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The following are a list of video game systems Nintendo has released. This list includes both home consoles and handhelds.
List of Gaming Consoles
Home consoles
Handhelds
Name | Description |
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Color TV Game series |
The Color TV Game series includes five different pieces of hardware, each one with a unique game. Color TV Game systems did not have interchangeable cartridges, so each console could only play a single title. (1977-1979) |
Nintendo Entertainment System |
The Nintendo Entertainment System, an 8-bit system, was one of Nintendo's greatest successes. Unlike the Color TV Games, the NES could play different titles, on interchangeable cartridges, that could be purchased in stores. (1985) |
Super Nintendo Entertainment System |
The Super Nintendo Entertainment System featured enhanced graphics, a brand new controller, and more. It was the first 16-bit console by Nintendo. (1991) |
Nintendo 64 |
The Nintendo 64 featured greatly improved 3D graphics and a new controller that introduced the modern joystick. It was also the first home console to have four controller ports built into the system. (1996) |
GameCube |
The GameCube featured enhanced graphics and a new controller. As the games came on mini-disc it was the first Nintendo home console to solely use a disc format for games. It was also the first (and only) Nintendo system to require additional memory cards in order to save progress. (2001) |
Panasonic Q |
The Panasonic Q is a hybrid version of the Nintendo GameCube with the ability to play DVDs, Audio CDs, MP3s and CDs as well as several other new features. It was only released in Japan. (2001) |
Wii |
The Wii featured motion controls, a new online system, various multimedia ‘channels’ and slightly improved graphics. The graphical change wasn't nearly as dramatic as previous console transitions. The newer black, red, and blue models (dubbed the ‘Wii Family Edition’) do not support Gamecube games.(2006) |
Wii Mini |
The Wii Mini is a smaller version of the Wii console that lacks many of the Wii’s features, such as internet connectivity and Gamecube backwards capability. It was first released in Canada, then North America and Europe. (2012) |
Wii U |
The Wii U features a new controller known as the Wii U GamePad, which has a 6.2" touch screen built into it. It also boasts new 1080p HD graphics (only on the TV screen). It was released in two models: white (8gb) and black (32gb). It has a NFC chip used to scan in amiibo (2012) |
NES Classic Edition |
The NES Classic Edition is a mini console that emulates the experience of the Nintendo Entertainment System. It includes 30 classic NES games and is compatible with the Wii Classic Controller and NES Classic Edition controller. (2016) |
Nintendo Switch |
The Nintendo Switch is a new hybrid of home and portable gaming systems. It features a portable console with a screen that can be docked to display on larger displays. It features modular controllers that can attach to the device itself, a grip or in each of the user's hands. (2017) |
Super Nintendo Entertainment System Classic Edition |
Also known as the SNES Mini, this system emulates the SNES console. It features 20 built in games plus Star Fox 2, which was previously unreleased and can be unlocked after playing the first mission of the original game. (2017) |
Name | Description |
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Game & Watch |
Small, portable LCD games starring who is known today as Mr. Game and Watch. There have been 60 different variations of the Game & Watch system. (1980) |
Game Boy |
The Game Boy was the first portable, interchangeable cartridge handheld by Nintendo. Games were 8-bit black-and-white, played on a green-tinted screen. The system had a red LED which showed the remaining power. It could last for over 30 hours on its required 4 AA batteries. (1989) |
File:Virtualboy3.jpg Virtual Boy |
The first Nintendo console with 3D graphics, the concept was to create a virtual reality experience. The system featured a pair of goggles to look into which sent a slightly different image to each eye, creating the 3D effect. The graphics could only be displayed in red and black. The system reportedly caused headaches and nausea, leading to low sales. It was discontinued less than a year after it was released. (1995) |
Game Boy Pocket |
Similar to the Game Boy but slimmer with a monochrome screen rather than the original pea soup screen. It takes 2 AAA batteries and lasts for a little less time. The first releases of the Game Boy Pocket did not come with the red LED, as shown in the photo. Due to high demand, Nintendo added the LED to the system. (1996) |
Game Boy Light |
Native to Japan. Similliar to the Game Boy Pocket except it featured a backlit screen for playing in the dark. It ran on two AA batteries. (1997) |
Pokémon Pikachu |
