Nintendo stands as a towering figure in video game history, renowned for its pioneering spirit and innovative approach to home console gaming. With an impressive array of cherished intellectual properties, Nintendo has captivated gamers for decades, maintaining its charm and relevance into the present day. As the company gears up for the release of the Nintendo Switch 2, it's the perfect time to reflect on the rich legacy of Nintendo's consoles and their impact on the gaming world.
Below, we've compiled a comprehensive list of every Nintendo console ever released, offering a journey through time that highlights how Nintendo has continuously pushed the boundaries of gaming technology and entertainment.
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How Many Nintendo Consoles Have There Been?
In total, 32 Nintendo consoles have graced the gaming landscape throughout Nintendo's storied history. The forthcoming Switch 2 will mark the 33rd. Our comprehensive list includes both home and handheld console revisions, such as the XL and Mini variants.
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, the Color TV-Game series, was a collaborative effort with Mitsubishi Electronics. This pioneering move into the world of consoles laid the foundation for Nintendo's future in gaming, despite their initial inexperience in hardware development. The success of these systems not only marked a significant milestone but also propelled Nintendo to focus more intensely on gaming hardware.
Game & Watch - April 28, 1980
Nintendo ventured into the handheld gaming market with the Game & Watch series, which offered individual games on each device. These innovative handhelds achieved global sales of over 40 million units, introducing groundbreaking features like the D-Pad, seen first in the Donkey Kong model. The enduring popularity of these devices led to their revival in 2020 and 2021 with limited editions celebrating Mario and Zelda anniversaries.
Nintendo Entertainment System - October 18, 1985
Known as the Famicom in Japan, the Nintendo Entertainment System (NES) marked Nintendo's first major entry into the North American home console market. By introducing cartridge-based games, the NES allowed players to enjoy a wide variety of titles, including the birth of iconic franchises like Super Mario, The Legend of Zelda, and Metroid. The NES's impact on video game history is undeniable, setting the stage for future generations of gaming.
Game Boy - July 31, 1989
Launching in North America in 1989, the Game Boy revolutionized handheld gaming with its cartridge system, allowing players to swap and play multiple games. Its iconic game, Tetris, bundled in most regions except Japan, became a cultural phenomenon and solidified the Game Boy's place in gaming history.
Super Nintendo Entertainment System - August 23, 1991
With the Super Nintendo Entertainment System (SNES), Nintendo introduced 16-bit graphics to its home consoles, bringing significant enhancements to beloved series such as Super Mario World and Donkey Kong Country. Despite entering the market later in its generation, the SNES's exceptional software lineup and broad appeal made it the top-selling console of its time.
Virtual Boy - August 14, 1995
Considered one of Nintendo's most unconventional consoles, the Virtual Boy attempted to bring stereoscopic 3D gaming to the portable market. Though short-lived, with only 22 games released and less than 800,000 units sold, it remains a fascinating chapter in Nintendo's experimental history.
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 response times, though it came with a trade-off of shorter battery life. Its smaller form factor made it a favorite among gamers on the go.
Nintendo 64 - September 29, 1996
Introducing 3D graphics to Nintendo's home consoles, the Nintendo 64 revolutionized gaming with titles like Super Mario 64 and The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time. Its innovative analog stick controller and various special edition releases, including translucent variants, cemented its place in gaming lore.
Game Boy Light - April 14, 1998
Exclusive to Japan, the Game Boy Light introduced a backlit screen, allowing for low-light gaming. Despite its larger size compared to the Game Boy Pocket, its enhanced battery life and visibility improvements made it a notable iteration in the Game Boy family.
Game Boy Color - November 18, 1998
Bringing color to the handheld market, the Game Boy Color was backward-compatible with all previous Game Boy games, enhancing them with vibrant colors. With new hardware, it also saw the release of hundreds of exclusive titles, further expanding the Game Boy's legacy.
Game Boy Advance - June 11, 2001
With the Game Boy Advance, Nintendo took a significant leap forward, introducing 16-bit graphics in a horizontal format. Backward compatibility with Game Boy and Game Boy Color games meant thousands of titles were available, making it a landmark in handheld gaming.
Pokémon mini - November 16, 2001
Image Credit: GamesRadarThe Pokémon mini was a unique handheld focused solely on Pokémon games, small enough to fit several in your pocket. Despite only ten games ever released, it featured innovative features like a built-in clock, infrared communication, and rumble.
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 improved controller design marked a significant evolution in Nintendo's home console offerings.
Panasonic Q - December 14, 2001
A collaboration with Panasonic, the Panasonic Q combined GameCube capabilities with a DVD player. Its sleek design and multi-functionality were appealing, but high costs and low sales led to its brief market presence.
