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Nintendo Consoles: A Timeline of Releases

by Ethan May 21,2025

Nintendo stands as a beacon in the annals of video game history, renowned for its innovative spirit and creative excellence in the home console market. With a storied legacy spanning decades, the company boasts an extensive catalog of cherished intellectual properties that continue to captivate audiences. As Nintendo gears up for the future with the announcement of the Switch 2, it's an opportune moment to reflect on its rich history of console innovation.

Below, we've meticulously compiled a list of every Nintendo console released to date. Embark on a journey through time and witness how Nintendo has continuously pushed the boundaries of gaming!

Which Nintendo console had the best games? ------------------------------------------
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. With the forthcoming Switch 2, that number will rise to 33. This count encompasses various revisions of both home and handheld consoles, including models 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 foray into gaming hardware came with the Color TV-Game series, a pioneering effort in collaboration with Mitsubishi Electronics. These systems were a smashing hit and paved the way for Nintendo's focus on developing gaming hardware, an endeavor that continues to shape the industry today.

Game & Watch - April 28, 1980

With the Game & Watch series, Nintendo ventured into the handheld market, selling over 40 million units globally. These devices introduced gaming innovations like the D-Pad, seen in the Donkey Kong model, and have seen a resurgence with limited edition releases 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 home console in North America. It utilized cartridges to expand its game library, launching iconic franchises like Super Mario, The Legend of Zelda, and Metroid, solidifying its status as a pivotal console in video game history.

Game Boy - July 31, 1989

Launching in North America in 1989, the Game Boy revolutionized portable gaming with its cartridge system. Its most famous title, Tetris, came bundled with the system in most regions, except Japan, cementing its place in gaming culture.

Super Nintendo Entertainment System - August 23, 1991

With the Super Nintendo Entertainment System (SNES), Nintendo introduced 16-bit graphics to its consoles. Despite entering the market later in the console generation, the SNES became the best-selling console of its time, thanks to groundbreaking titles like Super Mario World and Donkey Kong Country.

Virtual Boy - August 14, 1995

Perhaps Nintendo's most unconventional console, the Virtual Boy offered 3D visuals without glasses. However, with only 22 games released and a short market lifespan, it remains a curious footnote in Nintendo's history.

Game Boy Pocket - September 3, 1996

Smaller and featuring a clearer black-and-white screen, the Game Boy Pocket improved on its predecessor's display responsiveness. Despite its shorter battery life, it was a significant refinement of the original Game Boy.

Nintendo 64 - September 29, 1996

Introducing 3D graphics to Nintendo's home consoles, the Nintendo 64 changed the gaming landscape with classics like Super Mario 64 and The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time. Its innovative controller, with the first analog stick, became iconic, and its special editions remain collector's items.

Game Boy Light - April 14, 1998

Exclusive to Japan, the Game Boy Light added a backlight for better visibility in low-light conditions. Its larger size compared to the Game Boy Pocket was offset by its longer battery life, offering up to 20 hours of playtime.

Game Boy Color - November 18, 1998

Introducing color to the handheld market, the Game Boy Color was backward compatible with all Game Boy games. Its new hardware facilitated the release of hundreds of exclusive titles, revitalizing existing games with vibrant color palettes.

Game Boy Advance - June 11, 2001

With the Game Boy Advance, Nintendo made a significant leap forward, switching to a horizontal design and supporting 16-bit graphics. Its backward compatibility with Game Boy and Game Boy Color games expanded its library into the thousands.

Pokémon mini - November 16, 2001

Image Credit: GamesRadarThe Pokémon mini was a tiny handheld focused exclusively on Pokémon games. With only 10 titles released, it featured unique features like a built-in clock, infrared communication, and rumble capabilities.

Nintendo GameCube - November 18, 2001

Building on the success of the Nintendo 64, the GameCube offered sequels to beloved titles and introduced new franchises like Animal Crossing. It transitioned to using discs and introduced a more ergonomic controller with rumble features.

Panasonic Q - December 14, 2001

A unique collaboration with Panasonic, the Panasonic Q combined a GameCube with a DVD player in a sleek stainless steel design. Its high cost and limited market appeal led to its discontinuation after two years.

Game Boy Advance SP - March 23, 2003

With a clamshell design and rechargeable battery, the Game Boy Advance SP improved upon its predecessor. Later models included a backlight, enhancing visibility, although it lacked a headphone jack, requiring an adapter for audio.

