The tile-matching game Tetris was first introduced in 1984. The game was rudimentary at its inception, but the game began to show much promise. It wasn't until Tetris relaunched on the NintendoGame Boy, a handheld gaming device, that Tetris grew to prominence. With the Game Boy as its platform, both the system and Tetris saw explosive popularity in the late '80s and early '90s.

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As it happens, Tetris is the best-selling video game franchise of all time. It's been ported countless times and received numerous spinoffs. This raises the question, what is the best Tetris game of all time? Let's take a trip down memory lane to explore the best the franchise has to offer.

Updated November 29, 2023 by Stephen LaGioia:Even while stretching back decades in gaming history, the timeless puzzler Tetris continues to go strong. This is thanks in large part to releases like Tetris 99 and its more recent "Big Block" DLC, the majestic Tetris Effect: Connected, and the colorful sequel to the hybrid puzzle game Puyo Puyo Tetris.

Thus, it seemed like an ideal time to revisit and build upon this foundation of the best, most appealing Tetris games.

15 Tetrisphere

A Spherical New Take On Tetris

• Slower-paced gameplay
• 3D layout with multiple layers and spherical stages

When it comes to this blocky puzzler, spheres are about the last thing that comes to mind. But with this N64 romp, Nintendo and H20 Entertainment set out to prove that this classic formula can be successfully shaken up with a spherical twist. Tetrisphere throws the player a curveball with its 3D perspective and its round, multi-layered layout.

Rather than simply eliminating blocks, the goal is generally to wipe out the onion-like layers of tetromino shells and gun for the field's inner core. Though not all Tetris purists were convinced by this obscure take on the established franchise, critics generally regarded it for its innovation and slew of gameplay modes.

14 Tetris Party

Solid Online Multiplayer

• Mii Support
• Balance Board Support
• Co-op Tetris

While often overlooked on account of its exclusive WiiWare release in 2008, Tetris Party provides a fun template for party gameplay. The game taps into Wii's charming style of accessible and social gameplay, which proves a great fit for the storied multiplayer romp.

In addition to the typical multiplayer matches and a 15-stage single-player marathon, Tetris Party keeps things fresh with a handful of distinct gameplay modes, including an expansive co-op game, Wii Balance Board control, and other interesting twists on the formula.

The game is also one of the stronger Wii entries when it comes to online support, even hosting a Hudson-organized tourney setup, in which gamers from across the world could compete in different Tetris Party game modes.

13 Tetris 99

Thrilling Battle Royale Action

Tetris 99

Tetris 99 is an online battle-royale variation of the classic tile-matching puzzle game available exclusively on Nintendo Switch.

As the name suggests, the game pits 99 players against each other in an elimination game of Tetris, with the last player standing being the winner. Players can try to eliminate their opponents quicker by sending disruptive "garbage" their way.

Franchise

Tetris

Platform(s)

Switch

Released

February 13, 2019

Developer(s)

Arika

Publisher(s)

Nintendo

Genre(s)

Puzzle

ESRB

E For Everyone

Expand

• Gripping Battle Royale matches
• 99 player support
• Big Block DLC offers four offline modes

As a free-to-play game for Nintendo Switch Online members, it isn't the first time Nintendo published a Tetris game. Tetris 99 takes a spin on the classic by breathing new life into the retro game. Tetris 99 introduces 99-player clashes, hence the numerical that follows this familiar name.

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Strategy and speed are much a part of Tetris 99. One might prefer the original, but it's hard to ignore that Tetris 99 is a fun warp on the antiquated game. What's more - players who prefer a more classic-style solo Tetris can now enjoy a separate, purchasable DLC pack called Big Block, which comes loaded with offline and single-player content.

12 Tetris Twist

Simplicity And City Settings

• Various stages represented by major cities.
• 100 distinct challenges to complete

As one may have expected, Tetris Twist is a twist on the classic game. Players adventure through different major cities while completing over 100 unique levels. Don't make the mistake of thinking Tetris Twist is just another Tetris game. Players will be pleasantly surprised by this game's addictive puzzle-solving, and its distinct campaign-style progression.

