The Nintendo Console Launches, Ranked From Worst To Best

With the Switch 2’s launch fresh in our minds, we look back at the best and worst of Nintendo’s opening acts

Kenneth Shepard & Carolyn Petit Published June 19, 2025 |

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A console launch doesn’t make or break a system, but it’s still important. A fumbled launch can paint a system as the “loser” of a generation, while a strong one can write its name in the stars. Sometimes you don’t even need an incredible launch line-up; you just need one standout game that gets people to show up in droves to buy your box. Nintendo’s launches have run a wider gamut than those of any other contemporary console maker, from underwhelming to spectacular. Some of its launches have set the stage for those consoles to go on and revolutionize the industry, while others are widely regarded as some of the weakest console launches in the history of video games. With the Switch 2 out this month, we decided to look back at all of Nintendo’s console releases and see what were the company’s best and worst launches. Where does the latest system land on the list? Read on to find out.