Super Mario Bros. vs The Legend of Zelda

Super Mario Bros. leads with 66% of votes

Latest odds: Super Mario Bros. - 69%, The Legend of Zelda - 31%

Super Mario Bros. = Iconic, industry-saving platformer

The Legend of Zelda = Pioneering open-world structure

See full Original NES Game rankings →

Pick Your Favorite

THE LEGEND OF ZELDA

VS

SUPER MARIO BROS.
0%

Your GOAT List

The Real Debate

The Legend of Zelda offers a sprawling, adventure-filled quest, while Super Mario Bros. delivers precise, classic platforming action. It's a battle of epic exploration against the rush of perfect jumps and swift level clears, pulling at the heartstrings of fans who grew up wielding the Master Sword or racing to save Princess Peach. Zelda's intricate puzzles and storyline pit against Mario's straightforward, breakneck pace in a clash that has defined gaming legacies on the NES. Is your loyalty with Hyrule's vast realms or the Mushroom Kingdom's iconic stages? Dive in, choose your champion, and let your vote reign supreme in this legendary showdown!

Head-to-Head Comparison

Criteria Edge Why
Gameplay Innovation The Legend of Zelda Zelda introduced a non-linear game structure and complex puzzles, setting a new standard for gameplay depth.
Graphics and Design Super Mario Bros. Mario’s bright, iconic levels and character designs became the visual benchmark for many future platformers.
Soundtrack Quality Super Mario Bros. Mario's catchy themes composed by Koji Kondo are globally recognized and have enduring appeal.
Cultural Impact Super Mario Bros. Super Mario Bros. essentially saved the gaming industry and became a household name, influencing countless games and media.
Super Mario Bros. vs. The Legend of Zelda

🔥 Fan Takes

lol everyone arguing but let’s be honest, both games basically shaped our entire childhoods 😂
Zelda is a whole vibe; exploring dungeons, finding secrets. How can you not love that nostalgia?
Mario all the way, bro. Zelda's cool but c'mon, jumping on Goombas never gets old!

How Fans Are Voting

Latest battle odds:

Super Mario Bros.: 69%

The Legend of Zelda: 31%

Overall battle results:

Overall fans prefer Super Mario Bros. over The Legend of Zelda when it comes to the greatest Original NES Games of all time. In head-to-head matchups, fans pick Super Mario Bros. 66.7% of the time over The Legend of Zelda.

Across all battles:

Super Mario Bros. win rate: 84.1%

The Legend of Zelda win rate: 69.5%

Fan FAQs

Why do fans adore The Legend of Zelda?

Fans cherish The Legend of Zelda for its groundbreaking exploration and adventure mechanics. It's not just a game; it's an escape to a magical world that many remember as their first major video game journey.

What’s the big deal about this matchup in the Greatest Original NES Games of All Time league?

This battle between Super Mario Bros. and The Legend of Zelda is huge because it pits two defining titles of the NES era against each other. Each has a massive, passionate fanbase that argues not just about gameplay but the impact these games had on future generations.

Why is Super Mario Bros. ahead of The Legend of Zelda in the fan votes?

Super Mario Bros. is leading because it's not just a game; it's a nostalgia powerhouse. Fans love the simple joy and the classic platforming action that defines much of their early gaming experiences.