Nintendo stands as a titan in the video game industry, renowned for its pioneering spirit and a rich catalog of iconic intellectual properties that continue to captivate gamers decades later. With the announcement of the Nintendo Switch 2, it's the perfect moment to reflect on the incredible journey of Nintendo's console history, which is marked by innovation and a continuous push to advance the gaming medium.
Below, we've curated a comprehensive list of every Nintendo console ever released, inviting you to explore the evolution of gaming through Nintendo's lens.
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 graced the market throughout Nintendo's storied history. The upcoming Switch 2 will be the 33rd addition to this legacy. We've included all revision models, encompassing both home and handheld variants, including those branded as 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 initial venture into gaming hardware came with the Color TV-Game series, a collaboration with Mitsubishi Electronics. This marked the beginning of Nintendo's hardware development journey, leading to immense success and setting the stage for future innovations in gaming.
Game & Watch - April 28, 1980
Launching into the handheld market, the Game & Watch devices introduced unique gameplay experiences and sold over 40 million units globally. These pioneering gadgets brought innovations like the D-Pad, seen in the Donkey Kong Game & Watch, and were celebrated with limited edition releases in 2020 and 2021 for Mario and Zelda anniversaries.
Nintendo Entertainment System - October 18, 1985
Known as the Famicom in Japan, the Nintendo Entertainment System (NES) revolutionized home gaming with its cartridge system. It birthed legendary franchises such as Super Mario, The Legend of Zelda, and Metroid, cementing its place as a pivotal console in gaming history.
Game Boy - July 31, 1989
Revolutionizing portable gaming, the Game Boy introduced cartridge-based gameplay, allowing for a wide variety of games. Its iconic status was further cemented with Tetris, bundled with the console in most regions outside Japan.
Super Nintendo Entertainment System - August 23, 1991
With the advent of 16-bit graphics, the Super Nintendo Entertainment System (SNES) brought significant advancements to gaming. Titles like Super Mario World and Donkey Kong Country showcased Nintendo's commitment to evolving its beloved series.
Virtual Boy - August 14, 1995
An experimental leap into 3D gaming, the Virtual Boy offered a unique, albeit short-lived, experience. With only 22 games released, including notable titles like Mario's Tennis and Virtual Boy Wario Land, it remains one of Nintendo's most curious endeavors.
Game Boy Pocket - September 3, 1996
A sleeker version of the original Game Boy, the Game Boy Pocket featured an improved black-and-white screen and enhanced response time, though at the cost of a shorter battery life.
Nintendo 64 - September 29, 1996
Introducing 3D graphics to Nintendo's home consoles, the Nintendo 64 launched with groundbreaking titles like Super Mario 64 and The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time. Its innovative controller with an analog stick set new standards in gaming.
Game Boy Light - April 14, 1998
Exclusive to Japan, the Game Boy Light featured a backlight for better visibility in low-light conditions and offered a longer battery life than the Game Boy Pocket.
Game Boy Color - November 18, 1998
Bringing color to handheld gaming, the Game Boy Color was backward compatible with original Game Boy titles, enhancing classics like Tetris with vibrant colors and introducing new exclusive games.
Game Boy Advance - June 11, 2001
With a horizontal design and 16-bit graphics, the Game Boy Advance marked a significant leap forward in portable gaming, supporting a vast library of games through backward compatibility.
Pokémon mini - November 16, 2001
Image Credit: GamesRadarThe diminutive Pokémon mini focused on Pokémon games, featuring innovative features like a built-in clock, infrared communication, and rumble.
Nintendo GameCube - November 18, 2001
Building on the Nintendo 64's success, the GameCube introduced disc-based gaming and featured iconic titles like Super Mario Sunshine and The Legend of Zelda: Wind Waker, with its legacy continuing to influence modern gaming.
Panasonic Q - December 14, 2001
A collaboration with Panasonic, the Q combined a GameCube with a DVD player, offering a unique multimedia experience, though its high price limited its market success.
