Eighth generation of video game consoles

The eighth generation of video game consoles began in 2012, and consists of four home video game consoles: the Wii U released in 2012, the PlayStation 4 family in 2013, the Xbox One family in 2013, and the Nintendo Switch family in 2017.

Part of a series on the
History of video games
Early history
  • Early history of video games
  • Early mainframe games
Consoles
Arcade video games
Personal computer
Mobile games
  • History of mobile games
Virtual reality
  • History of virtual reality games
Cloud gaming
  • History of cloud gaming
Other platforms
Genres
Lists
  • List of video games in development

The generation offered few signature hardware innovations. Sony and Microsoft continued to produce new systems with similar designs and capabilities as their predecessors, but with improved performance (processing speed, higher-resolution graphics, and increased storage capacity) that further moved consoles into confluence with personal computers, and furthering support for digital distribution and games as a service. Motion-controlled games of the seventh generation had waned in popularity, but consoles were preparing for advancement of virtual reality (VR), with Sony introducing the PlayStation VR in 2016.[1][2] Sony focused heavily on its first-party developers and console exclusives as key selling points, while Microsoft expanded its gaming services, creating the Xbox Game Pass subscription service for Xbox and Windows computers, and its xCloud game streaming service. Microsoft and Sony consoles saw mid-generation refreshes, with high-end revisions PlayStation 4 Pro and the Xbox One X, and lower-cost PlayStation 4 Slim and Xbox One S models that lacked some features. As of 2021, the PlayStation 4 and Xbox One families had sold an estimated 116 and 51 million units, respectively.

Nintendo remained on a separate path from Sony or Microsoft in its blue ocean strategy. The Wii U was designed to be a more robust Wii to appeal to dedicated gamers, but its means and purpose were lost in how it was marketed. The Wii U substantially undersold Nintendo's projections, selling only 13.5 million units by its discontinuation in 2017, which drove Nintendo to release the Nintendo Switch by 2017, its design and marketing accounting for several of the faults of the Wii U while meeting a broad range of global demographics and possible gaming situations. Later, Nintendo released the Nintendo Switch Lite, a version that lacked the Switch's docking capabilities but had other component optimization and was otherwise compatible with all games. By December 2021, the two Switch models had shipped a combined 103.54 million units, outselling the Wii.

Handheld consoles fought against increasing pressure of mobile gaming. The Nintendo 3DS and 2DS succeeded the now-discontinued Nintendo DS line, while the PlayStation Vita was the successor to the PlayStation Portable. Combined shipped units of the Nintendo 3DS/2DS family had reached 75 million by September 2019, but the Vita was estimated to have only sold about 10 million by the end of 2015. Sony discontinued the unit in 2019 and stated it had no present plans for handheld systems. Nintendo discontinued the Nintendo 3DS in 2020, effectively ending production of handheld consoles outside of the Switch and Switch Lite.

The eighth-generation console market was also influenced by the lifting of China's ban on video consoles in 2015, as well as the growth of the mobile gaming sector. A number of retro microconsoles were also released during this period.

in November 2020, Sony released the PlayStation 5 and Microsoft the Xbox Series X and Series S. Considered to be their highly anticipated next-generation systems, they continue the trend from the eighth generation with overall general improved computational performance, graphical output, and strong backward compatibility support to minimize the disruption of upgrading to the new platform.

Background

This generation was predicted to face competition from smartphones, tablets, and smart TVs.[3][4][5][6][7][8] In 2013, gaming revenue on Android overtook portable game console revenue, while remaining a distant second to iOS gaming revenue.[9] In fiscal year (FY) 2013 (ending early 2013), Nintendo sold 23.7 million consoles,[10] while Apple sold 58.2 million iPads in FY 2012 (ending late 2012).[11] One particular threat to the traditional console game sales model has been the free-to-play model, wherein most users play free, and either a small number of dedicated players spend enough to cover the rest, or the game is supported by advertising.[12]

The PlayStation 4, Xbox One, and Wii U all use AMD GPUs, and two of them (PS4 and XBO) also use AMD CPUs on an x86-64 architecture, similar to common personal computers (as opposed to the IBM PowerPC Architecture used in the previous generation). Microsoft, Nintendo, and Sony were not aware that they were all using AMD hardware until their consoles were announced.[13] This shift was considered to be beneficial for multi-platform development, due to the increased similarities between PC hardware and console hardware. It also provided a boost in market share for AMD (which had faced increased competition from Intel in the PC market).[14]

Various microconsoles (which are smaller and mostly Android-based) have been released since 2012, although they are seldom referred to as being part of the eighth (or any) generation of video game consoles. These microconsoles have included the Ouya, Nvidia Shield Console, Amazon Fire TV, PlayStation TV, MOJO, Razer Switchblade, GamePop, GameStick, and PC-based Steam Machine consoles.[15][16][17] A number of microconsoles that were modeled as scaled-down versions of consoles from previous generations, running a selection of games from that console, were also released. These included the NES Classic Edition, the SNES Classic Edition, the PlayStation Classic, and the Sega Genesis Mini.

