Nintendo Consoles: Complete Release Date History

Nintendo stands as a titan in the world of video games, renowned for its pioneering spirit and innovative approach to home console gaming. With a rich history spanning decades, Nintendo has cultivated a treasure trove of iconic intellectual properties that continue to captivate gamers worldwide. As the company gears up for the release of the Nintendo Switch 2, it's the perfect time to reflect on the legacy of this gaming giant and explore the evolution of its consoles.

Below, we've compiled a comprehensive list of every Nintendo console ever released, offering a nostalgic journey through the ages. Discover how Nintendo has consistently pushed the boundaries of the gaming industry with each new release.

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. This count includes revision models for both home and handheld consoles, 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 initial venture into gaming hardware was the Color TV-Game series, a collaboration with Mitsubishi Electronics. This marked Nintendo's first step into hardware development, leading to a significant shift in focus towards gaming. The success of these systems laid the groundwork for Nintendo's future in the industry, a legacy that continues to thrive nearly 50 years later.

Game & Watch - April 28, 1980

Nintendo's entry into the handheld market came with the Game & Watch series, each unit featuring a unique game. Selling over 40 million units globally, these devices introduced innovations like the D-Pad, seen in the Donkey Kong model. The series saw a revival with limited edition releases in 2020 and 2021, celebrating the anniversaries of Mario and Zelda.

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. It revolutionized gaming with its cartridge system, allowing players to enjoy a vast library of games. Iconic franchises like Super Mario, The Legend of Zelda, and Metroid were born on this platform, cementing the NES as a cornerstone of video game history.

Game Boy - July 31, 1989

Launching in North America in the summer of 1989, the Game Boy was Nintendo's first true handheld console. It advanced beyond the Game & Watch by supporting cartridges, enabling a wide range of games. Tetris, bundled with the system in most regions except Japan, became synonymous with the Game Boy's success.

Super Nintendo Entertainment System - August 23, 1991

With the Super Nintendo Entertainment System (SNES), Nintendo introduced 16-bit graphics to its home console lineup. This era saw significant advancements in major series, including Super Mario World and Donkey Kong Country. Despite a later launch in the console generation, the SNES became the best-selling console of its time, thanks to its robust software library and broad appeal.

Virtual Boy - August 14, 1995

Perhaps Nintendo's most unconventional console, the Virtual Boy was the first to offer true 3D visuals. With only 22 games released, including popular titles like Mario's Tennis and Virtual Boy Wario Land, it had a brief market life of just one year, selling nearly 800,000 units.

Game Boy Pocket - September 3, 1996

A smaller, sleeker version of the original Game Boy, the Game Boy Pocket featured a black-and-white screen and improved response times. However, its smaller size resulted in a shorter battery life compared to its predecessor.

Nintendo 64 - September 29, 1996

Introducing 3D graphics to Nintendo's home console lineup, the Nintendo 64 brought revolutionary titles like Super Mario 64 and The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time. Its innovative controller with an analog stick set new standards in gaming. The N64 also offered various special editions, including translucent models.

Game Boy Light - April 14, 1998

Exclusive to Japan, the Game Boy Light was larger than the Game Boy Pocket but included a backlight for low-light gaming. This feature extended its battery life to around 20 hours, making it a unique offering in the Game Boy lineup.

Game Boy Color - November 18, 1998

Bringing color to the handheld market, the Game Boy Color was backward compatible with all Game Boy games. Some titles, like Tetris, were enhanced with vibrant colors. The new hardware also supported hundreds of exclusive games, expanding the Game Boy's library.

Game Boy Advance - June 11, 2001

With the Game Boy Advance (GBA), Nintendo made a significant leap in handheld technology. The GBA's horizontal design and 16-bit graphics marked a departure from previous models. It was backward compatible with Game Boy and Game Boy Color games, offering thousands of titles to players.

Pokémon mini - November 16, 2001

Image Credit: GamesRadarThe Pokémon mini was a tiny handheld focused on Pokémon games. With only 10 games released, including four in North America, it featured a clock, infrared communication, and rumble functionality.

Nintendo GameCube - November 18, 2001

Building on the success of the Nintendo 64, the GameCube offered sequels to beloved titles like Super Mario Sunshine and The Legend of Zelda: Wind Waker. It transitioned from cartridges to discs and introduced a new controller with rumble and analog triggers. The GameCube's legacy continues with popular franchises like Animal Crossing.

