Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde
Dr. Mario
Dracula
Dragon Fighter
Dragon Power
Dragon Spirit: The New Legend
Dragon Warrior
Dragon Warrior 2
Dragon Warrior 3
Dragon Warrior 4
Dragon's Lair
Duck Hunt
DuckTales
DuckTales 2
Dudes with Attitude
Dungeon Magic: Sword of the Elements
Dusty Diamond's All-Star Softball
Dynowarz: The Destruction of Spondylus
Elevator Action
Eliminator Boat Duel
Excitebike
Exodus: Journey to the Promised Land
F-117A Stealth Fighter
F-15 City War
F-15 Strike Eagle
Family Feud
Fantastic Adventures of Dizzy
Fantasy Zone
Faria: A World of Mystery & Danger!
Faxanadu
Felix the Cat
Ferrari Grand Prix Challenge
Fester's Quest
Final Fantasy
Firehawk
Fire 'n Ice
Fisher-Price: Firehouse Rescue
Fisher-Price: I Can Remember
Fisher-Price: Perfect Fit
Fist of the North Star
Flight of the Intruder
Flintstones: The Rescue of Dino & Hoppy
Flintstones: The Surprise at Dinosaur Peak
Flying Dragon: The Secret Scroll
Flying Warriors
Formula One: Built to Win
Frankenstein: The Monster Returns
Freedom Force
Friday the 13th
Fun House
G.I. Joe: A Real American Hero
G.I. Joe: The Atlantis Factor
Galactic Crusader
Galaga: Demons of Death
Galaxy 5000: Racing in the 51st Century
Gargoyle's Quest 2
Gauntlet (Licensed)
Gauntlet (Unlicensed)
Gauntlet 2
Gemfire
Genghis Khan
George Foreman's KO Boxing
Ghost Lion
Ghostbusters
Ghostbusters 2
Ghosts 'n Goblins
Ghoul School
Goal!
Goal! 2
Godzilla: Monster of Monsters!
Godzilla 2: War of the Monsters
Gold Medal Challenge '92
Golf
Golf Grand Slam
Golgo 13: Top Secret Episode
Goonies 2
Gotcha! The Sport
Gradius
Great Waldo Search
Greg Norman's Golf Power
Gremlins 2: The New Batch
Guardian Legend
Guerrilla War
Gumshoe
Gun.Smoke
Gun-Nac
Gyromite
Gyruss
Harlem Globetrotters
Hatris
Heavy Barrel
Heavy Shreddin'
High Speed
Hogan's Alley
Hollywood Squares
Home Alone
Home Alone 2: Lost in New York
Hook
Hoops
Hot Slots
Hudson Hawk
Hunt for Red October
Hydlide
Ice Climber
Ice Hockey
Ikari Warriors
Ikari Warriors 2: Victory Road
Ikari Warriors 3: The Rescue
Image Fight
Immortal
Impossible Mission 2 (AVE)
Impossible Mission 2 (SEI)
Incredible Crash Dummies
Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade (Taito)
Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade (Ubisoft)
Indiana Jones and the Temple of Doom (Licensed)
Indiana Jones and the Temple of Doom (Unlicensed)
Infiltrator
Iron Tank: The Invasion of Normandy
Ironsword: Wizards & Warriors 2
Isolated Warrior
Jack Nicklaus' Greatest 18 Holes of Major Championship Golf
Jackal
Jackie Chan's Action Kung Fu
James Bond Jr.
Jaws
Jeopardy!
Jeopardy! 25th Anniversary Edition
Jeopardy! Jr. Edition
Jetsons: Cogswell's Caper
Jimmy Connors Tennis
Joe & Mac
John Elway's Quarterback
Jordan vs. Bird: One on One
Joshua & The Battle of Jericho
Journey to Silius
Joust
Jungle Book
Jurassic Park
Kabuki: Quantum Fighter
Karate Champ
Karate Kid
Karnov
Kickle Cubicle
Kickmaster
Kid Icarus
Kid Klown in Night Mayor World
Kid Kool and the Quest for the Seven Wonder Herbs
Kid Niki: Radical Ninja
King Neptune's Adventure
King of Kings: The Early Years
King's Knight
Kings of the Beach Professional Beach Volleyball
King's Quest V
Kirby's Adventure
Kiwi Kraze: A Bird-Brained Adventure!
