Nintendo video game consoles

The Japanese multinational consumer electronics company Nintendo has developed seven home video game consoles and multiple portable consoles for use with external media, as well as dedicated consoles and other hardware for their consoles. , in addition to Nintendo Switch, Nintendo has sold over 863.07 million hardware units.

The company's first console, the Color TV Game, was a success in Japan but was never released outside of Japan. Their first systems to achieve worldwide success were the Game & Watch handheld series, before achieving greater worldwide success with the Nintendo Entertainment System (NES), originally released as the Family Computer (Famicom) in Japan in 1983. The NES restarted the video game industry after the video game crash of 1983, and was an international success. In 1989, Nintendo released the Game Boy, which became the first handheld console to sell in large numbers. In the early 1990s, Nintendo's market lead began to decrease; although the 1990 Super Nintendo Entertainment System (SNES) was a strong seller, the Sega Genesis was a very strong contender. Nintendo and Sega would both lose a significant portion of the console market towards the end of the 1990s, as Sony Computer Entertainment's PlayStation became the most popular console, beating the Nintendo 64, though Nintendo managed to sell more than Sega Saturn.

The Dreamcast, released in 1999, PlayStation 2, released in 2000, and Microsoft's Xbox, released in 2001, would eventually relegate Nintendo to third place in the international market, despite the release of the GameCube. However, they retained their lead in the handheld console market, with the Game Boy Color and Game Boy Advance models. Towards the middle of the 2000s, Nintendo introduced the first successful handheld device with a touch screen ( DS) and the first successful console designed for motion controlled inputs (the Wii); they became some of the best-selling consoles of all time. In 2011, Nintendo became the first major company to release a handheld game console with stereoscopic 3D capabilities, with the 3DS, which had very strong sales from the beginning. The Wii U, released in November 2012, was much less successful, and sales were significantly lower than predicted. The company's most recent console, Nintendo Switch, was released in March 2017 and has now surpassed the entire lifetime sales of the Wii U several times.

Home consoles

Color TV-Game (1977–1980)

Color TV-Game is a series of five dedicated home consoles released only in Japan. Each of the consoles contained a small number of games and a built-in controller. In total, approximately 3 million units were sold.
The Color TV-Game series consists of:
*''Color TV-Game 6'', released June 1, 1977, with six variations of Pong: Tennis, Hockey, and Volleyball in Singles or Doubles mode. Sold approximately 1 million units.
*''Color TV-Game 15'', released June 8, 1978, with 15 variations of Pong. This was the most popular console in the series, selling just over 1 million units.
*''Color TV-Game Racing 112'', released June 8, 1978, with a racing game. Notable for being the first Nintendo project that Shigeru Miyamoto worked on. Sold approximately half a million units.
*''Color TV-Game Block Breaker'', released April 23, 1979, with a game based on Breakout. Sold approximately half a million units.
*''Computer TV-Game'', released in 1980, with Computer Othello. Sold in limited quantities.

Family Computer and Nintendo Entertainment System (1983 and 1985)

Released July 15, 1983, the Nintendo Entertainment System (NES) is an 8-bit video game console released by Nintendo in North America, South America, Europe, Asia, Oceania and Africa and was Nintendo's first home video game console released outside Japan. In Japan, it is known as the "Family Computer" (or "Famicom", as it is commonly abbreviated). Selling 61.91 million units worldwide, the NES helped revitalize the video game industry following the video game crash of 1983 and set the standard for subsequent consoles in everything from game design to business practices. The NES was the first console for which the manufacturer openly courted third-party developers. Many of Nintendo's most iconic franchises, such as ''The Legend of Zelda'' and ''Metroid'' were started on the NES. Nintendo continued to repair Famicom consoles in Japan until October 31, 2007, attributing the decision to discontinue support to an increasing shortage of the necessary parts.

Nintendo released a software-emulation-based version of the Nintendo Entertainment System on November 10, 2016. Called the ''NES Classic Edition'', it is a dedicated console that comes with a single controller and 30 preloaded games.