Cloud gaming options for the consoles also were developed in the eighth generation. PlayStation Now enables cloud gaming of PlayStation 2, 3, and 4 games to current PlayStation consoles and personal computers. Microsoft began developing a comparable service xCloud for Xbox and Windows games. Google released Stadia, a dedicated cloud gaming platform designed around reduced latency and advanced features not typical of these other cloud gaming options.

Transition

While earlier console generations generally lasted five to six years, the shift from seventh to eighth generation lasted about eight.[18] Unusually, the prior generation's best-selling unit, the Wii, was the first to be replaced in the eighth generation.[18] In 2011, Microsoft and Sony officials said they considered themselves only halfway through a ten-year lifecycle for their seventh-generation offerings.[19][20][21][22] The companies also said the addition of cameras and motion-based controllers like Xbox's Kinect and PlayStation Move extended these systems' lifetimes.[23] Nintendo president Satoru Iwata said that his company would release the Wii U due to declining sales of seventh-generation home consoles and that "the market is now waiting for a new proposal for home consoles".[24] Sony considered making its next console a digital download-only machine, but decided against it due to concerns about the inconsistency of internet speeds available globally, especially in developing countries.[25]

The introduction of the high-end PlayStation 4 Pro and Xbox One X in 2016 and 2017, respectively, led to some journalists to call these machines part of a "half generation" step within the 8th generation, new consoles that would continue to drive sales without introducing a significantly different line of hardware that would segment their consumer base.[26][27]

In 2020, Microsoft and Sony released their 8th-generation consoles: Xbox Series X and PlayStation 5. Both said they wanted a soft transition, meaning that the new hardware plays most or all of the platform's previous games.[28][29][30][31] Microsoft said Xbox Series X can play all Xbox One games, including games from the Xbox 360 and original Xbox console that are playable on the Xbox One, and introduced its Smart Delivery program to update some Xbox One games to enable play on the Xbox Series X. Sony has said the "overwhelming majority" of PlayStation 4 games play on the PlayStation 5, and that many run at higher frame rates and resolutions.[32]

Chinese market

The eighth generation of consoles also saw manufacturers re-enter the Chinese market. Since 2000, the Chinese government had banned the sale and distribution of video game consoles, citing concerns on their effect on youth. The ban led console gaming to a niche sector, including a black market for the purchase of these consoles, while also causing personal computing gaming to take off within China, including the spread of Internet cafes and PC bangs.[33] This ban lasted through January 2014, where the Chinese government first opened up to allow the sale of consoles in the Shanghai Free-Trade Zone (FTZ).[34] By July 2015, the ban on video game consoles was wholly lifted.[35] Access to the Chinese video game market is lucrative, having an estimated 500 million potential players[36] and representing over US$24 billion in revenues as of 2016.[37]

Microsoft and Sony quickly took advantage of the lifting of the ban, announcing sales of the Xbox One and PlayStation 4 platforms within the FTZ shortly after the 2014 announcement. Microsoft established a partnership with BesTV New Media Co, a subsidiary of the Shanghai Media Group, to sell Xbox One units in China,[38] with units first shipping by September 2014.[39] Sony worked with Shanghai Oriental Pearl Media in May 2014 to establish manufacturing in the FTZ,[36] with the PlayStation 4 and PlayStation Vita shipping into China by March 2015.[40] CEO of Sony Computer Entertainment Andrew House explained in September 2013 that the company intended to use the PlayStation Vita TV as a low-cost alternative for consumers in an attempt to penetrate the Chinese gaming market.[41]

Nintendo did not initially seek to bring the Wii U into China; Nintendo of America president Reggie Fils-Aime stated that China was of interest to the company after the ban was lifted, but considered that there were similar difficulties with establishing sales there as they had recently had with Brazil.[42] Later, Nintendo had teamed up with Tencent by April 2019 to help sell and distribute the Nintendo Switch as well as aid its games through the Chinese government approval process led by National Radio and Television Administration.[43][44]

Home consoles

Wii U

In November 2010, Nintendo of America CEO Reggie Fils-Aime stated that the release of the next generation of Nintendo would be determined by the continued success of the Wii.[45] Nintendo announced its successor to the Wii, the Wii U, at the Electronic Entertainment Expo 2011 on June 7, 2011.[46] After the announcement, several journalists classified the system as the first eighth generation home console.[18][47][48] However, prominent sources have disputed this because of its comparative lack of power and older disc media type with respect to the announced specifications for PlayStation 4 and the Xbox One.[49][50]

The Wii U's main controller, the Wii U GamePad, features an embedded touchscreen that can work as an auxiliary interactive screen in a fashion similar to the Nintendo DS/3DS, or if compatible with "Off TV Play", can even act as the main screen itself, enabling games to be played without the need of a television. The Wii U is compatible with its predecessor's peripherals, such as the Wii Remote Plus, the Nunchuk, and the Wii Balance Board.[51]

The Wii U was released in North America on November 18, 2012, in Europe on November 30, 2012, and in Japan on December 8, 2012. It came in two versions, the Basic Model and the Deluxe/Premium Model, at the price of $300 and $349 US Dollars, respectively. On August 28, 2013, Nintendo announced the production of the Basic model has ended and expected supplies to be exhausted by September 20, 2013. On October 4, 2013, the Deluxe/Premium model was price cut from US$349 to US$300.[52]

