Nintendo stands as a titan in the world of video games, renowned for its relentless innovation and cherished intellectual properties that continue to captivate players decades later. With the announcement of the Nintendo Switch 2, it's a perfect moment to reflect on the company's storied history in the console market. As Nintendo gears up for its next big release, the excitement around its upcoming titles is palpable, indicating that this legendary company is far from slowing down.

Below, we've meticulously compiled a comprehensive list of every console Nintendo has ever launched. Embark on a journey through time and see how Nintendo has consistently 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 the company's history. With the Switch 2 on the horizon, it will mark the 33rd entry. This count includes both home and handheld consoles, as well as various revision models such as XL and Mini editions.

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 inaugural venture into gaming hardware was the Color TV-Game series, a collaboration with Mitsubishi Electronics. This pioneering effort was a commercial success and laid the groundwork for Nintendo's future in the industry. The legacy of these early consoles reverberates even today, as Nintendo continues to innovate in the gaming space.

Game & Watch - April 28, 1980

Nintendo's first foray into handheld gaming came with the Game & Watch series, each unit featuring a unique game. This series sold over 40 million units globally, introducing innovations like the D-Pad, which remains a staple in gaming. The Game & Watch made a notable return in recent years with limited editions celebrating Mario and Zelda anniversaries.

Nintendo Entertainment System - October 18, 1985

Known as the Family Computer (Famicom) in Japan, the Nintendo Entertainment System (NES) revolutionized home gaming in North America with its cartridge system. It birthed iconic franchises such as Super Mario, The Legend of Zelda, and Metroid, cementing its status as a cornerstone in video game history.

Game Boy - July 31, 1989

Launching in North America, the Game Boy was Nintendo's first true handheld console, featuring cartridge-based gaming. Its inclusion of Tetris, bundled in most regions, made it an instant classic, offering portable gaming like never before.

Super Nintendo Entertainment System - August 23, 1991

With the Super Nintendo Entertainment System (SNES), Nintendo introduced 16-bit graphics to its lineup. This console featured groundbreaking titles like Super Mario World and Donkey Kong Country, becoming the best-selling console of its era due to its rich software library and generational appeal.

Virtual Boy - August 14, 1995

Perhaps Nintendo's most unconventional console, the Virtual Boy offered a unique 3D experience. Despite its innovative approach, it only saw 22 game releases and lasted a mere year on the market, selling fewer than 800,000 units.

Game Boy Pocket - September 3, 1996

A smaller, refined version of the original Game Boy, the Game Boy Pocket introduced a sharper black-and-white screen and enhanced hardware for better screen response. However, its smaller size resulted in a reduced battery life.

Nintendo 64 - September 29, 1996

Marking Nintendo's entry into 3D home console gaming, the Nintendo 64 launched with 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, complemented by various special edition releases.

Game Boy Light - April 14, 1998

Exclusive to Japan, the Game Boy Light featured a backlight for gaming in low-light conditions and boasted a longer battery life than the Game Boy Pocket. Though less known globally, it marked an important step in handheld console design.

Game Boy Color - November 18, 1998

Bringing color to handheld gaming, the Game Boy Color was backward compatible with all Game Boy games, enhancing classics like Tetris with vibrant colors. Its new hardware also spurred the release of hundreds of new games.

Game Boy Advance - June 11, 2001

With the Game Boy Advance, Nintendo transitioned to a horizontal design and introduced 16-bit graphics to its handheld lineup. Its backward compatibility with previous Game Boy titles significantly expanded its game library.

Pokémon mini - November 16, 2001

Image Credit: GamesRadarThe Pokémon mini, a compact handheld focused solely on Pokémon games, featured innovative features like a built-in clock, infrared communication, and rumble functionality. Despite its limited game library, it offered a unique gaming experience.

Nintendo GameCube - November 18, 2001

Building on the success of the Nintendo 64, the GameCube featured sequels to beloved titles like Super Mario Sunshine and The Legend of Zelda: Wind Waker. Its use of optical discs and improved controller design marked significant advancements in home console gaming.

