Mega Man 2 review

Mega Man 2 is the highest ranked game not published by Nintendo. Capcom does not sell it on its own anymore, but it is one of the original six Mega Man games in Mega Man Legacy Collection, which Capcom describes as faithful reproductions with the 8-bit style and an HD finish. The collection adds a Challenge Mode that remixes segments from all six games and a Museum Mode with history, high-res art and concept pieces. At $14.99 on Steam for six games, it is the cheapest legal way to play Mega Man 2 on this list. Collectors pay more: the used cartridge lists at $64.99 at DKOldies before sales, more than Metroid or Super Mario Bros. 3. The game rewards practice, with precise jumps and boss fights, which is why it scores a little lower on ease of setup than the Nintendo picks. If you want one action game that tests your reflexes, this is it.

Who it is for

Players who want tight action stages and boss fights, and who do not mind a challenge.

Price

Used NES cartridge from $64.99 at DKOldies (regular price, before sales).

Original price: $64.99
Quoted from the vendor pricing page on November 11, 2026.

Key features

• One of the original six Mega Man games in Capcom's Legacy Collection
• Legacy Collection keeps the 8-bit look with an HD finish
• Challenge Mode remixes segments from all six games
• Museum Mode with history, high-res art and concept pieces
• Original cartridge playable on any NES

Strengths and weaknesses

• Strength: Legal PC option: the six-game Legacy Collection is $14.99 on Steam
• Strength: Challenge Mode helps newcomers learn the stages
• Strength: One of Capcom's best-known NES releases
• Weakness: Used cartridge at $64.99 costs more than most picks here
• Weakness: Difficulty can frustrate younger players
• Weakness: Capcom's store page describes the collection, not Mega Man 2 alone

Key facts

• Publisher: Capcom
• Genre: Action platformer
• Main character: Mega Man
• Legal re-release: Mega Man Legacy Collection, $14.99 on Steam
• Games in the collection: 6

Where it ranks

Mega Man 2 is No. 5 in our Best NES Games of All Time verdict.