Super Famicom and Super Nintendo Entertainment System (1990 and 1991)

Released November 21, 1990, The Super Nintendo Entertainment System, officially abbreviated the Super NES or SNES and colloquially shortened to Super Nintendo, is a 16-bit video game console released by Nintendo in North America, South America, Europe, Asia, Oceania and Africa. In Japan it is known as the Super Famicom. In South Korea, it is known as the Super Comboy and was distributed by Hyundai Electronics.

The SNES was Nintendo's third home console(second outside of Japan), following the Nintendo Entertainment System. Whereas the earlier console had struggled in the PAL region and large parts of Asia, the SNES was a global success, albeit one that could not match its predecessor's popularity in Northeast Asia and North America—due in part to increased competition from Sega's Genesis console. Despite its relatively late start, the SNES became the best selling console of the 16-bit era, selling 49.10 million systems worldwide. The SNES library is known for upgrading some of Nintendo's most famous franchises, and making the games even more critically acclaimed, such as '' Super Metroid'', '' The Legend of Zelda: A Link to the Past'', '' Final Fantasy IV'' and '' VI'', '' Donkey Kong Country'', and '' Super Mario World'', as well starting some popular franchises such as '' Star Fox'' and '' Mega Man X''.

Similarly to the NES Classic Edition released prior, Nintendo released a software-emulation-based version of the Super Nintendo Entertainment System on September 29, 2017. Called the '' Super NES Classic Edition'', it, like its predecessor, is a dedicated console that comes with two controllers and 21 preloaded games, one of which, '' Star Fox 2'', is a title originally developed for the system that went unreleased.

Nintendo 64 (1996 and 1997)

It was released on June 23, 1996 in Japan, on September 29, 1996, in North America, and March 1, 1997, in Europe and Australia. the Nintendo 64, commonly called the N64, and codenamed Ultra 64, was Nintendo's third home video game console for the international market. It was released with three launch games in Japan (''Super Mario 64'', ''Pilotwings 64'' and ''Saikyo Habu Shogi'') and two in North America (''Super Mario 64'' and ''Pilotwings 64''). PAL regions also had three launch titles (''Super Mario 64'', ''Shadows of the Empire'' and ''Pilotwings 64'') with '' Turok: Dinosaur Hunter'' delayed until three days after launch. Other key games included '' Donkey Kong 64'', '' Diddy Kong Racing'', ''Banjo-Kazooie'', two games in ''The Legend of Zelda'' series, '' GoldenEye 007'', '' Mario Kart 64'', ''Super Smash Bros.'', and '' Star Fox 64''. The Nintendo 64 sold 32.93 million systems.

Nintendo GameCube (2001)

The Nintendo GameCube (commonly shortened to GameCube, NGC, or GCN) was released on November 5, 2001. It was Nintendo's sixth generation game console, the same generation as Sega's Dreamcast, Sony's PlayStation 2, and Microsoft's Xbox. Until the console's unveiling at SpaceWorld 2000, the design project was known as ''Dolphin''—this can still be seen in the console and its accessories' model numbers. The GameCube is the most compact sixth generation console. The GameCube is Nintendo's first game console to use optical discs rather than game cartridges. An agreement with the optical drive manufacturer Matsushita led to a DVD-playing GameCube system named the Panasonic Q, which was only released in Japan. Much of Nintendo's core line-up centered on sequels to their established hit franchises such as '' Super Mario Sunshine'', ''Super Smash Bros. Melee'', '' The Legend of Zelda: Wind Waker'', '' Metroid Prime'', ''Pokémon Colosseum'', and ''Star Fox Adventures'', while new franchises like '' Animal Crossing'' and ''Pikmin'' were born, although the former franchise had seen a Japan-exclusive release on the N64. The GameCube has sold 21.74 million units.

Wii (2006)

The Wii was released on November 19, 2006, as Nintendo's seventh-generation home console. Nintendo designed the console to appeal towards a wider audience than those of its main competitors, the PlayStation 3 and Xbox 360, including "casual" players and audiences that were new to video games.

These aims were emphasized by the console's distinguishing feature, the Wii Remote—a handheld motion controller that can detect motion and rotation in three dimensions, using a mixture of internal sensors and infrared positioning. The controller includes an expansion port that can be used to connect other accessories, such as the Nunchuk—an attachment with an analog stick and additional buttons, a " Classic Controller" gamepad providing a traditional control scheme, and Wii MotionPlus—an accessory designed to enhance the motion detection capabilities of the original Wii Remote models.