Klash Ball
Klax
Knight Rider
Krazy Kreatures
Krion Conquest
Krusty's Fun House
Kung Fu
Kung-Fu Heroes
Laser Invasion
Last Action Hero
Last Ninja
Last Starfighter
Lee Trevino's Fighting Golf
Legacy of the Wizard
Legend of Kage
Legend of Zelda
Legendary Wings
Legends of the Diamond: The Baseball Championship Game
Lemmings
L'Empereur
Lethal Weapon
Life Force
Linus Spacehead's Cosmic Crusade
Little League Baseball: Championship Series
Little Mermaid
Little Nemo: The Dream Master
Little Ninja Brothers
Little Samson
Lode Runner
Lone Ranger
Loopz
Low G Man: The Low Gravity Man
Lunar Pool
M.C. Kids
M.U.L.E.
M.U.S.C.L.E.
Mach Rider
Mad Max
Mafat Conspiracy
Magic Darts
Magic Johnson's Fast Break
Magic of Scheherazade
Magician
Magmax
Major League Baseball
Maniac Mansion
Mappy-Land
Marble Madness
Mario Bros.
Mario Is Missing!
Mario's Time Machine
Master Chu and the Drunkard Hu
Maxi 15
Mechanized Attack
Mega Man
Mega Man 2
Mega Man 3
Mega Man 4
Mega Man 5
Mega Man 6
Menace Beach
Mendel Palace
Mermaids of Atlantis
Metal Fighter
Metal Gear
Metal Mech: Man & Machine
Metal Storm
Metroid
Michael Andretti's World GP
Mickey Mousecapade
Mickey's Adventure in Numberland
Mickey's Safari in Letterland
Micro Machines
Mig 29 Soviet Fighter
Might & Magic: Secret of the Inner Sanctum
Mighty Bomb Jack
Mighty Final Fight
Mike Tyson's Punch-Out!!
Millipede
Milon's Secret Castle
Miracle Piano Teaching System
Mission Cobra
Mission: Impossible
Monopoly
Monster in My Pocket
Monster Party
Monster Truck Rally
Moon Ranger
Motor City Patrol
Ms. Pac-Man (Licensed)
Ms. Pac-Man (Unlicensed)
Muppet Adventure: Chaos at the Carnival
Mutant Virus: Crisis in a Computer World
Mystery Quest
NARC
NES Open Tournament Golf
NES Play Action Football
NFL Football
Nigel Mansell's World Championship Racing
Nightmare on Elm Street
Nightshade
Ninja Crusaders
Ninja Gaiden
Ninja Gaiden 2: The Dark Sword of Chaos
Ninja Gaiden 3: The Ancient Ship of Doom
Ninja Kid
Nintendo World Cup
Nobunaga's Ambition
Nobunaga's Ambition 2
North and South
Operation Secret Storm
Operation Wolf
ORB 3-D
Othello
Overlord
P.O.W.: Prisoners of War
Pac-Man (Namco)
Pac-Man (Tengen)
Pac-Man (Unlicensed)
Pac-Mania
Palamedes
Panic Restaurant
Paperboy
Paperboy 2
Peek A Boo Poker
Pesterminator: The Western Exterminator
Peter Pan & The Pirates: The Revenge of Captain Hook
Phantom Fighter
Pictionary
Pinball
Pinball Quest
Pin-Bot
Pipe Dream
Pirates!
Platoon
Popeye
Power Blade
Power Blade 2
Power Punch 2
P'radikus Conflict
Predator
Prince of Persia
Princess Tomato in the Salad Kingdom
Pro Sport Hockey
Pro Wrestling
Punch-Out!!
