Nintendo Consoles: Complete Release Date Timeline

Nintendo stands as a titan in the world of video games, renowned for its creativity and innovation. From its inception, Nintendo has been a leader in the home console market, boasting an extensive library of beloved intellectual properties (IPs) that continue to enchant players decades after their initial release. As the company gears up for the future with the announcement of the Nintendo Switch 2, it's the perfect time to reflect on its storied history in the console space.

Below, we've compiled a comprehensive list of every console Nintendo has ever released. Embark on a journey through time and see how Nintendo has continuously pushed the boundaries of gaming technology and entertainment!

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 various revision models for both home and handheld consoles, such as those branded with XL and Mini labels.

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 began with the Color TV-Game series, a collaboration with Mitsubishi Electronics, due to Nintendo's lack of experience in hardware development. These systems were a commercial success and paved the way for Nintendo to focus on gaming hardware. The legacy of the Color TV-Game is still felt today, as Nintendo continues to innovate in the gaming industry nearly 50 years later.

Game & Watch - April 28, 1980

Nintendo made its first foray into the handheld market with the Game & Watch devices, each featuring unique games. Selling over 40 million units worldwide, these devices introduced innovations like the D-Pad, which debuted in the Donkey Kong Game & Watch. The series saw a revival with limited edition models released in 2020 and 2021 to celebrate 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) marked Nintendo's entry into the North American market. It introduced cartridge-based gaming, enabling players to enjoy a variety of games. Iconic franchises like Super Mario, The Legend of Zelda, and Metroid originated on this platform, making the NES a cornerstone in 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 using cartridges, allowing players to enjoy numerous games. Tetris, bundled with the system in many regions, became synonymous with the Game Boy.

Super Nintendo Entertainment System - August 23, 1991

With the Super Nintendo Entertainment System (SNES), Nintendo brought 16-bit graphics to its platforms for the first time. It was during this era that Nintendo significantly evolved its major series, with titles like Super Mario World and Donkey Kong Country. Despite entering the market late in the generation, the SNES became the best-selling console of its time due to its exceptional software and broad appeal.

Virtual Boy - August 14, 1995

Perhaps Nintendo's most unusual console, the Virtual Boy was the first to offer 3D visuals. With only 22 games released, including titles like Mario's Tennis and Virtual Boy Wario Land, it had a brief market presence 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 an improved black-and-white screen. It enhanced display response time, though its smaller design resulted in shorter battery life compared to its predecessor.

Nintendo 64 - September 29, 1996

Introducing 3D graphics to Nintendo's home consoles, the Nintendo 64 was a groundbreaking system. It launched iconic games like Super Mario 64 and The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time. The N64's innovative controller introduced the analog stick, and Nintendo released various special edition models, including translucent variants.

Game Boy Light - April 14, 1998

Exclusive to Japan, the Game Boy Light added a backlight to the Game Boy series, enabling 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

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, while hundreds of new games were developed specifically for this system.

Game Boy Advance - June 11, 2001

A significant leap forward, the Game Boy Advance (GBA) introduced a horizontal design and 16-bit graphics to the Game Boy line. It was backward-compatible with previous Game Boy titles, expanding the library to thousands of games.

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 to disc-based media and featured an improved controller with built-in rumble and analog/digital triggers. Many GameCube franchises, such as Animal Crossing, continue to thrive today.

Panasonic Q - December 14, 2001

A collaboration between Panasonic and Nintendo, the Panasonic Q combined a GameCube with a DVD player. Its sleek design and high price limited its market life to two years.

Game Boy Advance SP - March 23, 2003

Featuring a hinge design, the Game Boy Advance SP improved upon the original GBA with a rechargeable battery and a backlit screen (in later models). It lacked a headphone jack but offered an adapter for audio output.

Nintendo DS - November 21, 2004

Launching Nintendo's best-selling console line, the Nintendo DS introduced Wi-Fi support and a unique clamshell design with two screens, including a touchscreen. It offered innovative gaming experiences unlike any other system at the time.

Game Boy Micro - September 19, 2005

Introduced by Reggie Fils-Aimé at E3 2005, the Game Boy Micro was remarkably small. It featured a backlit screen with adjustable brightness and was backward-compatible with Game Boy, Game Boy Color, and Game Boy Advance games.

Nintendo DS Lite - June 11, 2006

A slimmer and lighter version of the original DS, the Nintendo DS Lite improved screen brightness and battery life, enhancing the gaming experience.

Nintendo Wii - November 19, 2006

Revitalizing Nintendo's home console market, the Wii focused on motion controls with the innovative Wii Remote. It supported backward compatibility with GameCube games and introduced the Virtual Console for digital downloads of classic titles.

Nintendo DSi - November 1, 2008

An upgrade to the DS, the Nintendo DSi added cameras and an SD card slot but removed the Game Boy Advance slot.

Nintendo DSi XL - November 21, 2009

Larger than the DSi, the DSi XL featured bigger, wider-view screens and improved sound quality, enhancing the user experience.

Nintendo 3DS - March 27, 2011

Offering 3D capabilities without glasses, the Nintendo 3DS was a significant upgrade from the DS. It featured impressive 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 provided a more immersive gaming experience.

Nintendo Wii U - November 18, 2012

As the successor to the Wii, the Wii U introduced the GamePad controller with a built-in screen. It supported HD graphics and included notable titles like Super Mario 3D World and Splatoon. Despite poor marketing and confusion, it laid the groundwork for the Nintendo Switch.

Nintendo Wii Mini - December 7, 2012

A smaller, lighter version of the Wii, the Wii Mini removed several features like GameCube support and Wi-Fi connectivity.

Nintendo 2DS - October 12, 2013

Removing the 3D feature from the 3DS, the 2DS offered a flat, square design at a lower price point, sacrificing some sound quality for affordability.

New Nintendo 3DS - October 11, 2014

Enhancing the original 3DS, the New Nintendo 3DS added new controls and amiibo support, though its North American release was delayed.

New Nintendo 3DS XL - February 13, 2015

Larger than the New Nintendo 3DS, the XL model featured even bigger screens and removed the ability to change face plates, offering special edition designs instead.

Nintendo Switch - March 3, 2017

Combining the functionality of a home and portable console, the Nintendo Switch revolutionized gaming with its versatile design and an exceptional first-party library.

New Nintendo 2DS XL - July 28, 2017

Upgrading the 2DS, the 2DS XL added an analog stick, shoulder buttons, amiibo support, and returned to the clamshell design, also supporting New 3DS titles.

Nintendo Switch Lite - September 20, 2019

A compact version of the Switch, the Switch Lite featured built-in controllers and was designed for handheld play only, reducing the cost.

Nintendo Switch OLED model - October 8, 2021

Introducing a larger, premium OLED screen and enhanced speakers and kickstand, the Switch OLED model debuted alongside Metroid Dread.

Upcoming Nintendo Consoles

Analysts estimate the new console's price at around $400. Based on the trailer, we've gathered all available information, but further details, including a release date, are expected to be shared during a Nintendo Direct scheduled for April 2.