The Pokémon Pikachu is a virtual pet toy and pedometer similar to a Tamagotchi. The player takes care of a virtual pet Pikachu. (1998) |
Game Boy Color |
Similar to the Game Boy, but with color graphics. It also had many technical enhancements, including a more powerful processor and an infrared wireless link-up port. This system was technically compared to the NES, except that the Game Boy Color has a larger color palette. There is no backlight on the screen. (1998) |
Pokémon Pikachu 2 GS |
The Pokémon Pikachu 2 GS is a virtual pet toy and pedometer. Unlike the original Pokémon Pikachu, the player doesn't have to take care of Pikachu. (1999) |
Game Boy Advance |
The Game Boy Advance was a major improvement over the Game Boy Color with a new handheld shape, shoulder buttons and better graphics. It was technically compared to the Super Nintendo console, except that the Game Boy Advance's 16-bit sound is not as powerful as the console's. Some games remade from the Super Nintendo for the Game Boy Advance had to remix their soundtracks so they would work on the handheld system. This is clearly evident in the Donkey Kong Country series. (2001) |
Pokémon Mini |
The Pokemon Mini is a Nintendo handheld themed around Pokémon. Only 10 games were made for it. The Nintendo GameCube game, Pokémon Channel, features a Pokémon Mini emulator and six games. (2001) |
Game Boy Advance SP |
The Game Boy Advance SP was the first Game Boy to have a clamshell design much like the Nintendo DS. The Game Boy Advance SP featured much better graphics and a front-lit screen which could be turned on or off (the model AGS-001). The newer model, AGS-101 features a backlit screen with adjustable brightness. The system's game compatibility is identical to the Game Boy Advance's. (2003) |
Nintendo DS |
The Nintendo DS featured two screens, the bottom one being a touch screen. The system also had enhanced graphics. It featured backwards compatibility with Game Boy Advance games and was often criticized for its chunky design. Often referred to as the ‘DS Phat’ by fans. (2004) |
Game Boy Micro |
This was the last Game Boy in the line and was the smallest handheld ever released. It featured a lack of backwards compatibility, only able to play Game Boy Advance games. The screen was about 2/3 the size of the original Game Boy Advance's. (2005) |
Nintendo DS Lite |
This was the first redesign of the Nintendo DS line. It was much slimmer than the original Nintendo DS and featured a brighter screen. Backwards compatibility for Game Boy Advance games continued with the DS Lite. (2006) |
Nintendo DSi |
The second redesign of the Nintendo DS line. It was the first Nintendo handheld to feature multimedia. It featured a 0.3 megapixel camera that you could have fun with by editing pictures etc. It also featured a music app where you could record your voice and then play around with it. You could also listen to actual music. Lastly it featured the shop app where you could download games etc. The backwards compatibility for Game Boy Advance games disappeared in this version of the DS. (2008) |
Nintendo DSi XL |
This was the last redesign of the Nintendo DS line. It was the same as the Nintendo DSi except it featured a bigger and slimmer design with new 4.3" dual-screens. (2010) |
Nintendo 3DS |
The Nintendo 3DS can produce 3D graphics on the top screen without the need for glasses. It also includes a portable Mii Maker and Streetpass. It was also the first Nintendo handheld to feature a joystick. (2011) |
Nintendo 3DS XL |
In a similar manner to the Nintendo DSi XL. The 3DS XL was released on July 21, 2012 in Japan and on August 19, 2012 in the USA and other countries. The 3DS XL features even bigger 5" screens. (2012) |
Nintendo 2DS |
The Nintendo 2DS is a redesign of the Nintendo 3DS, which uses mostly the same software, but differs in physical design. It features a more solid, tablet-like design as opposed to the Nintendo 3DS' clamshell design. (2013) |
New Nintendo 3DS |
The New Nintendo 3DS is a revision of the Nintendo 3DS, with new features like amiibo and the Face Plates. The console also has a 3D screen which can be viewed in different angles and two new buttons and an additional control nub. (2014/2015) |
New Nintendo 3DS XL |
The New Nintendo 3DS XL is a bigger version of the New Nintendo 3DS. (2014/2015) |
Nintendo Switch |
The Nintendo Switch is a new hybrid of home and portable gaming systems. It features a portable console with a screen that can be docked to display on larger displays. It features modular controllers that can attach to the device itself, a grip or in each of the user's hands. (2017) |
New Nintendo 2DS XL |
The New Nintendo 2DS XL is a technologically-improved remodel of the 2DS handheld. The console is much larger than the original 2DS model and adds all features of the updated ‘New 3DS’ line of systems, minus the ability to play games in 3D on the top screen. (2017) |