Nintendo Console Release Dates: A Comprehensive History
Author: Aurora
May 04,2025
Nintendo stands as a beacon in the annals of video game history, renowned for its pioneering spirit and relentless innovation within the home console market. From its inception, Nintendo has captivated gamers with its rich catalog of beloved intellectual properties, many of which continue to enchant audiences decades later. As the company gears up for the release of the much-anticipated Nintendo Switch 2, it's an opportune moment to reflect on the legacy of this gaming titan and explore the evolution of its console offerings.
Below, we've meticulously compiled a comprehensive list of every console Nintendo has ever launched, inviting you on a nostalgic journey through the company's storied past. Discover how Nintendo has consistently pushed the boundaries of the gaming industry, revolutionizing the way we play and experience video games.
AnswerSee Results*Looking to save on a new Nintendo Switch or new titles for your system? Be sure to check out the best Nintendo deals available today.*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 entry. This count includes revision models for both home and handheld consoles, encompassing various brandings like 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 initial foray into gaming hardware came with the Color TV-Game series, a pioneering effort that might not be widely recognized today. This was a collaborative venture with Mitsubishi Electronics, as Nintendo lacked experience in hardware development at the time. The Color TV-Game systems were a resounding success and set the stage for Nintendo's future in gaming hardware. Their impact resonates even today, as Nintendo continues to innovate in the gaming industry.
Game & Watch - April 28, 1980
Nintendo ventured into the handheld market with the Game & Watch series, each unit featuring a unique game. Although it might not seem significant now, the series sold over 40 million units globally. The Game & Watch introduced gaming innovations that are still in use today, such as the D-Pad seen in the Donkey Kong model. The series made a nostalgic return in 2020 and 2021 with limited edition releases celebrating 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) was Nintendo's first home console released in North America. It revolutionized gaming with its cartridge system, allowing players to expand their library effortlessly. Many of Nintendo's iconic franchises, including Super Mario, The Legend of Zelda, and Metroid, debuted on this platform. The NES remains a cornerstone 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 marked Nintendo's first dedicated handheld console. It advanced beyond the Game & Watch by incorporating cartridges, enabling players to enjoy a wide array of games. Tetris, famously bundled with the system in most regions except Japan, became synonymous with the Game Boy's success.
Super Nintendo Entertainment System - August 23, 1991
With the Super Nintendo Entertainment System (SNES), Nintendo introduced 16-bit graphics to its home consoles. This era saw significant evolutions in Nintendo's flagship series, with titles like Super Mario World and Donkey Kong Country becoming cultural phenomena. Despite entering the market late in its generation, the SNES's exceptional game lineup made it the best-selling console of its time.
Virtual Boy - August 14, 1995
Perhaps Nintendo's most unconventional console, the Virtual Boy offered the first true 3D gaming experience without glasses. Despite its innovative approach, only 22 games were released for the system, with highlights like Mario's Tennis and Virtual Boy Wario Land. Its brief market presence ended after just one year, with sales totaling just under 800,000 units.
Game Boy Pocket - September 3, 1996
As a compact version of the Game Boy, the Game Boy Pocket featured a clearer black-and-white screen, a significant improvement over the original's green-tinted display. The new hardware enhanced the screen's response time, though its smaller size led to a shorter battery life compared to its predecessor.
Nintendo 64 - September 29, 1996
With the Nintendo 64, Nintendo brought 3D graphics to its home consoles for the first time. Iconic titles like Super Mario 64 and The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time redefined gaming. The console's unique controller introduced the analog stick, and Nintendo offered various special editions, including translucent models, enhancing its appeal.
Game Boy Light - April 14, 1998
Exclusively released in Japan, the Game Boy Light featured a backlight, allowing play in low-light conditions. Larger than the Game Boy Pocket, it boasted a longer battery life of around 20 hours, making it a practical choice for extended gaming sessions.
Game Boy Color - November 18, 1998
Introducing color to Nintendo's handhelds, the Game Boy Color was backward compatible with existing Game Boy games, offering an easy upgrade path. Some games, like Tetris, were enhanced with vibrant colors. The new hardware spurred the release of hundreds of new titles specifically designed for the system.
Game Boy Advance - June 11, 2001
Marking a significant leap for the Game Boy line, the Game Boy Advance (GBA) adopted a horizontal, rectangular design and brought 16-bit graphics to handheld gaming. It supported Game Boy and Game Boy Color games through backward compatibility, expanding the available library to thousands of titles.
Pokémon mini - November 16, 2001
Image Credit: GamesRadarThe Pokémon mini, launched in 2001, focused exclusively on Pokémon games. Its compact size allowed for easy portability, though only 10 games were ever released, with just four making it to North America. The console featured a clock, infrared communication, and built-in rumble.
Nintendo GameCube - November 18, 2001
Building on the Nintendo 64's success, the GameCube introduced sequels to beloved franchises, including Super Mario Sunshine and The Legend of Zelda: Wind Waker. It shifted from cartridges to discs and featured an improved controller with built-in rumble and analog triggers. The GameCube's legacy endures, with franchises like Animal Crossing gaining immense popularity.
Panasonic Q - December 14, 2001
A collaboration between Panasonic and Nintendo, the Panasonic Q combined a GameCube with a DVD player. Its sleek stainless steel design and front LCD panel were distinctive, though its high price led to limited sales and a short market lifespan of two years.
