Nintendo stands as a titan in the world of video games, renowned for its pioneering spirit and a treasure trove of iconic IPs that continue to captivate players decades after their initial release. With an exciting lineup of upcoming titles, Nintendo shows no signs of slowing down. The recent announcement of the Nintendo Switch 2 has sparked interest in revisiting the storied history of Nintendo's consoles, each a testament to the company's relentless push towards innovation in gaming.
Below, we've compiled a comprehensive list of every Nintendo console ever released. This journey through time showcases how Nintendo has consistently advanced the gaming industry.
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 been released throughout Nintendo's history. The Switch 2 will be the 33rd. We've included revision models for both home and handheld consoles, which include brandings like XL and Mini.
Latest Model### Nintendo Switch OLED (Neon Blue & Red)
Nintendo's first venture into gaming hardware, the Color TV-Game line, was a joint effort with Mitsubishi Electronics. This collaboration stemmed from Nintendo's initial lack of hardware development experience. The success of these systems marked a pivotal moment, propelling Nintendo into a future focused on gaming. Even after nearly 50 years, the legacy of the Color TV-Game remains a cornerstone of Nintendo's journey.
Nintendo's initial foray into handheld gaming came with the Game & Watch series, each unit featuring a unique game. Despite their simple appearance, these devices achieved remarkable sales, exceeding 40 million units globally. The Game & Watch series introduced innovations like the D-Pad, seen in the Donkey Kong model, which are still integral to gaming today. Their popularity resurged with limited editions released in 2020 and 2021 to celebrate Mario and Zelda anniversaries.
Known as the Family Computer (Famicom) in Japan, the Nintendo Entertainment System (NES) marked Nintendo's entry into the North American market. The NES revolutionized gaming with its cartridge system, allowing players to expand their game library at will. It birthed many of Nintendo's beloved franchises, including Super Mario, The Legend of Zelda, and Metroid, cementing its place as a foundational console in video game history.
Launched in North America during the summer of 1989, the Game Boy was Nintendo's first dedicated handheld console. A significant advancement from the Game & Watch, it supported interchangeable game cartridges, broadening the gaming experience. Tetris, famously bundled with the console in many regions (except Japan), became synonymous with the Game Boy's success.
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 entering the market later in the console generation, the SNES's impressive library and enduring appeal made it a top seller.
Perhaps Nintendo's most unusual console, the Virtual Boy was the first to offer true 3D visuals. Its brief lifespan saw only 22 games released, with notable titles like Mario's Tennis and Virtual Boy Wario Land. Although it sold just under 800,000 units, the Virtual Boy remains a curious chapter in Nintendo's history.
A compact version of the original Game Boy, the Game Boy Pocket featured an improved black-and-white screen and enhanced response times. Despite its smaller size, it offered shorter battery life compared to its predecessor.
Bringing 3D graphics to Nintendo's home consoles for the first time, the Nintendo 64 introduced revolutionary titles like Super Mario 64 and The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time. Its unique controller, featuring the first analog stick, alongside multiple translucent special editions, made the N64 a memorable console.
Exclusive to Japan, the Game Boy Light was larger than the Game Boy Pocket but included a backlight for better visibility in low-light conditions. This feature also extended its battery life to approximately 20 hours.
Introducing color to the handheld market, the Game Boy Color was backwards-compatible with all previous Game Boy games. This allowed players to experience classics like Tetris in vibrant new hues, while also enjoying hundreds of new titles designed specifically for the system.
A significant leap for the Game Boy line, the Game Boy Advance (GBA) featured a horizontal design and supported 16-bit graphics. Its backwards compatibility with Game Boy and Game Boy Color games expanded the playable library to thousands of titles.
Following the Nintendo 64, the GameCube introduced sequels to fan-favorite franchises like Super Mario Sunshine and The Legend of Zelda: Wind Waker. Its shift to disc-based media and improved controller design with rumble and analog triggers marked a significant evolution. The GameCube's legacy endures, with many of its franchises thriving today.
A collaboration with Panasonic, the Panasonic Q combined a GameCube with a DVD player, featuring a sleek stainless steel design and an LCD panel. Its high price and limited sales led to a short market life of two years.
An update to the Game Boy Advance, the Game Boy Advance SP introduced a folding design, a rechargeable battery, and a backlit screen in later models. While it omitted a headphone jack, an adapter was available for audio use.
Launching the best-selling DS line, the Nintendo DS featured Wi-Fi support and a unique dual-screen design with a touchscreen and stylus. Its innovative gameplay experiences set it apart in the market.
Revealed at E3 2005, the Game Boy Micro impressed with its compact size and adjustable backlit screen. Backwards-compatible with all Game Boy titles, it sold 2.42 million units over its 18-month run.
A slimmer, lighter revision of the DS, the DS Lite offered brighter screens and improved battery life, enhancing the overall gaming experience.
Revitalizing Nintendo's home console market, the Wii focused on motion controls via the innovative Wii Remote. Backwards compatibility with GameCube games and the introduction of the Virtual Console service expanded its appeal, making it a cultural phenomenon.
Building on the DS, the DSi added cameras and an SD card slot for more storage. However, it removed the Game Boy Advance slot present in previous models.
Offering larger screens and improved sound, the DSi XL was designed for a more comfortable gaming experience. Its extended battery life further enhanced its appeal.
Following the DS, the 3DS introduced stereoscopic 3D visuals without glasses. With titles like The Legend of Zelda: A Link Between Worlds and Super Mario 3D Land, it offered a rich gaming experience.
Featuring screens 90% larger than the original 3DS, the 3DS XL enhanced game visibility and retained all the features of its predecessor.
Successor to the Wii, the Wii U introduced the GamePad with its own screen for off-TV play. Despite supporting HD graphics and featuring standout titles like Xenoblade Chronicles X and Super Mario 3D World, poor marketing and confusion over its concept led to underwhelming sales.
Released at the end of the Wii's lifecycle, the Wii Mini was a stripped-down version without GameCube support, Wi-Fi, or high-definition output. It launched in Canada before expanding to Europe and the United States.
Removing the 3D feature of the 3DS, the 2DS offered a more affordable entry point into the 3DS library. Its design sacrificed some sound quality but provided a budget-friendly option.
Upgrading the 3DS with new controls, including a C-Stick and ZR/ZL buttons, the New Nintendo 3DS also added NFC support for amiibo. Its release was staggered, with North America receiving it later than other regions.
Larger than the New 3DS, the New 3DS XL offered even bigger screens but removed the ability to change face plates. Special editions compensated for the lack of customization.
Merging home and portable gaming, the Nintendo Switch revitalized Nintendo's position in the industry. Its versatile gameplay, from home to on-the-go, alongside a stellar first-party library, has made it a massive success.
An upgrade to the 2DS, the New 2DS XL reintroduced the clamshell design and added features like amiibo support and the ability to play New 3DS titles.
Designed for handheld play only, the Switch Lite featured a smaller body and built-in controllers. Its lower price point made it an attractive option for mobile gamers.
Debuting with Metroid Dread, the Switch OLED model upgraded the screen size and quality to an OLED panel. Enhanced speakers and a new dock with a LAN port rounded out its premium features.
Analysts estimate the Switch 2 will retail around $400. Based on the trailer, we've gathered all the details we know so far, but more information, including a release date, is expected during a Nintendo Direct scheduled for April 2.
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