Companies

Nintendo

Nintendo is a developer and publisher.

Nintendo Webpage, Facebook

Most Popular Games Developed by Nintendo

Metroid Prime 4: Beyond

Metroid Prime 4: Beyond

December 4, 2025

Action

Metroid Prime 4: Beyond
The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom

The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom

May 12, 2023

Action

The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom
Animal Crossing: New Horizons

Animal Crossing: New Horizons

March 20, 2020

Simulation

Animal Crossing: New Horizons
Mario Kart World

Mario Kart World

June 5, 2025

Racing

Mario Kart World
The Legend of Zelda: Link's Awakening

The Legend of Zelda: Link's Awakening

September 20, 2019

Arcade

The Legend of Zelda: Link's Awakening
The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild

The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild

March 3, 2017

Action

The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild

One of the largest video game producers and publishers in the world, as well as one of the leading manufacturers of both stationary and portable consoles. The company was founded in 1889, but it entered the video game industry only in the second half of the 1970s. The Japanese giant, headquartered in Kyoto, is renowned for iconic brands such as Super Mario, Donkey Kong, The Legend of Zelda, Metroid, and Pokémon. Its most successful hardware includes handhelds like the Game Boy and Nintendo DS, as well as home consoles such as the Wii and Nintendo Switch.

Nintendo as a game producer and publisher

Nintendo develops games in-house through its own studios, crafting exclusive titles for platforms that carry its logo. Among Nintendo's most important series are:

  1. Animal Crossing;
  2. Donkey Kong;
  3. Fire Emblem;
  4. Mario Kart;
  5. Metroid;
  6. Pikmin;
  7. Splatoon;
  8. Super Mario;
  9. Super Smash Bros;
  10. The Legend of Zelda;
  11. Xenoblade Chronicles.

The company also publishes games from outside studios, including the best-selling Pokemon series developed by Game Freak. Another, less high-profile case is the Bayonetta series, developed by PlatinumGames, with its second and third installments published by the Kyoto giant.

Beyond its own platforms, Nintendo’s portfolio also includes a handful of mobile games released for smartphones and tablets.

History of Nintendo

From producing niche cards...

Nintendo’s story dates back to September 23, 1889, when Japanese craftsman Fusajiro Yamauchi founded the company. The Kyoto-based company was originally focused on producing and distributing Hanafuda cards, which were popular in the Land of the Rising Sun. While early results were initially promising, problems soon emerged due to the slow, costly production process and the company’s niche market. To tackle these issues, the company introduced a cheaper card set called Tengu and began distributing them in other cities. In 1929, Fusajiro Yamauchi retired, and his adopted son-in-law Sekiryo Kaneda - who took the Yamauchi surname for the occasion - assumed leadership of the family business. Two years earlier, Kaneda’s grandson Hiroshi was born; he would go on to take over the family legacy in 1950.

In 1959, Nintendo started reaching out to the West, partnering with Walt Disney to create cards for children featuring characters from popular American animated movies. Over time, sales of these cards declined, much like the Hanafuda cards aimed at adults. Between 1963 and 1968, Yamauchi explored new directions for the company, but all his ventures - ranging from instant rice through a chain of love hotels to taxis - ended in failure.

In the years that followed, Nintendo increasingly turned its attention to modern technology. In 1969, Gunpei Yokoi joined Nintendo, and the early 1970s set the stage for a new chapter in the company’s future. It was during this period that the Japanese giant released its first electronic toy, a light gun, which quickly sold over a million units. Other Nintendo toys designed by Yokoi followed suit, including the Ultra Hand, Ultra Machine, Ultra Scope, and Love Tester. Their popularity propelled Nintendo to expand rapidly, developing more advanced devices like the Laser Clay Shooting System (1973) and Wild Gunman (1974) light gun machines, which found success not only in Japan but also in the United States and Europe.

Encouraged by the successes of Atari and Magnavox, Yamauchi gradually turned his attention to video games. In 1974, Nintendo became the distributor of the Magnavox Odyssey console in Japan and later partnered with Mitsubishi Electric to produce simple Color TV-Game consoles. The real breakthrough for Nintendo came in 1979, when the company launched a new division fully dedicated to video games.

...to a gaming tycoon (NES, SNES and GameBoy era)

In 1980, Nintendo released a series of simple, pocket-sized electronic games called Game & Watch. Years later, designer Gunpei Yokoi said he was inspired to create them after a train ride, when he saw a man passing the time by playing with a calculator. Game & Watch stormed the charts, selling over 43 million units. Expanding in this new direction, Nintendo released the Donkey Kong arcade game in 1981, introducing Mario - then known as Jumpman - who would later become the company’s globally recognized mascot.

