Nintendo stands as a titan in the world of video games, with a legacy of innovation and creativity that has shaped the industry since its inception. From their early days to the present, Nintendo's commitment to pushing the boundaries of gaming is evident in their extensive catalog of iconic IPs, many of which continue to captivate audiences decades later. With the announcement of the Nintendo Switch 2, it's an opportune time to reflect on the storied history of Nintendo's consoles and how they've transformed the gaming landscape.
Below, we take you on a comprehensive journey through every Nintendo console ever released, showcasing how each one has contributed to the evolution of gaming.
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 pioneering journey into gaming hardware began with the Color TV-Game series, a collaboration with Mitsubishi Electronics. This venture marked Nintendo's initial success in the hardware space, laying the foundation for their future focus on gaming innovation. The legacy of the Color TV-Game remains a testament to Nintendo's early commitment to the gaming industry, now more vibrant than ever.
Game & Watch - April 28, 1980
Nintendo's entry into the handheld market with the Game & Watch series was revolutionary, selling over 40 million units worldwide. These devices introduced pioneering features like the D-Pad, seen in the Donkey Kong model, which have become staples in gaming today. Their revival in 2020 and 2021, celebrating Mario and Zelda anniversaries, underscores their lasting impact.
Nintendo Entertainment System - October 18, 1985
Known as the Famicom in Japan, the Nintendo Entertainment System (NES) introduced cartridge-based gaming to North America, birthing iconic franchises like Super Mario, The Legend of Zelda, and Metroid. Its influence is monumental, setting the stage for future gaming generations.
Game Boy - July 31, 1989
Launching in North America in 1989, the Game Boy revolutionized handheld gaming with its cartridge system. Its association with Tetris, bundled with the console in many regions, made it a household name and a cultural phenomenon.
Super Nintendo Entertainment System - August 23, 1991
Introducing 16-bit graphics, the Super Nintendo Entertainment System (SNES) was a powerhouse of gaming innovation. With titles like Super Mario World and Donkey Kong Country, it became the best-selling console of its time, despite a late entry into the market.
Virtual Boy - August 14, 1995
An experimental venture into 3D gaming, the Virtual Boy was ahead of its time but only lasted a year on the market. With a limited library of 22 games, it remains one of Nintendo's most unique and short-lived consoles.
Game Boy Pocket - September 3, 1996
A compact version of the Game Boy, the Game Boy Pocket featured an improved black-and-white screen and faster response times. Its smaller design, however, came with the trade-off of a shorter battery life.
Nintendo 64 - September 29, 1996
Revolutionizing home gaming with 3D graphics, the Nintendo 64 introduced classics like Super Mario 64 and The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time. Its innovative controller with an analog stick set new standards in gaming control.
Game Boy Light - April 14, 1998
Exclusive to Japan, the Game Boy Light offered a backlit screen for enhanced visibility in low-light conditions, and boasted a longer battery life than the Game Boy Pocket.
Game Boy Color - November 18, 1998
Introducing color to handheld gaming, the Game Boy Color was backward-compatible with earlier Game Boy titles, enhancing them with vibrant colors. This console also saw the release of hundreds of new games.
Game Boy Advance - June 11, 2001
A significant leap forward, the Game Boy Advance (GBA) offered 16-bit graphics in a horizontal design. Its backward compatibility with Game Boy and Game Boy Color games made it a versatile choice for gamers.
Pokémon mini - November 16, 2001
Image Credit: GamesRadarThe Pokémon mini was a compact handheld focused on Pokémon games, featuring a clock function, infrared communication, and rumble. Its small size and limited library of 10 games made it a niche but fascinating entry in Nintendo's lineup.
Nintendo GameCube - November 18, 2001
Building on the success of the Nintendo 64, the GameCube introduced sequels to beloved franchises like Super Mario Sunshine and The Legend of Zelda: Wind Waker. Its shift to disc-based media and advanced controller design marked significant advancements.
Panasonic Q - December 14, 2001
A unique collaboration with Panasonic, the Panasonic Q combined GameCube gaming with DVD playback in a sleek stainless steel design. Its high cost and limited market presence led to its discontinuation after two years.