This game was released in 2016 and is one of the best variants of the popular classic. Tetris Twist can be played on websites such as miniclip.com,classicgame.com, and crazygames.com.

11 Tetris (Original)

The One That Started It All

• Minimal style
• Tetrominos represented by simple brackets

The original Tetris deserves recognition, more than any other game on this listicle. When Russian software engineer Alexey Pajitnov created this simple tile-matching game, he did not know that it would become an enormous success.

Pajitnov developed several puzzle games during his time as a video game developer, but none came close to Tetris's explosive popularity and simplistic charm. The addictive qualities of this game drew inspiration for later versions of Tetris. Players might have trouble locating this particular version, given that it was crafted and played on an Electronika 60 computer.

The entertainment value this version still has despite its basic visuals — with blocks represented by green brackets — is a testament to how appealing the gameplay is.

10 Tetris: The Grand Master 3 – Terror-Instinct

A More Expansive Brand Of Tetris

• Lots of deep content of nearly 1,000 stages
• Master mode tests gamers' skills

Tetris: The Grand Master 3 – Terror-Instinct is Tetris (almost) at its finest. The game has thrown in a few variables such as explosives and X-rays, but the gameplay is Tetris at its core. This is the third game in the Tetris: The Grand Master series, and it's undoubtedly the best version.

Progression through Tetris: The Grand Master 3 – Terror-Instinct is considered difficult. Players can reach levels exceeding level 999, and the game even features a mode with standard rules.

9 Tetris Battle Gaiden

Puzzles And Power-ups

• Crystals within certain Tetrominos that can be collected
• Features unique characters with four attacks

This variant of Tetris was released for the Super Famicom only in Japan. If a player manages to get their hands on this highly addictive variant of Tetris, they will be pleasantly surprised by its puzzle-fighter gameplay.

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It contains a multiplayer mode in which one can play against friends. With a wide array of characters to choose from, the game has more to offer than the standard Tetris game. Characters have special abilities, adding to Tetris Battle Gaiden's appeal.

8 Tetris (iOS & Android)

Battle Royale Gameplay On The Go

• Expansive 100-player online mode
• Various skins to show off

Electronic Arts having had their Tetris game removed from the Google Play store and the App Store left a power vacuum ripe for a new Tetris game. Days after that occurred, a new, and similarly gripping, Tetris game popped up on cell phone application stores.

Tetris is available for iOS and Android users, and this game is quite different than its predecessor. For starters, it's developed by N3twork, and it supports 100 players online, with BR gameplay akin to Tetris 99. Though it also offers a marathon mode and multiple skins for the playing field. This is a step up for the tile-matching video game.

7 Puyo Puyo Tetris

Fusing Two Classic Party Puzzlers

• Fusion of Tetris And Sega's Puyo Puyo (in addition to separate games)
• Anime-themed campaign mode with diverse conditions

Puyo Puyo Tetris is Sega's attempt at the global phenomenon we know colloquially as "Tetris." The game isn't as blatantly Sega-themed as certain Nintendo versions of Tetris, yet the game offers so much more than the average Tetris game.

Try a single-play adventure where players earn in-game credits or take a stab at the competitive multiplayer modes. Multiplayer allows up to four local players, both online and offline. This feature-rich game is admired for its polish; it's a must-play for Tetris enthusiasts.

6 Tetris (Atari/Tengen Version)

Classic Multiplayer Tetris At Its Finest

• Added music and features
• Co-op modes and CPU support

Before the dust settled on the mess of copyright conflicts regarding Tetris, and Nintendo locked up the rights for the property in most facets, there was the Tengen-crafted version from 1989, which also found its way to NES. Despite a slightly cruder and colorless design, many still point to this rarer NES game as the superior version. It's almost certainly the case when it comes to the multiplayer.

The game provides an even simpler design and progression system, while boasting some particularly charming music to further paint this entry-level Tetris experience. It also has it over the Nintendo counterpart in terms of features, with co-op mode along with endless split-screen multiplayer; a rather rare feature for the '80s. Two players can even team up and face off against a CPU player.

