This review has been updated 12 times since it was first published in February of 2019. Few things in this world are as responsible for as much fun — or as much misplaced time — as the various consoles Nintendo has released over the years. Ever since their first system hit the scene in the 1980s, gamers have been captivated by the company’s user-friendly controls and wholesome titles, including those that made an Italian plumber one of the most iconic figures in modern history. When users buy our independently chosen editorial picks, we may earn commissions to help fund the review. Skip to the best nintendo console on Amazon.
8. Nintendo 64
While revolutionary when it was first released, the Nintendo 64 suffers a bit in the harsh light of modern times. The controller takes getting used to and is clunky, even at its best, and most of the games suffer from frustrating camera movement.
- Excellent for multiplayer use
- Poor selection of sports titles
- Joystick can be glitchy
7. GameCube Jet Black
The GameCube Jet Black is an often-overlooked machine that never really lived up to the manufacturer’s reputation for innovation. It uses tiny compact discs, which cuts down on the storage space you need, but larger titles usually require switching between multiple CDs.
- Supports 4 controllers at once
- Impressive catalog of games
- Gets damaged easily
6. Wii U
Just when many were beginning to write the company off, the Wii U made them trendsetters again. It’s a perfect party starter, as the games encourage movement and activity while also being enjoyable for bystanders. The single-player appeal can wear thin quickly, though.
- Capable of video chatting
- Doubles as streaming media device
- Frequent tedious software updates
5. Game Boy Advance SP
A modern twist on one of the first handheld units, the Game Boy Advance SP can be slipped in your pocket, so you can surreptitiously take it out while in class or during church. This updated version can display up to 32,000 colors for a vivid experience.
- Rechargeable lithium-ion battery
- Impressive sound capabilities
- Impressive sound capabilities
4. Classic Edition
The one that started it all, the Classic Edition is a timeless 8-bit entertainment system. Many of its most iconic titles are still surprisingly addictive, so you may find yourself playing them for more than just a feeling of nostalgia.
- Accessible for non-gamers
- Can be hooked up in a few minutes
- Ships with hdmi cable
3. Super NES
While not as revolutionary as it once was, the Super NES is just as much fun, a fact that you’ll soon discover as you cycle through the 21 included games. You get two controllers with it, so you can remind your best friend that you were always better at Street Fighter II.
- Miniature version of original
- Comes with never-released starfox 2
- No cartridges to deal with
2. 2DS XL
If you can’t bear to be away from your system for long, the 2DS XL can accompany you on road trips, extended flights, and endless visits with distant relatives. You can even hook up to Wi-Fi and play with friends back home, or simply surf the web while ignoring Grandma.
- Backward-compatible earlier ds units
- Ergonomic clamshell design
- Supports amiibo features
1. Switch Joy-Con
The Switch Joy-Con represents the culmination of the manufacture’s years of experimentation. It’s capable of being used as a handheld model on the go, or you can hook it up to the big screen in your living room once you get home. It’s like a Wii and NES all in one.
- Can link up to 8 local systems
- Multiple controller styles
- 32 gb expandable storage
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