Punisher
Puss N' Boots: Pero's Great Adventure
Puzzle
Puzznic
Pyramid
Q*Bert
Qix
Quattro Adventure
Quattro Arcade
Quattro Sports
R.B.I. Baseball (Licensed)
R.B.I. Baseball (Unlicensed)
R.B.I. Baseball 2
R.B.I. Baseball 3
R.C. Pro-Am
R.C. Pro-Am 2
Race America
Racket Attack
Rad Racer
Rad Racer 2
Rad Racket: Deluxe Tennis 2
Raid 2020
Raid on Bungeling Bay
Rainbow Islands
Rally Bike
Rambo
Rampage
Rampart
Remote Control
Ren & Stimpy Show: Buckeroo$!
Renegade
Rescue: The Embassy Mission
Ring King
River City Ransom
Road Runner
RoadBlasters
Robin Hood: Prince of Thieves
RoboCop
RoboCop 2
RoboCop 3
Robodemons
RoboWarrior
Rock 'n Ball
Rocket Ranger
Rocketeer
Rockin' Kats
Roger Clemens' MVP Baseball
Rollerball
Rollerblade Racer
Rollergames
Rolling Thunder
Romance of the Three Kingdoms
Romance of the Three Kingdoms 2
Roundball 2-on-2 Challenge
Rush'n Attack
Rygar
S.C.A.T.
Secret Scout
Section-Z
Seicross
Sesame Street: 123
Sesame Street: ABC
Sesame Street: ABC/123
Sesame Street: Big Bird's Hide & Speak
Sesame Street: Countdown
Shadow of the Ninja
Shadowgate
Shatterhand
Shingen the Ruler
Shinobi
Shockwave
Shooting Range
Short Order/Eggsplode
Side Pocket
Silent Assault
Silent Service
Silk Worm
Silver Surfer
Simpsons: Bart Vs. the Space Mutants
Simpsons: Bart Vs. the World
Simpsons: Bartman Meets Radioactive Man
Skate or Die
Skate or Die 2: The Search for Double Trouble
Ski or Die
Skull & Crossbones
Sky Kid
Sky Shark
Slalom
Smash T.V.
Snake Rattle n Roll
Snake's Revenge
Snoopy's Silly Sports Spectacular
Snow Brothers
Soccer
Solar Jetman: Hunt for the Golden Warpship
Solitaire
Solomon's Key
Solstice: The Quest for the Staff of Demnos
Space Shuttle Project
Spelunker
Spider-Man: Return of the Sinister Six
Spiritual Warfare
Spot: The Video Game!
Spy Hunter
Spy vs. Spy
Sqoon
Stack-Up
Stadium Events
Stanley: The Search for Dr. Livingston
Star Force
Star Soldier
Star Trek 25th Anniversary
Star Trek: The Next Generation
Star Tropics
Star Tropics 2: Zoda's Revenge
Star Voyager
Star Wars
Star Wars: The Empire Strikes Back
Starship Hector
Stealth ATF
Stinger
Street Cop
Street Fighter 2010: The Final Fight
Strider
Stunt Kids
Sunday Funday: The Ride
Super C
Super Cars
Super Dodge Ball
Super Glove Ball
Super Jeopardy!
Super Mario Bros.
Super Mario Bros./Duck Hunt
Super Mario Bros./Duck Hunt/World Class Track Meet
Super Mario Bros. 2
Super Mario Bros. 3
Super Off Road
Super Pitfall
Super Spike V'Ball
Super Spike V'Ball/Nintendo World Cup
Super Sprint
Super Spy Hunter
Super Team Games
Superman
Swamp Thing
Sword Master
Swords and Serpents
T & C Surf Designs
T & C 2: Thrilla's Surfari
Taboo: The Sixth Sense
Tag Team Wrestling
Tagin' Dragon
Talespin
Target: Renegade
Tecmo Baseball
Tecmo Bowl
Tecmo Cup: Soccer Game
Tecmo NBA Basketball
Tecmo NBA Basketball (NES-N7-USA)
Tecmo Super Bowl
Tecmo World Wrestling
Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles
Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Tournament Fighters
Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles 2: The Arcade Game
Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles 3: The Manhattan Project
Tennis
Terminator
Terminator 2: Judgment Day
Terra Cresta
Tetris (Licensed)
Tetris (Unlicensed)
Tetris 2
Three Stooges
Thunder and Lightning
Thunderbirds
Thundercade
Tiger-Heli
Tiles of Fate
Time Lord
Times of Lore
Tiny Toon Adventures
Tiny Toon Adventures 2: Trouble in Wackyland
Tiny Toon Adventures Cartoon Workshop
To The Earth
Toki
Tom & Jerry: The Ultimate Game of Cat and Mouse!
