Nintendo Console Release Dates: A Complete History

Nintendo stands as a titan in the realm of video games, renowned for its trailblazing innovation and creativity within the home console market. Its rich catalog of beloved intellectual properties continues to captivate gamers even decades after their initial release. With a slate of exciting upcoming titles, Nintendo shows no signs of slowing its momentum. The official announcement of the Switch 2 has sparked a renewed interest in the company's storied history of console development. Let's take a nostalgic journey through Nintendo's evolution in gaming hardware and explore how they've consistently pushed the boundaries of the medium.

Below, we present a comprehensive list of every Nintendo console released to date, offering a window into the company's legacy of innovation and excellence in gaming.

How Many Nintendo Consoles Have There Been?

In total, 32 Nintendo consoles have been released throughout Nintendo's illustrious history. The upcoming Switch 2 will mark the 33rd entry. This count encompasses various revision models for both home and handheld consoles, including 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 first venture into gaming hardware was the Color TV-Game series, a pioneering effort in collaboration with Mitsubishi Electronics. This marked Nintendo's initial foray into hardware development, leading to a significant success that redirected the company's focus towards gaming. Even nearly 50 years later, the impact of the Color TV-Game can be seen in Nintendo's continued dedication to gaming innovation.

Game & Watch - April 28, 1980

With the Game & Watch, Nintendo entered the handheld market, introducing devices that each featured a unique game. Despite their simplicity, these sold over 40 million units worldwide. The series introduced features like the D-Pad, seen in the Donkey Kong Game & Watch, which have become staples in gaming. Nintendo honored this legacy by releasing limited edition models in 2020 and 2021 to celebrate the anniversaries of Mario and Zelda.

Nintendo Entertainment System - October 18, 1985

Known as the Famicom in Japan, the Nintendo Entertainment System (NES) was the first Nintendo home console released in North America. It introduced cartridge-based gaming, allowing players to expand their game library at will. The NES birthed many of Nintendo's iconic franchises, such as Super Mario, The Legend of Zelda, and Metroid, making it a cornerstone of video game history and setting the stage for future generations.

Game Boy - July 31, 1989

Launching in North America during the summer of 1989, the Game Boy revolutionized handheld gaming with its cartridge system, enabling players to enjoy a variety of games. Notably, Tetris was bundled with the system in many regions, becoming synonymous with the Game Boy's success.

Super Nintendo Entertainment System - August 23, 1991

Introducing 16-bit graphics to Nintendo's home console line, the Super Nintendo Entertainment System (SNES) saw significant advancements in popular series like Super Mario World and Donkey Kong Country. Despite a later launch, the SNES became the best-selling console of its generation due to its strong software lineup and widespread appeal.

Virtual Boy - August 14, 1995

An ambitious but short-lived venture, the Virtual Boy was Nintendo's first attempt at a 3D gaming console. With only 22 games released, including titles like Mario's Tennis and Virtual Boy Wario Land, it struggled to gain traction, selling just under 800,000 units during its one-year lifespan.

Game Boy Pocket - September 3, 1996

A sleeker version of the original Game Boy, the Game Boy Pocket featured an improved black-and-white screen and enhanced hardware for better display response time. However, its smaller size came at the cost of reduced battery life compared to its predecessor.

Nintendo 64 - September 29, 1996

Bringing 3D graphics to Nintendo's home consoles for the first time, the Nintendo 64 introduced groundbreaking titles like Super Mario 64 and The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time. Its innovative controller, complete with an analog stick, set new standards for gameplay. The N64 also offered numerous special editions, many of which were translucent.

Game Boy Light - April 14, 1998

Exclusive to Japan, the Game Boy Light added a backlight, enabling play in low-light conditions. Larger than the Game Boy Pocket, it also boasted a longer battery life, around 20 hours, enhancing the gaming experience.

Game Boy Color - November 18, 1998

With the Game Boy Color, Nintendo introduced color to its handheld lineup. Backwards compatible with Game Boy games, this console also supported new titles designed specifically for color, enriching the gaming experience with vibrant visuals.

