Nintendo stands as a titan in the realm of video gaming, renowned for its pioneering spirit and a rich catalog of iconic intellectual properties that continue to captivate gamers decades after their initial release. As the company gears up for the launch of the Switch 2, it's the perfect time to reflect on Nintendo's storied history in the console market.
Below, we've compiled a comprehensive list of every console Nintendo has ever released. Embark on a nostalgic journey through time and witness how Nintendo has consistently pushed the boundaries of gaming innovation!
AnswerSee Results*Looking to save on a new Nintendo Switch or new titles for your system? Be sure to check out the best Nintendo deals available today.*How Many Nintendo Consoles Have There Been?
In total, 32 Nintendo consoles have been released throughout Nintendo's history. The Switch 2 will be the 33rd. We've included revision models for both home and handheld consoles, which include brandings like XL and Mini.
Latest Model### Nintendo Switch OLED (Neon Blue & Red)
4See it at AmazonEvery Nintendo Console in Order of Release
Color TV-Game - June 1, 1977
Nintendo's inaugural venture into gaming hardware came with the Color TV-Game line, a collaboration with Mitsubishi Electronics that marked the company's first foray into the world of consoles. This pioneering effort was a commercial success and set the stage for Nintendo's enduring commitment to the gaming industry, an influence still felt nearly five decades later.
Game & Watch - April 28, 1980
With the Game & Watch series, Nintendo made its mark in the handheld gaming market. These devices, each featuring a unique game, sold over 40 million units worldwide and introduced innovations like the D-Pad, which remains a staple in gaming today. Their legacy was celebrated with limited edition releases in 2020 and 2021 for Mario and Zelda's anniversaries.
Nintendo Entertainment System - October 18, 1985
Known as the Famicom in Japan, the Nintendo Entertainment System (NES) revolutionized home gaming in North America by introducing cartridge-based gameplay. It launched beloved franchises such as Super Mario, The Legend of Zelda, and Metroid, solidifying its place as a cornerstone of video game history.
Game Boy - July 31, 1989
Launching in North America during the summer of 1989, the Game Boy was a groundbreaking handheld console that moved beyond the Game & Watch by supporting interchangeable cartridges. It became synonymous with portable gaming, famously bundling Tetris in many regions.
Super Nintendo Entertainment System - August 23, 1991
With the Super Nintendo Entertainment System (SNES), Nintendo brought 16-bit graphics to its home consoles for the first time. This platform birthed seminal titles like Super Mario World and Donkey Kong Country, cementing its status as a best-seller despite entering the market late in its generation.
Virtual Boy - August 14, 1995
An experimental leap into 3D gaming, the Virtual Boy was a unique portable console from Nintendo. Though it only saw 22 game releases and lasted a mere year on the market, it remains an intriguing footnote in Nintendo's history.
Game Boy Pocket - September 3, 1996
A sleeker iteration of the original, the Game Boy Pocket introduced a sharper black-and-white screen and enhanced hardware, despite having a shorter battery life due to its compact design.
Nintendo 64 - September 29, 1996
Marking Nintendo's entry into 3D home console gaming, the Nintendo 64 introduced iconic games like Super Mario 64 and The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time. Its innovative controller with an analog stick and special edition translucent models added to its allure.
Game Boy Light - April 14, 1998
Exclusive to Japan, the Game Boy Light featured a backlight for improved visibility in dim lighting and boasted a longer battery life, despite its larger size compared to the Game Boy Pocket.
Game Boy Color - November 18, 1998
Introducing color to Nintendo's handheld lineup, the Game Boy Color was backwards compatible with all Game Boy games and supported hundreds of new titles designed to leverage its colorful display.
Game Boy Advance - June 11, 2001
With the Game Boy Advance, Nintendo made a significant leap in handheld gaming by adopting a horizontal design and 16-bit graphics. Its backwards compatibility expanded its library to thousands of titles, enhancing its appeal.
Pokémon mini - November 16, 2001
Nintendo GameCube - November 18, 2001
Building on the success of the Nintendo 64, the GameCube delivered sequels to beloved titles and introduced new franchises like Animal Crossing. It shifted to disc-based media and featured an improved controller with rumble and analog triggers.
Panasonic Q - December 14, 2001
A unique collaboration with Panasonic, the Panasonic Q combined a GameCube with a DVD player in a sleek stainless steel design. Despite its innovative concept, it struggled with sales and was discontinued after two years.