Tombs & Treasure
Toobin'
Top Gun
Top Gun: The Second Mission
Top Players' Tennis
Total Recall
Totally Rad
Touchdown Fever
Toxic Crusaders
Track & Field
Track & Field 2
Treasure Master
Trog!
Trojan
Trolls on Treasure Island
Twin Cobra
Twin Eagle
Ultima: Exodus
Ultima: Quest of the Avatar
Ultima: Warriors of Destiny
Ultimate Air Combat
Ultimate Basketball
Ultimate League Soccer
Ultimate Stuntman
Uncanny X-Men
Uncharted Waters
Uninvited
Untouchables
Urban Champion
Vegas Dream
Venice Beach Volleyball
Vice: Project Doom
Videomation
Vindicators
Volleyball
Wacky Races
Wall Street Kid
Wally Bear and the No! Gang
Wario's Woods
Wayne Gretzky Hockey
Wayne's World
WCW: World Championship Wrestling
Werewolf: The Last Warrior
Wheel of Fortune
Wheel of Fortune Featuring Vanna White
Wheel of Fortune: Family Edition
Wheel of Fortune: Junior Edition
Where in Time Is Carmen Sandiego?
Where's Waldo?
Who Framed Roger Rabbit?
Whomp 'Em
Widget
Wild Gunman
Willow
Win, Lose or Draw
Winter Games
Wizardry Master Series: Proving Grounds of the Mad Overlord
Wizardry Master Series 2: Knight of Diamonds
Wizards & Warriors
Wizards & Warriors 3: Kuros Visions of Power
Wolverine
World Champ
World Class Track Meet
World Games
Wrath of the Black Manta
Wrecking Crew
Wurm: Journey to the Center of the Earth
WWF King of the Ring
WWF WrestleMania
WWF WrestleMania Challenge
WWF Wrestlemania Steel Cage Challenge
Xenophobe
Xevious: The Avenger
Xexyz
Yo! Noid
Yoshi
Yoshi's Cookie
Young Indiana Jones Chronicles
Zanac
Zelda 2: The Adventure of Link
Zen: Intergalactic Ninja
Zombie Nation
What makes finding a list of NES games difficult is how many different variations there are. Over 700 games were made during the console’s lifespan, and that’s not even counting the endless supply of bootlegs and homebrews. To be brutally honest, putting together a complete list of every NES cartridge ever would be impossible. And that’s not even considering actually finding a complete collection of them. Some of these games are so stupidly rare that it’s hard to even find pictures of them online. So, with my list, I want to make it as reasonable and logically sound as possible. My goal is to one day own a complete collection of NES games, and I know damn well that I’ll never even see some games in person. So, for any aspiring collectors out there, this list will serve as the most “forgiving” of NES lists. While the ridiculous prices of retro games make seeing a complete collection almost impossible, this list aims to provide the most plausible set of games that a collector could own. Let’s set some ground rules first.
Obviously, the standard grey licensed NES games should count. The game also has to be playable on the NES console alone without any adapters. So, no Famicom games are included. No PAL exclusive games will be counted, as this is strictly an NTSC set. No pirated games or homebrews will be included on this list. Prototypes are also not included, as those were obviously never meant to be sold. The same thing goes for any of those competition cartridges like Nintendo World Championships. Rarity does play a factor here, but I'm not going to disqualify games for only being "too rare". For example, Little Samson and Flintstones: The Surprise at Dinosaur Peak are still on here because they were officially licensed and released.
Now, what about the variants? There are tons of label and cartridge variants, and most of them aren’t counted in NES lists. To me, a variant has to have one or more of these traits for it to count as a separate title.
-The game changed publishers when it was rereleased.
-There was a significant change to the cartridge design (not the label or box).
-There was a significant change to the game's programming.
Note that there may be some exceptions to these rules, and I’ll explain why I think a game does or doesn’t count in depth for each entry.