The Wii's internal hardware is an updated derivative of that of the GameCube; in comparison to its seventh-generation competitors, the Wii had lower overall graphics capabilities, and does not output in high-definition. The Wii also featured internet-enabled features; the Nintendo Wi-Fi Connection service allowed supported games to offer online multiplayer and other features, while the WiiConnect24 feature allowed messages and updates to be downloaded while the console was in standby. Through Wii Shop Channel, additional games and apps can be downloaded or purchased for the console, including Virtual Console—a selection of classic video games emulated from older consoles. That service got discontinued as of January 30, 2019. Early models of the Wii also had backwards compatibility with GameCube games and controllers, but this was dropped from later hardware revisions. They also released a cheaper Wii called the Wii Mini.

The Wii was a major success for Nintendo; in April 2007, the ''Wall Street Journal'' declared that Nintendo had "become the company to beat in the games business", citing the success of the Wii and the portable Nintendo DS line.Nick Wingfield and Yukari Iwatani Kane
Wii and DS Turn Also-Ran Nintendo Into Winner in Videogames Business
''Wall Street Journal'', April 19, 2007 , the Wii has sold 101.63 million consoles worldwide. ''Wii Sports''—a collection of sports minigames that were designed to leverage the Wii Remote, was bundled with the console outside of Japan, and had a major cultural impact as the console's " killer app" among the mainstream audience.

Wii U (2012)

The Wii U was released on November 18, 2012 as a direct successor to the Wii, and the first entry in the eighth generation of home video game consoles. The Wii U's distinguishing hardware feature is the GamePad, a tablet-like controller which contains a touchscreen that wirelessly streams a video output from the console. The GamePad's display can be used to provide alternative or complementary perspectives within a game, or as the main display in lieu of a television. In particular, Nintendo promoted the concept of " asymmetric" multiplayer, where a player with the GamePad would have a different objective and perspective than that of other players. Alongside the GamePad, the Wii U supports Wii controllers and games. A conventional gamepad known as the Wii U Pro Controller was also released.

The Wii U features more-extensive online functionality than the Wii, using the Nintendo Network platform; as with the Wii, it supports online multiplayer and downloading and purchasing new games and apps, but also allows video chat. It previously featured an internal social network known as Miiverse, which allowed users to write and draw posts in game-specific communities, the service was discontinued on November 8, 2017. Nintendo also attempted to provide second screen experiences for television programming for the Wii U through a feature known as Nintendo TVii, but it was discontinued outside of Japan in August 2015. Unlike the Wii, the Wii U's hardware is capable of high-definition graphics.

The Wii U was met with low adoption, attributed by Nintendo executives with lack of third-party support, poor marketing of the system, which led to a lack of clarity of the Wii U game pad from being a tablet device, as well as the subsequent release of the PlayStation 4 and Xbox One the following year. However, some critics argued that the Wii U still had advantages over PS4 and Xbox One, including its lower cost and notable early exclusives such as '' Super Mario 3D World''. Sales steadily increased following the release of several notable first-party exclusives, including new entries in the ''Mario Kart'' and ''Super Smash Bros.'' franchises, and the new franchise '' Splatoon''.

In January 2017, a Nintendo spokesperson stated that production of the console had ended, with just 13.56 million units sold worldwide.

Handheld consoles

Game & Watch series (1980–1991, 2020–2021)

The Game & Watch series of handheld electronic games made by Nintendo and created by its game designer Gunpei Yokoi from 1980 to 1991. Most featured a single game that could be played on an LCD screen, in addition to a clock and an alarm. Most titles had a "GAME A" (easy mode) and a "GAME B" (hard mode) button. Game B is usually a faster, more difficult version of Game A. Different models were manufactured, with some consoles having two screens (the Multiscreen Series) and a clam-shell design. The Nintendo DS later reused this design. The Game & Watch made handhelds vastly popular. Many toy companies followed in the footsteps of Game & Watch, such as Tiger Electronics and their Star Wars themed games. Nintendo's Game & Watch units were eventually superseded by the original Game Boy. Each Game & Watch was only able to play one game, due to the use of a segmented LCD display being pre-printed with an overlay. The speed and responsiveness of the games was also limited by the time it took the LCD to change state.