In 1983, Nintendo unveiled a console that let players enjoy a variety of video games distributed on special cartridges. The Famicom (short for Family Computer) hit Japanese stores in July 1983, and just a year later it had outsold the competing SEGA SG-1000 console. That same year, the U.S. video game market suffered a massive crash, triggering a major shake-up in the industry. Nintendo, however, not only weathered the storm but emerged as a major industry powerhouse. In 1985, the Famicom arrived in American stores with a redesigned casing and a new name: the Nintendo Entertainment System (NES). Unsurprisingly, the console was a huge hit in the U.S. as well, with production continuing until 1995 (the Famicom remained in production for eight more years after that). The Famicom and NES sold a combined total of around 62 million units and gave rise to a host of iconic games, most notably the Super Mario, Metroid, and The Legend of Zelda franchises.

In 1989, Nintendo launched its next innovation, the Game Boy portable console, which, like the NES, relied on cartridges. The platform was an instant success: within two weeks of its launch in Japan, 300,000 units were sold, and 40,000 players snapped it up on its first day in the United States. Around that time, Nintendo partnered with Sony to develop an adapter for its new console, the Super Famicom, enabling it to play CDs. Ultimately, however, the Kyoto giant abandoned the deal and partnered with Philips, while Sony, left with the technology it had developed, went on to create its own console. The rest is history.

By the late 1980s, Nintendo was starting to feel the heat from competitors developing increasingly advanced consoles, such as NEC’s PC Engine and SEGA’s Mega Drive (known as the Genesis in the United States). The Famicom finally got its successor with the release of the Super Famicom in 1990. Within just a few hours, 300,000 units were sold in Japan alone; the console later debuted in the West as the Super Nintendo Entertainment System (SNES). Like Nintendo’s first home console, the platform remained in production long after its prime, with production ending in 1999 in the United States and 2003 in Japan. In 1990, Nintendo set up its European branch in Großostheim, Germany, followed by additional branches in the Netherlands, France, the UK, Spain, Belgium, Australia, and beyond.

The days of Nintendo 64 and Game Boy Color

In 1993, Nintendo announced a partnership with several companies, including Silicon Graphics, NEC, Toshiba, and Sharp, aimed at developing a next-generation console. This collaboration led to the Nintendo 64, the company’s first console built on 64-bit architecture. The console launched in Japan and the United States in June and September 1996, respectively, followed by a European release in March 1997. The platform faced fierce competition from the PlayStation, yet by the time production ended in 2002, it had sold around 33 million units. The console saw the release of hits like Super Mario 64, The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time, and GoldenEye 007, all of which left a lasting impact on the video game industry.

In 1995, Nintendo released the Virtual Boy, a console that displayed 3D images and was designed by Gunpei Yokoi himself. Unfortunately, this time the talented designer and engineer was unable to revolutionize the video game industry. The hardware proved to be a commercial failure, and Yokoi subsequently left Nintendo. In 1996, Pocket Monsters Red and Pocket Monsters Green - known outside Japan as Pokemon Red and Pokemon Blue - launched on the Game Boy, kicking off a franchise that would dominate the world for decades. In 1998, Nintendo released the Game Boy Color, the successor to the Game Boy, with computing power comparable to the NES. Unlike the Virtual Boy, the Game Boy Color was a resounding success.

The age of the Game Boy Advance and the GameCube

In 1999, the PlayStation 2 hit store shelves. Nintendo’s response was a 128-bit console developed in collaboration with IBM and Panasonic. At the same time, the Game Boy Color was set to receive its successor.

In 2001, Nintendo launched both the Game Boy Advance and the GameCube. The Game Boy Advance quickly became the fastest-selling handheld console in U.S. history. The GameCube, however, fell short of expectations: by the time production ended in 2010, the Game Boy Advance had sold over 81 million units, while fewer than 22 million GameCubes had made it into players’ hands. In May 2002, Hiroshi Yamauchi stepped down as president of Nintendo, succeeded by Satoru Iwata, ending the long-standing tradition of Yamauchi family leadership. That same year, Nintendo released the Pokémon Mini, the smallest console in history, followed a year later by the Game Boy Advance SP, an upgraded version of the original handheld.

