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Nintendo has long been a pioneer in the gaming industry, captivating players of all ages with its innovative consoles and unforgettable games. From the revolutionary handheld systems that defined portable gaming to groundbreaking home consoles that redefined how we play, Nintendo’s impact on gaming history is undeniable. In 2024, the legacy continues as Nintendo’s game consoles remain among the most beloved and best-selling devices worldwide.
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| Name | Developer | Manufacturer | Release Date | Hardware Sales | Software Sales |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
 | Nintendo | Foxconn | November 21, 2004 (North America), December 2, 2004 (Japan) | 154.02 million units (worldwide) | Approximately 948.72 million units (worldwide) |
 | Nintendo PTD | Foxconn, Hosiden | March 3, 2017 | 146.04 million units worldwide (as of September 30, 2024) | Approximately 1.306 billion units worldwide (as of September 30, 2024) |
 | Nintendo R&D1 | Nintendo | April 21, 1989 (Japan), July 31, 1989 (North America) | 118.69 million units (combined worldwide) | Approximately 501.11 million units (worldwide) |
 | Nintendo IRD | Foxconn | November 19, 2006 (North America), December 2, 2006 (Japan) | 101.63 million units (worldwide) | Approximately 921.85 million units (worldwide) |
 | Nintendo R&D | Nintendo | March 21, 2001 (Japan), June 11, 2001 (North America) | 81.51 million units (worldwide) | Approximately 377.42 million units (worldwide) |
 | Nintendo Research & Engineering | Nintendo, Foxconn | February 26, 2011 (Japan), March 27, 2011 (North America) | 75.94 million units (worldwide) | Approximately 392.13 million units (worldwide) |
 | Family Computer: Nintendo, Nintendo Entertainment System: Nintendo R&D2 | Nintendo | Famicom: July 15, 1983 (Japan), NES: October 18, 1985 (North America) | 61.91 million units (worldwide) | Approximately 500.01 million units (worldwide) |
 | Nintendo R&D2 | Nintendo | Super Famicom: November 21, 1990 (Japan), Super Nintendo Entertainment System (SNES): August 23, 1991 (North America) | 49.10 million units (worldwide) | Approximately 379.06 million units (worldwide) |
 | Nintendo IRD | Nintendo | Japan: June 23, 1996, North America: September 29, 1996, Europe: March 1, 1997 | 32.93 million units (worldwide) | Approximately 224.97 million units (worldwide) |
 | Nintendo | Nintendo, Foxconn | Japan: September 14, 2001, North America: November 18, 2001, Europe: May 3, 2002 | 21.74 million units (worldwide) | Approximately 208.57 million units (worldwide) |
This article explores Nintendo’s best-selling consoles, highlighting their unique features, iconic games, and the reasons behind their enduring success. Whether you’re a longtime fan or new to the world of Nintendo, this list provides insight into the consoles that have shaped gaming for generations. Let’s dive into the systems that made Nintendo a household name!
Top-10 Bestsellers
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1. Nintendo DS
- Release Date: November 21, 2004 (North America), December 2, 2004 (Japan)
- Hardware Sales: 154.02 million units (worldwide)
- Software Sales: Approximately 948.72 million units (worldwide)
The Nintendo DS is a dual-screen handheld console featuring an innovative touchscreen interface, a first for mainstream gaming at the time. It was designed with backward compatibility for Game Boy Advance games and incorporated wireless connectivity for multiplayer gaming. Its portability and unique hardware capabilities enabled new gaming experiences, paving the way for major franchises like Brain Age, Nintendogs, and revamped entries in the Pokémon and Mario series.
The Nintendo DS’s massive hardware sales, combined with nearly 1 billion software units sold, showcase its monumental impact on the gaming market. It captured diverse audiences, from casual gamers to families, due to its easy-to-learn controls and innovative gameplay options. For marketers, it serves as a case study in diversification—expanding gaming demographics by catering to non-traditional players through approachable design and a vast library of games appealing to all ages and preferences. It also established the viability of handheld gaming as a competitive market segment, influencing future marketing strategies in the industry.
