The History of Nintendo Game Consoles

  • The Nintendo 64 launched

    The Nintendo 64 launched
    The Nintendo 64 was first launched in Japan on June 23, 1996. It was then released in North America on September 29, 1996, and in Europe and Australia in March 1997. The Nintendo 64, often abbreviated as N64, was Nintendo's third major home video game console, following the NES (Nintendo Entertainment System) and the SNES (Super Nintendo Entertainment System).
  • The Game Boy Advance launched

    The Game Boy Advance launched
    The Game Boy Advance was launched in Japan on March 21, 2001, followed by releases in North America on June 11, 2001, and in Europe on June 22, 2001. Produced by Nintendo, the Game Boy Advance was the successor to the popular Game Boy Color handheld gaming console. It featured significant upgrades in processing power, graphics, and overall capabilities, making it a major advancement in portable gaming technology at the time.
  • The Nintendo GameCube launched

    The Nintendo GameCube launched
    The Nintendo GameCube was launched on September 14, 2001, in Japan. Representing Nintendo's entry into the sixth generation of video game consoles, the GameCube was a compact, cube-shaped console that introduced several innovative features. It featured a unique optical disc format called the GameCube Game Disc, which was smaller than traditional DVDs but still capable of holding significant amounts of game data.
  • The Game Boy Advance SP launched

    The Game Boy Advance SP launched
    The Game Boy Advance SP was launched on March 23, 2003, in North America, following its release in Japan on February 14, 2003, and in Europe on March 28, 2003. Produced by Nintendo, the Game Boy Advance SP was a significant upgrade to the original Game Boy Advance handheld console. Its most notable feature was its clamshell design, which allowed the device to fold shut, protecting the screen and making it more portable.
  • The Nintendo DS launched

    The Nintendo DS launched
    The Nintendo DS was launched on November 21, 2004, in North America, following its release in Japan on December 2, 2004, and in Europe on March 11, 2005. Representing a significant leap forward in handheld gaming technology, the Nintendo DS (which stands for Dual Screen) introduced a novel dual-screen design, featuring both a standard lower touchscreen and an upper display. This innovative feature allowed for new gameplay experiences, enhanced interactivity, and innovative control schemes.
  • The Nintendo Wii launched

    The Nintendo Wii launched
    The Nintendo Wii was launched on November 19, 2006, in North America, followed by releases in Japan on December 2, 2006, and in Europe on December 8, 2006. Representing a revolutionary departure from traditional gaming consoles, the Wii introduced motion-sensing controllers known as Wii Remotes, which allowed players to interact with games through physical gestures and movements.
  • The Nintendo 3DS launched

    The Nintendo 3DS launched
    The Nintendo 3DS was launched on February 26, 2011, in Japan, followed by releases in North America on March 27, 2011, and in Europe on March 25, 2011. As the successor to the Nintendo DS handheld console, the Nintendo 3DS introduced autostereoscopic 3D technology, allowing players to experience 3D visuals without the need for special glasses.
  • The Wii U launched

    The Wii U launched
    Nintendo Wii U was launched on November 18, 2012, in North America, followed by releases in Europe on November 30, 2012, and in Japan on December 8, 2012. Serving as the successor to the Nintendo Wii, the Wii U introduced a unique dual-screen gaming experience with its GamePad controller, which featured a built-in touchscreen that could be used alongside the main TV screen for innovative gameplay mechanics.
  • The Nintendo 2DS launched

    The Nintendo 2DS launched
    The Nintendo 2DS was launched on October 12, 2013, in North America, following its release in Europe on October 12, 2013, and in Japan on February 27, 2016. As a budget-friendly alternative to the Nintendo 3DS, the 2DS maintained the same hardware and software capabilities but omitted the stereoscopic 3D feature present in its predecessor. It featured a distinctive wedge-shaped design and a single, non-foldable body, making it more durable and suitable for younger players.
  • The Nintendo Switch launched

    The Nintendo Switch launched
    The Nintendo Switch was launched on March 3, 2017, worldwide. Representing a unique hybrid concept, the Switch seamlessly transitions between being a home console and a handheld gaming device. Its innovative design features a tablet-like main unit with detachable controllers called Joy-Cons, which can be used individually or together for multiplayer gaming. The Switch also comes with a docking station that connects to the TV, allowing players to enjoy their games on a larger screen.