Panasonic Q - December 14, 2001

A collaboration between Panasonic and Nintendo, the Panasonic Q combined GameCube functionality with a DVD player. Its high price and limited market appeal led to a brief two-year run.

Game Boy Advance SP - March 23, 2003

With its foldable design and rechargeable battery, the Game Boy Advance SP enhanced the original GBA experience. Later models included a backlit screen, though the omission of a headphone jack was addressed with an adapter.

Nintendo DS - November 21, 2004

Introducing Wi-Fi and a dual-screen setup with a touchscreen, the Nintendo DS marked a new era in handheld gaming. Its innovative design and unique gaming experiences propelled it to become Nintendo's best-selling console.

Game Boy Micro - September 19, 2005

Revealed at E3 2005, the Game Boy Micro surprised fans with its tiny size and adjustable backlit screen. Despite its short production run, it offered full compatibility with Game Boy and Game Boy Advance games.

Nintendo DS Lite - June 11, 2006

Slender and lighter than its predecessor, the Nintendo DS Lite boasted brighter screens and improved battery life, enhancing the original DS experience.

Nintendo Wii - November 19, 2006

Revolutionizing home console gaming with motion controls, the Nintendo Wii brought gaming to a broader audience. Its backward compatibility with GameCube games and the introduction of Virtual Console further enriched its appeal.

Nintendo DSi - November 1, 2008

Adding cameras and an SD card slot, the Nintendo DSi expanded on the DS line but removed the Game Boy Advance slot, marking a shift in handheld design.

Nintendo DSi XL - November 21, 2009

With larger screens and improved sound, the Nintendo DSi XL offered an enhanced DS gaming experience, catering to players who appreciated a bigger display.

Nintendo 3DS - March 27, 2011

Introducing stereoscopic 3D without glasses, the Nintendo 3DS built on the DS's success with a robust library of games, including titles like The Legend of Zelda: A Link Between Worlds.

Nintendo 3DS XL - August 19, 2012

With screens 90% larger than the original 3DS, the 3DS XL offered a more immersive gaming experience while retaining all the features of its predecessor.

Nintendo Wii U - November 18, 2012

As the successor to the Wii, the Wii U introduced HD gaming and the innovative GamePad controller. Despite its challenges, it featured stellar titles like Super Mario 3D World and Splatoon.

Nintendo Wii Mini - December 7, 2012

A compact version of the Wii, the Wii Mini was released at the end of the Wii's lifecycle, with some features removed to lower the cost.

Nintendo 2DS - October 12, 2013

Offering 2D gaming at a lower price point, the Nintendo 2DS played all 3DS games without 3D capabilities, making gaming more accessible to a broader audience.

New Nintendo 3DS - October 11, 2014

With added controls like the C-Stick and ZR/ZL buttons, the New Nintendo 3DS enhanced gameplay and added NFC support for amiibo, enriching the 3DS experience.

New Nintendo 3DS XL - February 13, 2015

Offering even larger screens than the New 3DS, the New 3DS XL provided a more immersive gaming experience, though it removed the ability to change face plates.

Nintendo Switch - March 3, 2017

Combining home and portable gaming, the Nintendo Switch revitalized Nintendo's market position with a stellar first-party library and innovative design.

New Nintendo 2DS XL - July 28, 2017

Upgrading the 2DS, the New 2DS XL reintroduced the clamshell design and added features like an analog stick and amiibo support, enhancing the handheld gaming experience.

Nintendo Switch Lite - September 20, 2019

Designed for handheld play only, the Nintendo Switch Lite offered a more affordable option for gamers on the go, with built-in controllers.

Nintendo Switch OLED model - October 8, 2021

Featuring a larger OLED screen and improved audio, the Nintendo Switch OLED model provided a premium handheld experience, launching alongside Metroid Dread.

Upcoming Nintendo Consoles