"Nintendo Consoles: Complete Release Date History"

Nintendo stands as a titan in the video game industry, renowned for its pioneering spirit and innovative approach to home consoles. With a rich portfolio of beloved intellectual properties, Nintendo continues to captivate gamers across generations. As the company gears up for the release of the Nintendo Switch 2, it's an opportune moment to reflect on its illustrious 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 see how Nintendo has consistently pushed the boundaries of gaming!

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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. We've included 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 inaugural venture into gaming hardware was the Color TV-Game line, a collaboration with Mitsubishi Electronics. This move into hardware was a resounding success and set the stage for Nintendo's future focus on game consoles. The legacy of the Color TV-Game continues to influence Nintendo's commitment to gaming innovation.

Game & Watch - April 28, 1980

Nintendo entered the handheld market with the Game & Watch series, each device featuring a unique game. Selling over 40 million units worldwide, these devices introduced innovations like the D-Pad, which remains a staple in gaming today. Their impact was felt again with limited edition releases celebrating Mario and Zelda anniversaries in 2020 and 2021.

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. With its cartridge system, the NES became the birthplace for iconic franchises such as Super Mario, The Legend of Zelda, and Metroid. Its influence on the gaming industry is monumental.

Game Boy - July 31, 1989

Revolutionizing handheld gaming, the Game Boy introduced cartridge-based gameplay, allowing users to enjoy a variety of games. Tetris, bundled with the console in most regions except Japan, became one of its most celebrated titles.

Super Nintendo Entertainment System - August 23, 1991

With the Super Nintendo Entertainment System (SNES), Nintendo brought 16-bit graphics to its consoles. This era saw significant advancements in popular series like Super Mario World and Donkey Kong Country, cementing the SNES's place as the top-selling console of its generation.

Virtual Boy - August 14, 1995

An ambitious yet short-lived venture, the Virtual Boy was Nintendo's first foray into 3D gaming. Despite its unique design and limited game library, it remains a fascinating chapter in Nintendo's history.

Game Boy Pocket - September 3, 1996

A compact version of the original Game Boy, the Game Boy Pocket featured an improved black-and-white screen and faster response time. Its smaller size came at the cost of reduced battery life.

Nintendo 64 - September 29, 1996

Introducing 3D graphics to home consoles, the Nintendo 64 was a game-changer with titles like Super Mario 64 and The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time. Its innovative controller with an analog stick revolutionized gameplay.

Game Boy Light - April 14, 1998

Exclusive to Japan, the Game Boy Light offered a backlight for gaming in low-light conditions. Its larger size than the Game Boy Pocket was offset by improved battery life.

Game Boy Color - November 18, 1998

Introducing color to the handheld market, the Game Boy Color was backward-compatible with existing Game Boy games, enhancing classics like Tetris with vibrant colors. Hundreds of new games were developed specifically for this system.

Game Boy Advance - June 11, 2001

With the Game Boy Advance (GBA), Nintendo made a significant leap forward, introducing a horizontal design and 16-bit graphics. The GBA's backward compatibility expanded the gaming library to thousands of titles.

Pokémon mini - November 16, 2001

Nintendo GameCube - November 18, 2001

Following the success of the Nintendo 64, the GameCube introduced beloved sequels and new franchises like Animal Crossing. It transitioned from cartridges to discs and featured an advanced controller with rumble and analog triggers.

Panasonic Q - December 14, 2001

A collaboration with Panasonic, the Panasonic Q combined a GameCube with a DVD player. Despite its innovative design, its high cost led to limited sales and a short market life.

Game Boy Advance SP - March 23, 2003

With its foldable design, rechargeable battery, and later models featuring a backlight, the Game Boy Advance SP was a significant upgrade. However, 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 unique dual-screen setup, including a touchscreen. This opened up new gameplay possibilities.

Game Boy Micro - September 19, 2005

Introduced with much fanfare, the Game Boy Micro impressed with its small size and backlit screen. Despite its short production run, it offered compatibility with a wide range of Game Boy titles.

Nintendo DS Lite - June 11, 2006

An enhanced version of the Nintendo DS, the DS Lite was slimmer, lighter, and featured brighter screens with improved battery life, enhancing the gaming experience.

Nintendo Wii - November 19, 2006

Revitalizing the home console market, the Nintendo Wii introduced motion controls with the Wii Remote, supporting a range of accessories and backward compatibility with GameCube titles. The Virtual Console was a standout feature, offering classic games for download.

Nintendo DSi - November 1, 2008

Building on the DS, the DSi added cameras and an SD card slot for expanded storage. However, it removed the Game Boy Advance slot, marking a shift in its design philosophy.

Nintendo DSi XL - November 21, 2009

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

Nintendo 3DS - March 27, 2011

Following the DS line, the 3DS introduced stereoscopic 3D gaming without glasses. Its impressive lineup included 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 a more comfortable viewing experience, retaining all the features of its predecessor.

Nintendo Wii U - November 18, 2012

As the successor to the Wii, the Wii U introduced the GamePad controller with a built-in screen. It was Nintendo's first HD console and featured notable titles, but struggled with marketing and consumer confusion.

Nintendo Wii Mini - December 7, 2012

Released towards the end of the Wii's life cycle, the Wii Mini was a compact version with reduced features, including no GameCube support or Wi-Fi connectivity.

Nintendo 2DS - October 12, 2013

Offering a budget-friendly option, the 2DS played all 3DS games without the 3D feature. Its flat design and mono speaker were trade-offs for its lower price.

New Nintendo 3DS - October 11, 2014

Upgrading the 3DS, the New Nintendo 3DS added new controls like the C-Stick and ZR/ZL buttons, along with NFC support for amiibo. Its staggered release across regions highlighted its global appeal.

New Nintendo 3DS XL - February 13, 2015

With even larger screens than the New 3DS, the 3DS XL offered enhanced visuals but removed the customizable face plates, offering special editions instead.

Nintendo Switch - March 3, 2017

Combining the versatility of home and portable gaming, the Nintendo Switch brought top-tier gaming experiences to any location. Its robust first-party library and special editions have solidified its success.

New Nintendo 2DS XL - July 28, 2017

An upgrade from the 2DS, the 2DS XL reintroduced the clamshell design and added features like amiibo support and New 3DS game compatibility.

Nintendo Switch Lite - September 20, 2019

Designed for handheld gaming, the Switch Lite featured built-in controllers and a smaller LCD screen. Its lower cost made it an attractive option for gamers on the go.

Nintendo Switch OLED model - October 8, 2021

Enhancing the Switch experience, the OLED model introduced a larger, high-quality screen, improved speakers, and a better kickstand. It launched alongside Metroid Dread, marking a significant upgrade.

Upcoming Nintendo Consoles

Analysts suggest the Switch 2 might be priced around $400. Based on the trailer, we've gathered all the details, but more will be revealed during a Nintendo Direct scheduled for April 2.