Panasonic Q - December 14, 2001

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 notable, but its high price and low sales led to a short market life of two years.

Game Boy Advance SP - March 23, 2003

An evolution of the Game Boy Advance, the Game Boy Advance SP featured a hinge design, a rechargeable battery, and a backlit screen in later models. It omitted a headphone jack but offered an adapter for audio playback.

Nintendo DS - November 21, 2004

Launching the DS line, the Nintendo DS introduced Wi-Fi support and a unique clamshell design with dual screens, including a touchscreen. This console became Nintendo's best-selling, offering unique gaming experiences.

Game Boy Micro - September 19, 2005

Revealed at E3 2005, the Game Boy Micro was surprisingly small. It featured a backlit screen with adjustable brightness and was backward compatible with Game Boy and Game Boy Color games. It sold 2.42 million units over 18 months.

Nintendo DS Lite - June 11, 2006

A slimmer, lighter version of the Nintendo DS, the DS Lite offered 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 via the Wii Remote. It was backward compatible with GameCube titles and offered the Virtual Console for digital downloads of classic games.

Nintendo DSi - November 1, 2008

An update to the Nintendo DS, the DSi added cameras and an SD card slot but removed the Game Boy Advance slot. It expanded the DS's capabilities with new software and features.

Nintendo DSi XL - November 21, 2009

A larger version of the DSi, the DSi XL featured bigger screens and improved sound, enhancing the gaming experience.

Nintendo 3DS - March 27, 2011

Successor to the DS line, the 3DS introduced 3D gaming without glasses, powered by stereoscopy. It offered a wide range of new games and hardware capabilities, including titles like The Legend of Zelda: A Link Between Worlds.

Nintendo 3DS XL - August 19, 2012

With a screen 90% larger than the original 3DS, the 3DS XL provided an enhanced viewing experience while retaining all the features of its predecessor.

Nintendo Wii U - November 18, 2012

Following the Wii, the Wii U introduced the GamePad controller with a built-in screen for off-TV play. It supported HD graphics and was backward compatible with Wii games. Despite strong titles like Super Mario 3D World, poor marketing and confusion affected its sales.

Nintendo Wii Mini - December 7, 2012

A smaller, lighter version of the Wii, the Wii Mini removed several features, including GameCube support and Wi-Fi connectivity. It was released at the end of the Wii's lifecycle.

Nintendo 2DS - October 12, 2013

Offering 2D gaming, the 2DS removed the 3D capabilities of the 3DS but maintained compatibility with all 3DS titles. Its lower price point came with reduced sound quality.

New Nintendo 3DS - October 11, 2014

An upgrade to the 3DS, the New Nintendo 3DS added new controls, including the C-Stick and ZR/ZL buttons, and NFC support for amiibo. It launched in various regions throughout late 2014 and early 2015.

New Nintendo 3DS XL - February 13, 2015

With larger screens than the New 3DS, the New 3DS XL offered an even more immersive gaming experience. It removed the ability to change face plates but offered multiple special editions.

Nintendo Switch - March 3, 2017

Realizing the vision of the Wii U, the Nintendo Switch combined home and portable gaming. With a stellar first-party library, it propelled Nintendo back to the top of the industry, offering special edition consoles throughout its lifecycle.

New Nintendo 2DS XL - July 28, 2017

An update to the 2DS, the New 2DS XL added an analog stick, shoulder buttons, and amiibo support. It returned to the clamshell design and could play New 3DS titles.

Nintendo Switch Lite - September 20, 2019

A smaller, handheld-only version of the Switch, the Switch Lite featured built-in controllers and a 5.5-inch LCD screen, offering a more affordable option.

Nintendo Switch OLED model - October 8, 2021

Debuting with Metroid Dread, the Switch OLED model featured a larger 7-inch OLED screen, improved speakers, and a new dock with a LAN port, enhancing the gaming experience.

Upcoming Nintendo Consoles

Analysts estimate the Switch 2 will be priced around $400. We've gathered all the details from the trailer, but more information, including a release date, is expected during a Nintendo Direct scheduled for April 2.