Every Nintendo Console: A Full History of Release Dates

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 journey through time that showcases how Nintendo has consistently pushed the boundaries of the gaming industry.

How Many Nintendo Consoles Have There Been?

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)

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 world of gaming, setting the stage for future innovations. The success of these systems paved the way for Nintendo's focus on developing more gaming hardware, a legacy that continues to thrive nearly 50 years later.

Game & Watch - April 28, 1980

Nintendo's foray into handheld gaming began with the Game & Watch series, each unit featuring a unique game. These devices sold over 40 million units globally and introduced groundbreaking features like the D-Pad, seen in the Donkey Kong Game & Watch. 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 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, making the NES 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 players to enjoy 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 launching later in the console generation, the SNES became the best-selling console of its time, thanks to its exceptional 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 version of the original Game Boy, the Game Boy Pocket featured a black-and-white screen and improved response times. While it offered a more compact design, it came with 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 saw the release of numerous iconic 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 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 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, expanding the gaming experience.

Game Boy Advance - June 11, 2001

Marking a significant leap forward, the Game Boy Advance (GBA) introduced a horizontal design and 16-bit graphics to the handheld market. It was backward-compatible with Game Boy and Game Boy Color games, offering thousands of titles for players to enjoy.

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

Featuring a hinge design and a rechargeable battery, the Game Boy Advance SP (GBA SP) was a significant upgrade from the original 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 support and a unique clamshell design with two screens, one of which was a touchscreen. This allowed for innovative gaming experiences that set it apart from other consoles.

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 Game Boy Advance titles. It sold 2.42 million units over 18 months.

Nintendo DS Lite - June 11, 2006

An early revision of the Nintendo DS, the DS Lite was slimmer and lighter with brighter screens and improved battery life. It enhanced the gaming experience by making games more visible in various lighting conditions.

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. Accessories like the Nunchuk and Wii MotionPlus expanded its capabilities.

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, limiting its backward compatibility.

Nintendo DSi XL - November 21, 2009

With larger, wide-view screens and improved sound, the DSi XL offered an enhanced gaming experience. Its bigger battery allowed for longer playtime, making it a popular choice among gamers.

Nintendo 3DS - March 27, 2011

Successor to the DS line, the Nintendo 3DS introduced 3D gaming without the need for glasses. It featured a robust library of titles, including The Legend of Zelda: A Link Between Worlds and Super Mario 3D Land, building on the legacy of the Virtual Boy's technology.

Nintendo 3DS XL - August 19, 2012

Offering a 90% larger screen than the original 3DS, the 3DS XL enhanced the visual experience of games, making them easier to view and enjoy.

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 lower 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 was initially launched in Canada.

Nintendo 2DS - October 12, 2013

Removing the 3D feature of the 3DS, the 2DS offered a flat, square design at a lower price point. It played all 3DS games but had reduced sound quality due to a mono speaker.

New Nintendo 3DS - October 11, 2014

Upgrading the 3DS, the New Nintendo 3DS added the C-Stick, ZR and ZL buttons, and 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 gaming experience. It removed the ability to change face plates but offered multiple special editions.

Nintendo Switch - March 3, 2017

Combining home and portable gaming, the Nintendo Switch revolutionized the industry. Its versatile design allowed for gaming on the go, supported by a stellar first-party library and numerous special editions.

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

Designed for handheld play only, the Switch Lite featured a smaller body and built-in controllers. It was priced $100 less than the original Switch, making it 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 kickstand. It came with a new dock featuring rounded corners and a LAN port.

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, will be shared during a Nintendo Direct scheduled for April 2.