Game Boy Advance SP - March 23, 2003
Featuring a clamshell design, rechargeable battery, and later a backlit screen, the Game Boy Advance SP offered significant enhancements over its predecessor, though it notably omitted a headphone jack.
Nintendo DS - November 21, 2004
Introducing the dual-screen and touchscreen technology, the Nintendo DS became Nintendo's best-selling console. Its innovative design and Wi-Fi support opened up new gaming experiences.
Game Boy Micro - September 19, 2005
Revealed at E3 2005, the Game Boy Micro impressed with its compact size and backlit screen. Despite its short production run, it remains a favorite among enthusiasts for its portability and design.
Nintendo DS Lite - June 11, 2006
With a slimmer, lighter build and brighter screens, the Nintendo DS Lite improved upon the original DS, offering better visibility and longer battery life.
Nintendo Wii - November 19, 2006
Revitalizing Nintendo's home console market, the Wii introduced motion control with its innovative Wii Remote. Its backwards compatibility with GameCube titles and the Virtual Console service added to its appeal.
Nintendo DSi - November 1, 2008
Enhancing the DS with added cameras and an SD card slot, the Nintendo DSi offered new features while removing the Game Boy Advance slot, marking a shift towards digital media.
Nintendo DSi XL - November 21, 2009
With larger screens and improved audio, the Nintendo DSi XL provided a more immersive gaming experience, catering to players seeking enhanced visuals and sound.
Nintendo 3DS - March 27, 2011
Featuring stereoscopic 3D without glasses, the Nintendo 3DS offered a host of new titles and capabilities, reviving the technology first used in the Virtual Boy.
Nintendo 3DS XL - August 19, 2012
With screens 90% larger than the original 3DS, the 3DS XL provided a more engaging gaming experience, maintaining all the features of its predecessor.
Nintendo Wii U - November 18, 2012
Introducing the GamePad with an integrated screen, the Wii U aimed to blend home and portable gaming. Despite its innovative approach and HD support, it faced challenges due to marketing and consumer confusion.
Nintendo Wii Mini - December 7, 2012
Released at the end of the Wii's lifecycle, the Wii Mini offered a smaller, lighter design but removed several features like GameCube support and Wi-Fi connectivity.
Nintendo 2DS - October 12, 2013
Designed to be more affordable, the Nintendo 2DS omitted the 3D feature and adopted a flat design, maintaining compatibility with all 3DS games except for 3D visuals.
New Nintendo 3DS - October 11, 2014
With new controls and NFC support for amiibo, the New Nintendo 3DS offered significant upgrades, enhancing the gaming experience and platform capabilities.
New Nintendo 3DS XL - February 13, 2015
Featuring larger screens and removing the ability to change face plates, the New Nintendo 3DS XL offered an even more immersive experience, with special editions catering to collectors.
Nintendo Switch - March 3, 2017
Combining home and portable gaming seamlessly, the Nintendo Switch revitalized Nintendo's position in the gaming industry. Its versatile design and stellar first-party titles have made it a fan favorite.
New Nintendo 2DS XL - July 28, 2017
With added features like an analog stick and amiibo support, the New Nintendo 2DS XL returned to the clamshell design, offering a cost-effective entry point into the 3DS ecosystem.
Nintendo Switch Lite - September 20, 2019
Designed for handheld play only, the Nintendo Switch Lite provided a more affordable option with its built-in controllers and smaller form factor.
Nintendo Switch OLED model - October 8, 2021
Upgrading the Switch with a larger OLED screen and enhanced audio, the Nintendo Switch OLED model offered a premium gaming experience alongside the release of Metroid Dread.
Upcoming Nintendo Consoles
After years of speculation, Nintendo has officially unveiled the Switch 2. The reveal trailer showcases innovations like a new Joy-Con attachment method, a larger screen, and an additional USB-C port. The possibility of using Joy-Cons as a mouse and the promise of a new Mario Kart with 24-player races highlight the console's potential. The Switch 2 will be "mostly" backward compatible, supporting both physical and digital games from its predecessor.Analysts suggest the Switch 2 could retail for around $400. Based on the trailer, we've gathered all the details, but a Nintendo Direct scheduled for April 2 is expected to provide more insights, including a release date.
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