Nintendo, a name synonymous with video gaming, has been a pioneer in the home console industry since its inception. Renowned for its iconic intellectual properties (IPs) that continue to enchant players decades later, Nintendo shows no signs of slowing down, especially with the announcement of the Switch 2. As we anticipate this new addition, it's the perfect time to reflect on Nintendo's rich history in the console market.
Below, we've curated a comprehensive list of every console Nintendo has ever released, taking you on a journey through time and innovation. Discover how Nintendo has consistently pushed the boundaries of gaming technology and entertainment.
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 console. This count includes revision models for both home and handheld consoles, encompassing variants 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 first venture into gaming hardware was the Color TV-Game line, a collaboration with Mitsubishi Electronics. This initial foray was a commercial success and set Nintendo on a path to further hardware development. The legacy of the Color TV-Game continues to influence Nintendo's commitment to gaming innovation nearly 50 years later.
Game & Watch - April 28, 1980
Nintendo ventured into the handheld market with the Game & Watch series, which sold over 40 million units worldwide. These devices introduced key features like the D-Pad, seen first in the Donkey Kong model. Their impact is evident in the limited edition releases celebrating Mario and Zelda in recent years.
Nintendo Entertainment System - October 18, 1985
Known as the Family Computer (Famicom) in Japan, the Nintendo Entertainment System (NES) was the first Nintendo home console in North America. It introduced cartridge-based gaming, launching legendary franchises such as Super Mario, The Legend of Zelda, and Metroid. The NES remains a cornerstone in video game history.
Game Boy - July 31, 1989
Launching in North America in the summer of 1989, the Game Boy revolutionized handheld gaming with its cartridge system. Often remembered for the bundled game Tetris, it set a new standard for portable entertainment.
Super Nintendo Entertainment System - August 23, 1991
With the introduction of 16-bit graphics, the Super Nintendo Entertainment System (SNES) evolved Nintendo's major series. Titles like Super Mario World and Donkey Kong Country became classics, making the SNES the best-selling console of its generation.
Virtual Boy - August 14, 1995
Nintendo's most unconventional console, the Virtual Boy, brought 3D visuals to the portable market. Despite its short lifespan and limited game library, it's remembered for titles like Mario's Tennis and Virtual Boy Wario Land.
Game Boy Pocket - September 3, 1996
A sleeker version of the original Game Boy, the Game Boy Pocket featured an improved black-and-white screen and better response times. Its smaller size, however, resulted in a shorter battery life.
Nintendo 64 - September 29, 1996
Introducing 3D graphics to Nintendo's home consoles, the Nintendo 64 was a game-changer. Iconic games like Super Mario 64 and The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time showcased its capabilities, and its innovative controller with an analog stick became a standard.
Game Boy Light - April 14, 1998
Exclusive to Japan, the Game Boy Light introduced a backlight, allowing gameplay in low-light conditions. Despite its larger size compared to the Game Boy Pocket, it offered a longer battery life of about 20 hours.
Game Boy Color - November 18, 1998
Bringing color to the handheld market, the Game Boy Color was backward compatible with all Game Boy games. Its enhanced hardware supported hundreds of new games, revitalizing classics like Tetris with vibrant colors.
Game Boy Advance - June 11, 2001
With a horizontal design and 16-bit graphics, the Game Boy Advance (GBA) was a significant leap forward. Its backward compatibility with previous Game Boy titles expanded its library to thousands of games.
Pokémon mini - November 16, 2001
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 enhanced controller design left a lasting impact.
Panasonic Q - December 14, 2001
A collaboration with Panasonic, the Panasonic Q combined a GameCube with a DVD player. Its stainless steel design and short market life made it a unique but brief entry in Nintendo's console history.
Game Boy Advance SP - March 23, 2003
With a hinge design and rechargeable battery, the Game Boy Advance SP improved upon the original GBA. Later models added 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 connectivity and a dual-screen setup with a touchscreen. Its innovative design and game experiences set it apart from competitors.
Game Boy Micro - September 19, 2005
Revealed at E3 2005, the Game Boy Micro was notably small and featured a backlit screen with adjustable brightness. Despite its compact size, it supported Game Boy, Game Boy Color, and GBA games.
Nintendo DS Lite - June 11, 2006
A slimmer and lighter revision of the DS, the DS Lite 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 through the Wii Remote. Backward compatible with GameCube games, it also offered the Virtual Console for digital downloads of classic titles.
Nintendo DSi - November 1, 2008
Adding cameras and an SD card slot, the Nintendo DSi enhanced the DS experience but removed the Game Boy Advance slot, marking a shift in handheld design.
Nintendo DSi XL - November 21, 2009
With larger screens and improved sound, the DSi XL offered a more immersive gaming experience, building on the DSi's features.
Nintendo 3DS - March 27, 2011
Introducing 3D gaming without glasses, the Nintendo 3DS was a significant upgrade from the DS. Its library included standout titles like The Legend of Zelda: A Link Between Worlds and Super Mario 3D Land.
Nintendo 3DS XL - August 19, 2012
Offering a 90% larger screen than the original 3DS, the 3DS XL enhanced visual clarity and immersion for players.
Nintendo Wii U - November 18, 2012
As the successor to the Wii, the Wii U introduced the GamePad controller with an integrated screen. Despite its innovative approach and HD capabilities, marketing challenges led to lower sales.
Nintendo Wii Mini - December 7, 2012
Launched at the end of the Wii's lifecycle, the Wii Mini was a smaller, stripped-down version without GameCube support or Wi-Fi connectivity.
Nintendo 2DS - October 12, 2013
Offering 2D gaming at a lower price, the 2DS maintained all features of the 3DS except the 3D capability, with a unique flat design.
New Nintendo 3DS - October 11, 2014
With new controls and amiibo support, the New Nintendo 3DS offered enhanced gameplay and customization options.
New Nintendo 3DS XL - February 13, 2015
Larger than the standard New 3DS, the XL model provided even bigger screens but removed the ability to change face plates.
Nintendo Switch - March 3, 2017
Combining home and portable gaming, the Nintendo Switch revolutionized the industry with its versatile design and strong first-party game library.
New Nintendo 2DS XL - July 28, 2017
Updating the 2DS, the 2DS XL added an analog stick, shoulder buttons, and amiibo support, returning to the clamshell design and supporting New 3DS titles.
Nintendo Switch Lite - September 20, 2019
Designed exclusively for handheld play, the Switch Lite featured built-in controllers and a smaller, more affordable form factor.
Nintendo Switch OLED model - October 8, 2021
Upgrading the original Switch, the OLED model offered a larger, premium screen, improved speakers, and a new dock with a LAN port.