Nintendo DS - November 21, 2004

Launching Nintendo's best-selling console line, the Nintendo DS introduced Wi-Fi support and a dual-screen setup with a touchscreen. Its innovative design enabled unique gaming experiences, setting new standards in handheld gaming.

Game Boy Micro - September 19, 2005

Revealed at E3 2005, the Game Boy Micro impressed with its compact size and backlit screen with adjustable brightness. Despite its short production run, it remained backward compatible with previous Game Boy titles.

Nintendo DS Lite - June 11, 2006

Smaller and lighter than the original, the Nintendo DS Lite offered brighter screens and extended battery life. Its design refinements made it a popular choice among gamers seeking a more portable experience.

Nintendo Wii - November 19, 2006

Revitalizing Nintendo's home console market, the Wii focused on motion controls with its unique Wii Remote. Its backward compatibility with GameCube titles and the introduction of Virtual Console broadened its appeal, offering a vast library of games.

Nintendo DSi - November 1, 2008

Adding cameras and an SD card slot, the Nintendo DSi enhanced the DS experience. However, it removed the Game Boy Advance slot, marking a shift in Nintendo's handheld strategy.

Nintendo DSi XL - November 21, 2009

With larger, wider-view screens and improved sound, the Nintendo DSi XL offered an enhanced visual and auditory experience. Its bigger battery also extended playtime, making it a favorite for gamers on the go.

Nintendo 3DS - March 27, 2011

Introducing 3D without glasses, the Nintendo 3DS built on the success of the DS line. It featured a robust library of games, 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 enhanced the gaming experience, particularly for games utilizing the bottom screen. It retained all the features of its predecessor, offering a more immersive play.

Nintendo Wii U - November 18, 2012

As the successor to the Wii, the Wii U introduced the GamePad controller with a built-in screen. Despite supporting HD and offering great titles like Super Mario 3D World and Splatoon, poor marketing and confusion led to its commercial struggles.

Nintendo Wii Mini - December 7, 2012

Released at the end of the Wii's life cycle, the Wii Mini was a smaller, stripped-down version without GameCube support, Wi-Fi, or HD capabilities. It catered to budget-conscious consumers looking for a compact console.

Nintendo 2DS - October 12, 2013

Offering 2D gameplay in a flat design, the Nintendo 2DS played all 3DS games without the 3D feature. Its lower price point made it an accessible entry point into Nintendo's handheld gaming ecosystem.

New Nintendo 3DS - October 11, 2014

With added controls, NFC support for amiibo, and enhanced performance, the New Nintendo 3DS improved upon the original model. Its staggered release across regions highlighted its global appeal.

New Nintendo 3DS XL - February 13, 2015

Larger than the New 3DS, the New 3DS XL offered bigger screens and enhanced gaming immersion. Though it lacked customizable face plates, its special editions provided variety for collectors.

Nintendo Switch - March 3, 2017

Realizing the vision of the Wii U, the Nintendo Switch combined home and portable gaming into one versatile console. With a stellar first-party library, including some of the greatest games ever, it revitalized Nintendo's position in the industry.

New Nintendo 2DS XL - July 28, 2017

Updating the 2DS, the New 2DS XL added an analog stick, shoulder buttons, and amiibo support. Its return to the clamshell design and compatibility with New 3DS titles broadened its gaming capabilities.

Nintendo Switch Lite - September 20, 2019

Designed exclusively for handheld play, the Nintendo Switch Lite offered a smaller, more affordable alternative to the original Switch. Its built-in controllers and 5.5-inch LCD screen catered to gamers on the move.

Nintendo Switch OLED model - October 8, 2021

Featuring a larger 7-inch OLED screen, enhanced speakers, and a revamped kickstand, the Nintendo Switch OLED model provided a premium gaming experience. Its new dock with a LAN port and rounded corners added to its appeal.

Upcoming Nintendo Consoles

PlayFollowing years of speculation, Nintendo has unveiled the Switch 2. The reveal trailer showcases innovative Joy-Con attachments, a larger screen, and a second USB-C port. It also hints at using Joy-Con as a mouse, suggesting potential new gameplay mechanics. The trailer teases a new Mario Kart with 24-player races and confirms "mostly" backward compatibility, maintaining support for both physical and digital games.

Analysts predict a $400 price point for the Switch 2. We've gathered all the details from the trailer, but further 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? --------------------------------------------------------

AnswerSee Results