The Game & Watch series sold units worldwide, including units in Japan and overseas. On September 3, 2020, Nintendo announced a special Game & Watch edition to celebrate Super Mario Bros.' 35th anniversary, with it being released on November 13, 2020. Another special Game & Watch edition was released to celebrate The Legend of Zelda's 35th anniversary, which was released on November 12, 2021.

Game Boy (1989)

The Game Boy was the first handheld game console sold by Nintendo that featured interchangeable ROM cartridges for each game, unlike the Game & Watch that had a different system for each game. Released in 1989 in Japan, it is one of the world's best-selling game console lines, with over 100 million units sold worldwide. The Game Boy was the first console in the Game Boy family and sold in a number of different revisions and variations, including the streamlined Game Boy Pocket and Game Boy Light in Japan. In 1998, Nintendo had plans to release the Game Boy Advance, but it had to be pushed back, releasing the Game Boy Color, a new Game Boy platform with color graphics. Combined, the Game Boy and Game Boy Color sold 118.69 million units worldwide. Then after those the last and not least Game Boy family console was the Game Boy Advance SP and Game Boy Micro. Once the micro was released the Game Boy's were ended.

Game Boy Color (1998)

In 1998, Nintendo introduced the Game Boy Color as the successor to the original Game Boy. It features a color screen and an 8-bit processor and a custom Zilog Z80 central processing unit. It was made to compete with the WonderSwan Color and the Neo Geo Pocket. Its best selling game was ''Pokémon Gold'' and ''Silver'' series.

Game Boy Advance (2001)

In March 2001, Nintendo introduced the Game Boy Advance, the first major technological upgrade in the Game Boy line. Nintendo later released two revised models of the Game Boy Advance, the Game Boy Advance SP and the Game Boy Micro in 2003 and 2005, respectively. The Game Boy Advance SP features a smaller clamshell design, and introduced a built-in screen light and rechargeable battery which became standard features for future Nintendo handhelds. The Game Boy Micro is an even smaller variant with interchangeable designer faceplates. Unlike the previous models, the Micro lacks Game Boy/Game Boy Color backwards compatibility and e-Reader support. As of June 30, 2010, the three Game Boy Advance models have sold 81.51 million units worldwide.

Pokemon Mini (2000)

Pokémon Mini – unveiled in London at Christmas 2000, the Pokémon Mini was Nintendo's cheapest console ever produced; with games costing £10 ($15) each, and the consoles costing £30 ($45). This remains the smallest cartridge-based games console ever made. Sales of this console were mostly poor. The colors that were release were Wooper Blue, Chikorita Green, and Smoochum Purple. Every console came with Pokemon Party Mini

Nintendo DS (2004)

The Nintendo DS (abbreviated NDS, DS, or the full name Nintendo Dual Screen, and iQue DS in China) is a handheld game console developed and manufactured by Nintendo, released on November 21, 2004, as the first system in the Nintendo DS family. It is visibly distinguishable by its horizontal clamshell design, and the presence of two displays, the lower of which acts as a touchscreen. The system also has a built-in microphone and supports wireless IEEE 802.11 (Wi-Fi) standards, allowing players to interact with each other within short range (10–30 meters, depending on conditions) or over the Nintendo Wi-Fi Connection service via a standard Wi-Fi access point. According to Nintendo, the letters "DS" in the name stand for "Developers' System" and "Double Screen", the former of which refers to the features of the handheld designed to encourage innovative gameplay ideas among developers. The system was known as "Project Nitro" during development.

On March 2, 2006, Nintendo released the Nintendo DS Lite, a redesigned model of the Nintendo DS, in Japan. It was later released in North America, Australia, and Europe. A second redesign of the Nintendo DS, the Nintendo DSi, was released on November 1, 2008, in Japan, on April 2, 2009, in Australia, April 3, 2009, in Europe, and April 5, 2009, in North America. It contains two cameras and downloadable software capabilities, plus a built-in flash memory and web browser. An SD card slot replaces the Game Boy Advance cartridge slot. A similar model, known as the Nintendo DSi XL, was released in 2009 in Japan and 2010 worldwide. It features the same configurations as its predecessor, but is slightly larger and features a large stylus designed for home use.