2. Nintendo Switch
- Release Date: March 3, 2017
- Hardware Sales: 146.04 million units worldwide (as of September 30, 2024)
- Software Sales: Approximately 1.306 billion units worldwide (as of September 30, 2024)
The Nintendo Switch is a versatile gaming console that seamlessly transitions between a home console and a portable handheld device. Its hybrid design allows users to play on a TV or on the go, catering to diverse gaming preferences. The console features detachable Joy-Con controllers, enabling various play styles, including single-player, multiplayer, and motion-controlled gaming. The Switch boasts a robust library of games, encompassing popular titles from Nintendo’s iconic franchises and support from third-party developers.
The Nintendo Switch’s remarkable sales figures underscore its widespread appeal across multiple demographics. Its innovative hybrid design has redefined gaming experiences, attracting both casual and hardcore gamers. Nintendo’s strategic marketing campaigns have effectively communicated the console’s unique value proposition, emphasizing versatility and a rich gaming library. Collaborations with various brands and franchises have expanded its reach, while a strong social media presence and engaging content have fostered a dedicated community. The Switch serves as a compelling case study in successful product positioning and market expansion within the gaming industry.
3. Game Boy/Game Boy Color
- Release Date:
- Game Boy: April 21, 1989 (Japan), July 31, 1989 (North America)
- Game Boy Color: October 21, 1998 (Japan), November 18, 1998 (North America)
- Hardware Sales: 118.69 million units (combined worldwide)
- Software Sales: Approximately 501.11 million units (worldwide)
The Game Boy and its successor, the Game Boy Color, are iconic handheld consoles that revolutionized portable gaming. The original Game Boy featured an 8-bit processor, a monochrome display, and support for interchangeable game cartridges, establishing the template for handheld gaming. The Game Boy Color added a color screen while maintaining compatibility with original Game Boy titles, further expanding the library. These devices were home to legendary franchises, including Pokémon, The Legend of Zelda, Super Mario, and Tetris, which contributed to their immense popularity.
The Game Boy series solidified Nintendo’s dominance in the handheld gaming market, thanks to its portability, affordability, and diverse game library. It is a classic example of product longevity, with the Game Boy line remaining relevant for nearly a decade. For marketers, the success of the Game Boy highlights the importance of creating a strong ecosystem (hardware + software synergy) and leveraging flagship franchises to drive hardware adoption. Additionally, its cross-generational appeal and timeless design make it a benchmark for consumer product branding and targeted marketing in the gaming industry.
4. Wii
- Release Date: November 19, 2006 (North America), December 2, 2006 (Japan)
- Hardware Sales: 101.63 million units (worldwide)
- Software Sales: Approximately 921.85 million units (worldwide)
The Wii is a home gaming console that revolutionized the industry by introducing motion-sensing controls via the Wii Remote, making gaming more interactive and accessible to a wider audience. Its innovative gameplay mechanics, combined with simple and intuitive controls, attracted both casual and hardcore gamers. The Wii became a cultural phenomenon with hit titles like Wii Sports, Mario Kart Wii, and The Legend of Zelda: Twilight Princess, and its emphasis on family-friendly entertainment. The console also featured backward compatibility with the Nintendo GameCube.
The Wii’s success demonstrates the power of innovative technology paired with universal appeal. It captured non-traditional gaming demographics, such as families, seniors, and fitness enthusiasts, through titles like Wii Fit and party games. Nintendo’s marketing strategy highlighted interactivity and inclusivity, making the Wii a household staple. For marketers, the Wii serves as a prime example of how product differentiation and user engagement can create a lasting impact, even in a competitive industry. It also underscores the value of broadening the target audience to include both casual users and dedicated fans.
5. Game Boy Advance (GBA)
- Release Date:
- Original GBA: March 21, 2001 (Japan), June 11, 2001 (North America)
- Game Boy Advance SP: February 14, 2003 (Japan)
- Game Boy Micro: September 13, 2005 (Japan)
- Hardware Sales: 81.51 million units (worldwide)
- Software Sales: Approximately 377.42 million units (worldwide)
The Game Boy Advance (GBA) is a 32-bit handheld console, offering a significant leap in graphics and performance compared to its predecessors. The GBA features a horizontal design, backward compatibility with Game Boy and Game Boy Color games, and a vibrant game library including iconic franchises like Pokémon, The Legend of Zelda, Mario, and Metroid. Enhanced versions, such as the Game Boy Advance SP with a clamshell design and front-lit screen, and the Game Boy Micro, a compact and stylish version, further expanded the console’s appeal.
