"Nintendo Consoles: Complete Release Date Timeline"

Nintendo stands as a beacon of innovation in the realm of video games, captivating audiences with its creativity and iconic franchises for decades. From its inception, Nintendo has been a trailblazer in the home console market, continuously evolving and expanding its library of beloved IPs. As excitement builds around the recently announced Nintendo Switch 2, it's an opportune moment to reflect on the rich history of this gaming giant.

Below, we've compiled a comprehensive list of every console Nintendo has released, showcasing their journey of pushing the boundaries of gaming technology and entertainment. Dive in to see how Nintendo has shaped the industry through the ages!

Which Nintendo console had the best games? ------------------------------------------

NESGame BoySuper NESNintendo 64Game Boy AdvanceNintendo GameCubeNintendo DSNintendo WiiNintendo 3DSNintendo Wii UNintendo Switch

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 illustrious history. With the upcoming Switch 2 set to be the 33rd, we've included revision models for both home and handheld consoles, encompassing variations 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 initial venture into gaming hardware came with the Color TV-Game series, a collaboration with Mitsubishi Electronics. This move marked Nintendo's entry into the hardware market, despite their initial inexperience. The Color TV-Game systems achieved significant success, steering Nintendo towards a dedicated focus on gaming. Their influence is still evident today as Nintendo continues to lead in the gaming industry.

Game & Watch - April 28, 1980

Nintendo's first foray into handheld gaming was with the Game & Watch devices, each featuring unique games. Despite their seemingly modest design, these sold over 40 million units worldwide. The Game & Watch series introduced innovations like the D-Pad, seen in the Donkey Kong model, which are still in use today. Their legacy was revitalized with limited edition releases in 2020 and 2021, celebrating Mario and Zelda's anniversaries.

Nintendo Entertainment System - October 18, 1985

Known as the Famicom in Japan, the Nintendo Entertainment System (NES) was the first Nintendo home console to hit North America. With its cartridge system, it allowed players to enjoy an expansive library of games. This console laid the foundation for iconic Nintendo franchises such as Super Mario, The Legend of Zelda, and Metroid, solidifying its place as a pivotal system in video game history.

Game Boy - July 31, 1989

Launching in North America in the summer of 1989, the Game Boy marked a significant evolution from the Game & Watch, introducing cartridge-based gameplay. Its most famous title, Tetris, was bundled with the console in most regions, except Japan. The Game Boy revolutionized portable gaming, setting a standard for future handheld devices.

Super Nintendo Entertainment System - August 23, 1991

With the Super Nintendo Entertainment System (SNES), Nintendo introduced 16-bit graphics to its platforms. This console was a breeding ground for major advancements in Nintendo's key series, with titles like Super Mario World and Donkey Kong Country. Despite a later market entry, the SNES became the best-selling console of its generation, thanks to its robust game library and broad appeal.

Virtual Boy - August 14, 1995

Perhaps one of Nintendo's most unconventional consoles, the Virtual Boy was the first to offer true 3D visuals in gaming. With only 22 games released, including hits like Mario's Tennis and Virtual Boy Wario Land, it had a short lifespan of just one year, selling nearly 800,000 units.

Game Boy Pocket - September 3, 1996

A compact version of the original Game Boy, the Game Boy Pocket featured a clearer black-and-white screen and enhanced hardware for better display response. However, its smaller size resulted in a shorter battery life compared to its predecessor.

Nintendo 64 - September 29, 1996

Bringing 3D graphics to Nintendo's home consoles, the Nintendo 64 introduced groundbreaking 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 control. The N64 also saw numerous special edition releases, including translucent variants.

Game Boy Light - April 14, 1998

Exclusive to Japan, the Game Boy Light added a backlight to the console, allowing for play in low-light conditions. Larger than the Game Boy Pocket, it offered an extended battery life of around 20 hours.

Game Boy Color - November 18, 1998

Introducing color to Nintendo's handheld line, the Game Boy Color was backward compatible with all Game Boy titles. It allowed for enhanced color experiences in games like Tetris and saw the release of hundreds of new titles designed specifically for its capabilities.

Game Boy Advance - June 11, 2001

With the Game Boy Advance (GBA), Nintendo made a significant leap forward in handheld technology, transitioning to a horizontal design and 16-bit graphics. Backward compatibility with Game Boy and Game Boy Color games expanded the GBA's library to thousands of titles.

