Nintendo stands as a beacon in the video game industry, renowned for its groundbreaking creativity and innovation. From its inception, Nintendo has consistently pushed the boundaries within the home console market, boasting a rich library of iconic IPs that continue to captivate gamers decades later. As anticipation builds with the announcement of the Switch 2, it's the perfect time to reflect on Nintendo's storied history in the console space.
Below, we've curated a comprehensive list of every console Nintendo has ever launched. Take a journey through time and witness how Nintendo has continually advanced the gaming industry!
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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 first venture into gaming hardware came with the Color TV-Game line, a collaboration with Mitsubishi Electronics. This initial foray into hardware development was a resounding success, setting the stage for Nintendo's continued focus on gaming. Even nearly 50 years later, the impact of the Color TV-Game is evident as Nintendo remains deeply invested in the gaming industry.
Game & Watch - April 28, 1980
Nintendo entered the handheld market with the Game & Watch series, each device featuring a unique game. With sales exceeding 40 million units globally, these devices introduced innovations like the D-Pad, seen in the Donkey Kong Game & Watch. Their legacy was recently celebrated with limited edition releases in 2020 and 2021 for the anniversaries of Mario and Zelda.
Nintendo Entertainment System - October 18, 1985
Known as the Family Computer (Famicom) in Japan, the Nintendo Entertainment System (NES) marked Nintendo's entry into the North American market. Its cartridge system allowed for a vast array of games, launching iconic franchises such as Super Mario, The Legend of Zelda, and Metroid. The NES remains a pivotal console in gaming history, setting a foundation for future generations.
Game Boy - July 31, 1989
Launched in North America during the summer of 1989, the Game Boy was Nintendo's first dedicated handheld console. It advanced the concept of the Game & Watch by introducing cartridges, allowing players to enjoy multiple games. Tetris, bundled with the system in most regions, became one of its most celebrated titles.
Super Nintendo Entertainment System - August 23, 1991
With the Super Nintendo Entertainment System (SNES), Nintendo introduced 16-bit graphics to its home console lineup. This era saw significant developments in major franchises, including Super Mario World and Donkey Kong Country. Despite a late launch in its generation, the SNES became the best-selling console of its time, thanks to its robust software lineup and broad appeal.
Virtual Boy - August 14, 1995
Perhaps Nintendo's most unconventional console, the Virtual Boy was the first to offer true 3D visuals. Its brief market life saw only 22 games released, with highlights like Mario's Tennis and Virtual Boy Wario Land. Despite its innovative approach, it sold just under 800,000 units before being discontinued.
Game Boy Pocket - September 3, 1996
A compact version of the original Game Boy, the Game Boy Pocket featured a clearer black-and-white screen and improved display response time. However, its smaller size resulted in a shorter battery life compared to its predecessor.
Nintendo 64 - September 29, 1996
Marking Nintendo's entry into the 3D gaming era, the Nintendo 64 introduced groundbreaking titles like Super Mario 64 and The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time. Its innovative controller, featuring an analog stick, transformed gameplay. Nintendo also offered various special editions, including translucent variants.
Game Boy Light - April 14, 1998
Exclusive to Japan, the Game Boy Light featured a backlight for improved visibility in low-light conditions. Though larger than the Game Boy Pocket, it offered a longer battery life, lasting up to 20 hours.
Game Boy Color - November 18, 1998
Introducing color to Nintendo's handheld lineup, the Game Boy Color was backwards-compatible with original Game Boy games. Many titles, like Tetris, were enhanced with vibrant colors. The new hardware also supported hundreds of exclusive games.
Game Boy Advance - June 11, 2001
A significant leap forward, the Game Boy Advance (GBA) featured 16-bit graphics and a horizontal design, distinguishing it from previous models. Its backwards compatibility with Game Boy and Game Boy Color games expanded its library to thousands of titles.
Pokémon mini - November 16, 2001
Nintendo GameCube - November 18, 2001
Building on the success of the Nintendo 64, the GameCube introduced sequels to beloved titles like Super Mario Sunshine and The Legend of Zelda: Wind Waker. It switched to optical discs and featured an improved controller with rumble and analog triggers. Its legacy lives on through popular franchises like Animal Crossing.
Panasonic Q - December 14, 2001
A collaboration with Panasonic, the Panasonic Q combined a GameCube with a DVD player. Its sleek design and functionality were appealing, but its high price led to its short market life of two years.
