History of Nintendo Consoles Timeline

(1985 - Present)

Explore the chronological development of Nintendo consoles, from the release of the NES in 1985 to the present day. Discover the technological advancements, iconic games, and cultural impact of Nintendo consoles. More Less

Go to: Timeline | Event List | Key Facts | Directory

Console Releases

Nintendo Entertainment System (NES) Release

Jul 15, 1983

Nintendo releases the NES, its first home video game console, in Japan, marking a significant milestone in the company's console history.

Image source: Nintendo Entertainment System

Nintendo Entertainment System (NES) Release

Game Boy Release

Apr 21, 1989

Nintendo launches the Game Boy, a handheld gaming console that becomes a massive success and sets the standard for portable gaming.

Image source: Game Boy

Super Nintendo Entertainment System (SNES) Release

Nov 21, 1990

Nintendo introduces the SNES, featuring improved graphics and sound, and it becomes a major competitor in the console market.

Image source: Super Nintendo Entertainment System

Super Nintendo Entertainment System (SNES) Release

Nintendo 64 Release

Jun 23, 1996

Nintendo launches the Nintendo 64, its first console with 3D graphics capabilities, introducing iconic games like Super Mario 64 and The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time.

Image source: Nintendo 64

Game Boy Color Release

Oct 21, 1998

Nintendo introduces the Game Boy Color, an upgraded version of the Game Boy with color graphics, enhancing the handheld gaming experience.

Image source: Game Boy Color

GameCube Release

Sep 14, 2001

Nintendo launches the GameCube, featuring a small, compact design and introducing innovative controller features like the analog triggers.

Image source: GameCube

Nintendo DS Release

Nov 21, 2004

Nintendo launches the Nintendo DS, a dual-screen handheld console featuring touch controls, leading to a new era of portable gaming.

Image source: Nintendo DS

Nintendo DS Lite Release

Mar 2, 2006

Nintendo introduces the Nintendo DS Lite, a slimmer and lighter version of the DS, appealing to a wider audience and becoming highly popular.

Image source: Nintendo DS Lite

Wii Release

Nov 19, 2006

Nintendo releases the Wii, a revolutionary console that introduces motion controls and attracts a wider audience, becoming a commercial success.

Image source: Wii

Nintendo DSi Release

Nov 1, 2008

Nintendo releases the Nintendo DSi, adding new features like cameras and downloadable games, further expanding the DS lineup.

Image source: Nintendo DSi

Nintendo 3DS Release

Feb 26, 2011

Nintendo introduces the Nintendo 3DS, a handheld console with glasses-free 3D capabilities, providing a unique gaming experience.

Image source: Nintendo 3DS

Wii U Release

Nov 18, 2012

Nintendo launches the Wii U, featuring a tablet-like GamePad controller and introducing asymmetric multiplayer gaming.

Image source: Wii U

Nintendo Switch Release

Mar 3, 2017

Nintendo releases the Nintendo Switch, a hybrid console that can be used both as a home console and a handheld device, achieving immense popularity.

Nintendo Switch Lite Release

Sep 20, 2019

Nintendo introduces the Nintendo Switch Lite, a handheld-only version of the Switch, targeting portable gaming enthusiasts.

Image source: Nintendo Switch

Impact on the Gaming Industry

Super Mario Bros. Release

Sep 13, 1985

The release of Super Mario Bros. on the NES revolutionizes the platforming genre and establishes Mario as Nintendo's flagship character.

Image source: Super Mario Bros.

Donkey Kong Country Release

Nov 21, 1994

The release of Donkey Kong Country on the SNES showcases innovative pre-rendered graphics and reinvigorates interest in the Donkey Kong franchise.

Image source: Donkey Kong Country

Pokémon Red and Green Release

Feb 27, 1996

The release of Pokémon Red and Green in Japan sparks a global phenomenon, leading to a highly successful franchise and cultural phenomenon.

Image source: Pokémon Red, Blue, and Yellow

Wii Sports Release

Nov 19, 2006

Bundled with the Wii console, Wii Sports becomes a cultural phenomenon, showcasing the potential of motion-controlled gaming.

Image source: Wii Sports

The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild Release

Mar 3, 2017

The release of The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild on the Nintendo Switch receives critical acclaim, becoming one of the most highly regarded games of all time.

Image source: The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild

Key Facts

The Nintendo Entertainment System (NES) was released in 1985 and revitalized the video game industry after the 1983 crash.
The Super Nintendo Entertainment System (SNES) introduced new graphics and sound capabilities, creating classics like Super Mario World and The Legend of Zelda: A Link to the Past.
The Nintendo 64 (N64) brought 3D gaming to the mainstream with games like Super Mario 64 and The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time.
The GameCube featured innovative controller design and introduced franchises like Animal Crossing and Super Smash Bros.
The Nintendo Switch, released in 2017, combines the versatility of both a handheld and home console, with popular games like The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild and Animal Crossing: New Horizons.

Source

This History of Nintendo Consoles timeline was generated with the help of AI using information found on the internet.

We strive to make these timelines as accurate as possible, but occasionally inaccurates slip in. If you notice anything amiss, let us know at [email protected] and we'll correct it for future visitors.

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