The Wii U had lifetime sales of about 13 million, in sharp contrast with the Wii, which had over 100 million over its life. This financially hurt Nintendo, with several financial quarters running at a loss through 2014. Nintendo had anticipated the Wii U would sell similarly to the Wii, but it ended up selling worse than the GameCube and became Nintendo's least successful home console to date.[53] Nintendo officially discontinued the Wii U on January 31, 2017 due to poor sales to make way for its second competitor, the Nintendo Switch, released one month later.[54]

PlayStation 4
Main article: PlayStation 4

On February 20, 2013, Sony announced the PlayStation 4 during a press conference in New York City. The console places an emphasis on features surrounding social interaction. Gameplay videos can be shared via the PlayStation Network and other services. Users can stream games being played by themselves or others (either through the console, or directly to Twitch. The DualShock 4 is similar to the previous DualShock 3 controller with the addition of a touchpad and a "Share" button along with a Light-emitting diode bar on the front to allow motion tracking. The PlayStation Camera camera accessory is offered for the system, with stereo camera lenses up to 1280×800px resolution with support for depth sensing similar to Microsoft's Kinect. It also remains compatible with the PlayStation Move peripherals. Second screen capabilities are available through mobile apps and the PlayStation Vita, as well as cloud gaming streaming through the Gaikai service.[55][56]

The PlayStation 4 was released on November 15, 2013, in North America and November 29, 2013, in Australia and Europe at US$399.99, A$549 and €399 respectively.

Xbox One
Main article: Xbox One

On May 21, 2013, Microsoft announced the Xbox One at an event in Redmond, Washington. The console focuses on entertainment, including the ability to pass television programming from a set-top box over HDMI and use a built-in electronic program guide, and the ability for computer multitasking by snapping applications (such as Skype and Internet Explorer) to the side of the screen, similarly to Windows 8. The controller has "Impulse Triggers" that provide Haptic technology feedback, and the ability to automatically record and save highlights from gameplay. An updated version of Kinect was developed with a 1080p camera and expanded voice controls. Originally bundled with the console it has since been excluded.[57][58]

The Xbox One was released in North America, Europe, and Australia on November 22, 2013, at a launch price of US$499.99, €499 and A$599 respectively with Japan, and was later released in 26 other markets in 2014. It had two mid-generation upgrades, one cheaper option released in 2016 called the Xbox One S, and the other called the Xbox One X which added 4K gaming. Microsoft claimed that the Xbox One X was the "World's most powerful console" and 40% more powerful than any other console at the time of its release.

Production of the Xbox One family of consoles were discontinued shortly after the launch of their successor, the Xbox Series X and S, at the end of 2020.[59]

Nintendo Switch

Due to the poor sales of the Wii U, along with competition from mobile gaming, then-president Satoru Iwata sought to revitalize the company by creating a new strategy for Nintendo that included embracing mobile gaming, and developing new hardware that would be attractive to a wider range of audiences.[60] The hardware product was announced under the codename NX in a press conference held with DeNA on March 17, 2015,[61] and fully revealed as the Nintendo Switch on October 20, 2016. It was released worldwide on March 3, 2017, competing with the Xbox One and PlayStation 4.

The Switch is considered by Nintendo a home console that has multiple ways to play. The main unit, the Console, is a tablet-sized device with a touch-sensitive screen. It can be inserted into a Docking Station which allows games to be played on a connected television. Alternatively, two Joy-Con, motion-sensitive controllers comparable to the Wii Remotes, can be slotted onto the sides of the Console so the unit can be played as a handheld. Further, the Console can be set on a kickstand, allowing multiple players to see the screen and play games with separate Joy-Con. Additionally, Nintendo built the Switch on standard industry components, allowing for ease of porting games onto the system using standard software libraries and game engines rather than Nintendo's usual proprietary approaches. This enabled them to bring several third-party and independent game developers on board prior to launch to assure some third-party games in their software library.

Despite the Switch being significantly weaker in terms of processing power than its competitors, it was met with critical praise and commercial success. Nintendo had anticipated selling about 10 million Switches in the first year of release but ended up exceeding this projection with total first-year sales of over 17 million units, exceeding the Wii U's lifetime sales. In late 2017, the Nintendo Switch was the fastest selling console in US history, and in November 2018 it was the fastest selling of all the 8th generation consoles in the US.[62]

A hardware revision, the Switch Lite, was announced on July 10, 2019 and was released on September 20, 2019. The unit integrates the Joy-Con onto the main console with a smaller form-factor, making the unit strictly handheld rather than a hybrid system. Further details are described below under Handhelds. An enhanced model was announced on July 7, 2021 and was released on October 8, 2021, featuring a 4K-ready dock, a 7-inch OLED screen, a wider and adjustable stand, enhanced audio, a wired LAN port built into the dock, and 64GB of internal storage.[63]

