Retro Nintendo Devices
Featured in this article
Gameboy, 1989
The Japanese company Nintendo first released its portable gaming system in 1989, and the GameBoy went on to become the most influential computer games console in the world. The original model was grey and box-shaped, with a small black and white screen. It contained an 8-bit processor and was released with simple but popular games like Tetris. Later it became available in pocket variety in an assortment of colors, including this transparent version. In 2001 Nintendo released the GameBoy Advance, which features a large color screen with a 32-bit processor, putting it on a par with the Sony Playstation.
Mario Bros Game & Watch, 1983
Nintendo's Mario Bros Game & Watch is a multi-screen video game with the characters Mario and Luigi. It marks the debut of Luigi. Released by Nintendo in 1983, the game is not based on *Super Mario Bros*, and it was created before the arcade version. Nintendo manufactured 1,000,000 units of the game worldwide.
Nintendo NES Max controller (NES-027), 1988
In 1988, Nintendo released the NES Max controller (NES-027). With its shape, side grips, and turbo buttons, the NES Max was the first to introduce controller features that would later become a staple for modern gaming devices. It was not until the first PlayStation (PSX) that the shape and side grips appeared on another controller.
Photograph: SSPL/Getty Images01Gameboy, 1989
The Japanese company Nintendo first released its portable gaming system in 1989, and the GameBoy went on to become the most influential computer games console in the world. The original model was grey and box-shaped, with a small black and white screen. It contained an 8-bit processor and was released with simple but popular games like Tetris. Later it became available in pocket variety in an assortment of colors, including this transparent version. In 2001 Nintendo released the GameBoy Advance, which features a large color screen with a 32-bit processor, putting it on a par with the Sony Playstation.
Photograph: SSPL/Getty Images02Mario Bros Game & Watch, 1983
Nintendo's Mario Bros Game & Watch is a multi-screen video game with the characters Mario and Luigi. It marks the debut of Luigi. Released by Nintendo in 1983, the game is not based on *Super Mario Bros*, and it was created before the arcade version. Nintendo manufactured 1,000,000 units of the game worldwide.
Photograph: Olly Curtis/Getty Images03Nintendo NES Max controller (NES-027), 1988
In 1988, Nintendo released the NES Max controller (NES-027). With its shape, side grips, and turbo buttons, the NES Max was the first to introduce controller features that would later become a staple for modern gaming devices. It was not until the first PlayStation (PSX) that the shape and side grips appeared on another controller.
Photograph: Kurita KAKU/Getty Images04Nintendo's Super Famicon (1990), Gameboy (1989), and Famicon/Family Computer, (1983)
Nintendo's Super Famicon, Gameboy and Famicon/Family Computer.
Photograph: SSPL/Getty Images05Super Nintendo Entertainment System, 1991
Super Nintendo Entertainment System (SNES) game console with 'Alien 3' game cartridge. The SNES was eleased in 1990 for Japan and South Korea and 1991 in North America.
Photograph: James Sheppard/Retro Gamer Magazine/Getty Images06Nintendo Virtual Boy, 1995
Released in 1995, Virtual Boy is a 32-bit tabletop portable video game console with 3D graphics.
Photograph: Phil Barker/Getty Images07Nintendo 64 controller and Transfer Pak, 1996
A Nintendo 64 controller and Transfer Pak.
Photograph: Kim Kulish/Getty Images08Nintendo DS Portable Gaming Device, 2004
The Nintendo DS portable gaming device, with a stylus on the touchpad screen, at the Electronic Entertainment Expo, or E3, a trade show for the video game industry, in Los Angeles, May 13, 2004. The Nintendo DS offers Wi-Fi compatibility along with touch-screen input.
Photograph: Phil Barker/Getty Images09Nintendo Game Boy Micro, 2005
Game Boy Micro, a small handheld video game console by Nintendo that weighs 2.8 oz with dimensions of 2 inches by 4×7 inches.
Photograph: James Sheppard/Getty Images10Nintendo DSi, 2008
A Nintendo DSi handheld video game console.
Photograph: Will Ireland/T3 Magazine/Getty Images11Nintendo 3DS, 2011
Nintendo 3DS handheld video game console. Released in 2011, the 3DS included a stylus.
Photograph: Kevork Djansezian/Getty Images12Wii U controller, 2012
A Wii U controller on display at the Nintendo booth during the Electronic Entertainment Expo on June 7, 2011, in Los Angeles, California. The Wii U has HD graphics and the controller has a 6.2-inch touchscreen that can mirror gameplay seen on a TV screen, or show independent gaming elements like items screens, maps, and scopes.
Photograph: Kevin Nixon/T3 Magazine/Getty Images13Nintendo 2DS gaming tablet, 2013
A Nintendo 2DS gaming tablet. Released in 2013, the 2DS was designed to target a younger demographic.
Comments
Back to top
Wired Coupons
Squarespace Promo Code
10% Off Exclusive Squarespace Promo Code 2026
T-Mobile Promo Code
Get Only the Essentials With the Coremobile Plan
Home Depot Promo Code
10% Off Home Depot Promo Code With Sign-up
LG Promo Code
LG Promo Code: 20% Off Your First Order
Dell Coupon Code
10% Off Dell Coupon Code for New Customers
.png){kind=logo}
Samsung Promo Code
30% Samsung Coupon - Offer Program 2026