Punch-Out review

Punch-Out is the best value on the list. Nintendo describes it as a fight card for a small boxer, Little Mac, against opponents like the fragile-jawed Glass Joe, Soda Popinski and the Hollywood heavyweight Super Macho Man, with trainer Doc Louis in his corner and Mario as the referee. You win by reading each rival and finding the weak spot with jabs, body blows, hooks and uppercuts. That makes every fight a short puzzle, which is why the game works well in five minute sessions. The Punch-Out cartridge lists at $37.99 at DKOldies, the lowest price here. Collectors should know there are two versions: the Mike Tyson's Punch-Out cartridge lists at $69.99, and Nintendo Switch Online carries the Featuring Mr. Dream edition. Both play the same way apart from the final opponent. It scores lower on capabilities than the adventures above because it is one player and one mode, but few NES games are this easy to pick up.

Who it is for

Players who want short sessions built around learning patterns and timing.

Price

Used NES cartridge from $37.99 at DKOldies (regular price, before sales).

Original price: $37.99
Quoted from the vendor pricing page on November 11, 2026.

Key features

• Play as rookie boxer Little Mac with trainer Doc Louis
• Opponents include Glass Joe, Soda Popinski and Super Macho Man
• Jabs, body blows, hooks and uppercuts
• Each rival has a weak spot to find
• Mario appears as the referee

Strengths and weaknesses

• Strength: Cheapest pick on the list at $37.99 used
• Strength: Each fight is short, so it suits quick play
• Strength: In the Nintendo Switch Online NES library as Punch-Out Featuring Mr. Dream
• Weakness: Single player only
• Weakness: Later fights need memorized patterns
• Weakness: The Mike Tyson's Punch-Out cartridge costs more, at $69.99 at DKOldies

Key facts

• Publisher: Nintendo
• Genre: Boxing
• Main character: Little Mac
• Trainer: Doc Louis
• PEGI rating (Nintendo UK): PEGI 7

Where it ranks

Punch-Out is No. 6 in our Best NES Games of All Time verdict.