Alternatives to Nintendo
Discover alternatives to Nintendo's products and services that prioritize their users, offer more freedom, and provide better value.
Alternatives to Nintendo's gaming hardware
Steam Deck
A powerful portable PC gaming console that gives you access to your Steam library and thousands of games with significantly more freedom than Nintendo's ecosystem.
- Runs on SteamOS (Linux-based) with possibility to install Windows
- Significantly more powerful hardware (custom AMD APU with RDNA 2 graphics)
- Full access to install any software, including emulators
- Games typically 40-80% cheaper with frequent sales
- Installation of concurrent game stores
- Joycon support directly with Steam Input Emulation
- Native mod support through Steam Workshop
- Huge 7-inch touchscreen with higher resolution (1280×800)
- Expandable storage via microSD and replaceable SSD
- Desktop mode allows you to use it as a full PC
- No subscription required for online play
- Steam Deck (LCD) - Starting at $349
- Steam Deck OLED - Starting at $549 with improved battery life
ROG Ally / Legion Go
Windows-based portable gaming PCs that offer both more power and flexibility than the Switch, with access to multiple game stores and services.
- Powerful AMD Ryzen Z1 Extreme processor (much faster than Switch)
- Crisp 7-inch 1080p display with 120Hz refresh rate (vs Switch's 60Hz)
- Windows 11 OS allows installation of any PC software
- Access to multiple game stores (Steam, Epic, GOG, Xbox Game Pass)
- Compatible with modern AAA games at good settings
- Built-in controller with Hall Effect joysticks (no drift)
- USB-C port supports external displays up to 4K
- Larger 8.8-inch 1600p display with 144Hz refresh rate
- Detachable controllers similar to Joy-Cons but more ergonomic
- One controller can be used in FPS mode as a vertical mouse
- Kickstand for tabletop mode with adjustable angles
- Similar power and capabilities to ROG Ally but larger form factor
Open-source retro consoles
Several dedicated options exist to play retro games without the limitations imposed by Nintendo's expensive and limited retro offerings.
- Anbernic - Quality handhelds with authentic D-pads and buttons for retro gaming (RG353V, RG35XX)
- Miyoo Mini Plus - Compact and affordable device perfect for Game Boy games
- Retroid Pocket - Android-based handhelds with excellent emulation capabilities
- AYANEO Pocket Air - Premium handheld with excellent screen and controls
- Raspberry Pi with RetroPie - Build your own console for under $100
- MiSTer FPGA - Hardware-level emulation providing near-perfect accuracy
- Batocera - Linux distribution designed for emulation on various devices
Game Preservation & Emulation
The importance of emulation
Unlike Nintendo's stance which often attacks emulators through legal action, these tools are essential for video game preservation and accessibility. Emulators allow games that are no longer commercially available or compatible with modern hardware to remain playable for future generations.
Many classic games would be completely lost without the work of passionate preservation communities. Even the US Library of Congress and various museums now recognize the importance of video game preservation through emulation.
Legal status of emulators:
Emulators themselves are completely legal, as established in court cases like Sony Computer Entertainment v. Connectix Corp. and Sony Computer Entertainment v. Bleem. Courts have consistently ruled that the reverse engineering required to create emulators falls under fair use when done for interoperability purposes.
Legitimate emulators by platform
These emulation projects contribute to preserving Nintendo's gaming history across generations:
Nintendo 64, GameCube & Wii
- Dolphin - The most polished GameCube/Wii emulator with HD graphics enhancements
- Project64 - Open-source Nintendo 64 emulator
- RetroArch with Mupen64Plus - Integrated N64 emulation
Handheld Systems
Nintendo Switch
- Kenji-NX FORK OF RYUJINX - Open-source Switch emulator with excellent compatibility
- Eden Emulator FORK OF YUZU - Switch emulator based on Yuzu
Note: While emulators are legal, downloading ROMs of games you don't own is generally not legal. We encourage owning original copies of games you wish to emulate or purchasing them from legitimate retro game sellers.