Game Boy Advance SP - March 23, 2003
With a flip design and rechargeable battery, the Game Boy Advance SP brought significant improvements to its predecessor. The addition of a backlit screen in later models further enhanced the gaming experience, though it omitted a headphone jack.
Nintendo DS - November 21, 2004
Introducing dual screens and Wi-Fi capabilities, the Nintendo DS became Nintendo's best-selling console. Its unique clamshell design and touchscreen functionality opened new avenues for game development and player interaction.
Game Boy Micro - September 19, 2005
Revealed with much fanfare at E3 2005, the Game Boy Micro's compact size and adjustable backlit screen made it a standout in the Game Boy family. Despite its short production run, it remains a cherished piece of Nintendo's handheld history.
Nintendo DS Lite - June 11, 2006
An improved version of the original DS, the DS Lite was slimmer, lighter, and featured brighter screens. Its enhanced battery life and design improvements made it a popular choice among gamers.
Nintendo Wii - November 19, 2006
Revitalizing Nintendo's home console market, the Wii introduced motion controls with its innovative Wii Remote. Backward compatibility with GameCube titles and the introduction of the Virtual Console service for classic games added to its appeal.
Nintendo DSi - November 1, 2008
Enhancing the DS line, the DSi added cameras and an SD card slot for more storage. However, it removed the Game Boy Advance slot, marking a shift in Nintendo's handheld strategy.
Nintendo DSi XL - November 21, 2009
Offering larger screens and improved sound, the DSi XL provided a more immersive gaming experience. Its bigger battery and enhanced visibility made it a favorite among fans of the DS series.
Nintendo 3DS - March 27, 2011
Introducing 3D gaming without glasses, the 3DS was a significant upgrade from the DS. Its impressive lineup, including titles like The Legend of Zelda: A Link Between Worlds and Super Mario 3D Land, showcased its capabilities.
Nintendo 3DS XL - August 19, 2012
With 90% larger screens than the original 3DS, the 3DS XL offered a more expansive view of games, maintaining all the features of its predecessor while enhancing the visual experience.
Nintendo Wii U - November 18, 2012
Despite its innovative GamePad controller and HD capabilities, the Wii U struggled with poor marketing and consumer confusion. However, it featured notable titles like Super Mario 3D World and Splatoon.
Nintendo Wii Mini - December 7, 2012
A smaller, lighter version of the Wii, the Wii Mini was released near the end of the Wii's lifecycle. Its limited features and regional availability made it a niche product.
Nintendo 2DS - October 12, 2013
Offering 2D gaming at a lower price point, the 2DS maintained compatibility with all 3DS games but removed the 3D feature. Its unique design and affordability appealed to a broad audience.
New Nintendo 3DS - October 11, 2014
With new controls and amiibo support, the New Nintendo 3DS offered significant upgrades to the original model. Its staggered release across different regions highlighted Nintendo's global strategy.
New Nintendo 3DS XL - February 13, 2015
Combining the larger screens of the 3DS XL with the new features of the New 3DS, this model offered an enhanced gaming experience. The removal of changeable face plates was offset by numerous special editions.
Nintendo Switch - March 3, 2017
Merging home and handheld gaming, the Nintendo Switch revolutionized the gaming industry. Its versatile design and robust first-party library, including some of the greatest games ever, solidified its success.
New Nintendo 2DS XL - July 28, 2017
An updated version of the 2DS, the 2DS XL added an analog stick, shoulder buttons, and amiibo support. Its return to the clamshell design and compatibility with New 3DS titles made it a compelling option.
Nintendo Switch Lite - September 20, 2019
Designed exclusively for handheld gaming, the Switch Lite offered a more affordable entry into the Switch ecosystem. Its compact size and built-in controllers catered to on-the-go players.
Nintendo Switch OLED model - October 8, 2021
Enhancing the original Switch with an OLED screen and improved speakers, the Switch OLED model provided a premium gaming experience. Its release alongside Metroid Dread highlighted its capabilities.
Upcoming Nintendo Consoles
Following a flurry of leaks and rumors, Nintendo officially unveiled the Nintendo Switch 2. The reveal showcased innovative Joy-Con attachments, a larger screen, and an additional USB-C port. The potential use of Joy-Con as a mouse suggests exciting gameplay possibilities, and the trailer hinted at a new Mario Kart with 24-player races. The console promises "mostly" backward compatibility and will continue to support both physical and digital games.Analysts and leaks suggest the Nintendo Switch 2 will be priced around $400. We've gathered all known details from the trailer, but more information, including a release date, is expected during a Nintendo Direct scheduled for April 2.
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