Nintendo stands as a titan in the realm of video games, renowned for its pioneering spirit and relentless innovation in the home console market. With a rich history spanning decades, Nintendo's legacy is built on a treasure trove of iconic intellectual properties (IPs) that continue to captivate gamers around the world. As the company gears up for the launch of the Nintendo Switch 2, it's the perfect time to reflect on its illustrious journey through the annals of gaming history.

Below, we've compiled a comprehensive list of every console Nintendo has ever released. Take a nostalgic trip through time and see how Nintendo has continuously pushed the boundaries of gaming technology and creativity!

How Many Nintendo Consoles Have There Been?

In total, 32 Nintendo consoles have graced the gaming world throughout Nintendo's storied history. The upcoming Switch 2 will mark the 33rd entry. This count includes revision models for both home and handheld consoles, such as 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, the Color TV-Game series, was a groundbreaking collaboration with Mitsubishi Electronics. This partnership was essential as Nintendo was new to hardware development. These systems were a resounding success and paved the way for Nintendo's deep dive into the gaming industry. Even nearly 50 years later, the legacy of the Color TV-Game continues to influence Nintendo's commitment to gaming innovation.

Game & Watch - April 28, 1980

Nintendo's initial foray into handheld gaming came with the Game & Watch series, each unit featuring a unique game. Despite their simplicity, these devices sold over 40 million units globally. The series introduced pioneering features like the D-Pad in the Donkey Kong Game & Watch, elements that are still used in modern gaming. In recent years, Nintendo celebrated the legacy of Mario and Zelda with limited edition Game & Watch models released in 2020 and 2021.

Nintendo Entertainment System - October 18, 1985

Known as the Family Computer (Famicom) in Japan, the Nintendo Entertainment System (NES) was Nintendo's first home console released in North America. It revolutionized gaming with its cartridge system, allowing players to enjoy a variety of games. The NES laid the foundation for many of Nintendo's beloved franchises, including Super Mario, The Legend of Zelda, and Metroid. It's hailed as one of the most pivotal consoles in video game history, setting the stage for future generations.

Game Boy - July 31, 1989

Launched in North America during the summer of 1989, the Game Boy was Nintendo's first true handheld console. It advanced from the Game & Watch by utilizing cartridges, enabling players to swap games at will. Perhaps its most iconic game, Tetris, was bundled with the console in many regions, cementing its place in gaming lore.

Super Nintendo Entertainment System - August 23, 1991

Introducing 16-bit graphics to Nintendo's lineup, the Super Nintendo Entertainment System (SNES) marked a significant leap forward. It was during this era that Nintendo refined its major franchises, producing classics like Super Mario World and Donkey Kong Country. Despite entering the market later in the console generation, the SNES's stellar software library and broad appeal made it the top-selling console of its time.

Virtual Boy - August 14, 1995

Perhaps Nintendo's most unusual console, the Virtual Boy was the first to offer true 3D visuals without glasses. Despite its innovative technology, it only saw 22 games released, with titles like Mario's Tennis and Virtual Boy Wario Land among the highlights. The Virtual Boy's brief market life ended after just one year, with sales totaling just under 800,000 units.

Game Boy Pocket - September 3, 1996

A compact version of the original Game Boy, the Game Boy Pocket introduced a sharper black-and-white screen, replacing the original's green tint. It also boasted improved screen response time, though its smaller size resulted in a reduced battery life compared to its predecessor.

Nintendo 64 - September 29, 1996

With the Nintendo 64, Nintendo brought 3D graphics to its home console audience for the first time. This console introduced groundbreaking titles like Super Mario 64 and The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time. Its iconic controller featured an analog stick, revolutionizing gameplay. The N64 also saw numerous special edition releases, including various translucent models.

Game Boy Light - April 14, 1998

Exclusive to Japan, the Game Boy Light was a larger variant of the Game Boy Pocket but came with a backlight, enabling play in low-light conditions. This feature extended its battery life to around 20 hours, surpassing the Game Boy Pocket.

Game Boy Color - November 18, 1998

Introducing color to Nintendo's handheld lineup, the Game Boy Color was backward compatible with all original Game Boy games. Some games, like Tetris, received a colorful upgrade. With new hardware, the Game Boy Color saw the release of hundreds of exclusive titles.

