Nintendo Consoles: Complete Release Date Timeline

Nintendo stands as a towering figure in the world of video games, renowned for its pioneering spirit and groundbreaking innovations in the home console market. With a rich history of beloved intellectual properties that continue to captivate audiences decades after their initial release, Nintendo shows no signs of slowing down, especially with the recent announcement of the Nintendo Switch 2. As we eagerly anticipate the next chapter in Nintendo's storied journey, let's take a nostalgic look back at the evolution of their consoles and how they've shaped the gaming industry.

Below, we've meticulously cataloged every console Nintendo has ever released. Embark on a journey through time and explore how Nintendo has continuously pushed the boundaries of gaming technology and entertainment.

In total, 32 Nintendo consoles have been released throughout the company's illustrious history, with the upcoming Switch 2 set to be the 33rd. This count includes various revision models of both home and handheld consoles, such as those branded as XL or Mini.

Latest Model### Nintendo Switch OLED (Neon Blue & Red)

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Every Nintendo Console in Order of Release

Color TV-Game - June 1, 1977

Nintendo's initial venture into the realm of gaming hardware began with the Color TV-Game series. A collaboration with Mitsubishi Electronics, this series marked Nintendo's first steps into hardware development, setting the stage for future innovations. The success of these systems was a pivotal moment, steering Nintendo's focus towards gaming hardware and laying the foundation for its enduring legacy.

Game & Watch - April 28, 1980

Nintendo's foray into the handheld market began with the Game & Watch series, each unit featuring a unique game. These devices, selling over 40 million units worldwide, introduced innovations like the D-Pad, which became a staple in gaming. Their impact is still felt today, with Nintendo reviving the series in limited editions to celebrate iconic franchises like Mario and Zelda.

Nintendo Entertainment System - October 18, 1985

The Nintendo Entertainment System (NES), known as the Family Computer (Famicom) in Japan, was the first Nintendo console to make waves in North America. It revolutionized gaming with its cartridge system, allowing players to build a library of games. This console birthed many iconic Nintendo franchises, including Super Mario, The Legend of Zelda, and Metroid, cementing its place as a cornerstone in video game history.

Game Boy - July 31, 1989

The Game Boy was Nintendo's first true handheld console, released in North America during the summer of 1989. It advanced beyond the Game & Watch by introducing cartridge-based gaming, enabling a vast library of games. Tetris, often bundled with the console, became synonymous with the Game Boy's success.

Super Nintendo Entertainment System - August 23, 1991

The Super Nintendo Entertainment System (SNES) introduced 16-bit graphics to Nintendo's lineup, heralding a new era of gaming. It featured significant evolutions of major series, including Super Mario World and Donkey Kong Country. Despite a later launch, the SNES became the best-selling console of its generation, driven by its exceptional software offerings.

Virtual Boy - August 14, 1995

The Virtual Boy stands out as one of Nintendo's most unusual consoles, offering 3D visuals without the need for glasses. Despite its innovative approach, it saw limited success, with only 22 games released and less than 800,000 units sold during its short market life.

Game Boy Pocket - September 3, 1996

The Game Boy Pocket was a refined version of the original Game Boy, featuring a clearer black-and-white screen and improved response time. While smaller, it offered a shorter battery life compared to its predecessor.

Nintendo 64 - September 29, 1996

Nintendo 64 introduced 3D graphics to Nintendo's home console market, revolutionizing gameplay with titles like Super Mario 64 and The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time. Its innovative controller with an analog stick set new standards for player interaction, and its various special editions became collector's items.

Game Boy Light - April 14, 1998

Exclusive to Japan, the Game Boy Light added a backlight for low-light gaming, extending battery life to around 20 hours. Despite its limited release, it was a significant improvement over the Game Boy Pocket.

Game Boy Color - November 18, 1998

The Game Boy Color brought vibrant colors to Nintendo's handhelds, with backward compatibility ensuring a seamless transition for existing Game Boy owners. It revitalized classics like Tetris and introduced a plethora of new games.

Game Boy Advance - June 11, 2001

The Game Boy Advance (GBA) represented a significant leap forward, introducing 16-bit graphics in a horizontal format. Its backward compatibility with earlier Game Boy titles expanded its library into the thousands.

Pokémon mini - November 16, 2001

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The Pokémon mini was a tiny, Pokémon-focused handheld that offered unique features like a built-in clock and rumble. Despite its limited game selection, it was a charming addition to the Game Boy family.