Game Boy Advance SP - March 23, 2003
With a hinge design and chargeable battery, the Game Boy Advance SP offered a backlit screen in later models, enhancing portability and playability. Its omission of a headphone jack was mitigated with an adapter.
Nintendo DS - November 21, 2004
Introducing dual screens and Wi-Fi, the Nintendo DS marked the beginning of Nintendo's best-selling console line. Its innovative design and unique gaming experiences set it apart in the market.
Game Boy Micro - September 19, 2005
Revealed at E3 2005, the Game Boy Micro's compact design and adjustable backlit screen made it a standout in the Game Boy line. Despite its short production run, it sold over 2 million units.
Nintendo DS Lite - June 11, 2006
A slimmer, lighter revision of the DS, the DS Lite offered brighter screens and improved battery life, enhancing the gaming experience for players.
Nintendo Wii - November 19, 2006
Revitalizing Nintendo's home console market, the Wii introduced motion controls with the Wii Remote. Its backward compatibility with GameCube and the introduction of the Virtual Console broadened its appeal.
Nintendo DSi - November 1, 2008
Adding cameras and an SD card slot, the DSi enhanced the DS experience but removed the Game Boy Advance slot, marking a shift in focus.
Nintendo DSi XL - November 21, 2009
With larger screens and improved sound, the DSi XL offered a more immersive experience, catering to players who preferred bigger displays.
Nintendo 3DS - March 27, 2011
Featuring stereoscopic 3D without glasses, the 3DS was a significant upgrade from the DS, with standout titles like The Legend of Zelda: A Link Between Worlds and Super Mario 3D Land.
Nintendo 3DS XL - August 19, 2012
With a 90% larger screen than the original 3DS, the 3DS XL enhanced visibility and immersion, maintaining all the features of its predecessor.
Nintendo Wii U - November 18, 2012
Introducing the GamePad with a built-in screen, the Wii U aimed to expand the Wii's concept. Despite its innovative features and HD support, poor marketing and consumer confusion led to its commercial underperformance.
Nintendo Wii Mini - December 7, 2012
A smaller, lighter version of the Wii, the Wii Mini was released at the end of the Wii's lifecycle, removing several features to reduce costs.
Nintendo 2DS - October 12, 2013
Offering 2D gameplay at a lower price point, the 2DS played all 3DS titles without 3D capabilities, making it an accessible option for gamers.
New Nintendo 3DS - October 11, 2014
Adding new controls and amiibo support, the New Nintendo 3DS enhanced the gaming experience, with North America receiving it later than other regions.
New Nintendo 3DS XL - February 13, 2015
Offering even larger screens than the New 3DS, the 3DS XL removed customizable face plates but provided multiple special editions for players.
Nintendo Switch - March 3, 2017
Realizing the vision of the Wii U, the Nintendo Switch offered versatile gaming as both a home and portable console. Its extensive library of first-party titles and special editions solidified its place in gaming history.
New Nintendo 2DS XL - July 28, 2017
Adding an analog stick and amiibo support, the New 2DS XL returned to the clamshell design and could play New 3DS titles, enhancing its appeal.
Nintendo Switch Lite - September 20, 2019
Designed for handheld play, the Switch Lite offered a more affordable option with built-in controllers and a smaller form factor.
Nintendo Switch OLED model - October 8, 2021
Enhancing the Switch experience, the OLED model featured a larger, premium screen, improved speakers, and a new dock with a LAN port.
Upcoming Nintendo Consoles
Following a flurry of leaks and rumors, Nintendo has officially unveiled the Nintendo Switch 2. The reveal trailer highlights innovative features like a new way to attach Joy-Cons, a larger screen, and an additional USB-C port. The ability to use Joy-Con as a mouse adds an intriguing layer of interaction, promising new gameplay possibilities. The trailer also teases what appears to be a new Mario Kart game, supporting up to 24 players, and confirms that the Switch 2 will offer "mostly" backward compatibility, supporting both physical and digital games.Analysts and leaks suggest the new console will be priced around $400. We've gathered all the details from the trailer, but a Nintendo Direct scheduled for April 2 is expected to reveal more, including a release date.
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