Nintendo has been at the forefront of gaming innovation for decades, creating consoles that not only define generations but also revolutionize how we play and experience games. From the groundbreaking NES that revived the gaming industry in the 1980s to the Switch, which seamlessly blends home and portable gaming, each Nintendo console represents a leap forward in creativity and technology. On this page, you’ll find a detailed exploration of every console Nintendo has ever released, including home systems, handhelds, and unique hardware like the Virtual Boy. Discover the stories behind their development, the iconic games they introduced, and the cultural impact they’ve had on gamers around the globe. Whether you’re revisiting classics or learning about them for the first time, this is your definitive list to the evolution of Nintendo consoles.
Color TV-Game Series (1977–1980)
Nintendo's first foray into gaming hardware. These standalone units featured built-in games, such as "Light Tennis" and "Racing 112."
Nintendo Entertainment System (NES) (1983)
Known as the Famicom in Japan, this console revived the gaming industry with classics like Super Mario Bros. and The Legend of Zelda.
Super Nintendo Entertainment System (SNES) (1990)
A 16-bit powerhouse that introduced enhanced graphics, sound, and iconic games like Super Mario World and Donkey Kong Country.
Nintendo 64 (N64) (1996)
A 64-bit console famous for its 3D gameplay and classics like Super Mario 64 and The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time.
Nintendo GameCube (2001)
Known for its compact design and mini-discs, the GameCube brought games like Super Smash Bros. Melee and Metroid Prime.
Nintendo Wii (2006)
A motion-control revolution that made gaming accessible to all with titles like Wii Sports and The Legend of Zelda: Twilight Princess.
Nintendo Wii U (2012)
Introduced the GamePad, a tablet-like controller, and brought us games like Super Mario 3D World.
Nintendo Switch (2017)
A hybrid console that seamlessly transitions between handheld and docked modes, with hits like The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild.
Game & Watch Series (1980–1991)
Nintendo’s first handhelds, featuring simple LCD screens and one game per device.
Game Boy (1989)
A portable gaming phenomenon with titles like Tetris and Pokémon Red and Blue.
Game Boy Pocket (1996): A slimmer version of the original.
Game Boy Light (1998): Added a backlit screen (Japan only).
Game Boy Color (1998)
Introduced color graphics and backwards compatibility with the original Game Boy.
Game Boy Advance (2001)
A 32-bit handheld with a wider screen and games like Pokémon Ruby and Sapphire.
Game Boy Advance SP (2003): Added a clamshell design and backlit screen.
Game Boy Micro (2005): A compact version of the GBA.
Nintendo DS (2004)
A dual-screen handheld with a touchscreen, featuring Nintendogs and Mario Kart DS.
Nintendo DS Lite (2006): A slimmer, brighter redesign.
Nintendo DSi (2008): Added cameras and an online store.
Nintendo DSi XL (2009): Larger screens for better visibility.
Nintendo 3DS (2011)
Introduced glasses-free 3D gaming with titles like Animal Crossing: New Leaf.
Nintendo 3DS XL (2012): Larger screens and better battery life.
Nintendo 2DS (2013): A budget-friendly version without 3D functionality.
New Nintendo 3DS (2014): Improved processing power and additional controls.
New Nintendo 3DS XL (2014): Larger version of the New 3DS.
New Nintendo 2DS XL (2017): Combines the clamshell design with 2D-only functionality.
Nintendo Switch Lite (2019)
A smaller, handheld-only version of the Nintendo Switch.
Nintendo Switch OLED Model (2021)
Features an improved OLED screen, enhanced audio, and a redesigned dock.
Other Notable Hardware
Virtual Boy (1995)
A short-lived console that attempted 3D visuals but struggled with its red-and-black display and lack of software.
Nintendo Classic Mini Consoles
NES Classic Edition (2016): A mini version of the NES with 30 built-in games.
SNES Classic Edition (2017): A mini version of the SNES with 21 built-in games, including Star Fox 2.