By Nintendo is widely recognized as a leader in video games today, yet its beginnings trace back to a card company. Established in 1889, Nintendo initially manufactured Hanafuda—cards utilized in a variety of games that date back to the 16th century. While playing cards have certainly taken a backseat for Nintendo, the gaming titan still honors its origins by occasionally producing card decks, such as the traditional 52-card Legend of Zelda and Mario-themed decks, along with distinctive hanafuda cards featuring characters from the Mushroom Kingdom.
Nintendo playing cards are mainly available in Japan; however, a number of imported decks have surfaced on Amazon over the years. Prices fluctuate consistently due to limited stock from resellers, but the decks generally ship from Amazon, with some even eligible for Prime delivery. We’ve compiled a list of all Nintendo playing cards that we could locate on Amazon.
All 52-card decks featured below come in a transparent plastic case adorned with the Nintendo logo, allowing you to showcase the stunning artwork when not in use.
The Legend of Zelda Playing Cards (52-Card Deck)
$10
Unveiled in 2011 to celebrate The Legend of Zelda’s 25th anniversary, this delightful 52-card set showcases a blend of character and item illustrations from the original NES edition through to Skyward Sword. If you’re curious about the face cards: Link takes on the role of the Jack, Zelda is the Queen, and Ganondorf is represented as the King. The Aces are marked with the Triforce, while Tingle features as the Joker—a fitting selection.
Each card sports a green backside adorned with a Triforce motif, Hylian Crests, and a sizable Triforce at the center highlighting four different versions of Link over the years. Note: The image displayed above reflects the design on the back of the cards; the Amazon depiction is somewhat brighter and over-saturated.
Super Mario Standard Playing Cards (52-Card Deck)
$13.80
This deck of 52 cards showcases the contemporary illustrations of iconic Mushroom Kingdom figures, with Mario himself depicted on the reverse side. The vibrant red and gold hues are accented by a border of Super Stars. Unfortunately for Bowser, he takes on the role of Joker in this set, while Mario reigns as the King, probably not making King Koopa particularly pleased.
Super Mario Game Stage Playing Cards (52-Card Deck)
$15
Nintendo’s Game Stage 52-card deck features a checkerboard style on the back showcasing vintage and contemporary art of Bowser’s minions, power-ups, and coins. Each vividly colored card portrays a segment of a level from the classic Super Mario Bros., Super Mario Bros. 3, Super Mario World, or New Super Mario Bros. U.
Super Mario Bros. 8-Bit Retro Playing Cards (52-Card Deck)
$11.80
For retro gaming fans, this 52-card deck is a top choice if you seek Super Mario Bros. playing cards. The back features Mario’s character from the classic NES game, with each card showcasing 8-bit graphics of characters or elements like power-ups and warp pipes. And indeed, Mario remains the King while Bowser continues as the Joker.
Super Mario Neon Playing Cards (52-Card Deck)
The design on the front of these cards resembles the “Standard” deck mentioned earlier, while the reverse displays radiant neon Super Mushrooms, Fire Flowers, Super Stars, bricks, and coins against a deep black backdrop. Mario, in a dynamic 3D pose, leaps joyously (yippee).
Super Mario Retro Playing Cards (52-Card Deck)
$17
This alternative option for nostalgic Mario enthusiasts consists of a 52-card deck. It is one of two Super Mario decks featuring fully colored backgrounds on the front. You’ll discover character illustrations from the NES period, particularly highlighting Super Mario Bros. 3. For example, the King is depicted as Mario donning his Frog Suit. Each card’s back portrays Mario in mid-sprint, with his hat flying behind him against a vibrant background.
Splatoon (52 Cards)
$13.77
Nintendo also crafted a suitably vibrant set of Splatoon cards. The reverse side features splatters of paint, while the front showcases characters from the Splatoon universe against neutral backgrounds, comprising Judge Kun, Anemo, Atarime, and the iconic squid logo.
Nintendo Hanafuda Playing Cards: Super Mario Set
$20 for Black | $21 for Red
Thinner and more robust than the playing cards you may be accustomed to, Hanafuda (Flower Cards) are crafted to enjoy a range of traditional Japanese games.
Nintendo’s Super Mario-themed Hanafuda pack boasts distinctive character illustrations absent from typical 52-card decks. Each card displays a unique character or item from the Mushroom Kingdom with a floral backdrop. In addition to various cards featuring Mario in his iconic outfits, you can admire illustrations with Bowser Jr., Yoshi, Princess Peach, Rosalina, Daisy, Toadette, and many others. There are even cards inspired by Yoshi’s Island, showcasing Baby Mario and Kamek, as well as Donkey and Diddy Kong.
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