Game Boy Advance SP - March 23, 2003
An upgrade to the Game Boy Advance, the Game Boy Advance SP introduced a hinge design, rechargeable battery, and backlit screen. It omitted a headphone jack but offered an adapter for audio.
Nintendo DS - November 21, 2004
Launching Nintendo's best-selling console line, the Nintendo DS introduced Wi-Fi and a dual-screen design with a touchscreen. Its unique gameplay experiences set it apart from competitors.
Game Boy Micro - September 19, 2005
Revealed at E3 2005, the Game Boy Micro impressed with its small size and backlit screen. It was backwards-compatible with Game Boy and Game Boy Color games and sold 2.42 million units over 18 months.
Nintendo DS Lite - June 11, 2006
An updated version of the DS, the DS Lite was slimmer, lighter, and featured brighter screens and improved battery life. It was a popular revision that enhanced the gaming experience.
Nintendo Wii - November 19, 2006
Reviving Nintendo's home console market, the Wii introduced motion controls via the Wii Remote. It was backwards-compatible with GameCube titles and featured the Virtual Console for digital downloads of classic games.
Nintendo DSi - November 1, 2008
An evolution of the DS, the DSi added cameras and an SD card slot but removed the Game Boy Advance slot. It offered new ways to interact with games and store data.
Nintendo DSi XL - November 21, 2009
Larger than the DSi, the DSi XL featured bigger, brighter screens and improved sound. Its enhanced display made gaming more immersive.
Nintendo 3DS - March 27, 2011
Successor to the DS, the 3DS introduced stereoscopic 3D without glasses. It boasted a rich library including The Legend of Zelda: A Link Between Worlds and Super Mario 3D Land.
Nintendo 3DS XL - August 19, 2012
With a screen 90% larger than the original 3DS, the 3DS XL improved visibility and comfort, retaining all the features of its predecessor.
Nintendo Wii U - November 18, 2012
Following the Wii, the Wii U introduced the GamePad with a built-in screen for off-TV play. It supported HD graphics and included titles like Super Mario 3D World and Splatoon. Despite its innovations, poor marketing led to lower sales.
Nintendo Wii Mini - December 7, 2012
Released at the end of the Wii's lifecycle, the Wii Mini was smaller and lacked GameCube support, Wi-Fi, and high resolution. It was a cost-effective option for late adopters.
Nintendo 2DS - October 12, 2013
Removing the 3D feature, the 2DS offered a flat, budget-friendly alternative to the 3DS. It played all 3DS games but with reduced sound quality due to a mono speaker.
New Nintendo 3DS - October 11, 2014
Upgrading the 3DS, the New Nintendo 3DS added a C-Stick, ZR and ZL buttons, and amiibo support. It was released later in North America than in other regions.
New Nintendo 3DS XL - February 13, 2015
Larger than the New 3DS, the New 3DS XL offered bigger screens but removed the ability to change face plates. Special editions provided customization options.
Nintendo Switch - March 3, 2017
Combining home and portable gaming, the Nintendo Switch revitalized Nintendo's position in the industry. Its versatility and strong first-party titles, including The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild, propelled its success.
New Nintendo 2DS XL - July 28, 2017
An upgrade to the 2DS, the 2DS XL reintroduced the clamshell design and added amiibo support. It could play New 3DS titles, enhancing its appeal.
Nintendo Switch Lite - September 20, 2019
Designed solely for handheld play, the Switch Lite was more affordable and featured built-in controllers. Its compact design made it perfect for gaming on the go.
Nintendo Switch OLED model - October 8, 2021
Launching alongside Metroid Dread, the Switch OLED model featured a larger OLED screen, improved speakers, and a revamped kickstand. Its new dock included a LAN port for enhanced connectivity.
Upcoming Nintendo Consoles
After years of speculation, Nintendo has officially unveiled the Switch 2. The reveal trailer showcased a new Joy-Con attachment method, a larger screen, and an additional USB-C port. A unique mouse-like feature for the Joy-Con hints at new gameplay possibilities, while a new Mario Kart with 24-player races was highlighted. The console promises "mostly" backward compatibility and continued support for both physical and digital games.Analysts predict a $400 price point for the new console. Based on the trailer, we've gathered all the known details about the Switch 2. More information, including a release date, is expected at the upcoming Nintendo Direct on April 2.
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