Nintendo Switch takes center stage in long lineup of classic consoles

Nintendo Switch set for March 3 release date

Nintendo looks to make history again as its next-generation video game console takes center stage.

Do you remember the first time you picked up a controller, hit the power button and started playing on your television, looking to see how far you could get before the dreaded Game Over screen appeared?

For me, I grew up playing countless hours of "Super Mario Bros. 3" on the Nintendo Entertainment System. It was one of those games with memorable music, discovery, unique items and above all, one of those games I could play again and again ... and again.

Fast forward to today, Nintendo is set to release its next home gaming console, the Nintendo Switch. Nintendo has so far released the Nintendo Entertainment System, Super Nintendo Entertainment System, Nintendo 64, Nintendo GameCube, Wii and Wii U.

During these console releases, the company saw heavy competition. One example is the notable "console war" between Nintendo and Sega during the 16-bit era in the early 1990s. Sony and Microsoft would release home consoles later on to compete with Nintendo.

Regardless, several franchises -- such as "Super Mario Bros.," "The Legend of Zelda," "Mario Kart" and "Metroid" series -- that began on a prior Nintendo console continue to see new releases on the company's latest home and portable systems.

So how did we get here? Let's look back on some of the company's previous home consoles, including some of the notable games and accessories that were released. Something important to note is while the Nintendo Switch can be played at home, it can also be used to play on the go.

Let us know which system was your favorite in the poll or comments below.


About the Author:

Troy Blevins is a Digital Content Editor who has been with Graham Media Group since 2012.