Game Boy Advance - June 11, 2001

Marking a significant evolution in the Game Boy series, the Game Boy Advance (GBA) adopted a horizontal design and offered 16-bit graphics, a leap from the 8-bit capabilities of earlier models. It maintained backward compatibility with Game Boy and Game Boy Color games, expanding its library into the thousands.

Pokémon mini - November 16, 2001

Nintendo GameCube - November 18, 2001

Following the success of the Nintendo 64, the GameCube offered sequels to many cherished titles, including Super Mario Sunshine and The Legend of Zelda: Wind Waker. It transitioned to using discs instead of cartridges and introduced an innovative controller with rumble features and analog/digital triggers. The GameCube's legacy lives on, particularly with 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, housed in a sleek stainless steel design. Its high price and limited market appeal led to its short lifespan of just two years.

Game Boy Advance SP - March 23, 2003

Revamping the Game Boy Advance, the SP model introduced a hinge design with the screen on top and controls below. It featured a rechargeable battery and a backlit screen in later models, though it omitted a headphone jack, offering an adapter instead.

Nintendo DS - November 21, 2004

Launching Nintendo's best-selling console line, the Nintendo DS introduced Wi-Fi connectivity and a unique dual-screen clamshell design. The bottom touchscreen, used with a stylus, allowed for innovative gameplay, setting the DS apart in the market.

Game Boy Micro - September 19, 2005

Revealed at E3 2005, the Game Boy Micro impressed with its small size and rectangular design. It was backward compatible with Game Boy and Game Boy Color games and offered adjustable screen brightness. Despite its compact appeal, it sold only 2.42 million units before production ceased.

Nintendo DS Lite - June 11, 2006

A slimmer and lighter version of the original DS, the DS Lite featured brighter screens and improved battery life, enhancing the gaming experience in various lighting conditions.

Nintendo Wii - November 19, 2006

Revolutionizing home console gaming with motion controls, the Nintendo Wii brought a fresh approach with its Wii Remote. Its broad accessory range and backward compatibility with GameCube games, along with the Virtual Console, allowed players to access a wide array of titles.

Nintendo DSi - November 1, 2008

Building on the DS, the DSi added cameras and an SD card slot for additional storage but removed the Game Boy Advance slot, marking a shift in focus.

Nintendo DSi XL - November 21, 2009

A larger version of the DSi, the DSi XL boasted wider screens and enhanced audio, providing a more immersive gaming experience.

Nintendo 3DS - March 27, 2011

Successor to the DS line, the 3DS introduced glasses-free 3D gaming, echoing the technology of the Virtual Boy. It offered a robust library 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 provided a more comfortable viewing experience while retaining all the features of its predecessor.

Nintendo Wii U - November 18, 2012

Following the Wii, the Wii U introduced the innovative GamePad controller with a built-in screen. Despite its HD capabilities and strong game lineup, including titles like Super Mario 3D World and Splatoon, it struggled with poor 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 model that omitted GameCube support and other features, launching in Canada and later in Europe and the US.

Nintendo 2DS - October 12, 2013

Offering 2D gaming at a lower price, the 2DS was a flat, square-shaped console that played all 3DS games without the 3D feature, though with reduced sound quality.

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 amiibo support, though its North American release was delayed.

New Nintendo 3DS XL - February 13, 2015

With larger screens than the New 3DS, the XL model lacked the ability to change face plates but offered multiple special editions for customization.

Nintendo Switch - March 3, 2017

Combining home and portable gaming, the Nintendo Switch brought a new level of flexibility and a stellar first-party library, including some of the best games ever released on a Nintendo console.

New Nintendo 2DS XL - July 28, 2017

An updated 2DS with an analog stick, shoulder buttons, and amiibo support, the 2DS XL returned to the clamshell design and could play New 3DS titles.

Nintendo Switch Lite - September 20, 2019

Designed for handheld play, the Switch Lite featured a smaller body and built-in controllers, offering a more affordable option at $100 less than the original Switch.

Nintendo Switch OLED model - October 8, 2021

Upgrading the Switch with a larger OLED screen and enhanced audio and kickstand, the OLED model launched alongside Metroid Dread and included a new dock with a LAN port.

Upcoming Nintendo Consoles

Analysts estimate the Switch 2 could retail for around $400. Based on the trailer, we've gathered everything known about the Switch 2, but more details, including a release date, will be shared during a Nintendo Direct scheduled for April 2.