Nintendo Consoles: Complete Release Date Timeline

Nintendo stands as a titan in the video game industry, synonymous with innovation and creativity in the realm of home consoles. The company's legacy is built on a rich catalog of beloved intellectual properties that continue to captivate audiences decades after their initial release. With a robust lineup of upcoming titles, Nintendo shows no signs of slowing down. The recent announcement of the Nintendo Switch 2 has sparked renewed interest in the company's storied history of console releases.

Below, we've curated a comprehensive list of every console Nintendo has ever launched, offering a nostalgic journey through their evolution and impact on the gaming industry.

How Many Nintendo Consoles Have There Been?

In total, 32 Nintendo consoles have been released throughout Nintendo's history, with the upcoming Switch 2 set to be the 33rd. This count includes various revision models for both home and handheld consoles, such as those branded with XL and Mini designations.

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 the gaming hardware market came with the Color TV-Game series, a pioneering collaboration with Mitsubishi Electronics. This move into hardware, despite Nintendo's early inexperience, proved successful and set the stage for their future in gaming. The Color TV-Game's influence endures, underpinning Nintendo's commitment to gaming innovation nearly 50 years later.

Game & Watch - April 28, 1980

Marking Nintendo's first foray into handheld gaming, the Game & Watch series introduced unique devices, each featuring a distinct game. With over 40 million units sold globally, these devices pioneered gaming innovations like the D-Pad, seen in the Donkey Kong model. Their impact was felt again with limited edition releases in 2020 and 2021, celebrating the anniversaries of Mario and Zelda.

Nintendo Entertainment System - October 18, 1985

Known as the Famicom in Japan, the Nintendo Entertainment System (NES) marked Nintendo's entry into the North American market. It revolutionized gaming with its cartridge system, allowing players to enjoy a diverse library of games. This console birthed many iconic franchises, including Super Mario, The Legend of Zelda, and Metroid, cementing its place as a cornerstone in gaming history.

Game Boy - July 31, 1989

Launching in North America in 1989, the Game Boy was Nintendo's first true handheld console. It advanced beyond the Game & Watch by supporting cartridges, enabling a vast array of games. Notably, Tetris, bundled with the system in most regions, became a cultural phenomenon.

Super Nintendo Entertainment System - August 23, 1991

Introducing 16-bit graphics to Nintendo's lineup, the Super Nintendo Entertainment System (SNES) offered significant advancements in gaming. It featured groundbreaking titles like Super Mario World and Donkey Kong Country, and despite a later launch, became the best-selling console of its generation due to its exceptional game library and widespread appeal.

Virtual Boy - August 14, 1995

Nintendo's most unconventional console, the Virtual Boy, was the first to display true 3D visuals. However, with only 22 games released and a short market life of one year, it sold just under 800,000 units, making it a notable but brief chapter in Nintendo's history.

Game Boy Pocket - September 3, 1996

A more compact version of the original Game Boy, the Game Boy Pocket boasted a clearer black-and-white screen and enhanced hardware that improved response times. Despite its smaller size, it had a shorter battery life than its predecessor.

Nintendo 64 - September 29, 1996

Bringing 3D graphics to Nintendo's home consoles, the Nintendo 64 revolutionized gaming with titles like Super Mario 64 and The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time. Its unique controller introduced the analog stick, and the console offered various special editions, enhancing its appeal.

Game Boy Light - April 14, 1998

Exclusively released in Japan, the Game Boy Light featured a backlight for improved visibility in dim conditions. Larger than the Game Boy Pocket, it offered a longer battery life of about 20 hours.

Game Boy Color - November 18, 1998

Bringing color to Nintendo's handheld line, the Game Boy Color was backward-compatible with original Game Boy games. It revitalized classics like Tetris with vibrant colors and introduced hundreds of new games exclusive to the system.

Game Boy Advance - June 11, 2001

With the Game Boy Advance (GBA), Nintendo made a significant leap in handheld technology, introducing 16-bit graphics and a horizontal design. Its backward compatibility supported thousands of games, enhancing its appeal to a wide audience.

Pokémon mini - November 16, 2001

Image Credit: GamesRadarThe Pokémon mini was a tiny handheld focused on Pokémon games, featuring a clock, infrared communication, and rumble. Only 10 games were released for this system, with just four in North America.

Nintendo GameCube - November 18, 2001

Building on the Nintendo 64's success, the GameCube offered sequels to beloved titles and introduced new franchises like Animal Crossing. It marked a shift to optical discs and introduced a more ergonomic controller with built-in rumble and analog triggers.

Panasonic Q - December 14, 2001

A collaboration between Panasonic and Nintendo, the Panasonic Q combined GameCube capabilities with a DVD player. Its sleek design and multifunctionality were compelling, but its high price led to limited market success.

Game Boy Advance SP - March 23, 2003

An evolution of the Game Boy Advance, the SP model introduced a foldable design and a rechargeable battery. Later models included a backlit screen, significantly enhancing the gaming experience.

Nintendo DS - November 21, 2004

Launching the DS line, the Nintendo DS introduced dual screens, with the lower one being a touchscreen. Its Wi-Fi capabilities and innovative design led it to become Nintendo's best-selling console, offering unique gaming experiences.

Game Boy Micro - September 19, 2005

Revealed at E3 2005, the Game Boy Micro surprised many with its compact size. It featured a backlit screen with adjustable brightness and supported Game Boy, Game Boy Color, and Game Boy Advance games.

Nintendo DS Lite - June 11, 2006

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

Nintendo Wii - November 19, 2006

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

Nintendo DSi - November 1, 2008

An update to the DS, the DSi added cameras and an SD card slot but removed the Game Boy Advance slot, reflecting a shift towards digital content.

Nintendo DSi XL - November 21, 2009

Offering larger screens and improved sound, the DSi XL enhanced the visual and auditory experience of DS games.

Nintendo 3DS - March 27, 2011

Successor to the DS, the 3DS introduced stereoscopic 3D gaming without glasses. It featured a strong lineup of games, including 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 while retaining all 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 offered titles like Super Mario 3D World and Splatoon, though it faced 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 a smaller, lighter version without GameCube support or Wi-Fi. It was primarily available in Canada, Europe, and the United States.

Nintendo 2DS - October 12, 2013

Designed for younger gamers, the 2DS removed the 3D feature and adopted a flat design. It played all 3DS games, offering a more affordable entry point into the system.

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 figures.

New Nintendo 3DS XL - February 13, 2015

Offering larger screens than the New 3DS, the XL version provided an even more immersive gaming experience, though it did not allow for face plate customization.

Nintendo Switch - March 3, 2017

Combining home and portable gaming, the Nintendo Switch revolutionized the industry with its versatile design. Its impressive first-party library includes some of the greatest games ever made, with various special edition models released over time.

New Nintendo 2DS XL - July 28, 2017

An upgrade to the 2DS, the XL model reintroduced the clamshell design and added features like an analog stick and amiibo support, enhancing its versatility.

Nintendo Switch Lite - September 20, 2019

Designed for handheld play only, the Switch Lite features built-in controllers and a smaller form factor, offering a cost-effective alternative to the original Switch.

Nintendo Switch OLED model - October 8, 2021

Introducing a 7-inch OLED screen, the Switch OLED model enhanced the visual experience. It also featured improved speakers and a new kickstand, along with a redesigned dock.

Upcoming Nintendo Consoles

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