1985

Released October 18, 1985, The Nintendo Entertainment System (NES) is an 8-bit video game console released by Nintendo in North America, South America, Europe, Asia, Oceania and Africa and was Nintendo's first home video game console released outside Japan. Selling 61.91 million units worldwide, the NES helped revitalize the video game industry following the video game crash of 1983 and set the standard for subsequent consoles in everything from game design to business practices. Many of Nintendo's most iconic franchises, such as The Legend of Zelda and Metroid were started on the NES.

1990

Released November 21, 1990, The Super Nintendo Entertainment System, officially abbreviated the Super NES or SNES, is a 16-bit video game console released by Nintendo in North America, South America, Europe, Asia, Oceania and Africa. The Super NES was Nintendo's second home console, following the Nintendo Entertainment System. Whereas the earlier console had struggled in some regions, the Super NES was a global success. Despite its relatively late start, the Super NES became the best selling console of the 16-bit era, selling 49.10 million systems worldwide.The Super NES library is known for upgrading some of Nintendo's most famous franchises, and making the games even more critically acclaimed, such as Super Metroid, The Legend of Zelda: A Link to the Past, Final Fantasy IV and VI, Donkey Kong Country and Super Mario World, as well starting some popular franchises such as Star Fox, EarthBound and Mega Man X.

1996

Released June 23, 1996, The Nintendo 64, commonly called the N64, and codenamed Ultra 64, was Nintendo's third home video game console. It was released with three launch games in Japan (Super Mario 64, Pilotwings 64 and Saikyo Habu Shogi) and two in North America (Super Mario 64 and Pilotwings 64). Other key games included Donkey Kong 64, Diddy Kong Racing, Banjo-Kazooie, two games in The Legend of Zelda series, GoldenEye 007, Mario Kart 64, Super Smash Bros. and Star Fox 64. The Nintendo 64 sold 32.93 million systems.

2001

The Nintendo GameCube is Nintendo's sixth generation game console, the same generation as Sega's Dreamcast, Sony's PlayStation 2 and Microsoft's Xbox. The GameCube is the most compact sixth generation console and is Nintendo's first game console to use optical discs rather than game cartridges. Much of Nintendo's core line-up centered on sequels to their established hit franchises such as Super Mario Sunshine, Super Smash Bros. Melee, The Legend of Zelda: Wind Waker, Metroid Prime, Pokémon Colosseum and Star Fox Adventures, while new franchises like Animal Crossing and Pikmin were born, although the former franchise had seen a Japan-exclusive release on the N64. The GameCube has sold 21.74 million units.

2006

The Wii is Nintendo's seventh-generation video game console.The major feature of the Wii console is the console's wireless controller, the Wii Remote, affectionately referred to as the Wiimote, that may be used as a handheld pointing device and can detect motion and rotation in three dimensions. The controller comes with a Nunchuk accessory which provides additional controls, including more motion sensing. The controller also contains a speaker and a rumble device to provide sensory feedback, and can be used to turn the console on and off. The console also features a stand-by mode entitled WiiConnect24, enabling it to receive messages and updates over the Internet while consuming little electrical power. As of December 31, 2013, the Wii has sold 100.90 million units worldwide. The Wii, like the GameCube, is the smallest and most compact system in its generation.

By April 2007, the Wall Street Journal declared Nintendo had "become the company to beat in the games business" with the Wii outselling its home system rivals and overshadowing the better selling Nintendo DS portable. Nintendo's profits were up 77% on the fiscal year due to Wii and Nintendo DS sales.

2012

On April 25, 2011, Nintendo announced to investors their intention to release a successor to Wii in 2012. At E3 2011, the console's name, Wii U, was revealed. The Wii U is the first Nintendo console capable of full HD graphics at 1080P, and shipped with a new online system known as Nintendo Network, which features downloadable content, in-game purchases, community style multiplayer, and a user account system. The most prominent feature of the Wii U is the Wii U GamePad which features a touchscreen, motion controls, NFC, rumble, and a standard dual-analog based layout.