Nintendo, a name synonymous with video games, has consistently led the charge in creativity and innovation within the home console industry. With a rich catalog of beloved intellectual properties that continue to captivate audiences decades later, Nintendo shows no signs of slowing down. The recent announcement of the Nintendo Switch 2 marks yet another exciting chapter in the company's storied history. As we await this new release, let's take a moment to reflect on the evolution of Nintendo's consoles and how they have continuously pushed the boundaries of gaming.
Below, we've compiled a comprehensive list of every console Nintendo has released. Dive into the past and see how Nintendo has shaped the gaming landscape over the years!
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 gaming world throughout Nintendo's history. The upcoming Switch 2 will mark the 33rd entry. We've included revision models for both home and handheld consoles, encompassing variations 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 initial venture into gaming hardware, the Color TV-Game series, was a collaboration with Mitsubishi Electronics due to Nintendo's early hardware inexperience. These systems were a resounding success, setting the stage for Nintendo's future in gaming hardware. The legacy of the Color TV-Game remains influential nearly 50 years later.
Game & Watch - April 28, 1980
Nintendo's foray into handheld gaming began with the Game & Watch, each unit featuring a unique game. Selling over 40 million units worldwide, this series introduced innovations like the D-Pad, seen in the Donkey Kong Game & Watch. The devices saw a revival with limited editions released in 2020 and 2021 to celebrate Mario and Zelda anniversaries.
Nintendo Entertainment System - October 18, 1985
Known as the Family Computer (Famicom) in Japan, the Nintendo Entertainment System (NES) was Nintendo's first home console released in North America. Utilizing cartridges, it introduced iconic 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
Game Boy revolutionized handheld gaming with its cartridge-based system, enabling players to enjoy a variety of games. Notably bundled with Tetris in most regions except Japan, Game Boy became a cultural phenomenon.
Super Nintendo Entertainment System - August 23, 1991
Introducing 16-bit graphics to Nintendo's lineup, the Super Nintendo Entertainment System (SNES) brought significant advancements to beloved series like Super Mario World and Donkey Kong Country. Despite launching later in its generation, the SNES became the best-selling console of that era.
Virtual Boy - August 14, 1995
Perhaps Nintendo's most unconventional console, the Virtual Boy offered the first true 3D gaming experience. Though only 22 games were released, including notable titles like Mario's Tennis and Virtual Boy Wario Land, its short market life and sales of under 800,000 units made it a unique chapter in Nintendo's history.
Game Boy Pocket - September 3, 1996
A compact version of the original Game Boy, the Game Boy Pocket featured a black-and-white screen and improved response times, though with a shorter battery life.
Nintendo 64 - September 29, 1996
Nintendo 64 introduced 3D graphics to Nintendo's home console line, with revolutionary games like Super Mario 64 and The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time. Its innovative controller with an analog stick became iconic, and numerous special editions further endeared it to fans.
Game Boy Light - April 14, 1998
Exclusive to Japan, the Game Boy Light featured a backlight for better visibility in low-light conditions and boasted a 20-hour battery life.
Game Boy Color - November 18, 1998
Game Boy Color brought color to Nintendo's handhelds while maintaining backwards compatibility with original Game Boy games. New titles and enhanced visuals breathed new life into classics like Tetris.
Game Boy Advance - June 11, 2001
Game Boy Advance marked a significant leap forward with its horizontal design and 16-bit graphics, yet retained compatibility with earlier Game Boy titles. This versatility allowed for thousands of available games.
Pokémon mini - November 16, 2001
Image Credit: GamesRadarDesigned specifically for Pokémon enthusiasts, the tiny Pokémon mini was packed with features like a clock function, infrared communication, and rumble, despite its limited game library.
Nintendo GameCube - November 18, 2001
Following the Nintendo 64, the GameCube continued the legacy with sequels to popular titles like Super Mario Sunshine and The Legend of Zelda: Wind Waker. Its disc-based format and improved controller design were significant advancements.
