List of Nintendo Consoles

This is a List of Nintendo Consoles, being updated with new consoles and hardware updates. A Nintendo console is a video game system developed by Nintendo, including home and handheld consoles like the NES, Game Boy, Wii, and Switch. Known for innovation and iconic franchises like Mario and Zelda, Nintendo consoles have shaped the gaming industry.

Home Consoles

• Color TV-Game (1977) – Nintendo’s first entry into the gaming market, the Color TV-Game series featured several dedicated consoles with built-in games, including variations of Pong.
• Nintendo Entertainment System (NES) (1983) – Known as the Famicom in Japan, the NES revived the video game industry after the 1983 crash. It introduced iconic franchises such as Super Mario Bros., The Legend of Zelda, and Metroid.
• Super Nintendo Entertainment System (SNES) (1990) – The successor to the NES, the SNES featured improved 16-bit graphics, advanced audio capabilities, and some of the most beloved games of all time, including Super Mario World, The Legend of Zelda: A Link to the Past, and Super Metroid.
• Nintendo 64 (1996) – Nintendo's first console to use 3D graphics, the N64 introduced an analog stick controller and classic titles such as Super Mario 64, The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time, and GoldenEye 007.
• Nintendo GameCube (2001) – Nintendo's first console to use optical discs, the GameCube had a unique compact design and strong first-party support with games like Super Smash Bros. Melee, Metroid Prime, and The Legend of Zelda: The Wind Waker.
• Wii (2006) – A revolutionary console that popularized motion controls and appealed to a broad audience. The Wii became one of the best-selling consoles of all time, with games like Wii Sports, Super Mario Galaxy, and The Legend of Zelda: Twilight Princess.
• Wii U (2012) – The successor to the Wii, the Wii U introduced a tablet-like controller called the GamePad. While it struggled commercially, it laid the foundation for the hybrid console concept seen in the Nintendo Switch. Notable games include Super Mario 3D World, Mario Kart 8, and Splatoon.

Handheld Consoles

• Game & Watch (1980) – A series of simple LCD handheld games that were Nintendo’s first foray into portable gaming.
• Game Boy (1989) – One of the most successful handheld systems ever, the Game Boy popularized portable gaming with a long battery life and a vast library, including Tetris and Pokémon Red and Blue.
• Game Boy Color (1998) – An upgraded version of the Game Boy featuring a color screen and backward compatibility with Game Boy games.
• Game Boy Advance (2001) – A more powerful handheld that introduced 32-bit graphics, allowing for games like Pokémon Ruby and Sapphire, Metroid Fusion, and The Legend of Zelda: The Minish Cap.
• Nintendo DS (2004) – A groundbreaking dual-screen handheld system with a touchscreen, Wi-Fi connectivity, and a vast library including Brain Age, Animal Crossing: Wild World, and New Super Mario Bros..
• Nintendo 3DS (2011) – The successor to the DS, the 3DS featured stereoscopic 3D visuals without the need for glasses and an improved online system. Notable titles include Pokémon X and Y, The Legend of Zelda: A Link Between Worlds, and Super Mario 3D Land.

Nintendo Switch

• Nintendo Switch (2017) – A hybrid console that can function both as a home console and a handheld device. It introduced detachable Joy-Con controllers and a focus on versatility, leading to massive success. Some of its best-selling games include The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild, Animal Crossing: New Horizons, and Super Mario Odyssey.
• Nintendo Switch Lite (2019) – A handheld-only version of the Nintendo Switch with a more compact design and integrated controls.
• Nintendo Switch OLED Model (2021) – An upgraded version of the Switch featuring a vibrant OLED display, enhanced speakers, and a redesigned dock.
• Nintendo Switch 2 (2025) – The successor of the Nintendo Switch.

Historical Order of Nintendo Consoles

1. Color TV-Game (1977) 2. Game & Watch (1980) 3. Nintendo Entertainment System (1983) 4. Game Boy (1989) 5. Super Nintendo Entertainment System (1990) 6. Virtual Boy (1995) 7. Nintendo 64 (1996) 8. Game Boy Color (1998) 9. Game Boy Advance (2001) 10. Nintendo GameCube (2001) 11. Nintendo DS (2004) 12. Wii (2006) 13. Nintendo 3DS (2011) 14. Wii U (2012) 15. Nintendo Switch (2017) 16. Nintendo Switch Lite (2019) 17. Nintendo Switch OLED Model (2021) 18. Nintendo Switch 2 (2025)

Legacy

Nintendo’s consoles have been instrumental in shaping the gaming industry, introducing innovations such as motion controls, touchscreen gaming, and hybrid functionality. The company continues to lead the industry with its unique approach to hardware and software development.

See Also

• Nintendo
• List of Nintendo games
• Nintendo Switch
• Super Mario

References

• [IGN - All Nintendo Console Release Dates in Order](https://www.ign.com/articles/all-nintendo-console-release-dates-in-order?utm_source=chatgpt.com)
• [The Guardian - What to Expect When Nintendo Announces the Switch 2](https://www.theguardian.com/games/2025/jan/15/greater-power-magnetic-controllers-and-backwards-compatibility-what-to-expect-when-nintendo-announces-the-switch-2?utm_source=chatgpt.com)
• [Wired - Nintendo Switch 2 Announcement](https://www.wired.com/story/switch-2-announcement-nintendo?utm_source=chatgpt.com)
• [The Times - Nintendo Switch 2: Specs, Price, Pre-order Date](https://www.thetimes.co.uk/article/nintendo-switch-2-specs-price-release-date-lzhj3mqb9?utm_source=chatgpt.com)