The GBA showcased Nintendo’s ability to evolve a beloved product line while maintaining backward compatibility to retain loyal users. Its marketing emphasized portability, versatility, and the strength of its game library, targeting both long-time fans and new audiences. For marketers, the GBA highlights the importance of leveraging existing ecosystems and franchises while innovating hardware design to meet consumer expectations. It also demonstrated how product iterations (e.g., SP and Micro) can rejuvenate market interest and sustain sales over time.
6. Nintendo 3DS
- Release Date:
- Original 3DS: February 26, 2011 (Japan), March 27, 2011 (North America)
- 3DS XL: July 28, 2012 (Japan)
- New Nintendo 3DS/New 3DS XL: October 11, 2014 (Japan)
- Hardware Sales: 75.94 million units (worldwide)
- Software Sales: Approximately 392.13 million units (worldwide)
The Nintendo 3DS is a portable gaming console that introduced glasses-free 3D technology to the handheld market. It featured two screens, with the top screen capable of displaying stereoscopic 3D visuals, and the bottom screen functioning as a touchscreen. The console included backward compatibility with Nintendo DS titles and offered enhanced online connectivity through the Nintendo eShop and StreetPass features. Its library spanned popular franchises like Pokémon, Animal Crossing, Super Mario, and The Legend of Zelda. Hardware upgrades, such as the New Nintendo 3DS series, brought improved performance and exclusive games.
The Nintendo 3DS’s success is a testament to bold technological innovation and effective adaptation to evolving consumer preferences. The 3DS marketing campaigns emphasized its unique 3D visuals and compatibility with beloved game franchises. For marketers, the 3DS illustrates the importance of emphasizing product differentiation, leveraging nostalgia through franchise continuity, and offering hardware revisions (e.g., XL versions) to appeal to diverse audiences. It also showcased the value of digital ecosystems like the eShop, which extended the console’s lifecycle and engaged consumers through downloadable content and services.
7. Family Computer/Nintendo Entertainment System (Famicom/NES)
- Release Date:
- Famicom: July 15, 1983 (Japan)
- NES: October 18, 1985 (North America)
- Hardware Sales: 61.91 million units (worldwide)
- Software Sales: Approximately 500.01 million units (worldwide)
The Family Computer (Famicom) in Japan and the Nintendo Entertainment System (NES) globally is a home gaming console that revitalized the video game industry following the 1983 crash. It introduced 8-bit graphics, an extensive library of games, and iconic franchises like Super Mario Bros., The Legend of Zelda, and Metroid. The NES was packaged with accessories like the Zapper light gun and R.O.B. (Robotic Operating Buddy) in North America to position it as an entertainment system rather than a traditional gaming console.
The NES is a landmark in video game marketing, credited with re-establishing consumer confidence in the gaming market. Nintendo’s strategy to emphasize quality control (with the Seal of Quality) and bundle iconic titles like Super Mario Bros. played a pivotal role in its success. For marketers, the NES highlights the power of branding, franchise-building, and product positioning to differentiate a product during a market recovery. The console also demonstrates the value of targeted marketing, as Nintendo tailored its approach for each region to maximize cultural relevance and consumer adoption.
8. Super Famicom/Super Nintendo Entertainment System (Super Famicom/SNES)
- Release Date:
- Super Famicom: November 21, 1990 (Japan)
- Super Nintendo Entertainment System (SNES): August 23, 1991 (North America)
- Hardware Sales: 49.10 million units (worldwide)
- Software Sales: Approximately 379.06 million units (worldwide)
The Super Famicom (in Japan) and the Super Nintendo Entertainment System (SNES) globally was a 16-bit home gaming console that brought advanced graphics and audio capabilities to the gaming world. Its innovative hardware supported Mode 7 graphics, enabling pseudo-3D effects, which became a hallmark of titles like Super Mario Kart. The console featured an impressive library of iconic games, including Super Mario World, The Legend of Zelda: A Link to the Past, Donkey Kong Country, and Final Fantasy VI. The SNES focused on improving gameplay depth, narrative quality, and multiplayer experiences.
