Nintendo has long been synonymous with video game innovation, consistently pushing the boundaries of gaming with its home consoles and treasured intellectual properties. From iconic franchises like Super Mario and The Legend of Zelda to newer hits, Nintendo's catalog continues to charm fans decades later. With the recent announcement of the Nintendo Switch 2, it's the perfect time to look back at Nintendo's rich history in the console market.

Below, we've compiled a comprehensive list of every console Nintendo has released. Take a journey through the ages and see how Nintendo has evolved and transformed the gaming landscape!

How Many Nintendo Consoles Have There Been?

In total, 32 Nintendo consoles have been released throughout Nintendo's history. The Switch 2 will be the 33rd. 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 was the Color TV-Game series, a collaboration with Mitsubishi Electronics. This initial success paved the way for Nintendo's focus on developing gaming hardware, and its impact is still felt nearly 50 years later.

Game & Watch - April 28, 1980

Nintendo entered the handheld market with the Game & Watch series, selling over 40 million units worldwide. These devices introduced innovations like the D-Pad, seen in the Donkey Kong model, and have made a notable comeback with limited edition releases celebrating Mario and Zelda.

Nintendo Entertainment System - October 18, 1985

Known as the Famicom in Japan, the Nintendo Entertainment System (NES) introduced cartridge-based gaming to North America. It launched iconic series like Super Mario, The Legend of Zelda, and Metroid, solidifying its place as a pivotal console in gaming history.

Game Boy - July 31, 1989

With the Game Boy, Nintendo revolutionized handheld gaming by introducing cartridge-based games. Famous for its bundled game Tetris, the Game Boy became a household name and a cultural phenomenon.

Super Nintendo Entertainment System - August 23, 1991

Bringing 16-bit graphics to the forefront, the Super Nintendo Entertainment System (SNES) offered evolutionary leaps for series like Super Mario World and Donkey Kong Country. Despite launching later in its generation, the SNES became the best-selling console of its time.

Virtual Boy - August 14, 1995

One of Nintendo's most unique and short-lived consoles, the Virtual Boy introduced 3D visuals to gaming. With only 22 games released, including Mario's Tennis and Virtual Boy Wario Land, it sold just under 800,000 units in its brief market life.

Game Boy Pocket - September 3, 1996

A smaller version of the Game Boy with a black-and-white screen, the Game Boy Pocket improved display response time. However, its smaller design resulted in a shorter battery life compared to the original Game Boy.

Nintendo 64 - September 29, 1996

Introducing 3D graphics to home consoles, the Nintendo 64 launched with groundbreaking titles like Super Mario 64 and The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time. Its innovative controller with an analog stick set a new standard for gaming.

Game Boy Light - April 14, 1998

Exclusive to Japan, the Game Boy Light featured a backlight for playing in low-light conditions. Despite its larger size compared to the Game Boy Pocket, it offered a longer battery life of around 20 hours.

Game Boy Color - November 18, 1998

With the Game Boy Color, Nintendo brought color to handheld gaming. Backwards-compatible with all Game Boy games, it also introduced new games that took full advantage of its color capabilities.

Game Boy Advance - June 11, 2001

A significant leap forward, the Game Boy Advance (GBA) offered a horizontal design and 16-bit graphics. Its backwards compatibility with Game Boy and Game Boy Color games expanded its library into the thousands.

Pokémon mini - November 16, 2001

Nintendo GameCube - November 18, 2001

Building on the success of the Nintendo 64, the GameCube introduced disc-based gaming and featured beloved sequels like Super Mario Sunshine and The Legend of Zelda: Wind Waker. Its influence continues with franchises like Animal Crossing.

Panasonic Q - December 14, 2001

A collaboration with Panasonic, the Panasonic Q combined a GameCube with a DVD player. Its stainless steel design and front LCD panel were striking, but high costs led to its short market life.

Game Boy Advance SP - March 23, 2003

With a hinge design and rechargeable battery, the Game Boy Advance SP improved upon its predecessor. Later models added a backlit screen, though the headphone jack was omitted.

Nintendo DS - November 21, 2004

Launching the best-selling DS line, the Nintendo DS introduced Wi-Fi support and a dual-screen design. Its touchscreen and stylus pen offered unique gaming experiences.

Game Boy Micro - September 19, 2005

Revealed at E3 2005, the Game Boy Micro was surprisingly small and featured a backlit screen with adjustable brightness. It sold 2.42 million units in 18 months.

Nintendo DS Lite - June 11, 2006

An upgrade to the original DS, the DS Lite was slimmer and lighter with brighter screens and improved battery life. It became a popular choice among gamers.

Nintendo Wii - November 19, 2006

Revitalizing Nintendo's home console market, the Wii introduced motion controls with the Wii Remote. Backwards-compatible with GameCube titles, it offered the Virtual Console for classic game downloads.

Nintendo DSi - November 1, 2008

Adding cameras and an SD card slot, the DSi was a significant revision of the DS. However, it removed the Game Boy Advance slot present in earlier models.

Nintendo DSi XL - November 21, 2009

Larger than the DSi, the DSi XL featured bigger screens and enhanced sound quality. Its design made DS games more immersive and easier to enjoy.

Nintendo 3DS - March 27, 2011

With 3D capabilities powered by stereoscopy, the 3DS offered new experiences without the need for glasses. It featured impressive 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 retained all features while enhancing the visual experience for players.

Nintendo Wii U - November 18, 2012

Featuring the GamePad with an integrated screen, the Wii U allowed for off-TV play. While it introduced HD gaming and titles like Super Mario 3D World, poor marketing led to lower sales.

Nintendo Wii Mini - December 7, 2012

Released at the end of the Wii's lifecycle, the Wii Mini was smaller and lighter but removed several features, including GameCube support and Wi-Fi connectivity.

Nintendo 2DS - October 12, 2013

Removing 3D capabilities, the 2DS offered a more affordable alternative to the 3DS. It played all 3DS titles but featured reduced sound quality.

New Nintendo 3DS - October 11, 2014

Upgrading the 3DS, the New Nintendo 3DS added new controls like the C-Stick and NFC support for amiibo. It launched in multiple regions, with North America receiving it later.

New Nintendo 3DS XL - February 13, 2015

With larger screens than the standard model, the New 3DS XL offered a more immersive experience. However, it removed the ability to change face plates.

Nintendo Switch - March 3, 2017

Combining home and portable gaming, the Nintendo Switch revolutionized the industry. With a stellar first-party library, it has seen some of the greatest games ever released.

New Nintendo 2DS XL - July 28, 2017

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

Nintendo Switch Lite - September 20, 2019

Designed for handheld play only, the Switch Lite features built-in controllers and a smaller body. Its lower price made it an attractive option for gamers.

Nintendo Switch OLED model - October 8, 2021

Featuring a larger 7-inch OLED screen, the Switch OLED model also upgraded the speakers and kickstand. It launched alongside Metroid Dread, enhancing the gaming experience.

Upcoming Nintendo Consoles

Analysts estimate the Switch 2 will cost around $400. While we've gathered all available information from the trailer, more details, including a release date, are expected at the upcoming Nintendo Direct on April 2.