Famicom Disk System Top 20 Games

The original Zelda was first released on the FDS before appearing on other platforms. The FDS version is superior to later cartridge releases, featuring the iconic Pols Voice enemy that could be defeated by shouting into the second player controller's microphone. Enhanced audio utilizes the FDS's extra sound channels, and save functionality (three slots) replaces the password system found in the NES version. The game established the framework for the entire adventure-game genre.

The FDS version of Metroid is widely considered superior to the NES cartridge release. Introduced Samus Aran and pioneered the Metroidvania genre with emphasis on exploration, atmospheric level design, and power-up acquisition. The FDS version features enhanced audio with additional sound channels, proper save slots instead of passwords, and overall superior technical implementation. Despite longer loading times, it remains the definitive version.

A bold departure from the original Zelda's overhead perspective, this sequel features side-scrolling action, non-linear gameplay elements, and an extensive world to explore. Includes sidequests and magic spells unique to the franchise. The FDS release came before the NES cartridge version and maintains the superior save functionality over passwords.

The original Castlevania game is significantly more accessible on the FDS thanks to the save feature allowing three save slots. The NES cartridge version punished players with no save functionality, making the whip-based platforming through gothic horror-themed levels considerably more brutal. Enhanced audio capabilities showcase Hip Tanaka's brilliant soundtrack with additional sound channels.

This original game was later reskinned wholesale as Super Mario Bros. 2 for the North American market. Features four distinct protagonists—Imajin, Liliana, Argon, and Clarin—each with unique jumping and running abilities, tasked with rescuing children from the evil frog Wart in the dream world of Subcon. Introduced now-iconic Mario characters like Pokeys, Birdos, and Bob-ombs. The FDS original is more colorful and creative than the Western adaptation.

The authentic Japanese sequel to the original Super Mario Bros., featuring "diabolically difficult" level design deemed too punishing for Western audiences. The FDS version (released as "Super Mario Bros. 2" in Japan) includes warp zones and challenging platforming sequences that make this one of the hardest video games of the 8-bit era. Nintendo went all out with difficulty, and it was never officially released on NES cartridge.

Designed by Yoshio Sakamoto and Toru Osawa, Kid Icarus features protagonist Pit's quest to rescue the goddess Palutena from the dark forces of the underworld. The FDS version was chosen as the platform for development due to its 3x storage capacity compared to cartridges, allowing for a longer game with more extensive worlds. Features three save slots with high score tracking, microphone functionality for haggling with shopkeepers, and enhanced audio with more instruments than the NES version. Became a cult classic despite mixed critical reception.

Enhanced motocross racing sequel featuring two-player split-screen competition (one of the first examples of split-screen racing on consoles). Includes a track editor allowing players to create and save custom courses directly to the disk—a feature absent from the NES cartridge version. Expanded content and technical improvements over the original arcade game.

Described as "Japan's video gaming answer to the Indiana Jones franchise," this platformer features protagonist Kaito's quest to retrieve a magical red jewel and break a curse turning villagers to stone. Despite heavy inspiration from The Temple of Doom, the game was never localized internationally, making it a hidden gem for FDS collectors. Features distinctive rope mechanics for traversal and cavern exploration.

A unique shooter featuring rhythm-based gameplay where firing directions create musical notes, implementing what would be called "procedural generative music" in modern terminology. The innovative music-action fusion reportedly inspired Tetsuya Mizuguchi's acclaimed title "Rez." One of the most distinctive and original games in the FDS library.

A feudal Japan-themed exclusive action game released only on FDS until its 2014 3DS Virtual Console release. Follows samurai apprentice Takamaru on his mission to infiltrate a secret castle in Edo period Japan. Features graphics, characters, and soundtrack heavily borrowing from Japanese cultural elements. Known for intense enemy encounters and exploration-focused design.

Konami's action-adventure RPG set in a fantasy world featuring a young boy transported into his favorite storybook. Notable for its real-time battle system where players can see enemies in the overworld and avoid combat entirely if desired. Battles play out as overhead action sequences rather than traditional menu-driven combat. Crafts one of the best fantasy-based worlds seen in an 8-bit title.

A Konami platformer with an unusual premise where players control a baby crawling through stages using a rattle as the primary weapon. Defeated enemies can be pushed as projectiles or ridden as platforms, creating unique puzzle-platformer mechanics. Features heavenly music on the FDS with enhanced sound compared to its cartridge counterpart. One of the most creative and quirky entries in the FDS library.

A colorful arcade-style platformer where players control dragon brothers Bub and Bob tasked with defeating enemies by encasing them in bubbles, then popping all bubbles to advance to the next level. Described as "the best co-op multiplayer title available for the Famicom Disk System" with simple yet very fun gameplay. Supports two-player simultaneous action.

Designed by Alexey Pajitnov (creator of Tetris), this strategic puzzle game uses chess knight movement mechanics to guide players through mazes. One of the rarest FDS games to collect as it was never ported to any other console. Features clever puzzle design based on chess piece movement patterns. A hidden gem for puzzle enthusiasts.

Irem's enhanced port of the original Casio MSX release, featuring a protagonist tasked with rescuing his sister from supernatural beings across haunted house-like stages. Armed with a flashlight serving as a projectile weapon, players must navigate levels loaded with hidden passages, invisible ladders, and secret entrances. Yōkai are supernatural beings in Japanese folklore, making this a culturally rich platformer experience.

An ambitious behind-the-ship 3D shooter exclusive to the FDS. The game runs surprisingly smoothly with exhilarating gameplay, smooth controls, and dynamic enemy patterns. Considered superior to its Western counterpart "Solar Jetman," featuring bold technical achievements for 8-bit hardware and technical innovation in the shooter genre.

A behind-the-back 3D racer featuring collectible power-ups and multiple vehicle options. Considered a spiritual predecessor to Super Mario Kart, demonstrating that 3D racing technology was viable on NES-era hardware. Features ambitious stage design and is regarded as one of the best racers available on the platform, beating out most similar NES titles.

The sequel to the original Castlevania featuring Simon Belmont cursed and tasked with collecting Dracula's scattered remains. Notable for its non-linear gameplay structure, allowing players to explore and tackle objectives in various orders. While criticized for cryptic item placement that hinders replayability, the game expanded the series' scope beyond simple platforming to include adventure elements.

Taito's enhanced FDS port of the original arcade game featuring protagonist Sayo-chan (with new two-player character "Miki-chan" in this version). Added two-player support (alternating turns), new levels, new enemies, and limited the number of times players can use Sayo-chan's ranged o-fuda attack compared to the arcade original. Released August 28, 1987, this version represents the refined home version of a classic arcade shooter.