Nintendo has been around longer than any of the other major console manufacturers, both in terms of consoles and in terms of actual existence in the gaming industry. Of the top largest console manufacturers, Nintendo is one of the most established. Several of Nintendo's consoles had cutting-edge technology that revolutionized the gaming industry at inception.
However, recently, the best Nintendo consoles are becoming harder to come by. Due to its influence and standard, every new Nintendo console is a big deal when it comes out, but some have been significantly more influential, groundbreaking, and unforgettable than others.
Although Nintendo's more recent attempts have been more inconsistent as the company has experimented with new ideas, its early cartridge-based systems were crucial in shaping console gaming, launching some of the most cherished franchises of all time. This is the basis of every gamer’s soft spot for retro gaming. Speaking of top Nintendo systems in gaming history, let’s get into it.
5 of the Best Nintendo Consoles of All Time
Here are 5 of the best nintendo consoles of all time:
1. Nintendo Gameboy
Because of its iconic status upon its 1989 debut, Game Boy is an essential component of any Nintendo console review. To date, Game Boy has sold over 117 million consoles, putting it right behind the Switch in terms of sales. Gameboy had its special selling point and characteristics that made it different from the rest.
It attracted a massive user base because of its extensive game library. Mario, Pokemon, and Zelda games catapulted the system to fame and caused sales to soar. The Game Boy also stood out from competing consoles due to its sturdy build and portability. The battery life was exceptional, and it could endure a lot of use without breaking.
2. Nintendo DS
Nintendo DS is a one-of-a-kind portable gaming system featuring two screens and touch controls. Connecting to Wi-Fi and playing online multiplayer games was one of its most appealing features. In addition to the included pen, the Nintendo DS included a touch-sensitive LCD screen that gamers could use to tap, slide, and draw on.
The DS was successful in drawing in a wide variety of customers, from casual browsers to dedicated gamers. Games from the Pokémon series, and New Super Mario Bros. were among the more than 2,000 titles available for the DS, helping to cement the system's status as a gaming icon.
3. Super Nintendo Entertainment System
After its debut in 1990, the Super Nintendo Entertainment System (SNES) went on to sell more than 49.1 million copies throughout the globe. The SNES was an excellent follow-up to the NES despite the NES's greater commercial success. The system's extensive game library, high-quality audio, and graphically impressive visuals made it a hit with players of all ages.
Its large collection of beloved titles, like Final Fantasy VI and Chrono Trigger, propelled it to unprecedented levels of success. The Super Nintendo Entertainment System (SNES) was home to some of the best role-playing games (RPGs) of all time and had a controller that was considered to be the best of all time for fighting games.
4. Nintendo 64
Among Nintendo's top consoles, the 64 came out in 1996. Its creative controller design technology made for a fantastic gaming experience with a vast library of games. Included were several classic video games, like Perfect Dark, Super Smash Bros, Ocarina of Time and many more.
Even though the N64's capabilities were limited by its reliance on cartridges, that's just a little taste of what made it such an innovative and amazing system. There was a lot of competition from the Sony PlayStation, so the N64 didn't end up selling more than 32 million units—it was only the best-selling system of its time.
5. Nintendo Switch
The Switch is undeniably one of Nintendo's most groundbreaking systems to date. It set the standard for gaming devices after being marketed as a hybrid home console and portable device. Both the innovative hybrid design and the flexible control system of the Switch are highly influential.
Released in 2017, The Switch is essential for the existence of Steam Deck, ROG Ally, and related handheld devices. Even if there are many better choices for portable gaming today, the unique titles for it are still incredible, and the innovation element elevates this system to be the fifth among the top five Nintendo consoles of all time.
Worthy Mentions
In the history of retro gaming these are some classic Nintendo consoles that although didn’t fall among the top five will easily be ranked in the top ten category. Check out the titles to see which you might be familiar with.
- Nintendo Entertainment System (Released in 1983)
- Nintendo GameCube (Released in 2001)
- Virtual Boy (Released in 1995)
- Gameboy Advance (Released in 2001)
- Nintendo Wii (Released in 2006)
Wrapping Up
In all, it is quite evident that Nintendo has consistently delivered consoles that have shaped the gaming world. From the early days of the Game Boy to the modern era with the Switch, each system has left a lasting impact on gaming history.
Whether you're a fan of handheld devices or home consoles, these systems offer unforgettable gaming experiences. Their influence can still be seen today in many of the games and devices we enjoy. Nintendo’s ability to innovate and create iconic gaming moments ensures its place as a leader in the gaming industry for years to come.