There have also been two instances of two games sharing the same name, but were completely different in terms of content. These are Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade and Ms. Pac-Man. Because the two versions of each game are radically different from each other, they all count on the list.
Alright, let’s get into the individual games and see whether or not I think they should count on my list.
Super Mario Bros./Duck Hunt
Super Mario Bros./Duck Hunt/World Class Track Meet
Super Spike V'Ball/Nintendo World Cup
World Class Track Meet
All of these games were only ever sold in console bundles. So, you couldn’t buy them on their own. However, a console bundle still counts as an official release to me. This is a case where rarity makes the difference. Since all four of these games are very common, I see no reason to exclude them from the list.
Stadium Events
Yes, both Stadium Events and its rerelease are on this list. While most people count Stadium Events on the list of officially released games, rarity does factor into this and this game takes the crown for the rarest licensed NES game. However, since it was officially released to store shelves, it still should count.
Punch-Out!!
After the deal to use Mike Tyson’s likeness expired, Nintendo rereleased Mike Tyson’s Punch-Out!! with new final fighter Mr. Dream. Since this is a significant change to the game's contents, it counts as a separate title.
Metroid (Yellow Label)
In 1992, Metroid got a new print run with a pretty badass looking yellow label. While the label was changed, the game’s code wasn’t modified in any significant way. Because of this, I don’t count it on the list. However, it’s definitely a cool novelty nonetheless.
The Legend of Zelda (Grey/Gold)
Zelda 2: The Adventures of Link (Grey/Gold)
Part of Nintendo’s Classic Series of NES rereleases, Zelda 1 and 2 were given a new print run with grey cartridges in 1992. Some may see this as a significant change to the cartridge design, as original copies were printed gold. However, I feel like a simple color change isn’t enough to make these unique entries on the list. The same principle also applies to the Color Dreams games that were printed in both blue and black. Other than the color change, there is no major difference in cartridge design. And most lists don’t even count the color variations as unique titles anyway. So, I will not do so for the Zelda rereleases.
Tecmo NBA Basketball (NES-N7-USA)
The final print run of Tecmo NBA Basketball modified the game’s roster by removing Micheal Jordan. Not only that, but the production code changed in this final revision as well. While the game originally shipped with the code NES-BK-USA, this final revision was given the code NES-N7-USA. Because there is a significant change to the game’s programming and because it’s given a completely different code, this one does count as a separate title to me.
Pac-Man (Unlicensed)
Pac-Man (Namco)
Gauntlet (Unlicensed)
R.B.I Baseball (Unlicensed)
Indiana Jones and the Temple of Doom (Unlicensed)
Tengen released their first three games in 1988, as a licensed NES publisher. Since they didn’t agree with Nintendo’s policies about cartridge manufacturing, they started releasing their own unlicensed games shortly after. These include rereleases of the first three Tengen titles, along with the Mindscape published Indiana Jones and the Temple of Doom. Tengen cartridges are completely different in design from official cartridges, featuring a sleeker black design with a slanted end. The differences in cartridge design make them distinct enough to count as separate titles. In 1993, Pac-Man was given another official release, this time by Namco themselves. The change in publishers makes this unique enough for it to count in my eyes.
Cheetahmen II
The game was finished with over a thousand copies produced. However, these were never released and were left in a warehouse. That is until they were discovered in 1996 and sold off. Since the game wasn’t ever released and wasn’t made public until after the NES quit production, Cheetahmen II doesn’t count towards my list.
Chiller (Sharedata)
Wally Bear and the No! Gang (AGCI)
The truth is we really don't have much information on these games. Both were later released by AGCI and AVE respectively, and only a handful of copies exist of these games. While Sharedata Chiller was advertised in magazines, it seems like Wally Bear didn’t get the same treatment.