Comparison
Comparison of eighth-generation video game home consoles
Product Line Nintendo PlayStation 4 Xbox One
Name Wii U Nintendo Switch Nintendo Switch (OLED model) PlayStation 4 PlayStation 4 Slim PlayStation 4 Pro Xbox One Xbox One S Xbox One X
Logo
Image
A white Wii U console and GamePad A Nintendo Switch in docked mode with Neon Blue & Neon Red Joy-Con controllers in grip A Nintendo Switch OLED Model in handheld mode with White Joy-Con controllers A PlayStation 4 console and DualShock 4 controller A PlayStation 4 Slim console and DualShock 4 controller A PlayStation 4 Pro console An Xbox One console, controller and Kinect sensor An Xbox One S console and controller An Xbox One X console
Manufacturer Nintendo Sony Interactive Microsoft
Release dates
  • NA: November 18, 2012
  • EU: November 30, 2012
  • AU: November 30, 2012
  • JP: December 8, 2012
  • WW: March 3, 2017[64]
  • WW: October 8, 2021
  • NA: November 15, 2013
  • EU: November 29, 2013
  • AU: November 29, 2013
  • JP: February 22, 2014
  • WW: September 15, 2016[65]
  • WW: November 10, 2016[66]
  • NA: November 22, 2013
  • EU: November 22, 2013 (select countries only)[67]
  • AU: November 22, 2013
  • JP: September 4, 2014[68]
  • NA: August 2, 2016 (select countries only)
  • EU: August 2, 2016 (select countries only)
  • AU: August 2, 2016
  • JP: November 24, 2016
  • WW: April 16, 2019
(all digital edition)
  • WW: November 7, 2017
[69]
Launch prices US$ US$299.99 (equivalent to $354.08 in 2021)[lower-alpha 1] US$299.99 (equivalent to $331.63 in 2021)[64] US$349.99 US$399.99 (equivalent to $465.3 in 2021)[70] US$299.00 (equivalent to $337.6 in 2021) US$399.00 (equivalent to $450.51 in 2021)[66] US$499.99 (equivalent to $581.63 in 2021) US$299.00 (equivalent to $337.6 in 2021) US$499.99 (equivalent to $552.73 in 2021)
€ Set by retailers €320 €349 €399.00[70] €299.99[71] €399.99[71] €499 €299[72] €499.99[73]
GB£ Set by retailers £279.99 (equivalent to £313.38 in 2021)[64] £309.99 £349.00 (equivalent to £425.54 in 2021)[70] £345.00 (equivalent to £399.94 in 2021)[66] £429.00 (equivalent to £523.08 in 2021) £249 (equivalent to £288.66 in 2021)[72]
A$ A$348.00 (equivalent to $390.25 in 2018) A$469.95 (equivalent to $478.92 in 2018)[64] A$540.00 A$549.00 (equivalent to $600.99 in 2018)[70] A$560.00 (equivalent to $581.8 in 2018)[66] A$599.00 (equivalent to $655.72 in 2018)
JP¥ ¥26,250 (equivalent to ¥27,672 in 2019) ¥29,980 (equivalent to ¥30,443 in 2019)[64] ¥52,500 ¥41,979 (equivalent to ¥43,857 in 2019)
Current prices Discontinued Same as launch prices Same as launch prices
  • US$349
  • £299[74]
  • A$479 (500 GB Model)[75]
 Same as launch prices Same as launch prices Discontinued
Discontinued January 31, 2017[76] In production In production September 15, 2016 In production Japan: January 5, 2021[77] August 25, 2017[78] Q4 2020
(All-Digital version discontinued July 16, 2020)[59]		 July 16, 2020[79]
Sales Shipped 13.56 million (as of December 31, 2018)[80] 107.65 million (all models), 89.25 million (Switch and Switch OLED only) (as of March 31, 2022)[81] 113.6 million (as of September 30, 2020)[82] 10.00 million (as of December 2014)[lower-alpha 2][83]
Sold Not reported Not reported 106 million (as of December 31, 2019)[84] 51 million (as of November 15, 2021)[85]
Best-selling game Mario Kart 8, 8.46 million (as of March 31, 2022)[86] Mario Kart 8 Deluxe, 45.33 million (as of March 31, 2022)[87] God of War (2018), 19.50 million (as of February 3, 2022)[88] PlayerUnknown's Battlegrounds, 8.00 million (as of July 2018)[89]
List of best-selling Wii U video games List of best-selling Nintendo Switch video games List of best-selling PlayStation 4 video games List of best-selling Xbox One video games
Media Distribution
  • Wii U Optical Disc (25 GB) (5x CAV)[90]
 Nintendo Switch game card (1-64 GB)[91] Blu-ray (25/50 GB) (6x CAV)[92] Blu-ray (25/50/66/100 GB)
Other Wii Optical Disc (4.7/8.5 GB) (6x CAV) — Blu-ray, DVD Blu-ray, DVD, CD Ultra HD Blu-ray, Blu-ray, DVD, CD[93]
CPU Type Tri-Core IBM PowerPC Espresso[94] Quad-core ARM Cortex-A57, quad-core ARM Cortex-A53[lower-alpha 3][95] Octa-core AMD Jaguar-based[lower-alpha 3][96] Octa-core AMD Jaguar-based[lower-alpha 3] Octa-core AMD Jaguar-based[lower-alpha 3][97] Octa-core AMD Jaguar-based[lower-alpha 3][98]
ISA PowerPC ARMv8-A x86-64
Clock speed 1.24 GHz 1.02 GHz 1.60 GHz 2.13 GHz 1.75 GHz 2.30 GHz
L1 cache 192 kB[lower-alpha 4] 576 kB[lower-alpha 5] 512 kB[lower-alpha 4] 512 kB[lower-alpha 4]
L2 cache 3 MB[lower-alpha 6] 2.5 MB[lower-alpha 7] 4 MB[lower-alpha 8][99] 4 MB[lower-alpha 8][100]
L3 cache 32 MB eDRAM @ 550 MHz (256 GB/s)[lower-alpha 9][101] — — 32 MB eSRAM @ 853 MHz (204 GB/s)[lower-alpha 10][102] 32 MB eSRAM @ 914 MHz (219 GB/s)[lower-alpha 10][102] —[103]
