Nintendo Consoles: Complete Release Timeline
Author: Aaron
Apr 28,2025
Nintendo stands as a titan in the world of video games, renowned for its pioneering spirit and innovative approach to home consoles. With a rich history of iconic IPs that continue to captivate gamers decades after their initial release, Nintendo shows no signs of slowing down. The recent announcement of the Nintendo Switch 2 has sparked renewed interest in the company's storied past. Let's take a journey through Nintendo's evolution in the console space, exploring how they have consistently pushed the boundaries of gaming.
Below, you'll find a comprehensive list of every Nintendo console ever released. Dive into the history and discover how each console has contributed to the advancement of 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.*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. 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 the hardware market, 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. These devices sold over 40 million units worldwide and 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 the first Nintendo home console to hit North America. It introduced the cartridge system, allowing players to enjoy a vast library of games. Many of Nintendo's beloved franchises, including Super Mario, The Legend of Zelda, and Metroid, originated here, making the NES a cornerstone of video game history.
Game Boy - July 31, 1989
Launched 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 using cartridges, enabling players to switch between multiple games. Tetris, bundled with the system in most regions except Japan, became one of its most iconic titles.
Super Nintendo Entertainment System - August 23, 1991
With the Super Nintendo Entertainment System (SNES), Nintendo introduced 16-bit graphics to its platform. This console saw significant developments 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 lineup and broad appeal.
Virtual Boy - August 14, 1995
Perhaps Nintendo's most unusual 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 short market life of just one year, selling nearly 800,000 units.
Game Boy Pocket - September 3, 1996
A smaller version of the Game Boy, the Game Boy Pocket featured a black-and-white screen and improved response time. 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 consoles, 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 refreshed the gaming experience. The N64 also offered various special editions, including translucent variants.
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 play. 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 Nintendo's handhelds, 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.
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 were major upgrades from previous models. It was also backward-compatible with Game Boy and Game Boy Color games, expanding its library to thousands of titles.
Pokémon mini - November 16, 2001
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/digital 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 striking, but its high price led to low sales and a short market life of two years.
Game Boy Advance SP - March 23, 2003
With a hinge design and a rechargeable battery, the Game Boy Advance SP (GBA SP) was a significant revision of the GBA. Later models included 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 and a unique clamshell design with two screens, one of which was a touchscreen. This allowed for innovative gameplay 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, as well as GBA titles. It sold 2.42 million units over 18 months.
Nintendo DS Lite - June 11, 2006
As the first revision of the Nintendo DS, the DS Lite was slimmer, lighter, and had brighter screens. Its improved battery life allowed for longer play sessions.
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
Adding cameras and an SD card slot, the Nintendo DSi was a significant revision of the DS. However, it removed the Game Boy Advance slot found in previous models.
Nintendo DSi XL - November 21, 2009
With larger screens and improved sound, the DSi XL offered a more immersive experience. Its bigger battery also allowed for extended playtime.
Nintendo 3DS - March 27, 2011
Successor to the DS line, the Nintendo 3DS introduced 3D gaming without glasses, using stereoscopy. It featured a robust library, including 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 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 and Splatoon, poor marketing and confusion led to low sales.
Nintendo Wii Mini - December 7, 2012
Released at the end of the Wii's lifecycle, the Wii Mini was smaller and lighter but lacked GameCube support, Wi-Fi, 480p resolution, and SD card slots. It launched in Canada and later in Europe and the US.
Nintendo 2DS - October 12, 2013
Removing the 3D feature of the 3DS, the 2DS offered a flat, square design. It played all 3DS games but had reduced sound quality due to a mono speaker. Its low price made it an attractive option.
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. It launched in Japan, Australia, and Europe before reaching North America.
New Nintendo 3DS XL - February 13, 2015
With larger screens than the New 3DS, the New 3DS XL offered an even more immersive 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 has seen some of the greatest games ever released. Various special editions have been launched over the years.
New Nintendo 2DS XL - July 28, 2017
An update to the 2DS, the 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
Smaller than the original Switch, the Switch Lite featured a 5.5-inch LCD screen and built-in controllers, making it exclusively handheld. Its lower price made it an affordable option.
Nintendo Switch OLED model - October 8, 2021
Launched with Metroid Dread, the Switch OLED model upgraded to a 7-inch OLED screen, improved speakers, and a new kickstand. It also came with a new dock featuring rounded corners and a LAN port.
Upcoming Nintendo Consoles
After years of speculation, Nintendo has officially unveiled the Nintendo Switch 2. The reveal trailer showcases a new method for attaching Joy-Cons, a larger screen, and an additional USB-C port. The Joy-Con can now function as a mouse, hinting at potential new gameplay mechanics. The trailer also teases what appears to be a new Mario Kart with 24-player support and confirms "mostly" backward compatibility, continuing support for both physical and digital games.Analysts estimate the Switch 2 will be priced around $400. Based on the trailer, we've gathered all the known details, but more information, including a release date, is expected during a Nintendo Direct scheduled for April 2.
AnswerSee ResultsLatest Articles
More
SteelSeries Sale: BOGO 50% Off on Gaming Gear
Apr 28,2025
Infinity Nikki Adds Co-op Mode This Month
Apr 28,2025
Trending Games
Trending apps