Game Boy Advance SP - March 23, 2003
Introducing a clamshell design and rechargeable battery, the Game Boy Advance SP improved upon its predecessor with a backlit screen in later models, enhancing the gaming experience.
Nintendo DS - November 21, 2004
Launching the best-selling DS line, the Nintendo DS introduced dual screens, Wi-Fi connectivity, and a touchscreen, revolutionizing handheld gaming with its innovative design.
Game Boy Micro - September 19, 2005
Revealed at E3 2005, the tiny Game Boy Micro offered a backlit screen with adjustable brightness, playing Game Boy Advance titles and maintaining backward compatibility with earlier Game Boy games.
Nintendo DS Lite - June 11, 2006
An enhanced version of the original DS, the DS Lite was slimmer, lighter, and featured brighter screens and improved battery life, making it a popular choice among gamers.
Nintendo Wii - November 19, 2006
Revolutionizing home gaming with motion controls, the Wii brought innovative gameplay and backward compatibility with GameCube titles, introducing the Virtual Console for digital downloads of classic games.
Nintendo DSi - November 1, 2008
Adding cameras and an SD card slot, the DSi enhanced the DS experience, though it removed the Game Boy Advance slot found in earlier models.
Nintendo DSi XL - November 21, 2009
Offering larger screens and improved sound, the DSi XL provided an enhanced gaming experience, catering to players who appreciated a bigger display.
Nintendo 3DS - March 27, 2011
Introducing 3D gaming without glasses, the Nintendo 3DS offered a rich library of games, including hits like The Legend of Zelda: A Link Between Worlds and Super Mario 3D Land.
Nintendo 3DS XL - August 19, 2012
With 90% larger screens than the original 3DS, the 3DS XL enhanced the visual experience, making games more immersive and enjoyable.
Nintendo Wii U - November 18, 2012
Introducing the GamePad with an integrated screen, the Wii U aimed to expand on the Wii's success, though it struggled with market confusion and sales. It still delivered notable titles like Xenoblade Chronicles X and Super Mario 3D World.
Nintendo Wii Mini - December 7, 2012
A compact version of the Wii, the Wii Mini removed several features to offer a more affordable option at the end of the Wii's lifecycle.
Nintendo 2DS - October 12, 2013
Removing the 3D feature from the 3DS, the 2DS offered a budget-friendly option for gamers, maintaining compatibility with all 3DS titles.
New Nintendo 3DS - October 11, 2014
With new controls and amiibo support, the New Nintendo 3DS enhanced the gaming experience, although its North American release was delayed compared to other regions.
New Nintendo 3DS XL - February 13, 2015
Offering larger screens and new features, the New Nintendo 3DS XL did away with customizable face plates but introduced multiple special editions.
Nintendo Switch - March 3, 2017
Realizing the vision of the Wii U, the Nintendo Switch combined home and portable gaming into one versatile console, delivering a stellar first-party library and numerous special editions.
New Nintendo 2DS XL - July 28, 2017
Updating the 2DS with new features like an analog stick and amiibo support, the 2DS XL also returned to the clamshell design, enhancing the gaming experience.
Nintendo Switch Lite - September 20, 2019
A more compact and affordable version of the Switch, the Switch Lite focused on handheld gaming, offering a dedicated experience at a lower price point.
Nintendo Switch OLED model - October 8, 2021
Enhancing the Switch with a larger OLED screen, improved speakers, and a better kickstand, the OLED model offered a premium gaming experience.
Upcoming Nintendo Consoles
Following years of anticipation and leaks, Nintendo has unveiled the Switch 2, showcasing a new Joy-Con attachment method, a larger screen, and a second USB-C port. The trailer hints at innovative features like using Joy-Cons as a mouse and teases a new Mario Kart with 24-player races. The console promises "mostly" backward compatibility, supporting both physical and digital games.Analysts suggest the Switch 2 might retail around $400. While the trailer provided a glimpse into the future, a Nintendo Direct scheduled for April 2 is expected to reveal more, including a potential release date.
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