Game Boy Advance - June 11, 2001

Marking a significant leap forward, the Game Boy Advance (GBA) adopted a horizontal design and supported 16-bit graphics, a major upgrade from the Game Boy's 8-bit capabilities. Its backwards compatibility extended the range of available games into the thousands.

Pokémon mini - November 16, 2001

Image Credit: GamesRadarDesigned specifically for Pokémon enthusiasts, the Pokémon mini was incredibly compact, featuring a built-in clock, infrared communication, and rumble. Despite its small size, only 10 games were released, with just four making it to North America.

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 introduced an improved controller with built-in rumble and analog triggers. Many franchises that debuted on the GameCube, 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, sporting a sleek stainless steel design and an LCD panel. Despite its innovative features, it was short-lived due to its high price and low sales.

Game Boy Advance SP - March 23, 2003

Featuring a new hinge design and a chargeable battery, the Game Boy Advance SP improved upon the original GBA. Later models included a backlit screen, though it omitted a headphone jack, instead offering 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 dual screens, including a touchscreen. This opened up new possibilities for game development and player interaction.

Game Boy Micro - September 19, 2005

Revealed by Reggie Fils-Aimé at E3 2005, the Game Boy Micro impressed with its small size and backlit screen with adjustable brightness. Despite its innovative design, it sold only 2.42 million units before production ceased.

Nintendo DS Lite - June 11, 2006

A slimmed-down version of the DS, the DS Lite offered brighter screens and improved battery life, enhancing the gaming experience with its lighter and more portable design.

Nintendo Wii - November 19, 2006

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

Nintendo DSi - November 1, 2008

Building on the DS, the DSi added cameras and an SD card slot for more storage, though it removed the Game Boy Advance slot found in earlier models.

Nintendo DSi XL - November 21, 2009

A larger version of the DSi, the DSi XL featured bigger, wider-view screens and enhanced audio with additional speakers, providing a more immersive gaming experience.

Nintendo 3DS - March 27, 2011

Successor to the DS line, the 3DS introduced stereoscopic 3D gaming without the need for glasses. It offered a robust library of games, 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 with a built-in screen for off-TV play. It supported HD graphics and was compatible with Wii games and accessories. Despite its innovative features, poor marketing and consumer confusion led to lower-than-expected sales.

Nintendo Wii Mini - December 7, 2012

Released at the end of the Wii's life cycle, the Wii Mini was a more compact version with a top-facing disc drive. It removed several features from the original Wii, including GameCube support and Wi-Fi connectivity.

Nintendo 2DS - October 12, 2013

Removing the 3D capabilities of the 3DS, the 2DS offered a flat, square design and played all 3DS games. It featured a mono speaker, reflecting a cost-saving measure that allowed for a lower price point.

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 saw a delayed release in North America compared to other regions.

New Nintendo 3DS XL - February 13, 2015

Larger than the New 3DS, the 3DS XL offered even bigger screens and all the new features, though it removed the ability to change face plates, limiting customization options.

Nintendo Switch - March 3, 2017

Realizing the vision of the Wii U, the Nintendo Switch offered versatile gameplay as both a home and portable console. With a stellar first-party library and various special editions, it quickly became a market leader.

New Nintendo 2DS XL - July 28, 2017

An upgrade to the 2DS, the 2DS XL featured an analog stick, shoulder buttons, and amiibo support, returning to the clamshell design and capable of playing New 3DS titles.

Nintendo Switch Lite - September 20, 2019

Designed for handheld play, the Switch Lite featured a smaller body and integrated controls, removing the ability to dock to a TV. This design allowed for a lower price point, making it more accessible.

Nintendo Switch OLED model - October 8, 2021

Debuting with Metroid Dread, the Switch OLED model offered a larger, premium OLED screen, enhanced speakers, and an improved kickstand, alongside a new dock with a built-in LAN port.

Upcoming Nintendo Consoles

Analysts estimate the Switch 2 could retail at around $400. Based on the trailer, we've compiled everything known about the console so far. More details, including a release date, are expected to be announced during a Nintendo Direct scheduled for April 2.