Nintendo Consoles: Complete Release Date History

Nintendo stands as a titan in the world of video games, renowned for its pioneering spirit and a rich catalog of iconic intellectual properties that continue to captivate gamers decades after their initial release. With the recent announcement of the Nintendo Switch 2, it's an opportune moment to reflect on the company's storied history in the console market.

Below, we've compiled a comprehensive list of every console Nintendo has ever launched. Embark on a journey through time and witness how Nintendo has consistently pushed the boundaries of gaming technology and entertainment.

Which Nintendo console had the best games? ------------------------------------------

NESGame BoySuper NESNintendo 64Game Boy AdvanceNintendo GameCubeNintendo DSNintendo WiiNintendo 3DSNintendo Wii UNintendo Switch

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 mark the 33rd entry. This count includes various revision models for both home and handheld consoles, such as 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 was the Color TV-Game series, a collaboration with Mitsubishi Electronics. This marked Nintendo's first step into hardware development, leading to a significant shift in focus towards gaming. The success of these systems laid the groundwork for Nintendo's future in the industry, a legacy that continues to thrive nearly 50 years later.

Game & Watch - April 28, 1980

Nintendo's foray into handheld gaming began with the Game & Watch series, each unit featuring a unique game. These devices sold over 40 million units worldwide and introduced innovations like the D-Pad, seen in the Donkey Kong model. The series saw a revival with limited edition releases in 2020 and 2021, celebrating 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) was Nintendo's first home console in North America. It introduced the cartridge system, allowing players to enjoy a vast library of games. This console birthed many of Nintendo's beloved franchises, including Super Mario, The Legend of Zelda, and Metroid, cementing its place as a cornerstone in video game history.

Game Boy - July 31, 1989

Launched in North America in the summer of 1989, the Game Boy was Nintendo's first true handheld console. It advanced beyond the Game & Watch by using cartridges, enabling a wide range of games. Tetris, bundled with the system in most regions except Japan, became one of its most iconic titles.

Super Nintendo Entertainment System - August 23, 1991

With the Super Nintendo Entertainment System (SNES), Nintendo introduced 16-bit graphics to its platform. This console saw significant developments in major series like Super Mario World and Donkey Kong Country. Despite a later launch in the console 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. With only 22 games released, including popular titles like Mario's Tennis and Virtual Boy Wario Land, it had a brief market life of just one year, selling nearly 800,000 units.

Game Boy Pocket - September 3, 1996

A smaller version of the Game Boy, the Game Boy Pocket featured a black-and-white screen and improved response times. However, its smaller size resulted in a shorter battery life compared to its predecessor.

Nintendo 64 - September 29, 1996

Introducing 3D graphics to Nintendo's home consoles, the Nintendo 64 brought revolutionary titles like Super Mario 64 and The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time. Its innovative controller with an analog stick and various special editions, including translucent variants, made it a standout in Nintendo's lineup.

Game Boy Light - April 14, 1998

Exclusive to Japan, the Game Boy Light was larger than the Game Boy Pocket but included a backlight for low-light play. This feature extended its battery life to around 20 hours, making it a unique offering in the Game Boy series.

Game Boy Color - November 18, 1998

Bringing color to Nintendo's handhelds, the Game Boy Color was backward compatible with all Game Boy games. Some titles, like Tetris, were enhanced with vibrant colors. The new hardware also supported hundreds of exclusive games.

Game Boy Advance - June 11, 2001

With the Game Boy Advance (GBA), Nintendo made a significant leap in handheld technology. The GBA's horizontal design and 16-bit graphics marked a departure from previous models. It was backward compatible with Game Boy and Game Boy Color games, expanding its library to thousands of titles.

Pokémon mini - November 16, 2001

The Pokémon mini was a tiny handheld focused on Pokémon games. With only 10 games released, including just four in North America, it featured a clock, infrared communication, and built-in rumble.

Nintendo GameCube - November 18, 2001

Building on the success of the Nintendo 64, the GameCube offered sequels to beloved titles like Super Mario Sunshine and The Legend of Zelda: Wind Waker. It transitioned to using discs and introduced a new controller with rumble and analog/digital triggers. The GameCube's legacy continues with 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 stainless steel design and front LCD panel were striking, but its high price and low sales led to a short market life of two years.

Game Boy Advance SP - March 23, 2003

With a hinge design and a rechargeable battery, the Game Boy Advance SP (GBA SP) was a significant revision of the GBA. Later models included a backlit screen, though it lacked a headphone jack, requiring an adapter for audio.

