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Nintendo Planet |
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< -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------> |
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SSYSTEM HISTORY |
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Nintendo Entertainment System (NES)
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1985 |
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8-Bit Graphics
CPU 1.8 Mhz 8-bit Motorola 6502
24 simultaneous colors
Mono Sound
2 KB system memory
2 controller ports
Large gaming library |
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The original Nintendo Entertainment System was released in the United States in August, 1985. Backed by classic games such as Super Mario Bros., The Legend of Zelda and Excitebike, the NES was instantly a hit. Its graphics were far superior to any home-based console that had come before it, leaving gamers with the feeling that their homes had been transformed into real-life arcades. The NES spawned a variety of interesting accessories, from R.O.B. the robot to the Power Pad controller, and went on to sell over 60 million units worldwide. |
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view the classic games |
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Game Boy (GBN) |
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1989 |
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8-Bit Graphics
CPU 4 Mhz Sharp Z80
4 gray color display
Stereo Sound
16 KB system memory
Headphone jack
Low battery indicater |
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Game Boy is the most successful video game system ever developed. Since its introduction in 1989, Game Boy has sold well over 150 million systems worldwide. Over the years, Game Boy's software library has included some of the greatest and best-selling games of all time, such as Tetris and Pokemon. Game Boy evolved over the years and has appeared in many colors and sizes, including the smaller sized Game Boy Pocket in 1996 and Game Boy Color in 1998. |
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view the classic games |
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Super Nintendo Entertainment System (SNES) |
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1991 |
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16-Bit Graphics
CPU 3.6 Mhz custom 16-bit 65C816
256 simultaneous colors
Stereo Sound
128 KB system memory
2 controller ports
Large gaming library |
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The Super Nintendo Entertainment System raised the bar for video game designers around the globe when it was released in 1991. Featuring true stereo sound, multiple scrolling backgrounds and almost twice the internal memory as its competition, the SNES was home to the best games of its day. Backed by an all-star lineup of games like The Legend of Zelda: A Link to the Past, Donkey Kong Country and Super Metroid, the Super NES sold more that 20 million in the U.S. and 49 million systems worldwide. |
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view the classic games |
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Virtual Boy (VBN) |
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1995 |
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32-Bit Graphics
CPU 20 Mhz NEC 32-bit RISC
4 colors with 32 intensity levels
Stereo Sound
512 KB system memory
Battery power option
2 screens |
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Virtual Boy, Nintendo's unique 3-D gaming system, was released in the fall of 1995. Powered by a 32-bit processor, the Virtual Boy produced very impressive 3-D effects, although the monochromatic graphic style proved to limit the appeal of the visuals. Although not the commercial success that Nintendo had hoped for, Virtual Boy still has a loyal fan base that enjoys the system's unique game play. Virtual Boy is a prime example of Nintendo's continuing quest for innovation in video gaming. |
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view the classic games |
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Nintendo 64 (N64) |
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1996 |
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64-Bit Graphics
CPU 94 Mhz MIPS 64-bit RISC
GPU 63 Mhz RISC
32,000 simultaneous colors
Stereo Sound
4 MB system memory
4 controller ports |
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The Nintendo 64 took the video game world by storm in 1996. Sales took off in North America thanks to Super Mario 64, hailed by many as "the best game ever." The innovative Nintendo 64 was the first system with 64-bit graphics and built-in four player gaming potential, features that came together perfectly in the classic James Bond adventure, GoldenEye 007. The Nintendo 64's software library also earned accolades with masterpieces such as Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time and Super Smash Bros. Over 32 million N64 systems were sold worldwide. |
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view the classic games |
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Game Boy Color (GBC) |
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1998 |
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8-Bit Graphics
CPU 8 Mhz Sharp Z80
56 simultaneous colors
Stereo Sound
16 KB system memory
Headphone jack
Extended battery life |
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Game Boy Color was the ultimate evolution of the original Game Boy system. Released in 1998, Game Boy Color added a color display that allowed for a palette of over 32,000 colors. Game Boy Color was compatible with hundreds of original Game Boy games, and also played games that were specially enhanced for Game Boy Color (though it cannot play Game Boy Advance games). Game Boy Color was available in many colors such as Teal, Kiwi, Grape, Berry, Dandelion, and Atomic Purple. |
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view the classic games |
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| Game Boy Advance (GBA) |
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2001 |
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32-Bit Graphics
CPU 32-bit ARM with embedded memory
32,768 simultaneous colors
Stereo Sound
128 KB system memory
Headphone jack
Extended battery life |
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Game Boy Advance was an exciting evolution for the Game Boy. It featured a powerful 32-bit processor with true stereo sound. Released in 2001, Game Boy Advance was an immediate success, with updated classics such as, the Super Mario Advance series, Metroid Fusion, and The Ledgend of Zelda: Four Swords, Game Boy Advance won over millions. Like Game Boy Color, Game Boy Advance was compatible with original Game Boy and Game Boy Color games. |
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view the classic games |
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| Nintendo Gamecube (GCN) |
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2001 |
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128-Bit Graphics
MPU 485 Mhz custom IBM Power PC "Gekko"
GPU 162 Mhz custom ATI/Nintendo "Flipper"
SPU 81 Mhz custom Macronix 16-bit DSP
Dolby Surround Sound
40 MB system memory
4 controller ports |
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The Nintendo Gamecube system released in late 2001, is loaded with innovative features. From its fast loading, high capacity optical disk to its four controller ports, to the compact unique shape, Nintendo Gamecube is symbolic of Nintendo's commitment to original and innovative video games. GCN features instant classics such as Super Mario Sunshine, Legend of Zelda: Windwaker, Metroid Prime, Mario Kart: Double Dash!!, and Animal Crossing alongside with the ability to display progressive scan and Dolby surround sound make the Nintendo Gamecube a knockout. |
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view the classic games |
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| Game Boy Advance SP (GSP) |
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2003 |
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32-Bit Graphics
CPU 32-bit ARM with embedded memory
32,768 simultaneous colors
Stereo Sound
128 KB system memory
Front light integrated with LCD
Rechargeable lithium-ion battery |
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The Game Boy Advance SP released in 2003, was a huge hit with a crowd slightly older than the usual Game Boy fans. It featured the same hardware as Game Boy Advance but added a fold up design along with a beautiful front light screen and rechargeable lithium batteries. The Game Boy Advance SP has helped increase the fanbase while managing to address the shortfalls of previous versions. |
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view the classic games |
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SYSTEM HISTORY EVOLUTION HOME TIMELINES CLASSIC GAMES |
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Information and images obtained from nintendo and other sources. Games, systems are trademarks and copyright of their respective owners. Support Nintendo! |
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< -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------> |
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