Top Ten Nintendo Console Redesigns

News broke last week regarding the possibility of a redesign for the Nintendo Switch. From the very first Nintendo console, the Game and Watch, console redesigns have been a huge part of Nintendo’s business strategy. Today, in honor of the potential new Switch, we’re looking at the top ten Nintendo console redesigns!

Top Ten Nintendo Console Redesigns

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10. NES Top Loader

This interesting, late-life NES upgrade actually hit in 1993. Strangely enough, this console redesign came after the release of the SNES, seemingly to keep up with demand for the then-outdated NES console. It also sports a redesigned controller that mirrors the look of its successor. Not to mention, it paved the way for many redesigned consoles to come over the years!

9. Gameboy Pocket

The first major rework for the mega-popular Gameboy handheld, the Gameboy Pocket is adorably small. This tiny little handheld slims down the bulky profile of the original in clever ways. For one, it sports less “dead space” in its design, utilizing a smaller board. Additionally, it is powered by two AAA batteries instead of four AA’s, like its older brother. This means shorter battery life, but smaller profile for pocketing!

8. New Style SNES

In 1997, a year after the N64’s release, Nintendo realized they could copy the success of the NES Top Loader with the SNES. So, in the twilight of the SNES’s popularity they released this smaller, more affordable configuration. By ditching some features, like LED power indicators, Nintendo was able to make this a budget option for the holiday season.

7. Wii Mini

While the N64 and GameCube skipped redesigns (in the West, at least) the Wii Mini returned to the tradition. This tiny update for the Wii released shortly after the Wii U released in 2012. It had to leave a lot of features out to achieve its tiny size, including GameCube controller ports and SD card support. However, the result is adorable and affordable all at once! It’s somewhat collectable, as well, since it had such a short shelf life.

6. Gameboy Color

One of the most well-known console redesigns of all time, the Gameboy Color was part rework and part successor. Oddly, many games in the Color library could be played on original Gameboys. However, the Gameboy Color is most well-remembered for its stellar lineup of exclusive games. Namely, Pokemon Gold and Silver could only be played on the Gameboy Color!

5. Gameboy Micro

The Gameboy Micro followed in the footsteps of the Gameboy Pocket a short nine years later. This time, the miniaturized Gameboy Advance system returned to the horizontal form-factor of the original but incorporated a backlit screen and exchangeable faceplates. Adorably, it sports lower-case letters on it’s A and B buttons, which just makes us happy. Additionally, it includes a headphone jack, which was a much-requested feature.

4. DS Lite

A much-needed redesign for the original DS (DS Phat, as it is affectionately known,) the DS Lite sports a slimmer profile and brighter screens. It also features a longer battery life! Many felt as though the buttons on the original DS were too small, and the DS Lite addresses this concern as well. The Lite was the first of many DS redesigns, though.

3. Nintendo 2DS

The 3DS has a huge library of kid-friendly titles, but its price was somewhat prohibitive. Additionally, the stereoscopic 3D functionality can be damaging to the developing eyes of children. To address both concerns, Nintendo sidestepped the issue entirely and released the ultra-budget Nintendo 2DS. The resounding success of a console reinvigorated sales of Pokemon, Mario Kart and the like for the 2013 holiday season.

2. New Nintendo 3DS

Released in 2014, the New Nintendo 3DS has an unfortunate name and an interesting design. Adding a nub-like C-stick and two extra shoulder buttons, the New 3DS nearly replicates the control scheme of home consoles. This move somewhat predicts the Switch about three years before its launch. The New 3DS also boats more RAM, and as such has exclusive games that take advantage of the updated graphical capabilities.

Gameboy Advance SP

The very finest Nintendo console redesign comes courtesy of the Gameboy Advance SP. The folding, clamshell design cleverly cut the profile down significantly while also protecting the screen and buttons while pocketed. Additionally, this redesign sports a backlit screen and a rechargeable battery. Really, with the exception of a headphone jack, the SP is the definitive Gameboy Advance model.

If the updated Switch is as much of a masterclass in industrial design as the SP, we’re excited to see what Nintendo has in store!