Pokémon mini - November 16, 2001

Designed specifically for Pokémon games, the Pokémon mini was remarkably small, with only 10 games released, four in North America. It featured a clock, infrared communication, and built-in rumble.

Nintendo GameCube - November 18, 2001

Building on the success of the Nintendo 64, the GameCube introduced sequels to beloved titles like Super Mario Sunshine and The Legend of Zelda: Wind Waker. It transitioned to disc-based media and featured an improved controller with rumble and analog/digital triggers. The GameCube's legacy continues with enduring 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. With its stainless steel design and front LCD panel, it offered a unique gaming and entertainment experience but was discontinued after two years due to low sales.

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 dual-screen design, with the bottom screen being a touchscreen. Its innovative approach led to unique gaming experiences and made it Nintendo's best-selling console.

Game Boy Micro - September 19, 2005

Revealed by Reggie Fils-Aimé at E3 2005, the Game Boy Micro impressed with its tiny size and backlit screen with adjustable brightness. It supported Game Boy, Game Boy Color, and Game Boy Advance games, selling 2.42 million units over 18 months.

Nintendo DS Lite - June 11, 2006

An upgrade to the original DS, the DS Lite was slimmer, lighter, and featured brighter screens and improved battery life, enhancing the gaming experience across various lighting conditions.

Nintendo Wii - November 19, 2006

Reviving Nintendo's home console market, the Wii introduced motion controls via the innovative Wii Remote. It supported backward compatibility with GameCube titles and controllers, and its Virtual Console allowed digital downloads of classic games.

Nintendo DSi - November 1, 2008

An upgrade to the DS, the DSi added cameras and an SD card slot but removed the Game Boy Advance slot. It expanded the console's capabilities for gaming and multimedia.

Nintendo DSi XL - November 21, 2009

With larger screens and enhanced speakers, the DSi XL provided a more immersive gaming experience. Its extended battery life supported longer play sessions.

Nintendo 3DS - March 27, 2011

Following the DS, the 3DS introduced stereoscopic 3D gaming without the need for glasses, building on the Virtual Boy's technology. It offered a rich library with titles 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 while 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 for off-TV play. It supported HD graphics and had a robust library, including Xenoblade Chronicles X and Super Mario 3D World, but faced sales challenges due to marketing and consumer confusion.

Nintendo Wii Mini - December 7, 2012

Released at the end of the Wii's lifecycle, the Wii Mini was smaller and lighter but removed GameCube support, Wi-Fi, and other features. It launched in Canada in 2012 and later in Europe and the US.

Nintendo 2DS - October 12, 2013

Offering 2D gaming at a lower price point, the 2DS played all 3DS titles without 3D capabilities. It featured a unique flat design and a mono speaker.

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, along with NFC support for amiibo. It launched in several regions but reached North America later.

New Nintendo 3DS XL - February 13, 2015

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

Nintendo Switch - March 3, 2017

Realizing the Wii U's vision, the Nintendo Switch combined home and portable gaming, allowing players to enjoy console-quality games on the go. Its first-party library is considered one of Nintendo's best, and it has seen numerous special edition releases.

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

A more compact version of the Switch, the Switch Lite featured built-in controllers and a smaller 5.5-inch LCD screen. Designed exclusively for handheld play, it was priced $100 less than the original Switch.

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 redesigned kickstand. It came with a new dock featuring rounded corners and a LAN port.

Upcoming Nintendo Consoles

After a period filled with speculation, Nintendo has officially unveiled the Switch 2. The reveal showcases an innovative way to attach Joy-Cons, a larger screen, and an additional USB-C port. The ability to use Joy-Cons as a mouse hints at new gameplay possibilities, particularly in first-party games and potential ports. The trailer also suggests a new Mario Kart with 24-player races, and confirms "mostly" backward compatibility with support for both physical and digital games.

Analysts and leaks suggest the Switch 2 could be priced around $400. We've gathered all the details from the trailer, but more information, including a release date, is expected in an upcoming Nintendo Direct scheduled for April 2.

Which games do you want to see on the Nintendo Switch 2? --------------------------------------------------------

Metroid Prime 4Pokémon Legends: ZAMario Kart 9New Mainline Super Mario GameA New Super Smash Bros.A New Mario PartyA New Donkey Kong GameA New Legend of Zelda Game

AnswerSee Results