Panasonic Q - December 14, 2001
A collaboration with Panasonic, the Panasonic Q combined a GameCube with a DVD player, offering a sleek design but limited market success.
Game Boy Advance SP - March 23, 2003
Game Boy Advance SP introduced a clamshell design, rechargeable battery, and later, a backlit screen, enhancing the handheld gaming experience.
Nintendo DS - November 21, 2004
Launching the best-selling DS line, the Nintendo DS introduced dual screens and Wi-Fi connectivity, revolutionizing portable gaming with its innovative touch-screen gameplay.
Game Boy Micro - September 19, 2005
Revealed at E3 2005, the Game Boy Micro's compact size and backlit screen with adjustable brightness were major highlights, though it sold just 2.42 million units.
Nintendo DS Lite - June 11, 2006
DS Lite refined the original DS with a slimmer design, brighter screens, and improved battery life, enhancing the gaming experience.
Nintendo Wii - November 19, 2006
Wii revitalized Nintendo's home console market with its motion control technology, offering unique gameplay experiences and backwards compatibility with GameCube games.
Nintendo DSi - November 1, 2008
DSi enhanced the DS with cameras and an SD card slot but omitted the Game Boy Advance slot, marking a shift in portable gaming capabilities.
Nintendo DSi XL - November 21, 2009
DSi XL offered larger screens and improved audio, providing a more immersive gaming experience.
Nintendo 3DS - March 27, 2011
3DS brought 3D gaming to handhelds without the need for glasses, featuring a robust lineup including The Legend of Zelda: A Link Between Worlds and Super Mario 3D Land.
Nintendo 3DS XL - August 19, 2012
3DS XL offered a larger screen for an enhanced viewing experience, retaining all the features of the original 3DS.
Nintendo Wii U - November 18, 2012
Wii U introduced the GamePad controller, enabling off-TV play and HD support. Despite a strong game lineup, it struggled with marketing and consumer confusion.
Nintendo Wii Mini - December 7, 2012
Wii Mini was a compact version of the Wii, omitting several features like GameCube support and Wi-Fi connectivity, aimed at the tail end of the Wii's lifecycle.
Nintendo 2DS - October 12, 2013
2DS offered an affordable, 2D-only alternative to the 3DS, maintaining compatibility with all 3DS games but with reduced sound quality.
New Nintendo 3DS - October 11, 2014
New 3DS added new controls and amiibo support, enhancing gameplay with the C-Stick and ZR/ZL buttons.
New Nintendo 3DS XL - February 13, 2015
New 3DS XL offered larger screens than the standard New 3DS but removed the ability to change face plates, though special editions were available.
Nintendo Switch - March 3, 2017
Switch combined home and portable gaming, offering a versatile and powerful console with an impressive first-party library.
New Nintendo 2DS XL - July 28, 2017
2DS XL returned to the clamshell design, adding an analog stick and amiibo support, and was compatible with New 3DS titles.
Nintendo Switch Lite - September 20, 2019
Switch Lite offered a more affordable, handheld-only version of the Switch, with built-in controllers and a smaller screen.
Nintendo Switch OLED model - October 8, 2021
Switch OLED upgraded the screen size and quality, along with improved speakers and a new kickstand, enhancing the gaming experience.
Upcoming Nintendo Consoles
After years of anticipation, Nintendo has officially unveiled the Switch 2. The reveal trailer showcased a new Joy-Con attachment method, a larger screen, and a second USB-C port. Notably, the Joy-Con can now function as a mouse, hinting at new gameplay possibilities. The trailer also suggested a new Mario Kart with 24-player support and confirmed "mostly" backward compatibility with both physical and digital games.Analysts estimate the Switch 2 might retail around $400. Based on the trailer, we've gathered all known details, but more information, including a release date, is expected at a Nintendo Direct on April 2.
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