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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.

Key advantages over Switch:
  • 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
Available models:
  • Steam Deck (LCD) - Starting at $349
  • Steam Deck OLED - Starting at $549 with improved battery life
Official Steam Deck website

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.

ROG Ally advantages:
  • 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
Legion Go features:
  • 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
ROG Ally Legion Go

Open-source retro consoles

Several dedicated options exist to play retro games without the limitations imposed by Nintendo's expensive and limited retro offerings.

Popular handheld options:
  • 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
DIY/Home solutions:
  • 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
RetroPie MiSTer FPGA Batocera

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.

Video game preservation Video Game Preservation Collective The Video Game History Foundation

Legitimate emulators by platform

These emulation projects contribute to preserving Nintendo's gaming history across generations:

Nintendo 64, GameCube & Wii

Handheld Systems

  • Azahar FORK OF CITRA - Nintendo 3DS emulator with upscaling capabilities
  • mGBA - Accurate Game Boy Advance emulator
  • SameBoy - Game Boy/GBC emulator with high accuracy
  • melonDS - Nintendo DS emulator with local multiplayer support

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

Legal ROM Dumping

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

New Games for Retro Systems

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

Racing Games

Party & Multiplayer Games

  • Teeworlds - Multiplayer 2D shooter with cute graphics
  • Hedgewars - Turn-based artillery game similar to Worms
  • Mindustry - Tower defense/factory game with multiplayer

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

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

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

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

RPGs & Adventure Games

Pokémon Alternatives

Paper Mario Alternatives

Zelda Alternatives

Other RPGs

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

Other Games

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.