Nintendo GameCube - November 18, 2001

The Nintendo GameCube followed up on the N64's success with beloved sequels and new franchises. It transitioned from cartridges to discs and introduced an improved controller with rumble and analog triggers. Its legacy continues with enduring series like Animal Crossing.

Panasonic Q - December 14, 2001

A collaboration with Panasonic, the Panasonic Q combined a GameCube with a DVD player, offering a unique entertainment solution. Despite its innovative design, it struggled with sales and was discontinued after two years.

Game Boy Advance SP - March 23, 2003

The Game Boy Advance SP introduced a foldable design, rechargeable battery, and a backlit screen, significantly enhancing the handheld gaming experience. Its lack of a headphone jack was mitigated by an available adapter.

Nintendo DS - November 21, 2004

The Nintendo DS marked the beginning of Nintendo's best-selling console line. Its dual-screen design and touch capabilities offered unique gaming experiences, setting it apart from competitors.

Game Boy Micro - September 19, 2005

The Game Boy Micro, revealed by Reggie Fils-Aimé at E3 2005, was remarkably compact. Its backlit screen and compatibility with earlier Game Boy games made it a favorite among enthusiasts.

Nintendo DS Lite - June 11, 2006

The Nintendo DS Lite refined the original DS, offering a slimmer design, brighter screens, and improved battery life. It quickly became a popular choice among gamers.

Nintendo Wii - November 19, 2006

The Nintendo Wii revitalized the home console market with its motion controls, attracting a broad audience. Its backward compatibility with GameCube titles and the Virtual Console service further enhanced its appeal.

Nintendo DSi - November 1, 2008

The Nintendo DSi introduced cameras and an SD card slot, enhancing the DS experience. However, it removed the Game Boy Advance slot, marking a shift in handheld design.

Nintendo DSi XL - November 21, 2009

The DSi XL featured larger screens and improved audio, making DS games more enjoyable. Its bigger battery also allowed for extended play sessions.

Nintendo 3DS - March 27, 2011

The Nintendo 3DS offered 3D gaming without glasses, powered by stereoscopy. It built on the success of the DS with titles like The Legend of Zelda: A Link Between Worlds and Super Mario 3D Land.

Nintendo 3DS XL - August 19, 2012

The 3DS XL provided a 90% larger screen than the original 3DS, enhancing the gaming experience without sacrificing any features.

Nintendo Wii U - November 18, 2012

The Wii U, despite its innovative GamePad, struggled with marketing and sales. It offered HD gaming and a robust library, including titles like Super Mario 3D World and Splatoon.

Nintendo Wii Mini - December 7, 2012

The Wii Mini was a streamlined version of the Wii, released at the end of its lifecycle. It omitted several features, including GameCube support and Wi-Fi connectivity.

Nintendo 2DS - October 12, 2013

The 2DS offered a cost-effective alternative to the 3DS, removing the 3D feature and adopting a flat design. It maintained compatibility with all 3DS games.

New Nintendo 3DS - October 11, 2014

The New Nintendo 3DS added new controls and amiibo support, enhancing the 3DS experience. Its release was staggered globally, with North America receiving it later.

New Nintendo 3DS XL - February 13, 2015

The New 3DS XL offered larger screens and the new features of the New 3DS, though it removed the ability to swap face plates. Special editions provided customization options.

Nintendo Switch - March 3, 2017

The Nintendo Switch combined home and portable gaming, revolutionizing the industry. Its extensive first-party library and special editions have made it a phenomenal success.

New Nintendo 2DS XL - July 28, 2017

The New 2DS XL added an analog stick, shoulder buttons, and amiibo support, while returning to the clamshell design. It could also play New 3DS titles.

Nintendo Switch Lite - September 20, 2019

The Switch Lite offered a more affordable, handheld-only option, with built-in controllers and a smaller screen. It catered to gamers looking for a portable experience without the need for docking.

Nintendo Switch OLED model - October 8, 2021

The Switch OLED model upgraded the screen size and quality, along with improved speakers and a new dock. It was a premium addition to the Switch family.

Upcoming Nintendo Consoles

After years of speculation, Nintendo officially unveiled the Switch 2. The reveal trailer showcased a new method for attaching Joy-Cons, a larger screen, and an additional USB-C port. The potential to use Joy-Cons as a mouse and the promise of a new Mario Kart with 24-player support are exciting developments. The console is set to be "mostly" backward compatible, supporting both physical and digital games.

Analysts estimate the Switch 2 will be priced around $400. We've gathered all known details from the trailer, but more information, including a release date, will be shared during a Nintendo Direct scheduled for April 2.

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