Legitimate retro gaming services
Better alternatives to Nintendo Switch Online that provide more value, permanent ownership, or better preservation:
Digital Storefronts with Classic Games
- GOG.com - Sells classic games without DRM, meaning you truly own your purchases
- Humble Bundle - Often features classic game collections at affordable prices
Subscription Services Better Than NSO
- Xbox Game Pass - Includes many classic games alongside modern titles for a similar price
- PlayStation Plus Classics - Offers a more extensive catalog of PlayStation classics
- Antstream Arcade - Specialized retro game streaming service with thousands of titles
Legal ROM Dumping
- Dumpster U - Tool for legally dumping your own Wii U games
- JKSM - Save manager for 3DS to backup your save data
- Switch Game Dumping Guide - Legal methods to backup your Switch games
Comparison with Nintendo Switch Online: While NSO offers a limited selection of games that can be revoked at any time, these services often provide permanent ownership, a larger selection, better pricing, or enhanced versions with improvements like widescreen support, achievements, and online capabilities.
Community & Independent Alternatives
Homebrew & Game Development
Independent developers and communities continue to create new experiences for classic Nintendo systems:
Fan Games & Reimagined Classics
- AM2R (Another Metroid 2 Remake) - Fan remake of Metroid II that adds modern gameplay
- Sonic 3 A.I.R. - Enhanced version of Sonic 3 & Knuckles with widescreen support and more
- OpenRA - Open-source recreation of classic RTS games
New Games for Retro Systems
- Itch.io Homebrew Collection - Modern games developed for retro consoles
- Incube8 Games - Publisher of new Game Boy and GBC cartridges
Development Tools
- GB Studio - Drag and drop Game Boy game creator
- NESmaker - Tool for creating NES games without programming
- Godot Engine - Free and open-source game engine suitable for 2D games
Open-Source Alternatives to Nintendo's Games
These projects offer similar experiences to popular Nintendo franchises but with community support and modern features:
Platform Games
- SuperTux - Open-source platformer inspired by Super Mario Bros.
- Sonic Robo Blast 2 - 3D Sonic the Hedgehog fan game with extensive mod support
- Super Mario Bros X2 - Fan-made Super Mario crossover game
Racing Games
- SuperTuxKart - Free kart racing game similar to Mario Kart
- Xonotic - Free and fast arena shooter with racing modes
- Armagetron Advanced - Tron-like light cycle game with multiplayer
Party & Multiplayer Games
Community Benefits: These alternatives are often maintained by passionate communities, receive regular updates, and allow for mods and customizations. Unlike Nintendo's offerings, they embrace community creativity rather than restricting it.
Commercial Game Alternatives to Nintendo Franchises
Independent Alternatives to Popular Nintendo Games
These commercial games offer similar experiences to beloved Nintendo franchises, often with their own unique twists and innovations:
Mario & Platformer Alternatives
2D Mario Alternatives
- MarisaLand Legacy and New Super Maria Land - Touhou-inspired 2D platformers with Mario-like gameplay
- Pizza Tower - Fast-paced platformer inspired by Wario Land
- ANTONBLAST - Explosive action platformer in the spirit of Wario Land
- Antonball Deluxe - Fusion of Mario Bros. Classic and Wario Land mechanics
3D Mario Alternatives
- A Hat in Time - Charming 3D platformer with collectathon elements similar to Super Mario 64
- Pseudoregalia - Advanced 3D movement platformer with fluid mechanics
Kirby Alternatives
- Sanae's Sylphid Breeze - Floating platformer with ability absorption mechanics
- Star Garden - Racing game inspired by Kirby Air Ride
Other Notable Platformers
- koROBO - Spiritual successor to Chibi-Robo made by original developers
- Here Comes Niko! - Cozy platformer similar to modern Paper Mario
- BAKERU - Mystical Ninja Goemon-like game by Good-Feel (studio behind Wario Land Wii, Kirby's Epic Yarn)
Racing, Party & Fighting Games
Mario Kart Alternatives
- Sonic and All-Stars Racing Transformed - Dynamic kart racer with transforming vehicles
- Sonic Robo Blast 2 Kart - Community-made kart racer with extensive customization
Splatoon Alternatives
- POPUCOM - Co-op game with similar look, vibes, and feel to Splatoon
Smash Bros Alternatives
