Nintendo Consoles: Complete Release Date History

Nintendo stands as a titan in the video game industry, renowned for its groundbreaking creativity and innovation in home consoles. The company's rich portfolio of beloved intellectual properties continues to captivate players decades after their initial release, showcasing Nintendo's enduring charm and forward-thinking approach. As anticipation builds for the upcoming Nintendo Switch 2, it's a perfect moment to reflect on the illustrious history of Nintendo's console legacy.

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

How Many Nintendo Consoles Have There Been?

In total, 32 Nintendo consoles have been released throughout Nintendo's storied history. The upcoming Switch 2 will mark the 33rd entry in this impressive lineage. This count encompasses both home and handheld consoles, including revision models 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 first venture into gaming hardware was the Color TV-Game series, a collaboration with Mitsubishi Electronics. This pioneering effort not only marked Nintendo's entry into the hardware market but also set the stage for future innovations. The Color TV-Game's success propelled Nintendo to focus further on gaming hardware, a legacy that continues to thrive nearly 50 years later.

Game & Watch - April 28, 1980

With the Game & Watch series, Nintendo made its initial foray into the handheld market. These devices, each featuring unique games, achieved remarkable sales, surpassing 40 million units worldwide. They introduced key innovations like the D-Pad, seen first in the Donkey Kong Game & Watch, which are still in use today. Recently, Nintendo revived this nostalgia with limited edition models celebrating Mario and Zelda anniversaries in 2020 and 2021.

Nintendo Entertainment System - October 18, 1985

Launched as the Family Computer (Famicom) in Japan, the Nintendo Entertainment System (NES) marked Nintendo's first home console release in North America. The NES revolutionized gaming with its cartridge system, allowing players to expand their library with iconic titles like Super Mario, The Legend of Zelda, and Metroid. This console's impact on the industry is undeniable, setting the stage for future generations of gaming.

Game Boy - July 31, 1989

Game Boy, released in North America in 1989, revolutionized handheld gaming with its cartridge system. This allowed players to enjoy a variety of games, with Tetris becoming synonymous with the console's success, bundled with the system in most regions except Japan.

Super Nintendo Entertainment System - August 23, 1991

Introducing 16-bit graphics to the Nintendo platform, the Super Nintendo Entertainment System (SNES) marked a significant leap forward. This console was home to groundbreaking titles like Super Mario World and Donkey Kong Country, which not only evolved existing franchises but also became best-sellers despite launching later in the console generation.

Virtual Boy - August 14, 1995

Perhaps one of Nintendo's most unique consoles, the Virtual Boy was the first to offer true 3D visuals without glasses. Although it had a short lifespan and just 22 games, titles like Mario's Tennis and Virtual Boy Wario Land left a mark on its brief history.

Game Boy Pocket - September 3, 1996

An evolution of the original Game Boy, the Game Boy Pocket offered a smaller form factor and a clearer black-and-white screen. Enhanced hardware improved screen response time, although its smaller size resulted in reduced battery life.

Nintendo 64 - September 29, 1996

Marking Nintendo's entry into 3D home console gaming, the Nintendo 64 was revolutionary. It introduced classics like Super Mario 64 and The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time, alongside a novel controller featuring an analog stick. The console's special edition releases, including translucent variants, remain iconic.

Game Boy Light - April 14, 1998

Exclusive to Japan, the Game Boy Light featured a backlight for enhanced visibility in low-light conditions. Larger than the Game Boy Pocket, it also boasted an extended battery life of around 20 hours.

Game Boy Color - November 18, 1998

With the Game Boy Color, Nintendo brought vibrant color to its handheld line. Backwards-compatible with original Game Boy games, it allowed players to experience classics like Tetris in full color. The new hardware also supported hundreds of exclusive titles, expanding the Game Boy's legacy.

Game Boy Advance - June 11, 2001

Introducing a horizontal design and 16-bit graphics, the Game Boy Advance (GBA) was a significant leap forward. It maintained backwards compatibility with previous Game Boy models, vastly increasing the number of playable games to thousands.

Pokémon mini - November 16, 2001

Image Credit: GamesRadarThe Pokémon mini was a tiny handheld device dedicated to Pokémon games. With just 10 games released, including only four in North America, it offered unique features like a built-in clock and infrared communication.