Nintendo DS and Wii, the path of innovation

In 2004, Nintendo unveiled another new handheld console. This was the Nintendo DS, designed to compete with the PlayStation Portable for gamers’ attention and funds. The hardware didn’t wow in terms of graphics, but Nintendo took a different approach, prioritizing innovation in its design. The console featured two screens, one of which was a touchscreen. As it turned out, Nintendo’s innovative design won over players: over 154 million units were sold, making the DS the most popular handheld and the second-best-selling console in history. In 2005, Nintendo gave the Game Boy brand a fresh twist with the release of the Game Boy Micro.

In 2006, the Nintendo Wii appeared on store shelves. Like with the DS, Nintendo prioritized innovation over raw graphics and computing power, leaving that race to Microsoft and Sony. The Nintendo Wii featured an innovative motion controller and a broad lineup of games for all ages, drawing both hardcore gamers and newcomers to video gaming alike. By 2016, the Nintendo Wii had sold over 101 million units, making it the best-selling console of its generation.

Searching for a new path – 3DS and Wii U

After the successes of the DS and Wii, it seemed that Nintendo had perfected the art of creating consoles that gamers wanted and setting industry trends. In 2011, Nintendo launched the 3DS, the successor to the DS, featuring glasses-free 3D display technology. Despite its innovative design, the console’s initial sales were disappointing. Fortunately, over time, the console gained more and more players, allowing the Kyoto-based giant to fully invest in its development and in creating increasingly improved versions. Seven years after its launch, the Nintendo 3DS had sold over 69 million units.

While Nintendo could ultimately celebrate the success of the 3DS, its new home console didn’t share the same fate. Released in 2012, the Nintendo Wii U was a massive flop: in its five years on the market, it sold just around 13.5 million units, making it the worst-selling home console in the company’s history. In 2013, Nintendo CEO Satoru Iwata announced he would temporarily halve his salary, while other key executives would take a 30 percent pay cut, in response to the console’s poor performance. The Wii U’s failure was largely due to a poorly executed marketing campaign. By focusing on the GamePad - a controller with a built-in screen - Nintendo left many gamers confused about the console itself; some even mistook the Wii U for just another accessory for the aging Wii rather than its successor.

Satoru Iwata passed away on July 11, 2015, and in September, Tatsumi Kimishima succeeded him as Nintendo’s president. That same year, seeking new avenues for growth, Nintendo turned its attention to the mobile gaming market. In 2016, Nintendo launched its first mobile app, Miitomo, on smartphones and tablets. In the following years, it was joined by titles such as Super Mario Run, Fire Emblem Heroes, Animal Crossing: Pocket Camp, Mario Kart Tour, and Pokémon GO. In November 2016, Nintendo released the NES Classic Edition, a revamped version of its first console with a built-in library of games. The device was such a success that it was followed a year later by the SNES Classic Edition.

Nintendo Switch, a return to form

Nintendo unveiled the successor to the Wii U relatively late, more than three years after Sony’s PlayStation 4 and Microsoft’s Xbox One had hit the market. However, the Kyoto-based giant again avoided the technological arms race, instead highlighting the Switch’s hybrid design as its main selling point. The console functioned as a handheld device that could transform into a full-fledged home console when placed in a special docking station. It also featured detachable controllers called Joy-Con, which could be used together or separately, allowing players to enjoy multiplayer gaming on a single console in any configuration.

The Nintendo Switch quickly became a huge success, selling over 55 million units within three years of its launch, by March 2020. That same year, Nintendo weathered the COVID-19 pandemic remarkably well, posting a 75 percent increase in revenue compared to the previous fiscal year. In August 2020, Nintendo was recognized as the most valuable company in Japan.

Meanwhile, in 2018, Shuntaro Furukawa became Nintendo’s president, and in 2019, Reggie Fils-Aimé passed the reins of Nintendo of America to Doug Bowser. In April 2019, Nintendo partnered with Tencent to distribute the Switch in China.

In February 2022, Nintendo acquired SRD, a longtime partner of 40 years, and in July, it brought Dynamo Pictures - later renamed Nintendo Pictures - under its umbrella. In May 2022, the Saudi Public Investment Fund acquired a 5 percent stake in Nintendo, and by February 2023, it had increased its holdings to over 8 percent, becoming the company’s largest external investor.

In 2023, the animated Super Mario Bros movie was a massive success, produced by Nintendo in collaboration with Universal Pictures and Illumination. With over $1.3 billion in global box office revenue, it became the 15th highest-grossing video game adaptation of all time. It also became the highest-grossing animated film of all time and set the record for the biggest global opening weekend for an animated feature.

