Nintendo stands as a titan in the world of video games, renowned for its pioneering spirit and innovative leaps within the home console market. With a legacy of cherished intellectual properties that continue to captivate fans decades later, Nintendo shows no signs of slowing down. The recent announcement of the Switch 2 has reignited interest in the company's storied past in the console space. Let's take a nostalgic journey through every console Nintendo has ever released, exploring how they have continuously pushed the boundaries 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.*In total, 32 Nintendo consoles have graced the gaming world throughout Nintendo's history. The upcoming Switch 2 will mark the 33rd entry. This count includes various revision models for both home and handheld consoles, such as those branded with XL and Mini.
Latest Model### Nintendo Switch OLED (Neon Blue & Red)
Marking Nintendo's first step into gaming hardware, the Color TV-Game series, developed in collaboration with Mitsubishi Electronics, was a pioneering success. This venture set the stage for Nintendo's future focus on gaming hardware, a legacy that continues to thrive nearly 50 years later.
Nintendo's initial foray into handheld gaming came with the Game & Watch devices, each featuring unique games. Selling over 40 million units globally, these devices introduced innovations like the D-Pad in the Donkey Kong model, which have become industry standards. Nintendo revived the series with limited editions in 2020 and 2021 to celebrate Mario and Zelda anniversaries.
Known as the Famicom in Japan, the Nintendo Entertainment System (NES) was Nintendo's first home console in North America. Its cartridge system allowed players to enjoy a vast library of games, including iconic series like Super Mario, The Legend of Zelda, and Metroid. The NES's influence on the gaming industry is monumental, setting the stage for future generations.
Launched in North America during the summer of 1989, the Game Boy revolutionized handheld gaming with its cartridge-based system. It introduced many to the addictive world of Tetris, bundled with the console in most regions outside Japan.
With the Super Nintendo Entertainment System (SNES), Nintendo introduced 16-bit graphics to its home console lineup. This era saw the evolution of major franchises with titles like Super Mario World and Donkey Kong Country. Despite a later market entry, the SNES became the best-selling console of its generation, thanks to its rich software library and broad appeal.
Perhaps Nintendo's most unconventional console, the Virtual Boy was the first to offer true 3D visuals. With only 22 games released, including notable titles like Mario's Tennis and Virtual Boy Wario Land, it had a brief market life, selling just under 800,000 units.
A smaller, more portable version of the Game Boy, the Game Boy Pocket featured an improved black-and-white screen and enhanced response times. However, its smaller size resulted in shorter battery life compared to its predecessor.
Revolutionizing home console gaming with 3D graphics, the Nintendo 64 introduced landmark titles like Super Mario 64 and The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time. Its innovative controller with an analog stick set new standards, and the console is remembered for its numerous special edition releases.
Exclusive to Japan, the Game Boy Light featured a backlight for better visibility in low-light conditions. Larger than the Game Boy Pocket, it offered a longer battery life, making it a unique entry in Nintendo's handheld lineup.
Introducing color to Nintendo's handhelds, the Game Boy Color was backwards compatible with all Game Boy games. This allowed players to experience classics like Tetris in vibrant colors, alongside hundreds of new titles.
Marking a significant leap for the Game Boy series, the Game Boy Advance (GBA) shifted to a horizontal design and supported 16-bit graphics. Its backwards compatibility expanded the available game library to thousands, offering a rich gaming experience.
Image Credit: GamesRadarFocused exclusively on Pokémon games, the Pokémon mini was notably small and featured just 10 games, with only four reaching North America. It included unique features like a built-in clock, infrared communication, and rumble.
Building on the Nintendo 64's success, the GameCube introduced sequels to beloved franchises, such as Super Mario Sunshine and The Legend of Zelda: Wind Waker. Its use of discs marked a significant departure from cartridges, and the controller's design improvements, including built-in rumble and analog triggers, enhanced the gaming experience.
A collaboration between Panasonic and Nintendo, the Panasonic Q combined a GameCube with a DVD player. Its sleek stainless steel design and front LCD panel were distinctive, but high pricing and limited sales led to its short market life.
With its clamshell design, the Game Boy Advance SP (GBA SP) introduced a rechargeable battery and later models featured a backlit screen. The absence of a headphone jack was mitigated by an adapter, allowing audio playback.
Launching the DS line, the Nintendo DS introduced Wi-Fi connectivity and a dual-screen setup, with the bottom screen being a touchscreen. Its unique design and innovative gameplay experiences solidified its status as Nintendo's best-selling console.
Revealed by Reggie Fils-Aimé at E3 2005, the Game Boy Micro impressed with its compact size and adjustable backlit screen. Despite its short production run of 18 months, it sold 2.42 million units and supported a wide range of Game Boy titles.
As the first revision of the DS, the DS Lite offered a slimmer, lighter design with brighter screens and improved battery life. These enhancements made it a popular choice for gamers seeking a more portable and visually pleasing experience.
Revitalizing Nintendo's home console market, the Wii introduced motion controls via the Wii Remote. Its backwards compatibility with GameCube titles and the introduction of Virtual Console for digital downloads expanded its appeal, making it a household name.
Adding cameras and an SD card slot, the DSi enhanced the DS experience. However, it removed the Game Boy Advance slot, marking a shift in Nintendo's handheld strategy.
With larger, wide-view screens and improved audio, the DSi XL offered a more immersive gaming experience. Its bigger battery also allowed for extended playtime.
Following the DS, the 3DS introduced stereoscopic 3D gaming without the need for glasses. It boasted a robust lineup of games, including The Legend of Zelda: A Link Between Worlds and Super Mario 3D Land.
With a 90% larger screen than the original 3DS, the 3DS XL offered a more comfortable viewing experience. It retained all the features of the 3DS, enhancing gameplay without compromising functionality.
As the successor to the Wii, the Wii U introduced the GamePad controller with an integrated screen for off-TV play. Its HD support was a major upgrade, but poor marketing and confusion about its identity led to lower-than-expected sales.
A smaller, lighter version of the Wii, the Wii Mini removed several features, including GameCube support and Wi-Fi connectivity. It was a late addition to the Wii's lifecycle, released primarily in Canada and later in Europe and the US.
Offering 2D gaming at a lower price point, the 2DS was a flat, budget-friendly alternative to the 3DS. While it sacrificed stereo sound, it provided access to the full 3DS library without 3D capabilities.
Enhancing the 3DS with new controls like the C-Stick and ZR/ZL buttons, the New Nintendo 3DS also added NFC support for amiibo. Its staggered release across regions eventually reached North America in late 2015.
With larger screens than the standard New 3DS, the XL model offered a more immersive experience. It did, however, remove the ability to change face plates, though special editions provided customization options.
Realizing the vision of the Wii U, the Switch combined home and portable gaming in one device. Its versatile design and stellar first-party library propelled Nintendo back to the forefront of the industry.
Updating the 2DS, the XL model 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 choice for budget-conscious gamers.
Designed exclusively for handheld play, the Switch Lite featured a smaller form factor and integrated controls. Its lower price made it an attractive option for gamers on the go.
Debuting with Metroid Dread, the Switch OLED model upgraded the screen to 7 inches and introduced an OLED panel. Enhanced speakers and a redesigned kickstand, along with a new dock featuring a LAN port, made it a premium choice.
Analysts estimate the Switch 2 will be priced around $400. We've gathered all known details from the trailer, but a Nintendo Direct scheduled for April 2 is expected to provide more information, including a release date.
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