Nintendo Hard: The Nintendo Entertainment System's Games Ranked by Difficulty

Bys: Lynn, Steve and Polnik, Kelsy

Nintendo Hard: The Nintendo Entertainment System's Games Ranked by Difficulty explores 669 NES titles through expert analysis, firsthand experience, interviews, and statistical context. Written by Kelsy Polnik, who completed every licensed game, and 8-Bit Steve, NES world record holder, the book delivers unparalleled insights into what defines difficulty in video game design. Contributions from more than 50 collaborators add depth and perspective across the industry.

Key Features: Difficulty rankings for the complete licensed North American NES library. Firsthand analysis by Kelsy Polnik, who completed every NES title. Data-driven context and insights from 8-Bit Steve, NES world record holder. Contributions from over 50 collaborators across the video game industry. Interviews, articles, quotes, and difficulty-based top 10 lists. Unique win conditions for every game defined by a council of NES experts. A definitive resource for retro gamers, collectors, and fans of gaming history.

• Format: Hardcover
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0764371266
• ISBN13: 9780764371264
• Release Date: June 2026
• Publisher: Schiffer Publishing
• Length: 304 Pages
• Weight: 0.10 lbs.
• Dimensions: 1.2" x 8.5" x 11.0"