The SNES solidified Nintendo’s legacy as a leader in gaming by leveraging strong franchises and innovative technology. The console’s marketing campaigns emphasized its technical superiority over competitors like the Sega Genesis while highlighting its extensive game library. For marketers, the SNES exemplifies how companies can utilize technological advancements, exclusive partnerships, and flagship franchises to dominate a competitive landscape. It also shows the importance of fostering brand loyalty through high-quality content and continuous engagement with a core audience.
9. Nintendo 64 (N64)
- Release Date:
- Japan: June 23, 1996
- North America: September 29, 1996
- Europe: March 1, 1997
- Hardware Sales: 32.93 million units (worldwide)
- Software Sales: Approximately 224.97 million units (worldwide)
The Nintendo 64, often abbreviated as N64, was a 64-bit home gaming console that introduced significant innovations, such as 3D graphics and an analog stick for precise control. It marked Nintendo’s transition from cartridge-based games to immersive 3D environments. Key titles like Super Mario 64, The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time, and GoldenEye 007 showcased the console’s capabilities and became genre-defining classics. The N64 also featured four controller ports for multiplayer gaming, fostering a social gaming culture.
The Nintendo 64 serves as a case study in how technological innovation can define a product’s identity. Its marketing emphasized cutting-edge 3D graphics and multiplayer fun, appealing to both core gamers and casual players. While its reliance on cartridges limited third-party support compared to competitors like the PlayStation, its focus on exclusive, high-quality games helped sustain brand loyalty. For marketers, the N64 demonstrates the impact of first-party titles and innovation-driven marketing while highlighting the challenges of balancing technological choices with broader market trends.
10. Nintendo GameCube
- Release Date:
- Japan: September 14, 2001
- North America: November 18, 2001
- Europe: May 3, 2002
- Hardware Sales: 21.74 million units (worldwide)
- Software Sales: Approximately 208.57 million units (worldwide)
The Nintendo GameCube was a home gaming console that prioritized affordability and performance, offering a compact design and a focus on local multiplayer experiences. Unlike its competitors, it used mini optical discs for games, which reduced piracy but limited storage capacity. The GameCube showcased memorable games like Super Smash Bros. Melee, The Legend of Zelda: The Wind Waker, Metroid Prime, and Mario Kart: Double Dash!! It also supported a range of innovative accessories, such as the Game Boy Player for playing handheld games on a TV.
The GameCube highlights the importance of a differentiation strategy in a competitive market. Despite trailing behind the PlayStation 2 and Xbox in sales, it achieved a loyal fan base thanks to its affordable pricing and exclusive titles. Marketing efforts emphasized family-friendly gaming and multiplayer fun, appealing to Nintendo’s core audience. For marketers, the GameCube underscores the value of leveraging first-party IPs, maintaining a clear brand identity, and exploring hardware innovations to stand out in a crowded market.
The Timeless Appeal of Nintendo Consoles
Nintendo’s best-selling consoles showcase the company’s unmatched ability to innovate while staying true to its core mission—delivering fun and accessible gaming experiences. From the groundbreaking NES to the versatile Switch, each system represents a milestone in gaming history, captivating players with creativity, nostalgia, and a focus on enjoyment.
In 2024, Nintendo continues to inspire gamers with its commitment to quality and innovation. As the gaming industry evolves, Nintendo’s consoles stand as a testament to how timeless design and engaging gameplay can create lasting legacies. Whether you grew up with a Game Boy in hand or are exploring the Switch for the first time, Nintendo’s consoles prove that great gaming transcends time and trends.
What does Wii stand for?
Nintendo chose the name "Wii" with its unique spelling (featuring two lowercase "i"s) to symbolize two people standing side by side, as well as the Wii Remote and Nunchuk. The company explained that "Wii" sounds like "we," emphasizing the console's inclusive nature and its goal of being a system for everyone.
Is Nintendo discontinuing the Switch?
Nintendo has announced plans to support the Nintendo Switch with new games through March 2025, reflecting the console's enduring popularity. While no official discontinuation date has been set, its legacy is expected to continue beyond that timeframe.
Why was the Wii discontinued?
Unlike consoles like the PlayStation 2, which thrived even after successors launched, the Wii lost momentum due to years of third-party neglect and an overabundance of low-quality "shovelware." Once a massive success, the console’s golden era ended as Nintendo shifted focus to new opportunities.
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