A Comprehensive Timeline of Release Dates

When you think of iconic names in the world of video games, Nintendo is likely the first to come to mind. This legendary company has been a pioneer in the realm of home gaming consoles since its inception. With an enviable collection of beloved characters and franchises, Nintendo continues to charm fans, even decades after their creation. As we anticipate the launch of the Switch 2, it’s a perfect time to journey through Nintendo’s rich history in the console market.

We’ve compiled a list of every console Nintendo has ever debuted. As you explore this timeline, you’ll witness Nintendo’s relentless drive to innovate and shape the gaming world as we know it.

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Over the years, Nintendo has introduced 32 consoles, with the forthcoming Switch 2 marking the 33rd. Our list includes revisions and variations of both their home and handheld consoles, encompassing models like the XL and Mini.

Every Nintendo Console in Order of Release

Color TV-Game – June 1, 1977

Nintendo’s journey in gaming hardware began with the Color TV-Game series, a collaboration with Mitsubishi Electronics due to Nintendo’s then-nascent hardware development skills. These systems turned out to be a massive hit, steering Nintendo towards developing more advanced gaming systems. Even today, nearly five decades later, the legacy of the Color TV-Game is evident as Nintendo remains a formidable force in gaming.

Game & Watch – April 28, 1980

Venturing into the handheld gaming market, Nintendo introduced the Game & Watch series, each device offering a unique game. Surprisingly, these little gadgets sold over 40 million units globally. They pioneered features still used today, like the D-Pad introduced with the Donkey Kong Game & Watch. To celebrate the anniversaries of franchises like Mario and Zelda, Nintendo re-released limited edition Game & Watch models in 2020 and 2021.

Nintendo Entertainment System – October 18, 1985

Arriving in North America as the Nintendo Entertainment System (NES) and known as the Family Computer (Famicom) in Japan, this console revolutionized gaming with its cartridge-based system. Iconic series such as Super Mario, The Legend of Zelda, and Metroid were born here, leaving a lasting impact on gaming that echoes through to modern times.

Game Boy – July 31, 1989

Released in the summer of 1989, the Game Boy established Nintendo as a leader in handheld gaming. With its cartridge system, players could enjoy a wide array of games on the go. The console’s most famous title, Tetris, was bundled with the Game Boy worldwide, except in Japan.

Super Nintendo Entertainment System – August 23, 1991

The Super Nintendo Entertainment System (SNES) introduced Nintendo’s first foray into 16-bit graphics. This system played host to legendary games like Super Mario World and Donkey Kong Country, securing its place as the best-selling console of its era despite launching later in the generation.

Virtual Boy – August 14, 1995

The Virtual Boy was Nintendo’s boldest venture into 3D gaming with portable consoles. Although it only hosted 22 games and sold less than 800,000 units before its discontinuation, it was revolutionary for its time, featuring 3D visuals.

Game Boy Pocket – September 3, 1996

Sporting a more compact design than the original Game Boy, the Game Boy Pocket boasted a sharper black-and-white screen and reduced size but sacrificed battery life for its portability.

Nintendo 64 – September 29, 1996

Marking Nintendo’s first foray into full 3D graphics, the Nintendo 64 introduced games like Super Mario 64 and The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time that reshaped gaming landscapes. With a pioneering controller featuring the first analog stick, this console became a nostalgic artifact with its various special editions.

Game Boy Light – April 14, 1998

Exclusively released in Japan, the Game Boy Light was Nintendo’s answer to low-light gaming with its backlit screen, offering longer battery life than the Game Boy Pocket.

Game Boy Color – November 18, 1998

This console introduced vibrant color to Nintendo’s portable gaming devices while maintaining backward compatibility with older Game Boy titles, allowing a fresh experience for classics.

Game Boy Advance – June 11, 2001

A significant technological leap forward, the Game Boy Advance shifted to a horizontal design, offering 16-bit graphics and backward compatibility, opening up a vast library of games to its users.