5 Tetris Effect: Connected

Dripping With Atmosphere

Tetris Effect: Connected

Expanding on 2018's vanilla version, Tetris Effect Connected adds co-op and PvP multiplayer to the base experience. Originally released on Xbox hardware, the game eventually made its way to other consoles and PC.

Franchise

Tetris

Platform(s)

Xbox Series X , Xbox Series S , PC , Xbox One , Switch , PS4

Released

November 10, 2020

Developer(s)

Monstars Inc , Resonair , Stage Games

Publisher(s)

Enhance

Genre(s)

Puzzle

Metascore

93

Platforms That Support Crossplay

PC, PS4, PS5, Switch, Xbox One, and Xbox Series X/S

Number of Players

1-3

Expand

Tetris Effect began as a PlayStation 4 version of Tetris, which has since branched out into various platforms. Players will venture to places like outer space and the ocean's deepest depths while playing a profoundly mesmerizing tile-matching game. The game can be played in 4K 60 frames per second for those with modern hardware. This highly acclaimed game is undoubtedly one of the best Tetris games released thus far.

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This serenading Tetris trip has recently been fleshed out even further with the release of Tetris Effect: Connected for Microsoft's platforms. This version celebrates both the old and novel; featuring a fun new co-op twist on the game, along with the familiar classic mode that's sure to induce nostalgia.

4 Tetris DS

Neat Nintendo Themes

• Added music and features
• Co-op modes and CPU features

Tetris DS was a thrilling game when it came out in 2006. Years later, the gameplay still holds up. We can say with certainty that Tetris DS is an objectively good game. The portability of the Nintendo DS, combined with intuitive controls, reaffirms that Nintendo is the definitive Tetris developer.

One feature that could have been a hit or miss is its top-screen gameplay footage. Nintendo gameplay from games such as Metroid and Donkey Kong loop on the top screen while players are busy tile-matching. The playing field is themed after games like Super Mario Bros.,Super Mario Bros. 3, and The Legend of Zelda. Ultimately, the gameplay is fun, making this one Tetris game that shouldn't be missed!

3 Puyo Puyo Tetris 2

Tons Of Fun Multiplayer Content

Following their charming fusion of two classic puzzlers known as Puyo Puyo Tetris, Sonic Team shines once again with this even more refined and robust sequel. The game offers more of that fast-paced, satisfying Tetris and Puyo gameplay - along with options to blend the two into a medley of puzzle insanity.

In addition to some solid local and online multiplayer, and a surprisingly deep campaign mode, this 2020 sequel introduces some new features and content. Most notably, there's the entertaining Skill Battle, which tosses in various items and skills to mix things up, as well as the RPG-esque Adventure Mode.

2 Tetris (Game Boy)

Portability And Nostalgic Charm

• Tetrominos with different textures to differentiate
• First game compatible with the Game Link Cable which allows for multiplayer

Although technically not the first Tetris game to be released, Tetris for the Nintendo Game Boy propelled the system to a new plateau. It did wonders for the series due to being a polished, portable version of the highly acclaimed game. According to ign.com,Tetris is the best-selling game of all time — which illustrates its massive impact on the game industry.

If it weren't for Tetris for the Nintendo Game Boy, the IP would not be nearly as famous today. Carefully placing blocks to complete rows while accumulating points is highly addicting, and makes for the perfect handheld game.

1 Tetris (NES)

Superb Controls And Soundtrack

• A unique B-type mode that starts the board with randomized blocks at the bottom.
• Multi-colored Tetrominos
• Speed increases with more progression

While Tetris had several variants before Nintendo picked up this unique project from Russia, this home console version really helped cement its legacy as a classic puzzler — and helped the Big N rise to gaming stardom in the process. The game was just that good.

With its memorable melodies, solid controls, and addictive gameplay, Tetris for the NES shines as one of NES' most entertaining and timeless games - and arguably the best way to experience the game today. At least as far as solo Tetris goes, this one is tough to beat.

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