Nintendo EAD Games Collection
Nintendo Entertainment Analysis & Development (EAD) was the powerhouse development team within Nintendo from 1983 to 2015, responsible for creating many of the most iconic games in history. As the creative engine behind Nintendo's first-party titles, EAD combined technical innovation with unparalleled game design under the leadership of visionaries like Shigeru Miyamoto and Takashi Tezuka.
Golden Age of Innovation (1980s-1990s)
EAD revolutionized gaming with:- Super Mario Bros. (1985): Defined the platformer genre
- The Legend of Zelda (1986): Created the open-world adventure template
- F-Zero (1990): Pioneered mode-7 pseudo-3D graphics
- Star Fox (1993): Introduced the Super FX chip for 3D rendering
Transition to 3D (Late 1990s)
The team masterfully adapted Nintendo's franchises for 3D:- Super Mario 64 (1996): Set the standard for 3D movement
- The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time (1998): Perfected Z-targeting combat
- Mario Kart 64 (1996): Defined party racing games
Modern Classics (2000s-2015)
Continued dominance across platforms:- Animal Crossing series (2001-): Life simulation perfected
- Wii Sports (2006): Made motion controls mainstream
- Pikmin series (2001-): Unique RTS/exploration hybrid
Legacy & Reorganization
After merging with SPD in 2015 to form Nintendo EPD, the EAD philosophy lives on through:- Maintaining Nintendo's "gameplay first" design ethos
- Iterative perfection of core mechanics
- Seamless integration of hardware/software
Why EAD Matters
With over 120 million-selling titles, EAD's work represents the gold standard in game design - proving that creative vision trumps technical specs.Super Mario Bros. 3
1988
PlatformerSuper Mario Bros. 3 is a platform game developed and published by Nintendo for the NES. Released in 1988 in Japan and 1990 internationally, it introduced revolutionary features like the world map, diverse power-ups including the Tanooki Suit, and advanced scrolling mechanics. Often considered one of the greatest video games of all time, it set new standards for platforming gameplay and creative level design.
The Legend of Zelda: A Link to the Past & Four Swords
2002
Action-AdventureA GBA port of the SNES classic A Link to the Past bundled with the original Four Swords multiplayer adventure. This version includes new features like a color-coded item menu and voice samples for Link.
Super Mario World
1990
PlatformerSuper Mario World is a 1990 platform game developed by Nintendo EAD and published by Nintendo for the Super Nintendo Entertainment System. As a launch title for the SNES, it introduces Yoshi and expands the Mushroom Kingdom to the dinosaur-filled Dinosaur Land, where Mario and Luigi must rescue Princess Peach from Bowser and his Koopalings.
Super Mario World 2: Yoshi's Island
1995
PlatformerSuper Mario World 2: Yoshi's Island is a 1995 platform game developed by Nintendo EAD for the Super Nintendo Entertainment System. This stylistic sequel shifts focus to Yoshi, who must protect Baby Mario while navigating through 48 inventive levels to reunite him with Baby Luigi, kidnapped by the evil Magikoopa Kamek.
Super Mario All-Stars
1993
PlatformerDefinitive 16-bit remaster of Nintendo's NES Mario classics, featuring enhanced versions of Super Mario Bros. 1-3 and The Lost Levels with upgraded graphics, sound, and save functionality. The compilation set new standards for game preservation and re-releases.
Super Mario Kart
1992
Kart RacingSuper Mario Kart is a 1992 kart racing game developed by Nintendo EAD for the Super Nintendo Entertainment System. As the first entry in the Mario Kart series, it features eight playable Mario characters racing in go-karts across 20 tracks, using iconic power-ups like Banana Peels and Shells to gain competitive advantage.
The Legend of Zelda: A Link to the Past
1991
Action-AdventureThe definitive SNES installment that established Zelda's core formula, featuring parallel Light/Dark Worlds, refined puzzle design, and an epic narrative about the Triforce. Revolutionized action-adventure gaming with its non-linear progression and intricate dungeon layouts.
SimCity
1991
Life SimulationSimCity is a city-building simulation game where players act as mayor to create and manage a thriving metropolis. The SNES version features unique Nintendo-themed content and simplified controls optimized for console gameplay.
Super Mario 64
1996
PlatformerThe revolutionary 3D platformer that defined a generation. Explore Peach's Castle and collect Power Stars across vibrant worlds in Mario's first true 3D adventure.
Mario Kart 64
1996
Kart RacingThe definitive 3D kart racing experience. Battle with iconic items across 16 dynamic tracks in 4-player split-screen mayhem.
Yoshi's Story
1997
PlatformerA vibrant picture-book platformer where Yoshis must restore the Super Happy Tree by collecting magical fruit. Features six colorful yarn-themed worlds with branching paths and multiple endings.
The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time
1998
Action-AdventureThe defining 3D adventure. As Link, travel through time to stop Ganondorf's evil reign, mastering dungeons, the Ocarina's melodies, and the Master Sword's power.
The Legend of Zelda: Majora's Mask
2000
Action-AdventureA dark and surreal Zelda adventure set in Termina, where Link must prevent the moon from crashing in 72 hours using time-loop mechanics. Notable for its transformation masks and deep NPC schedules that created an unprecedented living world.
Star Fox 64
1997
ShooterThe definitive 3D space shooter that revolutionized console gaming with its Rumble Pak force feedback. Lead Fox McCloud's elite team through branching paths across the Lylat system in this arcade-style adventure with full voice acting.
Pokémon Stadium 2
2000
RPGPokémon Stadium 2 is a strategy game that allows players to battle with their Pokémon from the Game Boy Color games Gold, Silver, and Crystal in 3D. It features all 251 Pokémon from the first two generations with enhanced animations and special battle modes.
Animal Forest
2001
Life SimulationThe groundbreaking life simulation game that spawned the Animal Crossing series. Players move to a village inhabited by anthropomorphic animals, where they can fish, catch bugs, decorate their home, and interact with charming villagers in real-time according to the console's internal clock.