6 in 1 (Myriad)
Technically, Myriad 6 in 1 should count on my list, as this is a variant with a different publisher. However, I’m not going to include it for one big reason. Myriad 6 in 1 is the exact same as Caltron 6 in 1. And I don’t just mean that the games have the same contents but in different shells. The only change made was that a new label was put over some already existing Caltron 6 in 1 cartridges. The programming between the two versions is identical. The cartridges themselves are identical, except for that lazily plastered over sticker. There was also new packaging made for it, but I don’t think that’s enough to warrant this being on my list. At least with the other rereleases on this list, they weren’t just old stock being shipped out with plastered over labels. No matter how you go about it, Caltron 6 in 1 and Myriad 6 in 1 are exactly the same. That new box doesn’t make it unique enough to count to me.
Dizzy the Adventurer
This is the only game that works exclusively with the Aladdin Deck Enhancer. All other Aladdin were also released as standard Camerica cartridges. Since the game doesn’t play in the NES on its own, and since nobody can ever confirm that the Aladdin Deck Enhancer was released, Dizzy the Adventurer doesn’t make the cut on my list.
RacerMate Challenge II
This is a unique case, as it is the only game on the NES that requires an exercise bike to play. It came with a special adapter that would connect a bike to the NES. As you might have guessed, this game was also released as an unlicensed title. While a cool novelty, I really don’t think it should count on the list. It’s really not even a game at all, as it’s mostly just a fancy way of showing your bike stats. I also feel like this was geared more towards gyms, as opposed to at home use. I’d personally lump with things like the NES test cartridges and competition cartridges. It’s an interesting piece of NES history, but it ultimately doesn’t count on my list.
Wisdom Tree Games
While Color Dreams and Bunch Games titles were seemingly sold in game stores, the Wisdom Tree games were only sold in Christian book stores. That’s what makes its status as counting towards the list questionable. However, I think they should still count on the list. They were still released to the public, even if they weren’t in game stores. And plus, I think it would be a bit weird to include all the other Color Dreams games, but exclude these ones.
Panesian Games
The three Panesian published titles were sold either in sex shops or via mail order. The details are a bit fuzzy on these three. Even though they weren’t sold in game stores, I guess they were given an official release of some sort. I’ll say that they count for now, but I’m not entirely sure.
Sachen Games
And now we come to the most difficult part of this entire list, the Sachen games. Very little information exists about the Sachen games. However, what is true is that these weren’t sold in normal game stores. Anecdotal evidence says that they were sold in bootleg shops. Several of them also came out well after the NES quit production, such as the infamous Huge Insect. They’re closer to bootleg games than standard unlicensed games to me. Rarity is also worth mentioning, as some of them only exist in double digit quantities. You could make the case that Sachen games count. However, I really don’t think they should.
Now let’s sum everything up. Which of these games do I count on the list?
Gauntlet (Unlicensed)
Indiana Jones and the Temple of Doom (Unlicensed)
Pac-Man (Namco)
Pac-Man (Unlicensed)
Panesian Games
R.B.I Baseball (Unlicensed)
Stadium Events
Super Mario Bros./Duck Hunt
Super Mario Bros./Duck Hunt/World Class Track Meet
Super Spike V'Ball/Nintendo World Cup
Tecmo NBA Basketball (NES-N7-USA)
Wisdom Tree Games
And that’s that! While there are definitely some rare titles here, there’s nothing here that’s single or double digits rare. I want to make this list reasonable, not necessarily comprehensive. However, if you want to see a more comprehensive list, I highly recommend checking out ThePhleo’s list on VideoGameSage. It’s a well put together guide that lists all of the games I excluded from my list. While it’s definitely a cool list to read through, I wouldn’t recommend actually trying to find everything on that list. It’s not worth pulling your hair out just trying to find a copy of Huge Insect or Sharedata Chiller.
Obviously, the standard grey licensed NES games should count. The game also has to be playable on the NES console alone without any adapters. So, no Famicom games are included. No PAL exclusive games will be counted, as this is strictly an NTSC set. No pirated games or homebrews will be included on this list. Prototypes are also not included, as those were obviously never meant to be sold. The same thing goes for any of those competition cartridges like Nintendo World Championships. Rarity does play a factor here, but I'm not going to disqualify games for only being "too rare". For example, Little Samson and Flintstones: The Surprise at Dinosaur Peak are still on here because they were officially licensed and released.
