by Matthew Adams

Created on: March 31, 2009   Last Updated: September 06, 2009

Nintendo game consoles date back to the 1980s, starting with the NES. With a reputation for great games, they became the best around.

The first was the Nintendo Entertainment System (as NES). This was an 8 bit console that had the first Mario and Zelda games, and lots of other great game titles. It was easily the best of the time, and remained so until its sequel.

The Gameboy was the first hand held console. This was a limited colour hand held, but had some very good games like Tetris, Mario etc. It lasted longer than most consoles of the time, and was easily the best hand held available.

After the NES, an era of 16-bit game consoles would emerge in the 1990s. The Super NES (SNES) was an inevitable 16-bit sequel to the NES. It could boast 3d graphics and special effects that would make it comfortably the most advanced 16-bit console of the time. It had great games like Super Mario and Zelda, and then games like Donkey Kong Country which showcased its capabilities.

The Virtual Boy was a disappointing console released after the Super NES. This was more a portable, with headset, but proved a flop with limited graphics and poor games.

While the N64 release was delayed, it remained worth the wait. For this fine 64-bit console showcased Mario 64, a 3d Mario platform game which was a big hit. It was a cartridge based console which had advantages and disadvantages, while being faster then stored less. Other Nintendo games like Zelda and Mario Kart would go 3d, and prove hits. However, while the console was delayed others like the Playstation gained a bigger market share.

The progression from here, in the new century, was the Game Cube. This console continued to bring out Nintendo games like Zelda, Mario and Metroid which were all good games. However, there was increased competition.

Nintendo handhelds became full colour. The Nintendo Game boy advance, and then Nintendo DS have continued the fine tradition of the first Game boy.

Most recently, there is the Nintendo Wii. This was not actually a great progression on from the Game Cube, but has innovative controls. In fact, it has proved a hit and with games like Mario Galaxy has certainly reaffirmed Nintendo consoles as the best.

So overall, great games make great game consoles. Nintendo has plenty of those, and since the NES their game consoles have generally been the best.

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