- Rivals of Aether - Platform fighter with unique elemental characters
- Fraymakers - Customizable platform fighter with indie game characters
Mario Party Alternatives
- Astral Party - Space-themed party board game with minigames
- Party Project - Community-driven party game project
- 100% Orange Juice - Board game with card-based gameplay and anime aesthetics
- Dokapon Kingdom: Connect - RPG party board game hybrid
- DOKAPON! Sword of Fury - Fantasy RPG party game
RPGs & Adventure Games
Pokémon Alternatives
- Touhou Puppet Dance Performance - Shard of Dreams - Touhou-themed monster collecting RPG (Steam Deck guide)
Paper Mario Alternatives
- Bug Fables - Paper-styled RPG inspired by classic Paper Mario
- Escape from Ever After - Fairy tale RPG with classic Paper Mario mechanics
- Hyper Team Recon - RPG with modern Paper Mario elements and LEGO-like gameplay
Zelda Alternatives
- Quest Master - 2D Zelda maker for creating your own adventures
- Blossom Tales II: The Minotaur Prince - Top-down adventure inspired by classic 2D Zelda games
Other RPGs
- Touhou Shoujo Tale of Beautiful Memories - RPG similar to Super Mario RPG
- Touhou Genso Wanderer - Roguelike similar to Mystery Dungeon games
- Shiren the Wanderer - Classic Mystery Dungeon roguelike experience
Rhythm & Micro Games
Rhythm Heaven Alternatives
- Bits & Bops - Collection of charming rhythm microgames
- Pastel Parade - Colorful rhythm game with simple but challenging mechanics
WarioWare Alternatives
- MINDWAVE - Fast-paced collection of quick reaction microgames
- NitorInc.: Touhou Microgames! - Touhou-themed WarioWare-like experience (demo only)
- Dreams of Aether - Surreal collection of rapid-fire microgames
Other Games
- Ex-Zodiac - Rail shooter inspired by Star Fox
- EVERYBODY'S GOLF HOT SHOTS - Arcade-style golf similar to Mario Golf
- New Day - Life simulation game similar to Tomodachi Life
Notable Developers & Publishers
These studios and communities have created quality alternatives or are related to former Nintendo talent:
- Fabraz - Developers of Demon Turf games and upcoming fully-3D Demon Tides
- illuCalab - Developer whose staff formerly worked on Mario Kart 8 Deluxe
- Tomoya Tomita - Former Nintendo composer (Wario Land, Kirby, Yoshi) now freelancing
- CCMC Corp - Publishing division allowing indie developers to use Hololive's Vtubers
- Team Shanghai Alice/ZUN - Allows indie developers to use Touhou IP within guidelines
Supporting Independent Alternatives: By purchasing and playing these games, you're supporting developers who often create their games with more player-friendly practices, reasonable pricing, and without the aggressive IP enforcement that Nintendo is known for. Many of these games are made by small teams who are passionate about their creations and responsive to player feedback.
Making Ethical Consumer Choices
Supporting Companies with Better Practices
By supporting companies with better ethical practices, consumers can encourage positive change in the industry:
Companies with Consumer-Friendly Policies
- Valve (Steam) - Generous refund policies, support for modding, and platform openness
- Xbox (Microsoft) - Game Pass value, backward compatibility, accessibility initiatives
- CD Projekt - DRM-free games through GOG, generous update policies
- Devolver Digital - Support for indie developers and creative freedom
Indie Studios Worth Supporting
- Team Cherry - Developers of Hollow Knight, with generous free content updates
- Motion Twin - Worker cooperative studio with equitable structure
- Concerned Ape - Solo developer committed to continuous game improvement
- Supergiant Games - Known for creative games and healthy work environment
How to Make Informed Choices
- Research company policies on consumer rights and refunds before purchasing
- Support companies that respect fair use and don't aggressively target fan works
- Look for companies that maintain their games long-term rather than abandoning them
- Consider used or second-hand purchases for Nintendo products if you still want to play their games
- Follow gaming news sources that report on company practices and controversies
Remember that voting with your wallet is one of the most effective ways to encourage change in the industry. By supporting companies with better practices, you help create market incentives for all companies, including Nintendo, to improve their approach to customer relations.