A Comprehensive Timeline of Release Dates

When it comes to video games, few names are as iconic and instantly recognizable as Nintendo. From stepping into the console arena, this gaming giant has consistently been a beacon of innovation and creativity. It’s been several years since their inception, yet many of Nintendo’s beloved franchises still resonate with the charm they had decades ago. Now, with the much-anticipated release of the Switch 2 just around the corner, it’s the perfect time to reflect on Nintendo’s rich history in the console business.

Here’s a complete rundown of every console Nintendo has ever launched. Travel back in time with us and see firsthand how this trailblazing company has shaped the world of gaming!

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Throughout its history, Nintendo has introduced a total of 32 consoles. The upcoming Switch 2 will be their 33rd entry. This list covers every iteration, including different versions and models of both home and handheld systems, labeled with names like XL and Mini.

The first system Nintendo ever created was the Color TV-Game, a project from the collaboration between Nintendo and Mitsubishi Electronics—a necessity given Nintendo’s inexperience in hardware at the time. Despite being simple, this series gained massive popularity and set Nintendo on its path to becoming a major player in the gaming hardware market. Nearly half a century later, the Color TV-Game’s influence remains palpable, as Nintendo invests heavily in gaming innovation.

Jumping into the portable scene, Nintendo released the Game & Watch series, which packed different individual games in each device. Despite their simplicity, these handhelds chalked up impressive sales, moving over 40 million units globally. They even introduced the D-Pad, now an essential gaming feature. To celebrate this legacy, Nintendo released limited edition models in the 2020s honoring Mario and Zelda.

In 1985, Nintendo launched the Nintendo Entertainment System (NES) in North America—known as the Family Computer (Famicom) elsewhere. This groundbreaking system used cartridges, allowing players to swap games effortlessly. Many iconic franchises got their start here, including Super Mario, Zelda, and Metroid. The NES isn’t just a highlight of gaming past; it laid the groundwork for future generations of consoles.

A few years later, in 1989, the Game Boy burst onto the scene, redefining portable gaming. Unlike the standalone Game & Watch, the Game Boy could play a myriad of games, thanks to its cartridge system. Tetris, the bundled game, became legendary during this era.

Then came the Super Nintendo Entertainment System (SNES) in 1991, stepping up the game with 16-bit graphics. Titles like Super Mario World and Donkey Kong Country pushed previous boundaries, and despite its late entry into its generation, the SNES emerged victorious by the era’s end.

A different chapter in Nintendo’s timeline, the Virtual Boy of 1995, introduced 3D visuals, yet its brief lifespan and limited game library resulted in fewer than 800,000 sales.

Pocket-sized gaming evolved with the Game Boy Pocket in 1996, boasting an improved screen and hardware for quicker response, though at the cost of battery life.

That same year, the Nintendo 64 (N64) revolutionized gaming with 3D graphics and introduced seminal games like Super Mario 64 and Zelda: Ocarina of Time. Unique translucent editions of the console added to its allure.

Specific to Japan, the Game Boy Light followed in 1998, featuring a backlight for gaming in darker environments, which extended its battery life beyond the Pocket version.

The Game Boy Color, releasing that same year, finally offered vibrant, full-color gaming. Its backward compatibility of black and white games sweetened the upgrade.

Nintendo took another leap with the Game Boy Advance (GBA) in 2001, bringing 16-bit handheld gaming and adopting a new horizontal design. Compatibility with previous Game Boy titles meant players had a vast library at their fingertips.

The ultra-compact Pokémon mini of 2001, despite its size, offered unique Pokémon experiences through a handful of games and innovative features like rumble and infrared communication.

Following shortly, the GameCube released in late 2001. This console swapped out cartridges for discs, offering enhanced graphics and top-tier games like Super Mario Sunshine. Its controller design has left a lasting impact, and series originating here, like Animal Crossing, have become Nintendo staples.

Sharing the stage with the GameCube, the Panasonic Q featured a sleek metallic design and DVD capabilities, but its steep price and short life led to limited sales.

When the Game Boy Advance SP arrived in 2003, it brought remarkable enhancements like a built-in light and rechargeable battery, although it omitted a headphone jack.

By 2004, the Nintendo DS was reshaping handheld gaming with its dual screens and Wi-Fi support. Its touch interface opened new gameplay avenues previously unimaginable.

The Game Boy Micro, released in 2005, was distinct for its diminutive size and bright backlit screen, though its small frame and niche focus limited its sales.

The DS evolution continued with the DS Lite in 2006, streamlining the design and enhancing battery performance, further solidifying the console’s massive popularity.

Nintendo delivered another game-changer in 2006 with the Wii, notable for its motion-sensing controls. The Virtual Console feature allowed players to relive classic experiences digitally.

Fast forward to 2008, and the addition of dual cameras and an SD slot made the Nintendo DSi a notable revision, albeit without backwards compatibility with the Game Boy Advance.

A year later, the DSi XL amplified the experience with larger screens, improving viewability and sound quality substantially.

The 3DS range debuted in 2011, capitalizing on stereoscopic 3D visuals for captivating experiences without glasses. With successive models, like the XL and the 2DS, Nintendo catered to diverse gaming preferences.

In 2012, the Wii U’s innovative GamePad couldn’t stave off confusion and lackluster sales, despite its successor-ready HD graphics and notable exclusive titles.

A minimalist reply to the Wii, the Wii Mini, failed to connect broadly with gamers in its 2012 launch, lacking key features of the original.

The affordable 2DS in 2013 traded 3D visuals for simplicity and cost-effectiveness, aiming at entry-level gamers.

A series of enhancements came with the new 3DS models starting in 2014, offering extra controls, amiibo capabilities, and more powerful hardware.

The 2017 Switch release truly revolutionized Nintendo’s lineup—an all-in-one system hosting a remarkable library of acclaimed games, playing either portably or docked.

With tweaks and redesigns in subsequent years, including the portable-only Switch Lite and the dazzling OLED version, Nintendo refined its formula.

Finally, the Switch 2 is on its way, launching in June 2025. This completely redesigned system promises much with advanced features like HDR, improved storage capacity, and magnetic Joy-Cons. Priced at $449.99, or $499.99 bundled with Mario Kart World, it’s poised to capture the attention of gamers worldwide.

Considering potential future versions keeps the anticipation high. Who knows what innovations the Switch 2 will bring? Nintendo can surprise us, continuing a legacy that has delighted fans for generations.

Noah Hunter, a passionate gaming and technology writer, co-founded Final Weapon in 2019. Known for delivering straight-shooting reviews and coverage of Japanese gaming, Noah has contributed to a variety of outlets, sharing his insights into the gaming world.