In May 2024, Nintendo officially confirmed its new console. That same month, Nintendo acquired Shiver Entertainment, a studio specializing in porting games to the Switch, from the Embracer Group.

In September, Nintendo and The Pokémon Company filed a lawsuit against Pocketpair, the developers of the game Palworld. Accusing the developers of violating multiple patents, the companies sought both protection against copyright infringement and compensation for damages. In November, reports revealed that three patents were at issue, including methods for capturing and taming creatures and the ability to ride some of them. Nintendo and The Pokémon Company demanded 5 million yen in compensation from Pocketpair for each company, as well as pulling the game from storefronts.

Nintendo Switch 2 – a well-treaded road

On January 16, 2025, Nintendo finally revealed its long-kept secrets and officially announced the Nintendo Switch 2. The console was scheduled for release on June 5, 2025. The launch was preceded by Nintendo Switch 2 Experience events, where players could try out the new hardware firsthand.

The Nintendo Switch 2 is remarkably similar to its predecessor. The Kyoto-based company focused on a larger screen, more powerful components, addressing the original’s shortcomings, and expanding functionality, including the option to use Joy-Con controllers as a mouse.

Nintendo consoles

Color TV-Game

A series of five simple consoles released exclusively in the Japanese market. Each one had built-in games. Produced between 1977 and 1980, they sold approximately 3 million units in total.

Game & Watch

A series of simple handheld consoles designed by Gunpei Yokoi. Each device featured a single game, with individual models differing mainly in appearance. Produced between 1980 and 1991, they sold over 80 million units and inspired many imitators, highly popular in Eastern Europe.

Nintendo Entertainment System (NES)/Famicom

The third-generation home console, known in Japan as the Famicom (short for Family Computer) and in the West as the Nintendo Entertainment System (NES). Produced between 1983 and 2003 (Famicom) and 1985 and 1995 (SNES), it sold 61.91 million units.

Game Boy

Nintendo’s first cartridge-based handheld, produced from 1989 to 2003. Together with its successor, the Game Boy Color, it found 118.69 million buyers.

Super Nintendo Entertainment System (SNES)/Super Famicom

The fourth-generation home console, known in Japan as the Super Famicom and in the West as the Super Nintendo Entertainment System (SNES). Produced between 1990 and 2003, it reached 49.1 million players.

Virtual Boy

Portable console using 3D technology. The Virtual Boy resembled a modern virtual reality headset, featuring specialized goggles and a controller. Produced between 1995 and 1996, it was a major failure, selling just 770,000 units. After its commercial failure, its designer, Gunpei Yokoi, left Nintendo.

Nintendo 64

Fifth generation home console. Produced between 1996 and 2002, it sold 32.93 million units.

Game Boy Color

The successor to the Game Boy equipped with a color screen. Produced between 1998 and 2003, it and its predecessor sold a combined total of 118.69 million units.

GameCube

Sixth generation home console. Produced from 2001 to 2007, it sold 21.75 million units.

Game Boy Advance

Successor to the Game Boy Color. Produced between 2001 and 2010, it underwent several upgrades and sold 81.51 million units.

Nintendo DS

The Nintendo handheld equipped with two screens, one of which was a touchscreen. Produced between 2004 and 2013, ithad several versions and sold over 154 million units.

Wii

Seventh generation home console. Produced between 2006 and 2017, it found its way to 101.6 million buyers.

Nintendo 3DS

The successor to the Nintendo DS, featuring a screen capable of displaying 3D images without the need for special glasses. Produced between 2011 and 2020, it underwent several updates, much like its predecessor. Its sales amounted to just under 76 million units.

Wii U

Eighth generation home console. Produced between 2012 and 2017, it sold only 13.56 million units.

Switch

Ninth-generation hybrid console. From its launch in March 2017 to November 2024, it sold over 146 million units.

Switch 2

Nintendo's second hybrid console, officially announced on January 16, 2025. The Nintendo Switch 2 debuted worldwide on June 5, 2025.

Games in Development

List of all games in development by Nintendo.

Developed Games

List of all released games developed by Nintendo.

Upcoming Games

List of all upcoming games that will be published by Nintendo.

Released Games

List of all released games published by Nintendo.

