Nintendo video game consoles

This is a list of Nintendo video game consoles. As of October 2, 2008, Nintendo has sold over 470 million hardware units.^[1]

A size comparison of the (top to bottom) Wii, GCN, N64, North American SNES and NES

Home consoles

Color TV Game

The Color TV Game dedicated console

Main article: Color TV Game

The Color TV Game series were five different dedicated consoles, each designed to play a specific game or set of games. They were very similar to the early Pong home console. The players controlled their paddles with dials attached directly to the machine. Additionally, as an alternative to the standard version, a white-colored C Battery powered model of the Color TV Game 6 was introduced. With a limited-run of a few hundred units, these are largely considered the most prized by serious collectors. Computer TV Game, unlike Nintendo's other console did not use a removable storage system to store its games, either in cartridge or disc form. It was only distributed in Japan and was a port of Nintendo's arcade game Computer Othello.

Nintendo Entertainment System

The Nintendo Entertainment System

Main article: Nintendo Entertainment System

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 the Nintendo's first home video game console. In Japan, it is known as the Famicom (Family Computer). Selling over 61 million units worldwide,^[2] 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 of Japan continued to repair Famicom consoles until October 31, 2007, attributing the decision to discontinue support to an increasing shortage of the necessary parts.^[3][4][5]

Super Nintendo Entertainment System

North American version of the Super Nintendo Entertainment System

Main article: Super Nintendo Entertainment System

The Super Nintendo Entertainment System, also known as Super Nintendo, Super NES or SNES, 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" (Super Family Computer). In South Korea, it is known as the Super Comboy and was distributed by Hyundai Electronics.

The SNES was Nintendo's second home console, 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 Mega Drive console (released in North America as the Genesis). Despite its relatively late start, the SNES became the best selling console of the 16-bit era, selling over 49 million systems worldwide.^[2] The SNES library is known for upgrading some of Nintendo's most famous franchises, and making them 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, EarthBound and Mega Man X.

Nintendo 64

The Nintendo 64

Main article: Nintendo 64

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, Star Wars: 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, the 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.^[2]

Nintendo GameCube

The Nintendo GameCube

Main article: Nintendo GameCube

The Nintendo GameCube is 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, Pokemon 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 Nintendo GameCube has sold 21.74 million units.^[2]

Wii

The Wii

Main article: Wii

The Wii (pronounced /ˈwiː/, like the word "we") is Nintendo's seventh-generation video game console. The system's code name was "Revolution", and as with the Nintendo GameCube, this reference appears on the console and its accessories.

The major feature of the Wii console is the console's wireless controller, the Wii Remote, affectionately referred to as the Wiimote, that may be used as a handheld pointing device and can detect motion and rotation in three dimensions. The controller comes with a Nunchuk accessory which provides additional controls, including more motion sensing. The controller also contains a speaker and a rumble device to provide sensory feedback, and can be used to turn the console on and off. The console also features a stand-by mode entitled WiiConnect24, enabling it to receive messages and updates over the Internet while consuming little electrical power. The console is bundled with a game, Wii Sports. In Japan and Korea, Wii Sports is not included with the console, and is a standalone title. Nintendo later made a black version with both Wii Sports and Wii Sports Resort. This new version included the Wii MotionPlus accessory. As of September 30, 2011, the Wii has sold 89.36 million units worldwide.^[2] The Wii, like the Nintendo GameCube, is the smallest and most compact system in its generation. However, the Wii does not have the ability to match certain technical aspects of its competitors of its generation, such as high graphical complexity using hundreds of millions of polygons per second, Pixel Shader Model 3.0 and high-definition resolution (the Wii can only achieve 480p, as opposed to the Xbox 360 and PlayStation 3, which can achieve 1080p).

On December 15, 2006, Nintendo announced it would offer to replace wrist straps for 3.2 million Wii controllers. Consumers reported they were breaking during game play.^[6]

By April 2007, the Wall Street Journal declared Nintendo had "become the company to beat in the games business" with the Wii outselling its home system rivals and overshadowing the better selling Nintendo DS portable.^[7] Nintendo's profits were up 77 % on the fiscal year due to Wii and Nintendo DS sales.^[8]

Nintendo CEO Satoru Iwata has urged Nintendo not to get "complacent" due to the early success of the Wii. He continued by saying it was important "not to lose internal momentum and energy". Iwata urged Nintendo to continue its momentum.^[9]

Nintendo has sold 89.36 million Wii consoles through September 30, 2011.^[2]

Wii U Controller

Wii U

Main article: Wii U

On April 25, 2011, Nintendo announced to investors their intention to release a successor to Wii in 2012.^[10] The console will be demonstrated in playable form at the Electronics Entertainment Expo 2011, and is suggested to be codenamed Project Café.^[10][11] At E3 2011, the console's name, Wii U, was revealed. It will not accept only Wii U games, but also Wii games, including Virtual Console, Wii Channels, and WiiWare. It was confirmed that some games for the Wii U will also support its predecessor's Wii Remote and Wii Balance Board.

Portable consoles

Game & Watch

The Donkey Kong 2 Game & Watch

Main article: Game & Watch

The Game & Watch series were 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" and a "GAME B" 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.