Nintendo DS - November 21, 2004

Launching the best-selling DS line, the Nintendo DS introduced Wi-Fi and a dual-screen design, with the bottom screen being a touchscreen. This unique setup led to innovative gaming experiences.

Game Boy Micro - September 19, 2005

Revealed at E3 2005, the Game Boy Micro's small size and backlit screen with adjustable brightness were notable. It was backward compatible with Game Boy and Game Boy Color games, selling 2.42 million units over 18 months.

Nintendo DS Lite - June 11, 2006

As the first revision of the Nintendo DS, the DS Lite was slimmer, lighter, and featured brighter screens and improved battery life, enhancing the gaming experience.

Nintendo Wii - November 19, 2006

Revitalizing Nintendo's home console market, the Wii introduced motion controls via the Wii Remote. It was backward compatible with GameCube titles and offered the Virtual Console for digital downloads of classic games.

Nintendo DSi - November 1, 2008

Adding cameras and an SD card slot, the Nintendo DSi was a significant revision of the DS. However, it removed the Game Boy Advance slot present in earlier models.

Nintendo DSi XL - November 21, 2009

With larger screens and improved sound, the DSi XL offered a more immersive experience. Its larger battery also allowed for extended playtime.

Nintendo 3DS - March 27, 2011

Successor to the DS line, the 3DS introduced 3D gaming without glasses, using stereoscopy. It featured a robust library including titles like The Legend of Zelda: A Link Between Worlds and Super Mario 3D Land.

Nintendo 3DS XL - August 19, 2012

With screens 90% larger than the original 3DS, the 3DS XL offered an enhanced viewing experience while retaining all the features of its predecessor.

Nintendo Wii U - November 18, 2012

Following the Wii, the Wii U introduced the GamePad controller with a built-in screen. It supported HD graphics and was backward compatible with Wii games. Despite strong titles like Super Mario 3D World and Splatoon, poor marketing and confusion 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 lighter but lacked GameCube support, Wi-Fi, and other features. It launched in Canada and later in Europe and the U.S.

Nintendo 2DS - October 12, 2013

Offering 2D gaming at a lower price, the 2DS removed the 3D capability of the 3DS but retained all other features. It featured a mono speaker, reflecting cost-saving measures.

New Nintendo 3DS - October 11, 2014

With new controls like the C-Stick and ZR/ZL buttons, plus NFC support for amiibo, the New Nintendo 3DS was a significant upgrade. It launched in Japan, Australia, and Europe before reaching North America.

New Nintendo 3DS XL - February 13, 2015

Larger than the standard New 3DS, the XL model featured bigger screens but removed the ability to change face plates, though special editions were available.

Nintendo Switch - March 3, 2017

Combining home and portable gaming, the Nintendo Switch revolutionized the industry. Its versatile design and strong first-party library, including some of the greatest games ever, propelled Nintendo back to the top.

New Nintendo 2DS XL - July 28, 2017

An update to the 2DS, the 2DS XL added an analog stick, shoulder buttons, and amiibo support. It returned to the clamshell design and could play New 3DS titles.

Nintendo Switch Lite - September 20, 2019

Designed for handheld play only, the Switch Lite featured a smaller body and built-in controllers, offering a more affordable option at $100 less than the original Switch.

Nintendo Switch OLED model - October 8, 2021

Launched with Metroid Dread, the Switch OLED model featured a larger 7-inch OLED screen, improved speakers, and a new dock with a LAN port, enhancing the gaming experience.

Upcoming Nintendo Consoles

After years of speculation, Nintendo has officially unveiled the Nintendo Switch 2. The reveal trailer highlights a new Joy-Con attachment method, a larger screen, and an additional USB-C port. The Joy-Con can now function as a mouse, hinting at potential new gameplay mechanics. The trailer also teases what appears to be a new Mario Kart with 24-player support and confirms "mostly" backward compatibility, with continued support for both physical and digital games.

Analysts estimate the Switch 2 will be priced around $400. We've gathered all the details from the trailer, but more information, including a release date, is expected at a Nintendo Direct scheduled for April 2.

Which games do you want to see on the Nintendo Switch 2? --------------------------------------------------------

Metroid Prime 4Pokémon Legends: ZAMario Kart 9New Mainline Super Mario GameA New Super Smash Bros.A New Mario PartyA New Donkey Kong GameA New Legend of Zelda Game

AnswerSee Results