Nintendo News

First look at Mega Lucario Z in the new Mega Dimension trailer. A new Evolution comes to Pokemon Legends Z-A

First look at Mega Lucario Z in the new Mega Dimension trailer. A new Evolution comes to Pokemon Legends Z-A

Z Mega Evolution is introduced to Pokémon Legends: Z-A with first paid DLC. Mega Lucario Z can boost its defense and agility while delivering powerful, fast attacks.

video games

December 3, 2025

First look at Mega Lucario Z in the new Mega Dimension trailer. A new Evolution comes to Pokemon Legends Z-A
Mega Zeraora revealed in new trailer for Pokémon Legends: Z-A DLC, Mega Dimension

Mega Zeraora revealed in new trailer for Pokémon Legends: Z-A DLC, Mega Dimension

Pokémon Legends: Z-A's DLC, Mega Dimension, arrives in just a few weeks, and another new Mega Evolution has been revealed. This time, it's Mega Zeraora.

video games

November 19, 2025

Mega Zeraora revealed in new trailer for Pokémon Legends: Z-A DLC, Mega Dimension
Nintendo reveals early images of The Legend of Zelda film adaptation, giving fans plenty of details to speculate on

Nintendo reveals early images of The Legend of Zelda film adaptation, giving fans plenty of details to speculate on

Nintendo has shared a first look at the upcoming live-action Legend of Zelda movie adaptation, showing the two starring characters in a stunning landscape.

video games

November 17, 2025

Nintendo reveals early images of The Legend of Zelda film adaptation, giving fans plenty of details to speculate on
Metroid Prime 4: Beyond introduces an unexpected NPC companion, and fans are worried about it

Metroid Prime 4: Beyond introduces an unexpected NPC companion, and fans are worried about it

The latest overview trailer for Metroid Prime 4: Beyond revealed that Samus will encounter some talkative NPC companions, and it's got some fans worried.

video games

November 14, 2025

Metroid Prime 4: Beyond introduces an unexpected NPC companion, and fans are worried about it
Is Pokémon Legends: Z-A's Mega Dimension DLC worth $30? Here's what you need to know

Is Pokémon Legends: Z-A's Mega Dimension DLC worth $30? Here's what you need to know

The Pokémon Company released two new trailers for Pokémon Legends: Z-A's Mega Dimension DLC today, giving us a glimpse of what to expect and a release date.

video games

November 6, 2025

Is Pokémon Legends: Z-A's Mega Dimension DLC worth $30? Here's what you need to know
Nintendo Switch 2 surpasses 10 million units sold, despite fan anger about prices

Nintendo Switch 2 surpasses 10 million units sold, despite fan anger about prices

The Nintendo Switch 2 continues to be the fastest-selling console of all time, despite early fan anger over the pricing of games and upgrades.

video games

November 4, 2025

Nintendo Switch 2 surpasses 10 million units sold, despite fan anger about prices
Animal Crossing: New Horizons is finally getting a Switch 2 upgrade. But that's not the best part of this update

Animal Crossing: New Horizons is finally getting a Switch 2 upgrade. But that's not the best part of this update

Given Animal Crossing: New Horizons' popularity at launch, it's shocking the Switch 2 edition took this long. Thankfully, Switch 1 owners still get new content.

video games

October 30, 2025

Animal Crossing: New Horizons is finally getting a Switch 2 upgrade. But that's not the best part of this update
„Like rolling up snow for a snowman.” Shigeru Miyamoto shares the secret of Super Mario's immortality

„Like rolling up snow for a snowman.” Shigeru Miyamoto shares the secret of Super Mario's immortality

The creators of Super Mario Bros. believe that Nintendo's mascot will live to see its 100th birthday.

video games

October 29, 2025

„Like rolling up snow for a snowman.” Shigeru Miyamoto shares the secret of Super Mario's immortality
Pokémon Legends: Z-A is the largest physical launch for a video game in over 2 years, and fans on Reddit feel validated

Pokémon Legends: Z-A is the largest physical launch for a video game in over 2 years, and fans on Reddit feel validated

Thanks to insights from Circana, we know that Pokémon Legends: Z-A had a huge physical launch. Online, this has given fans of the game a sense of validation.

video games

October 27, 2025

Pokémon Legends: Z-A is the largest physical launch for a video game in over 2 years, and fans on Reddit feel validated
So you chose Tepig? Building the perfect Pokémon Legends: Z-A team around your starter

So you chose Tepig? Building the perfect Pokémon Legends: Z-A team around your starter

Tepig is a great starter choice for Pokémon Legends: Z-A. But what are some good teammates for it? Here are some suggestions and advice.

video games

October 24, 2025

So you chose Tepig? Building the perfect Pokémon Legends: Z-A team around your starter