Pokémon mini – November 16, 2001

Focused on Pokémon titles, the Pokémon mini was a petite console that hosted a mere 10 games, only four of which reached North America, and included features like an internal clock and built-in rumble.

Nintendo GameCube – November 18, 2001

The GameCube continued Nintendo’s legacy with titles such as Super Mario Sunshine and The Legend of Zelda: Wind Waker. Transitioning to discs, the console featured a refined controller layout and remains celebrated today.

Panasonic Q – December 14, 2001

A unique collaboration with Panasonic, the Q combined GameCube gaming with DVD playback features, but its high price led to its short-lived market presence.

Game Boy Advance SP – March 23, 2003

The GBA SP revisited the clamshell design, improving screen lighting and introducing a rechargeable battery, marking a shift from previous handheld designs.

Nintendo DS – November 21, 2004

With its dual screens and Wi-Fi capabilities, the Nintendo DS transformed handheld gaming, offering an array of games that capitalized on its innovative design.

Game Boy Micro – September 19, 2005

Revealed at E3 2005, this compact version of the GBA introduced adjustable brightness and a sleek design, though its market run was short.

Nintendo DS Lite – June 11, 2006

The slimmed-down DS Lite brought brighter screens and extended battery life, enhancing the DS’s portability.

Nintendo Wii – November 19, 2006

Heralding a new era of motion-controlled gaming, the Nintendo Wii captivated audiences with its novel remote design and extensive accessory lineup, alongside a backward-compatible library.

Nintendo DSi – November 1, 2008

Adding cameras and SD card support, the DSi improved the DS while removing the Game Boy Advance slot.

Nintendo DSi XL – November 21, 2009

Offering larger screens and improved battery life, the DSi XL provided a more immersive experience for DS games.

Nintendo 3DS – March 27, 2011

With stereoscopic 3D capabilities that required no eyewear, the 3DS introduced new hardware advancements and a library of notable titles.

Nintendo 3DS XL – August 19, 2012

Building on the 3DS’s technology, the XL model’s larger screens offered enhanced gameplay visibility.

Nintendo Wii U – November 18, 2012

The Wii U’s GamePad introduced dual-screen gaming and marked Nintendo’s first leap into HD gaming, though it struggled in the market due to consumer confusion.

Nintendo Wii Mini – December 7, 2012

A budget-friendly, compact version of the Wii, the Mini removed key features like GameCube compatibility and Wi-Fi.

Nintendo 2DS – October 12, 2013

This console eliminated the 3D feature of the 3DS and opted for a flat design, maintaining most features at a budget price.

New Nintendo 3DS – October 11, 2014

Enhancements like new controls and NFC support offered an upgraded experience, albeit delayed in reaching North American markets.

New Nintendo 3DS XL – February 13, 2015

With even larger displays, this model removed customizable faceplates but provided special edition options.

Nintendo Switch – March 3, 2017

Successfully combining home and portable gaming, the Switch revitalized Nintendo’s console offerings with a stellar lineup of games and versatile play options.

New Nintendo 2DS XL – July 28, 2017

This console reintroduced the clamshell design to the 2DS, adding new features like amiibo support and an analog stick.

Nintendo Switch Lite – September 20, 2019

This compact Switch variant was dedicated to handheld gaming, omitting TV connectivity to offer a more affordable price.

Nintendo Switch OLED Model – October 8, 2021

Featuring an enhanced OLED screen and improved audio, the Switch OLED Model brought a premium touch to the Switch lineup.

Nintendo Switch 2 – June 5, 2025

Set to release with a host of upgrades, the Switch 2 promises enhanced graphics, more significant storage, and innovative magnetic Joy-Cons, with pre-orders set to open soon.

Upcoming Nintendo Switch Consoles

As the gaming world gears up for the Switch 2 release, speculation abounds about possible future variations akin to the previous Switch models. Whether or not these become reality, there’s plenty to look forward to with the upcoming system.

Noah Hunter, a gaming enthusiast and co-founder of Final Weapon, brings you this deep dive into Nintendo’s illustrious console history.