As of December 31, 2013, Nintendo DS consoles have sold 154.98 million units, including 93.86 million Nintendo DS Lites, and the Nintendo DSi consoles have sold 41.33 million units.

Nintendo 3DS (2011)

Although the name and look of the device are similar to that of the DS series, the Nintendo 3DS (3DS or N3DS for short) is the successor to the DS and is a brand new console. The Nintendo 3DS was released on February 26, 2011.
It contains three cameras, two on the outside (for 3D photographs) and one internal one above the top screen. The bottom screen is a touch screen comparable to the DS bottom screens, and the top screen is Wide Screen and an autostereoscopic 3D LCD. '' Autostereoscopy'' is a process that sends different images to the left and right eyes to enable the viewer to view the screen in 3D "without the need for special glasses". The 3DS is said to enhance Nintendo's online experience. In July 2012, the 3DS XL was released, similar to the change between the DSi and DSi XL. It has 90% larger screens and design changes such as a matte finish and the stylus in a more accessible area.
The Nintendo 2DS was released on October 12, 2013. It is a variant designed to be affordable without the clamshell design or 3D capabilities of the 3DS. Another redesign, the New Nintendo 3DS and 3DS XL, was released in Japan in October 2014, Australia for November 2014, and everywhere else in February 2015. It includes a C-Stick, ZR and ZL shoulder buttons, and a faster CPU, allowing for more software specifically for the New Nintendo 3DS (such as '' Xenoblade Chronicles 3D''). Like the original 3DS, the New Nintendo 3DS also has an XL form.
As of December 31, 2013, Nintendo has sold 42.74 million units, including 15.21 million Nintendo 3DS XLs and 2.11 million Nintendo 2DS units.

The last handheld console in the 3DS family was the New Nintendo 2DS XL, which was released in June/July 2017 across five different countries. Production ceased on all Nintendo 3DS family systems on September 16, 2020.

Nintendo Switch Lite (2019)

The Nintendo Switch Lite is a more affordable version of the Nintendo Switch released by Nintendo on September 20, 2019. The Switch Lite console is similar to a regular Nintendo Switch and can play almost all standard Switch games, but is a handheld portable-only version and is also slightly smaller. It comes in five color variations: grey, turquoise, coral, yellow and blue, as well as some special editions. It could not have controllers switched, but excluding that, it was the same.

Hybrid consoles

Virtual Boy (1995)

Nintendo's Virtual Boy (also known as the VR-32 during development) was the first portable game console capable of displaying true 3D graphics. Most video games are forced to use monocular cues to achieve the illusion of three dimensions on a two-dimensional screen, but the Virtual Boy was able to create a more accurate illusion of depth through an effect known as parallax. The Nintendo 3DS also uses this technology. In a manner similar to using a head-mounted display, the user looks into an eyepiece made of neoprene on the front of the machine, and then an eyeglass-style projector allows viewing of the monochromatic (in this case, red) image. It was released on July 21, 1995, in Japan and August 14, 1995, in North America and at a price of around US$180. It met with a lukewarm reception that was unaffected by continued price drops. Exactly 14 titles were released for ''Virtual Boy'' in North America, but only a few were met with positive reception. Nintendo discontinued the Virtual Boy within a few months of release.

Nintendo Switch (2017)

The Nintendo Switch was released on March 3, 2017, and is Nintendo's second entry in the eighth generation of home video game consoles. The system was code-named "NX" prior to its official announcement. It is a hybrid device that can be used as a home console inserted to the Nintendo Switch Dock attached to a television, stood up on a table with the kickstand, or as a tablet-like portable console. It features two detachable wireless controllers called Joy-Con, that can be used individually or attached to a grip to provide a more traditional gamepad form. Both Joy-Con are built with motion sensors and HD Rumble, Nintendo's haptic vibration feedback system for improved gameplay experiences. However, only the right Joy-Con has an NFC reader on its analog joystick for Amiibo and an IR sensor on the back. The Nintendo Switch Pro Controller is a traditional style controller much like the one of the GameCube.

