EDIT: you guys never reminded me of the start date 
Anyways, 50 games is impossible to choose as I easily listed over 70 games then had to cut it down and then arrange them in some "meaningful order". Anything in my top 50 is pretty much a great game, so here goes to listing 50 without wishing I reordered them all again
50) Vectorman (GEN) - Who didn't want to play to win $25k. Not that I ever had a shot, but this game was so much fun anways.
49) Super Mario Bros. 2 (NES) - The game that let you play as toad will always be one of my favorite games. The cast of badguys also needs to be revived just like the Koopa Kids were in NSMBWii.
48) The Legend of Zelda: Phantom Hourglass (DS) - While the latest set of Zelda games haven't been the strongest this gets a special mention due to the awesome controls. The touch controls are just so easy to use and feel great. It was also a great continuation of Wind Waker which was a great game itself.
47) Mega Man 9 (WW) - Never owned any of the NES Mega Man games so this one gets the mention. I played 1-4 over at my friends, but never enough to get a great feel for them. This game was just brutal but awesome at the same time.
46) The Legend of Zelda: The Wind Waker (GC) - While some hated this game because of the cell shading, I thought the graphics were great. This was the start of Zelda having too large an overworld. The only downside of this game was the long voyages across the sea really killing the gameplay.
45) Banjo-Kazooie (N64) - Easily one of the best 3D platformers out there. If it hadn't been for Mario 64 being the father of 3D platformers this game probably would take the top spot on the N64.
44) Paper Mario: The Thousand-Year Door (GC) - While not a huge RPG fan this game was just great. It is easily accessible to anyone and has fun interactive enemy encounters. The story doesn't take itself too seriously and the game remains entertaining from beginning to end.