Nintendo GameCube - November 18, 2001

Building on the Nintendo 64's success, the GameCube delivered sequels to beloved franchises like Super Mario Sunshine and The Legend of Zelda: Wind Waker. It transitioned from cartridges to optical discs and introduced a more ergonomic controller with rumble features, leaving a lasting impact on franchises like Animal Crossing.

Panasonic Q - December 14, 2001

A collaboration with Panasonic, the Q combined GameCube functionality with a DVD player. Its sleek stainless steel design and integrated LCD panel were notable, though its high price led to limited market success.

Game Boy Advance SP - March 23, 2003

Featuring a flip design and rechargeable battery, the Game Boy Advance SP was a significant update. Later models added a backlit screen, enhancing the handheld gaming experience despite the omission of a headphone jack.

Nintendo DS - November 21, 2004

With its innovative dual-screen and touchscreen design, the Nintendo DS became Nintendo's best-selling console. Its Wi-Fi capability and unique game experiences set it apart from competitors.

Game Boy Micro - September 19, 2005

Introduced 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, it offered backwards compatibility with a wide range of Game Boy titles.

Nintendo DS Lite - June 11, 2006

Slimmer and lighter than the original, the Nintendo DS Lite enhanced gameplay with brighter screens and improved battery life. These refinements made it a popular choice among gamers.

Nintendo Wii - November 19, 2006

Revitalizing Nintendo's home console market, the Wii introduced motion controls through its unique Wii Remote. Backwards compatibility with GameCube, along with the Virtual Console service, made it a versatile and popular platform.

Nintendo DSi - November 1, 2008

Building on the DS, the DSi added cameras and an SD card slot, although it removed the Game Boy Advance slot. These changes offered new gameplay and storage options for users.

Nintendo DSi XL - November 21, 2009

With larger, brighter screens and enhanced speakers, the DSi XL provided a more immersive experience. Its larger battery also allowed for longer gaming sessions.

Nintendo 3DS - March 27, 2011

Introducing glasses-free 3D, the Nintendo 3DS offered an array of innovative features and titles. Building on the success of the DS, it delivered classics like The Legend of Zelda: A Link Between Worlds and Super Mario 3D Land.

Nintendo 3DS XL - August 19, 2012

Featuring screens 90% larger than the original 3DS, the 3DS XL enhanced gameplay visibility and comfort, maintaining all the features of its predecessor.

Nintendo Wii U - November 18, 2012

As a successor to the Wii, the Wii U introduced the innovative GamePad controller with a built-in screen. Despite its HD capabilities and strong titles like Super Mario 3D World and Splatoon, marketing challenges affected its commercial success.

Nintendo Wii Mini - December 7, 2012

Released at the end of the Wii's lifecycle, the Wii Mini was a compact, budget-friendly version without GameCube support or Wi-Fi connectivity.

Nintendo 2DS - October 12, 2013

Removing the 3D feature, the 2DS offered an affordable entry point into the DS family. While it sacrificed some sound quality, its lower price point made it accessible to a broader audience.

New Nintendo 3DS - October 11, 2014

Enhancing the 3DS with new controls and NFC support for amiibo, the New Nintendo 3DS provided a richer gaming experience. Its staggered release across regions reflected Nintendo's commitment to global markets.

New Nintendo 3DS XL - February 13, 2015

With even larger screens than the New 3DS, the New 3DS XL offered an immersive gaming experience. While it removed customizable face plates, special editions provided ample variety.

Nintendo Switch - March 3, 2017

Combining home and portable gaming, the Nintendo Switch revolutionized the industry. Its extensive first-party library and special editions have made it a favorite among gamers worldwide.

New Nintendo 2DS XL - July 28, 2017

Enhancing the 2DS with an analog stick and amiibo support, the New 2DS XL returned to the clamshell design. It also played New 3DS titles, expanding its gaming library.

Nintendo Switch Lite - September 20, 2019

Designed exclusively for handheld play, the Switch Lite featured built-in controllers and a smaller form factor. Its lower price point broadened the Switch's accessibility.

Nintendo Switch OLED model - October 8, 2021

Debuting with a larger OLED screen and enhanced speakers, the Switch OLED model offered a premium handheld experience. Its new dock with a LAN port added versatility to the console.

Upcoming Nintendo Consoles

Analysts estimate the Switch 2 will retail around $400. We've gathered all known details from the trailer, but a Nintendo Direct scheduled for April 2 will provide further insights, including an official release date.