Now, what about the variants? There are tons of label and cartridge variants, and most of them aren’t counted in NES lists. To me, a variant has to have one or more of these traits for it to count as a separate title.
-The game changed publishers when it was rereleased.
-There was a significant change to the cartridge design (not the label or box).
-There was a significant change to the game's programming.
Note that there may be some exceptions to these rules, and I’ll explain why I think a game does or doesn’t count in depth for each entry.
There have also been two instances of two games sharing the same name, but were completely different in terms of content. These are Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade and Ms. Pac-Man. Because the two versions of each game are radically different from each other, they all count on the list.
Alright, let’s get into the individual games and see whether or not I think they should count on my list.
Super Mario Bros./Duck Hunt
Super Mario Bros./Duck Hunt/World Class Track Meet
Super Spike V'Ball/Nintendo World Cup
World Class Track Meet
All of these games were only ever sold in console bundles. So, you couldn’t buy them on their own. However, a console bundle still counts as an official release to me. This is a case where rarity makes the difference. Since all four of these games are very common, I see no reason to exclude them from the list.
Stadium Events
Yes, both Stadium Events and its rerelease are on this list. While most people count Stadium Events on the list of officially released games, rarity does factor into this and this game takes the crown for the rarest licensed NES game. However, since it was officially released to store shelves, it still should count.
Punch-Out!!
After the deal to use Mike Tyson’s likeness expired, Nintendo rereleased Mike Tyson’s Punch-Out!! with new final fighter Mr. Dream. Since this is a significant change to the game's contents, it counts as a separate title.
Metroid (Yellow Label)
In 1992, Metroid got a new print run with a pretty badass looking yellow label. While the label was changed, the game’s code wasn’t modified in any significant way. Because of this, I don’t count it on the list. However, it’s definitely a cool novelty nonetheless.
The Legend of Zelda (Grey/Gold)
Zelda 2: The Adventures of Link (Grey/Gold)
Part of Nintendo’s Classic Series of NES rereleases, Zelda 1 and 2 were given a new print run with grey cartridges in 1992. Some may see this as a significant change to the cartridge design, as original copies were printed gold. However, I feel like a simple color change isn’t enough to make these unique entries on the list. The same principle also applies to the Color Dreams games that were printed in both blue and black. Other than the color change, there is no major difference in cartridge design. And most lists don’t even count the color variations as unique titles anyway. So, I will not do so for the Zelda rereleases.
Tecmo NBA Basketball (NES-N7-USA)
The final print run of Tecmo NBA Basketball modified the game’s roster by removing Micheal Jordan. Not only that, but the production code changed in this final revision as well. While the game originally shipped with the code NES-BK-USA, this final revision was given the code NES-N7-USA. Because there is a significant change to the game’s programming and because it’s given a completely different code, this one does count as a separate title to me.
Pac-Man (Unlicensed)
Pac-Man (Namco)
Gauntlet (Unlicensed)
R.B.I Baseball (Unlicensed)
Indiana Jones and the Temple of Doom (Unlicensed)
Tengen released their first three games in 1988, as a licensed NES publisher. Since they didn’t agree with Nintendo’s policies about cartridge manufacturing, they started releasing their own unlicensed games shortly after. These include rereleases of the first three Tengen titles, along with the Mindscape published Indiana Jones and the Temple of Doom. Tengen cartridges are completely different in design from official cartridges, featuring a sleeker black design with a slanted end. The differences in cartridge design make them distinct enough to count as separate titles. In 1993, Pac-Man was given another official release, this time by Namco themselves. The change in publishers makes this unique enough for it to count in my eyes.
Cheetahmen II
The game was finished with over a thousand copies produced. However, these were never released and were left in a warehouse. That is until they were discovered in 1996 and sold off. Since the game wasn’t ever released and wasn’t made public until after the NES quit production, Cheetahmen II doesn’t count towards my list.
Chiller (Sharedata)
Wally Bear and the No! Gang (AGCI)
The truth is we really don't have much information on these games. Both were later released by AGCI and AVE respectively, and only a handful of copies exist of these games. While Sharedata Chiller was advertised in magazines, it seems like Wally Bear didn’t get the same treatment.