3 MB eSRAM[lower-alpha 11]
Process 45 nm 20 nm[lower-alpha 12] 16 nm 28 nm 16 nm[104][105] 28 nm 16 nm
Secondary ARM9 processor (for background tasks) — ARM processor (for background tasks)[106] — — — —
GPU Type AMD Radeon-based "Latte"[107][108] Nvidia GM20B Maxwell-based[109][110] AMD Radeon-based "Liverpool" AMD Radeon-based "Neo"[111] AMD Radeon-based "Durango" AMD Radeon-based "Scorpio Engine"
Clock speed 550 MHz [108] 307.2-768 MHz[lower-alpha 13][112] 800 MHz 911 MHz[111] 853 MHz 914 MHz 1,172 MHz[113]
Stream processors 320[50][108] 256[110] 1152 2304[111] 768[114][115] 2560[116][113]
TFLOP/s 0.352[108] 0.157-0.393[lower-alpha 13][112] 1.843 4.198[111] 1.310 1.404 6.001[113]
TMUs 16[108] 16[110] 72 144[111] 48 160[113]
Texture rate 8.8 GTexel/s[108] 4.9-12.3 GTexel/s 57.6 GTexel/s 131.2 GTexel/s[111] 40.9 GTexel/s[117] 43.8 GTexel/s 187.5 GTexel/s[113]
ROPs 8[108] 16[110] 32 64[111] 16 32[113]
Pixel rate 4.4 GPixel/s[118][108] 4.9-12.3 GPixel/s 25.6 GPixel/s[119] 58.30 GPixel/s[111] 13.6 GPixel/s[117] 14.6 GPixel/s 37.5 GPixel/s[113]
Compute units 5[108] 2[110] 18 36[111] 12 40[113]
Process 40 nm[108] 20 nm[110] 28 nm 16 nm[111] 28 nm 16 nm[113]
Memory Main 2 GB DDR3 SDRAM[120] 4 GB LPDDR4 SDRAM[121] 8 GB GDDR5 SDRAM[100] 8 GB GDDR5 SDRAM 8 GB DDR3 SDRAM[100] 12 GB GDDR5 SDRAM
Clock speed 800 MHz (1600 MHz effective) 1600 MHz (3200 MHz effective) 1700 MHz (6800 MHz effective) 1375 MHz (5500 MHz effective) 1700 MHz (6800 MHz effective) 1066.5 MHz (2133 MHz effective) 1700 MHz (6800 MHz effective)
Bandwidth 12.8 GB/s 25.6 GB/s 176.0 GB/s 217.6 GB/s 68.3 GB/s 326.4 GB/s
Reserved 1 GB[122] 1 GB 3.5 GB[123] 3 GB[124]
Secondary — — 256 MB DDR3 RAM[106] 1 GB DDR3 RAM —
Storage Internal 8 GB/32 GB eMMC flash memory (non-replaceable)
1 GB flash memory (reserved for the OS)		 32 GB eMMC NAND flash memory (non-replaceable)[109] 64 GB eMMC NAND flash memory (non-replaceable) 500 GB HDD, 1 TB HDD (user replaceable)[125][126] 1 TB HDD (user replaceable) 500 GB HDD, 1 TB HDD (non-replaceable)[127]
8 GB flash memory (reserved for the OS)[117]		 500 GB HDD, 1 TB HDD, 2 TB HDD (non-replaceable)
8 GB flash memory (reserved for the OS)		 1 TB HDD, (non-replaceable)
8 GB flash memory (reserved for the OS)
External Supports up to 32 GB SDHC cards
Supports up to 2 TB USB HDD (Wii U Mode only)[128]		 Supports microSD/microSDHC/microSDXC up to 2 TB[129] Supports USB HDD over 240GB up to 8 TB (with System Software 4.50)[130] Supports USB 3.0 HDD larger than 256 GB up to 16 TB[131][132]
Game Installation Only downloaded games can be installed to storage Downloaded games can be installed to internal memory or SD card All games must be installed to a connected HDD[133] All games must be installed to a connected HDD
Network Wireless 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac Wi-Fi @ 2.4 and 5.0 GHz[129] 802.11b/g/n Wi-Fi @ 2.4 GHz[134] 802.11a/b/g/n/ac Wi-Fi[135] 802.11a/b/g/n dual-band Wi-Fi @ 2.4 GHz and 5.0 GHz[136] 802.11a/b/g/n/ac dual-band Wi-Fi @ 2.4 GHz and 5.0 GHz[137]
Wired Fast Ethernet[lower-alpha 15] Fast Ethernet[lower-alpha 16] Gigabit Ethernet Gigabit Ethernet Gigabit Ethernet
Dimensions When lying down on its side:
Width: 172 mm (6.7 in)
Height: 46 mm (1.8 in)
Length: 268.5 mm (10.5 in)
(can be oriented vertically using a stand)		 Console laying flat:
Width: 102 mm (4.0 in)
Height: 13.9 mm (0.55 in)
Length: 203.1 mm (8.00 in) (Console only)
239 mm (9.4 in) (Joy-Con attached)
(must be oriented vertically)		 When lying down on its side:
Width: 275 mm (10.8 in)
Height: 53 mm (2.0 in)
Length: 305 mm (12.0 in)
(can be oriented vertically using a stand)		 When lying down on its side:
Width: 265 mm (10.4 in)
Height: 39 mm (1.5 in)
Length: 288 mm (11.3 in)
(can be oriented vertically using a stand)		 When lying down on its side:
Width: 295 mm (11.6 in)
Height: 55 mm (2.2 in)
Length: 327 mm (12.9 in)
(can be oriented vertically using a stand)[135]		 When lying down on its side:
Width: 309 mm (12.1 in)
Height: 83 mm (3.2 in)
Length: 258 mm (10.1 in)
(must be oriented horizontally)[138]		 When lying down on its side:
Width: 295 mm (11.6 in)
Height: 64 mm (2.5 in)
Length: 227 mm (8.9 in)
(can be oriented vertically using a stand)[93]		 When lying down on its side:
Width: 300 mm
Height: 60 mm
Length: 240 mm
(can be oriented vertically using a stand)[98][139]
Weight 1.5 kg (3.3 lb) 0.297 kg (0.65 lb) (Console only)
0.398 kg (0.88 lb) (Joy-Con attached)		 2.8 kg (6.2 lb) 2.1 kg (4.6 lb) 3.3 kg (7.3 lb)[135] 3.2 kg (7.1 lb) 2.9 kg (6.4 lb)[93] 3.8 kg (8.4 lb)[98]
Power 75 W (external power supply)[140] 4,310 mAh, 3.7 V lithium-ion battery