Game Boy line

The Game Boy Advance SP

Main article: Game Boy line

The Game Boy line is a line of handheld game consoles sold by Nintendo. It is one of the world's best-selling game system lines, with over 200 million units sold worldwide.^[2] The classic Game Boy was sold in a number of different revisions and variations, including the streamlined Game Boy Pocket. In 1998, Nintendo released the Game Boy Color, a new Game Boy platform with color graphics. Combined,^[12] the Game Boy and Game Boy Color sold 118.69 million units worldwide.^[2]

In 2001, Nintendo introduced the Game Boy Advance, the first major technological upgrade to the Game Boy line. Nintendo later released two revised models of the Game Boy Advance. The Game Boy Advance SP features a smaller clamshell design, and introduced a built-in screen light and rechargeable battery as standard features for Nintendo handhelds. The Game Boy Micro is an even smaller variant with interchangeable designer faceplates. As of September 30, 2011, the three Game Boy Advance models have sold 81.51 million units worldwide.^[2]

Virtual Boy

The Virtual Boy

Main article: Virtual Boy

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 recently released handheld device, 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. Less than fifteen titles were made for Virtual Boy in North America, few of which were met with positive reception. The system is rarely mentioned by Nintendo, however it is seen through microgames in WarioWare games. Nintendo discontinued the Virtual Boy within a few months of release.

Nintendo DS

The Nintendo DS Lite

Main articles: Nintendo DS, Nintendo DS Lite, and Nintendo DSi

The Nintendo DS (abbreviated NDS or DS, and iQue DS in China) is a handheld game console developed and manufactured by Nintendo, released in 2004. 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. Poke'walker was made for the Nintendo Ds Lite,so you can travel with a smaller device and take your Pokemon on the go. 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.^[13] 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.

As of September 30, 2011, Nintendo DS consoles have sold 149 million units, including over 93.5 million Nintendo DS Lites.^[2]

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 2010. It features the same configurations as its predecessor, but is slightly larger and features a large stylus designed for home use. As of September 30, 2011, Nintendo DSi consoles have sold over 36.6 million units.^[2]

Nintendo 3DS

The Nintendo 3DS

Main article: Nintendo 3DS

Although the name and look of the device are similar to that of the DS series, Nintendo considers it to be the successor to the DS and a brand new console. 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. As of September 30, 2011, Nintendo has sold over 6.6 million units.^[2]

Other hardware

Pokémon mini

• 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 & Watch – a series of handheld games made by Nintendo from 1980 to 1991
• 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.
• 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.
• 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 poor.^{[citation needed]}
• 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 Nintendo 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 Nintendo GameCube. It recognizes basic sounds and incorporates them into gameplay.
• Nintendo Gateway – a proprietary hardware/software console available on commercial aircraft and hotel properties^[14]
• Panasonic Q – a version of the GameCube which could play DVDs developed by Panasonic
• Pokéwalker - a Pedometer used in Pokémon HeartGold and SoulSilver that can be used to enhance your Pokémon HeartGold and SoulSilver game by giving you special Pokémon and items as well as other added benefits that reward you depending on how many steps you take.

References

1. ^ "Nintendo's holiday 2008: Wii Speak Channel, Club Nintendo, more surprises" (Press release). Nintendo. 2008-10-02. http://www.nintendo.ca/cgi-bin/usersite/display_info.cgi?lang=en&pageNum=9&id=1955846. Retrieved 2008-10-23. 
2. ^ ^{a b c d e f g h i j k l} "Consolidated Sales Transition by Region" (PDF). Nintendo. 2011-10-27. http://www.nintendo.co.jp/ir/library/historical_data/pdf/consolidated_sales_e1109.pdf. Retrieved 2011-10-27. 
3. ^ "初代「ファミコン」など公式修理サポート終了" (in Japanese). ITmedia News. ITmedia. 2007-10-16. http://www.itmedia.co.jp/news/articles/0710/16/news102.html. Retrieved 2008-01-20. 
4. ^ RyanDG (2007-10-16). "Nintendo of Japan dropping Hardware support for the Famicomfyt78ji78t9imkghm bnmvhui56iokhbut6i87ioguyu8". Arcade Renaissance. http://www.arcade-renaissance.com/2007/10/nintendo-of-japan-dropping-hardware.html. Retrieved 2008-01-20. 
5. ^ "Nintendo's classic Famicom faces end of road" (Reprint). AFP. 2007-10-31. http://afp.google.com/article/ALeqM5jAJfrC1k8lDKLOCGJu4VonjOYxBg. Retrieved 2007-11-09. 
6. ^ Hans Griemel (2006-12-15). "Nintendo to replace 3.2 million straps". ABC News. http://abcnews.go.com/Technology/wireStory?id=2729252. Retrieved 2007-06-14. ^{[dead link]}
7. ^ Nick Wingfield and Yukari Iwatani Kane, Wii and DS Turn Also-Ran Nintendo Into Winner in Videogames Business, Wall Street Journal, April 19, 2007
8. ^ Nintendo Profits Up 77 Pct. on Wii Sales, Associated Press, April 26, 2007.
9. ^ Stuart Bishop. "Iwata: Success mustn't make us complacent". ComputerAndVideoGames.com. http://www.computerandvideogames.com/article.php?id=171452. 
10. ^ ^{a b} "Re: Wii’s successor system". Nintendo. 25 April 2011. http://www.nintendo.co.jp/ir/pdf/2011/110425_4e.pdf. Retrieved 25 April 2011. 
11. ^ "'Wii 2' Codenamed 'Project Café'". IGN. 2011-04-15. http://wii.ign.com/articles/116/1162045p1.html. Retrieved 2011-04-16. 
12. ^ "A Brief History of Game Console Warfare: Game Boy". BusinessWeek. http://images.businessweek.com/ss/06/10/game_consoles/source/7.htm. Retrieved 2008-01-25. 
13. ^ "Nintendo DS Frequently Asked Questions". Nintendo. http://www.nintendo.com/consumer/systems/ds/faq.jsp. Retrieved 2006-04-02. 
14. ^ Other Stuff. DieHard GameFan. Volume 1. Issue 12. No.12. P.163. November 1993.