6 in 1 (Myriad)
Technically, Myriad 6 in 1 should count on my list, as this is a variant with a different publisher. However, I’m not going to include it for one big reason. Myriad 6 in 1 is the exact same as Caltron 6 in 1. And I don’t just mean that the games have the same contents but in different shells. The only change made was that a new label was put over some already existing Caltron 6 in 1 cartridges. The programming between the two versions is identical. The cartridges themselves are identical, except for that lazily plastered over sticker. There was also new packaging made for it, but I don’t think that’s enough to warrant this being on my list. At least with the other rereleases on this list, they weren’t just old stock being shipped out with plastered over labels. No matter how you go about it, Caltron 6 in 1 and Myriad 6 in 1 are exactly the same. That new box doesn’t make it unique enough to count to me.
Dizzy the Adventurer
This is the only game that works exclusively with the Aladdin Deck Enhancer. All other Aladdin were also released as standard Camerica cartridges. Since the game doesn’t play in the NES on its own, and since nobody can ever confirm that the Aladdin Deck Enhancer was released, Dizzy the Adventurer doesn’t make the cut on my list.
RacerMate Challenge II
This is a unique case, as it is the only game on the NES that requires an exercise bike to play. It came with a special adapter that would connect a bike to the NES. As you might have guessed, this game was also released as an unlicensed title. While a cool novelty, I really don’t think it should count on the list. It’s really not even a game at all, as it’s mostly just a fancy way of showing your bike stats. I also feel like this was geared more towards gyms, as opposed to at home use. I’d personally lump with things like the NES test cartridges and competition cartridges. It’s an interesting piece of NES history, but it ultimately doesn’t count on my list.
Wisdom Tree Games
While Color Dreams and Bunch Games titles were seemingly sold in game stores, the Wisdom Tree games were only sold in Christian book stores. That’s what makes its status as counting towards the list questionable. However, I think they should still count on the list. They were still released to the public, even if they weren’t in game stores. And plus, I think it would be a bit weird to include all the other Color Dreams games, but exclude these ones.
Panesian Games
The three Panesian published titles were sold either in sex shops or via mail order. The details are a bit fuzzy on these three. Even though they weren’t sold in game stores, I guess they were given an official release of some sort. I’ll say that they count for now, but I’m not entirely sure.
Sachen Games
And now we come to the most difficult part of this entire list, the Sachen games. Very little information exists about the Sachen games. However, what is true is that these weren’t sold in normal game stores. Anecdotal evidence says that they were sold in bootleg shops. Several of them also came out well after the NES quit production, such as the infamous Huge Insect. They’re closer to bootleg games than standard unlicensed games to me. Rarity is also worth mentioning, as some of them only exist in double digit quantities. You could make the case that Sachen games count. However, I really don’t think they should.
Now let’s sum everything up. Which of these games do I count on the list?
Gauntlet (Unlicensed)
Indiana Jones and the Temple of Doom (Unlicensed)
Pac-Man (Namco)
Pac-Man (Unlicensed)
Panesian Games
- Bubble Bath Babes
- Hot Slots
- Peek A Boo Poker
R.B.I Baseball (Unlicensed)
Stadium Events
Super Mario Bros./Duck Hunt
Super Mario Bros./Duck Hunt/World Class Track Meet
Super Spike V'Ball/Nintendo World Cup
Tecmo NBA Basketball (NES-N7-USA)
Wisdom Tree Games
- Bible Adventures
- Bible Buffet
- Exodus: Journey to the Promised Land
- Joshua & The Battle of Jericho
- King of Kings: The Early Years
- Spiritual Warfare
- Sunday Funday: The Ride
And that’s that! While there are definitely some rare titles here, there’s nothing here that’s single or double digits rare. I want to make this list reasonable, not necessarily comprehensive. However, if you want to see a more comprehensive list, I highly recommend checking out ThePhleo’s list on VideoGameSage. It’s a well put together guide that lists all of the games I excluded from my list. While it’s definitely a cool list to read through, I wouldn’t recommend actually trying to find everything on that list. It’s not worth pulling your hair out just trying to find a copy of Huge Insect or Sharedata Chiller.