Max. 39 W (external power supply)

 Max. 223 W (internal power supply) Max. 163 W (internal power supply) Max. 289 W (internal power supply)[135] (PSU)

Max. 310 W (internal power supply)[135] (Product Page)

 Max. 220 W (external power supply) Max. 125 W (internal power supply) Max. 245 W (internal power supply) [98]
Included accessories

All Models

Deluxe/Premium Model only

  • Wii U GamePad stand
  • Wii U GamePad charging cradle
  • Wii U console stand
  • Two Joy-Con controllers (L and R)
  • Two Joy-Con straps
  • Joy-Con Grip
  • Switch Dock
  • HDMI cable
  • Xbox Wireless Controller
  • Kinect sensor (in some bundles)
  • Wired mono headset
  • HDMI cable
  • Xbox Wireless Controller
  • Wired mono headset
  • HDMI cable
Video Output 1080p, 1080i, 720p, 480p
  • HDMI out 1.4b
  • Component video
    • YPBPR (D-Terminal out Japan only)

576i, 480i (standard 4:3 and 16:9 anamorphic widescreen)

  • Composite video
    • S-Video (NTSC consoles only)
    • RGB SCART (PAL consoles only)
    • D-Terminal (Japanese consoles only)
 720p (undocked)[129]
  • Via 6.2-inch, 1280 × 720p LCD screen @ 237 ppi

1080p, 720p and 480p (docked)

 720p (undocked)
  • Via 7-inch, 1280 × 720p OLED screen @ 237 ppi

4K 2160p, 1080p, 720p and 480p (docked)[63]

 1080p, 1080i, 720p, and 480p
  • HDR10
  • HDMI out 1.4b
 4K 2160p, 1080p, 1080i, 720p, and 480p
  • HDR10
  • HDMI out 2.0a
 1080p, 720p, and 480p[141][142]
  • HDMI in/out 1.4b

4K 2160p, 1440p, 1080p, 720p, and 480p[98][141][143]

