GOAT Nintendo Franchise
The Legend of Zelda
Super Mario
Copies sold (millions)
Games released
Perfect-score reviews
First game
The story behind the debate
The Legend of Zelda and Super Mario are Nintendo's two foundational series. Mario refined movement and level design into instantly readable play; Zelda made exploration, discovery and puzzle-solving central to console adventure games.
The case for The Legend of Zelda
Zelda games reward curiosity through dungeons, tools, puzzles and worlds that slowly reveal their logic. Major entries repeatedly rethought how adventures could guide players without taking away the pleasure of discovery.
The case for Super Mario
Mario's best games turn running and jumping into endlessly inventive challenges. The series defined both two-dimensional and three-dimensional platforming while remaining approachable to first-time players.
Mario is the stronger symbol of pure mechanical accessibility and universal recognition. Zelda makes the case for discovery, atmosphere and reinvention, often asking players to understand a world rather than simply clear a course.