Nintendo’s songs capture a range of emotions. It’s evident from looking at games of the past that a quality soundtrack adds to their appeal. What does it say thatThe Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild 2hasn’t released, yet we are anticipating an acclaimed soundtrack?
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Nintendo is recognized for its hit soundtracks, and there have been quite a few over the years. These soundtracks have hardly aged despite some havingreleased over twenty years ago.For the sake of giving them recognition, here are the ten best Nintendo soundtracks of all time. Enjoy!
10Xenoblade Chronicles
Xenoblade Chroniclesplayers can attest to the listenability of the game’s soundtrack. It was created by composers Yoko Shimomura, ACE+, Manami Kiyota, and Yasunori Mitsuda.Xenoblade Chronicleshas a beefy soundtrack containing almost one-hundred songs that run for a total of 298 minutes!
Longer than your average Nintendo soundtrack, but it’s one of the reasons we love the semi-turn-based role-playing game in the first place. This soundtrack is one you can easily jam to while you’re gaming or surfing the internet.
9Kirby Super Star
Now thatKirby Super Staris a part ofNintendo Switch Online,there is little preventing Nintendo fanboys (or fangirls) from hopping into the action. This groundbreaking game initially released for the Super Nintendo Entertainment System (SNES).
Kirby Super Star’s soundtrack stands out as one of the greatest of all time. The song “Gourmet Race” was used in later Nintendo releases such asSuper Smash Bros. Ultimate. The soundtrack stands out for several hits, and it’s one to check out!
8Super Mario Galaxy 2
Although perhaps not as memorable as the firstSuper Mario Galaxy’s soundtrack,Super Mario Galaxy 2does have many hits worth a listen.
One of the most memorable songs onSuper Mario Galaxy 2’s soundtrack is “Throwback Galaxy.” It’s essentially a remix of aSuper Mario 64song that played on the Whomp’s Fortress course. “Bowser’s Lava Lair,” “Something Special,” and “Sky Station Galaxy” are also extraordinary.
7Super Mario 64
Like most of the main seriesSuper Mariogames,Super Mario 64has a stellar soundtrack to go along with phenomenal gameplay. The soundtrack is above average from an unbiased objective standpoint, but its appeal is limitless from a nostalgic point of view.
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The “Staff Roll” song, which plays after completingSuper Mario 64, could be the best credits song in the history of gaming. Other notable songs from theSuper Mario 64soundtrack include “File Select,” “Ultimate Koopa,” and “Dire, Dire Docks.”
6The Legend Of Zelda: Breath Of The Wild
The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wildis possibly the most highly acclaimed game on theNintendo Switch.The adventure puts you on a meandering path that is both inspiring and humbling.BOTWcontains a variety of songs that range from intense to relaxing.
The game’s relaxing songs are perfect accompaniments for studying or exercising. The songs “Rito Village,” “Dark Beast Ganon,” “Hyrule Castle,” “Main Theme,” “Van Medoh,” and “Vah Ruta” are masterpieces.
5Donkey Kong Country: Tropical Freeze
Donkey Kong Country: Tropical Freezeis a Nintendo Switch instant-classic for its amiable characters, flawless gameplay, and ambient soundtrack. The journey throughDonkey Kong Country: Tropical Freezeis like one wild musical ride from start to finish. The game even contains remixes of classicDonkey Kong Countrysongs.
You can’t go wrong listening to songs like “Current Caspers,” “Punch Bowl, “Twilight Terror,” and “Seashore War.” We wouldn’t be surprised if you decided to mute another game’s music and play this soundtrack instead.
4Mario Kart 8
Nintendo knows what it takes to make hit games, which is whyMario Kartis still fun eight games later. Nintendo puts polish into gameplay, presentation, lasting appeal, and sound.
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Each track has a memorable song inMario Kart 8, even if some are considered better than others. A remarkable soundtrack equates to a wild musical trip throughoutMario Kart 8. We can’t forget songs like “Rainbow Road,” “Mount Wario,” “N64 Rainbow Road,” and “Bowser’s Castle.” The lengthy guitar solo in “Bowser’s Castle” is hypnotic.
3Donkey Kong Country 2: Diddy’s Kong Quest
Over twenty years after the release ofDonkey Kong Country 2: Diddy’s Kong Quest, we still remember the game for its soundtrack. David Wise composed the game’s soundtrack album. Its jungle and aquatic themes blend well with the game. It contains a variety of uptempo and relaxing songs that are ideal for gaming.
Donkey Kong Country 2: Diddy’s Kong Questcontains one of the best soundtracks of all time. Take time to listen to “Forest Interlude” and “Stickerbrush Symphony.” They might be your new favorites.
2The Legend Of Zelda: Ocarina Of Time
The gaming tunes ofThe Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Timeadd to its unique atmosphere with appropriate pacing. Now keep in mind,The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Timereleased during an era when three-dimensional graphics were unheard of.
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As a game that revolves around Link’s ocarina instrument, a catchy soundtrack was necessary. We won’t easily forget classicOcarina of Timesongs such as “Kokiri Forest,” “Lost Woods,” and “Gerudo Valley.” To be candidly honest, they are all great.
1Super Mario Galaxy
You may have noticed by now that Nintendo’s flagship franchise,Super Mario, has appeared multiple times on this listicle. We double-checked and checked again; SuperMario Galaxyhas the best Nintendo soundtrack of all time. SeeingMarioblast off intoouter spacefor the first time was even more bewildering because of the game’s soundtrack.
Take time to listen to “Stardust Road,” “To the Gateway,” and “Fight to the Death at Koopa’s Fort.” These songs are ideal for studying, gaming, exercising, or whatever occasion comes to mind.
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