  • HDR10
  • Dolby Vision
  • HDMI out 2.0a (Xbox One S)
  • HDMI out 2.0b (Xbox One X)
  • HDMI in 1.4b
  • AMD FreeSync support
Integrated 3DTV support No No Yes Yes[144]
Second screen Wii U GamePad (bundled with console) — PlayStation Vita
PlayStation App on iOS and Android devices		 Xbox Console Companion on Android, iOS, Windows 8, Windows 8.1, Windows 10, Windows Phone
Remote Local game streaming via Off-TV Play to Wii U GamePad for some games — Local and remote game streaming via Remote Play to PS Vita, macOS and Windows, or selected Sony Xperia smartphone[145] for all games,
except those that require the PS Camera or PS Move[146][147]		 Local game streaming via Xbox App to Windows 10 PC[148]
Audio
  • 5.1 LPCM output via HDMI
  • Analog stereo via "AV Multi Out" port
  • Stereo speakers on Wii U GamePad
  • Stereo output via 3.5mm jack on Wii U GamePad
  • 5.1 LPCM output via HDMI
  • Stereo speakers on Console
  • Stereo output via 3.5mm jack on Console[129]
  • 7.1 LPCM and bitstreaming output via HDMI
  • 2.0 LPCM and bitstreaming output via optical out
  • Stereo output via 3.5mm jack on DualShock 4
  • Mono speaker on DualShock 4
  • 7.1 LPCM and bitstreaming output via HDMI
  • 2.0 LPCM and bitstreaming output via optical out
  • Internal system speaker[149]
  • Stereo output via extension port on controller (requires adapter for 3.5 mm jacks) and via 3.5 mm jack port (present only on 2nd and 3rd controller revisions)
Peripheral abilities
  • Wi-Fi Direct
  • 2 HDMI (1 in port and 1 out port)[150]
  • 3 USB 3.0 ports (1 at side of console, 2 at rear)
  • Kinect port
  • Optical out port
  • Ethernet port
  • IR Blaster
  • Bluetooth 4.0[151]
  • 2 HDMI (1 in port and 1 out port)[93]
  • 3 USB 3.0 ports (1 at front of console, 2 at rear)
  • Optical out port
  • S/PDIF
  • Ethernet port
Controller
  • Wii U GamePad
  • Wii U Pro Controller (up to 7)
  • Wii Remote/Plus (up to 7)
    • Nunchuk attachment
    • Classic Controller attachment
  • Wii Balance Board
  • Nintendo 3DS (select games only)
  • Nintendo GameCube controller (adapter required, only supports Super Smash Bros. for Wii U)[152]
  • Joy-Con controller (up to 8)
  • Nintendo Switch Pro Controller (up to 8)[153]
  • Nintendo GameCube controller (since version 4.0, adapter required)
Touch capability Wii U GamePad includes an integrated resistive touchscreen Console includes multi-touch capacitive touchscreen[129] DualShock 4 controller includes an integrated 2 point capacitive touchpad —
Camera Wii U GamePad camera (bundled with all consoles) — PlayStation Camera Kinect Kinect (adapter required to use)[155]
Online services Network Nintendo Network
  • Nintendo eShop
  • Miiverse (discontinued)
  • Nintendo TVii (discontinued)
  • Wii U Chat (discontinued)
 Nintendo Switch Online
  • Nintendo eShop
 PlayStation Network
  • PlayStation Store
  • PlayStation Now
  • PlayStation Music
  • PlayStation Video
  • PlayMemories Online
  • PlayStation Vue
 Xbox Live
Downloads Downloads games and automatic updates in the background via SpotPass Downloads automatic updates in the background Downloads games and automatic updates in the background Downloads games and automatic updates in the background[156]
Subscription Free Paid Nintendo Switch Online subscription required for online multiplayer, except for free-to-play titles[157] Paid PlayStation Plus subscription required for online multiplayer and cloud saves except for free-to-play titles[158][159] Paid Xbox Live Gold subscription required for online multiplayer, except for free-to-play titles free cloud saves[160]
Game DVR Image Screenshots with Miiverse integration (can be shared to Facebook, Twitter, Google Plus and Tumblr) Screenshots with Facebook and Twitter integration[161] Screenshots with Twitter integration Screenshots with Twitter integration
Video Gameplay replays with YouTube integration (select games only) Up to 30 seconds of gameplay with Facebook and Twitter integration[162][163] Up to 1 hour of gameplay with Dailymotion, Facebook, Twitter and YouTube integration; 720p for all PS4 models, 1080p for PS4 Pro Up to 5 minutes of gameplay; 1080p for all Xbox One models,[164] 4K for Xbox One X (external storage required)[165]
Live streaming — — Live streaming with Dailymotion, Twitch, Ustream and YouTube Gaming integration Live streaming with Mixer and Twitch integration
Free Free Free Paid subscription to Xbox Live Gold required[166]
Regional lockout Region locked[167] Unrestricted Unrestricted[168] Unrestricted[169][170]
List of games List of Wii U games List of Nintendo Switch games List of PlayStation 4 games List of Xbox One games
Backward compatibility Wii[lower-alpha 17] Partial[lower-alpha 18] Partial[lower-alpha 19] Partial[lower-alpha 20]
System software Wii U system software Nintendo Switch system software PlayStation 4 system software Xbox One system software
Updates Updates are downloaded and installed automatically in Standby Mode Automatic updates can be enabled by turning on Automatic Software Updates in System Settings[175] Updates are downloaded and installed automatically in Rest Mode Updates are downloaded and installed automatically in Instant-on Mode

