# The “Big 5” of Nintendo, Ranked

- URL: https://talkfuse.com/story/the-big-5-of-nintendo-ranked/
- Published: 2026-08-31T17:14:11+00:00
- Updated: 2026-08-31T17:45:20+00:00
- Original publisher: Collider
- Original article: https://collider.com/nintendo-big-5-ranked/
- Topics: Business, Companies, Entertainment, Gaming

## Key points

- Collider ranks Nintendo's exclusive "Big 5" flagship franchises.
- Pikmin placed lowest, praised as a cult favourite.
- Splatoon ranked higher, noted for esports and crossovers.

## Summary

- Collider ranks Nintendo's unofficial "Big 5" franchises — its flagship series developed exclusively in-house, distinct from licensed properties like Pokémon or Kirby.
- Pikmin, launched in 2001 for GameCube, ranks lowest; it remains a niche but beloved strategy series, boosted by Olimar's strong Super Smash Bros. presence and increasingly cute marketing.
- Splatoon ranks above it, praised for its inventive ink-based shooter concept, its Inkling and Octoling characters, spin-off esports tournaments and in-game "Squid Sisters" concerts, and crossover appearances in Smash Bros. Ultimate and Mario Kart 8 Deluxe.
- The remaining three franchises in the ranking (likely including Mario and Zelda) are not detailed in the available excerpt, which cuts off before covering them.

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Summarised by TalkFuse (https://talkfuse.com/). Quote the original publisher for the reporting and link this page for the summary and discussion.