The console's reveal trailer premiered on October 20, 2016, and showcased the hybrid functionality of the system as well as footage from '' The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild'' and from potential new titles in the ''Super Mario'', ''Mario Kart'', and '' Splatoon'' franchises. These unknown games were later announced to be '' Super Mario Odyssey'', ''Mario Kart 8 Deluxe'', and ''Splatoon 2'' respectively.

The Nintendo Switch has currently sold 103.54 million units as of February 3, 2022, outselling the Wii, Wii U, GameCube, Nintendo 64, SNES, NES and 3DS within its first five years of launch, making it the best-selling home console from Nintendo and third best-selling home console of all time.

A second variation, the Nintendo Switch – OLED Model, was released in 2021, which makes several adjustments and improvements over the original, including an improved kickstand, a larger OLED screen, and larger storage (64 GB instead of the regular 32 GB present in the Nintendo Switch and Nintendo Switch Lite).

Other hardware

* Game Boy Camera – a monochrome camera cartridge for the original version of the Game Boy which includes a picture editor and the ability to print pictures via Game Boy Printer
* Satellaview – only released in Japan, an add-on for the Super Famicom (Japanese SNES) which allowed anyone to download games by a satellite
* Game Boy Player – an adapter for playing Game Boy games on the GameCube
* Game Boy Printer – an adapter designed for printing things from the Game Boy onto adhesive stickers. For example, it was used for printing out Game Boy Camera pictures and Pokémon information from the Pokédex in the Game Boy ''Pokémon'' games.
* e-Reader – an add-on for the Game Boy Advance for scanning special "e-Reader cards", paper cards with specially encoded data printed on them.
* iQue Player – a version of the Nintendo 64, with double the clock speed and downloadable games, released only in China
* iQue DS – a version of the Nintendo DS released only in China
* Nintendo 64DD – only released in Japan, this add-on system's games are on rewritable magnetic disks. Games released include a paint and 3D construction package, ''F-Zero X Expansion Kit'', for creating new ''F-Zero X'' tracks, a sequel to the SNES version of '' SimCity'', ''SimCity 64'' and others.
* ''Mobile System GB'' – released in Japan on December 14, 2000. The Mobile System is an adapter to play Game Boy Color games on mobile phones. ''Pokémon Crystal'' was the first game to take advantage of the Mobile System. The player can hook an adapter to their Game Boy and connect it to a mobile phone which people can receive news, trade, and battle with other players across Japan.
* Pokémon Pikachu – a handheld device similar to the popular Tamagotchi toy which allows the user to take care of Pikachu in the manner of a pet
* Super Game Boy – adapter for playing Game Boy games on the Super NES, displayed in color
* Triforce — an arcade system based on GameCube hardware, developed in partnership with Sega and Namco
* Yakuman – a handheld mahjong game released in 1983
* GameCube Microphone – used in ''Karaoke Revolution Party'', ''Mario Party 6'', ''Mario Party 7'' and ''Odama'' for the GameCube. It recognizes basic sounds and incorporates them into gameplay.
* Nintendo Gateway – a proprietary hardware/software console available on commercial aircraft and hotel properties, providing shopping, information, and interactive entertainment
* Panasonic Q – a version of the GameCube which could play DVDs developed by Panasonic
* Visteon Dockable Entertainment System – a portable DVD player containing officially licensed Game Boy Advance hardware
* Pokéwalker – a Pedometer used in ''Pokémon HeartGold'' and ''SoulSilver'' that can be used to enhance your ''Pokémon HeartGold'' and ''SoulSilver'' game by giving some special Pokémon and items as well as other added benefits that reward depending on how many steps one can take.
* Activity Meter – an Infrared (IR) Pedometer for use the Nintendo DS game, Personal Trainer: Walking
* Fit Meter – a portable accessory for use with the Wii U game, Wii Fit U, that tracks the number of steps taken and the elevation climbed. Can be synced with the game using the Wii U GamePad.

References

{{DEFAULTSORT:Nintendo Video Game Consoles
Nintendo consoles
Electronics lists