Game Boy Advance SP - March 23, 2003
As the first revision of the Game Boy Advance, the GBA SP introduced a clamshell design, placing the screen on the top and controls on the bottom. It featured a rechargeable battery and a backlit screen in later models, though it omitted a headphone jack, requiring an adapter for audio output.
Nintendo DS - November 21, 2004
Launching the DS line, Nintendo's best-selling console series, the Nintendo DS introduced Wi-Fi connectivity and a unique dual-screen design. The bottom touchscreen, used with a stylus, enabled novel gaming experiences that set it apart from competitors.
Game Boy Micro - September 19, 2005
Revealed by Reggie Fils-Aimé at E3 2005, the Game Boy Micro's small size and sleek design were notable. It was backward compatible with Game Boy and Game Boy Color games, and its backlit screen offered adjustable brightness. Despite its appeal, it sold only 2.42 million units before production ceased.
Nintendo DS Lite - June 11, 2006
As the first revision of the Nintendo DS, the DS Lite was slimmer and lighter, with brighter screens and improved battery life. These enhancements made it more enjoyable to play in various lighting conditions, extending the console's appeal.
Nintendo Wii - November 19, 2006
Revitalizing Nintendo's home console market, the Wii introduced motion controls via the innovative Wii Remote. Accessories like the Nunchuk and Wii MotionPlus expanded gameplay possibilities. The Wii was backward compatible with GameCube games and introduced the Virtual Console, allowing digital purchases of classic titles.
Nintendo DSi - November 1, 2008
As the second major revision of the DS, the DSi added cameras and an SD card slot for additional storage. However, it removed the Game Boy Advance slot, marking a shift away from backward compatibility with older handhelds.
Nintendo DSi XL - November 21, 2009
Larger than the DSi, the DSi XL featured wider screens and improved audio. Its enhanced battery life and larger displays made Nintendo DS games more immersive and enjoyable.
Nintendo 3DS - March 27, 2011
As the successor to the DS, the 3DS introduced stereoscopic 3D without glasses, a technology previously used in the short-lived Virtual Boy. It offered a robust library, including standout titles like The Legend of Zelda: A Link Between Worlds and Super Mario 3D Land.
Nintendo 3DS XL - August 19, 2012
Featuring screens 90% larger than the original 3DS, the 3DS XL enhanced the gaming experience while retaining all the features of its predecessor. Its larger screens made games more visually engaging, especially the bottom touchscreen.
Nintendo Wii U - November 18, 2012
Following the Wii, the Wii U introduced the GamePad, a controller with a built-in screen for off-TV play. It supported HD graphics and was backward compatible with Wii games and accessories. Despite strong titles like Super Mario 3D World and Splatoon, marketing challenges and confusion led to underwhelming sales.
Nintendo Wii Mini - December 7, 2012
Released at the end of the Wii's lifecycle, the Wii Mini was smaller and lighter, featuring a top-loading disc drive. It omitted GameCube support, Wi-Fi, 480p resolution, and SD card slots, focusing on a streamlined gaming experience.
Nintendo 2DS - October 12, 2013
Designed as a more affordable alternative, the 2DS removed the 3D capability of the 3DS, adopting a flat, square-like design. It played all 3DS games, though with reduced audio quality due to a mono speaker. Its lower price made it an attractive entry point for new gamers.
New Nintendo 3DS - October 11, 2014
Upgrading the 3DS, the New Nintendo 3DS added the C-Stick, ZR and ZL buttons, and NFC support for amiibo. It launched in Japan, Australia, and Europe in late 2014 to early 2015, with a North American release following in September 2015.
New Nintendo 3DS XL - February 13, 2015
With larger screens than the New 3DS, the New 3DS XL offered an even more immersive gaming experience. It removed the ability to change face plates, though Nintendo provided various special editions to compensate for the lack of customization.
Nintendo Switch - March 3, 2017
Realizing the vision of the Wii U, the Nintendo Switch combined home and portable gaming into one device. Its versatility allowed for console-quality experiences on the go, backed by an exceptional first-party game library and numerous special editions.
New Nintendo 2DS XL - July 28, 2017
An updated version of the 2DS, the 2DS XL reintroduced the clamshell design and added an analog stick, shoulder buttons, and amiibo support. It also played New 3DS titles, expanding the gaming options for budget-conscious players.
Nintendo Switch Lite - September 20, 2019
Designed for handheld gaming, the Switch Lite featured a smaller 5.5-inch LCD screen and integrated controllers, removing the need for detachable Joy-Cons. This allowed for a lower price point, making it an attractive option for gamers on the go.
Nintendo Switch OLED model - October 8, 2021
Launched alongside Metroid Dread, the Switch OLED model upgraded to a 7-inch OLED screen, enhanced speakers, and an improved kickstand. It also introduced a new dock with rounded corners and a built-in LAN port, enhancing the overall gaming experience.
Upcoming Nintendo Consoles
After years of anticipation and speculation, Nintendo has officially unveiled the Nintendo Switch 2. The reveal trailer showcases a new method of attaching Joy-Cons, a larger screen, and an additional USB-C port. The Joy-Con can also function as a mouse, hinting at potential new gameplay mechanics in upcoming titles. The trailer teases what appears to be a new Mario Kart game supporting 24 players on the track and confirms that the console will be "mostly" backward compatible, supporting both physical and digital games.Analysts and leaks suggest the Switch 2 might be priced around $400. We've gathered all available information from the trailer, but more details, including a release date, are expected during a Nintendo Direct scheduled for April 2.
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