Notes
  1. Deluxe/Premium Model: US$349.99, GB£ and € set by retailers, A$428.00, ¥31,500
  2. As of late 2015, Microsoft does not report the number of shipped Xbox One units.[lower-alpha 21]
  3. The central processing unit is composed of two quad-core modules.
  4. 64 kB per core (32 kB for instructions and 32 kB for data).
  5. The quad-core ARM Cortex-A57 cluster has a total of 320 kB of L1 cache, distributed by 80 kB per each core (48 kB for instructions and 32 kB for data). The quad-core ARM Cortex-A53 cluster has a total of 256 kB of L1 cache, distributed by 64 kB per each core (32 kB for instructions and 32 kB for data).
  6. Cores 0 and 2 have 512 kB of L2 cache each, while core 1 has 2 MB.
  7. The quad-core ARM Cortex-A57 cluster has 2 MB of shared L2 cache. The quad-core ARM Cortex-A53 cluster has 512 kB of shared L2 cache.
  8. 2 MB of L2 cache per quad-core module.
  9. The 32 MB eDRAM module is located off the central processing unit (CPU) die and is in the graphics processing unit (GPU), running at the GPU's clock speed.
  10. The 32 MB eSRAM module is located off the central processing unit (CPU) die and is in the graphics processing unit (GPU), running at the GPU's clock speed.
  11. Reserved for Wii backwards compatibility.
  12. Consoles manufactured after August 2019 featured chips made on the 16nm process, improving battery life and performance. These consoles were shipped featuring slightly different boxes those manufactured before August, but Nintendo has not otherwise differentiated between the two models.
  13. When docked, the graphics processing unit (GPU) can run at from 307.2 to 768 MHz (capable of 0.157 to 0.393 TFLOP/s, respectively). When undocked, the GPU can run at from 307.2 to 460 MHz (capable of 0.157 to 0.236 TFLOP/s, respectively).
  14. Reserved for connecting with the Wii U GamePad.
  15. A LAN adapter accessory is required.
  16. A LAN adapter accessory is required.
  17. Supports Wii software on disc and downloaded from Wii Shop Channel. Games from previous generations available for digital purchase and download via Virtual Console on Nintendo eShop.
  18. Select games from previous generations are available for digital purchase and download on Nintendo's eShop. This is limited to games published by third parties, or specifically ported to the Nintendo Switch. No Virtual Console system exists, and no legacy games purchased on previous consoles may be transferred to the Nintendo Switch, as they could be from the Wii to the Wii U.
  19. PlayStation Now cloud support for selected PlayStation 3 games began in January 2015 for North America. Subscription required.[171]
  20. Select Xbox 360 and Xbox games; Requires download of digital version of game at no additional charge to existing owners of the game.[172][173][174]
  21. Makuch, Eddie (October 23, 2015). "How Microsoft Will Report Xbox Numbers Going Forward". GameSpot. Retrieved February 8, 2019.

Handheld systems

A trend starting from the eighth generation of handheld systems is the general shift from dedicated handheld gaming consoles to mobile gaming on smart devices, such as smartphones and tablets. As such, smart devices have eroded sales of dedicated handheld gaming consoles, with analysts predicting that smart devices will replace handheld gaming consoles in the near future.[176]

Nintendo 3DS

The Nintendo 3DS is a portable game console produced by Nintendo. It is the successor to the Nintendo DS. The autostereoscopic device is able to project stereoscopic 3D effects without the use of 3D glasses or any additional accessories.[177] The Nintendo 3DS features backward compatibility with Nintendo DS series software, including Nintendo DSi software.[177] Announcing the device in March 2010, Nintendo officially unveiled it at E3 2010,[177][178] with the company inviting attendees to use demonstration units.[179] The console succeeds the Nintendo DS series of handheld systems,[177] which primarily competes with PlayStation Portable.[180] It competes with Sony's handheld, the PlayStation Vita.[181]

The Nintendo 3DS was released in Japan on February 26, 2011; in Europe on March 25, 2011; in North America on March 27, 2011;[182][183] and in Australia on March 31, 2011. On July 28, 2011, Nintendo announced a major price drop starting August 12. In addition, as of September 2011 consumers who bought the system at its original price have access to ten Nintendo Entertainment System games before they are available to the general public, after which the games may be updated to the versions publicly released on the Nintendo eShop. In December 2011, ten Game Boy Advance games were made available to consumers who bought the system at its original price at no charge, with Nintendo stating it has no plans to release to the general public.[184]

On June 21, 2012, Nintendo announced a bigger model of the 3DS called the Nintendo 3DS XL. Both screens are 90% larger than the original 3DS, but the resolution is the same. It also has a slightly longer battery life. It was released on July 28, 2012, in Europe and August 19, 2012, in North America as well as Australasia on August 23, 2012, and Brazil on September 1, 2012.[185]

On August 28, 2013, Nintendo announced a low cost, 2D version of the 3DS called the Nintendo 2DS. This redesign plays all Nintendo DS and Nintendo 3DS games, albeit without a stereoscopic 3D option. Unlike previous machines of the DS family, the Nintendo 2DS uses a slate-like design instead of a clamshell one. The console launched on October 12 in both Europe and North America[186] as well as Australasia.[187]

On August 29, 2014, Nintendo announced an enhanced revision of the 3DS called the New Nintendo 3DS and New Nintendo 3DS XL. The newer system uses microSD cards rather than full-sized and has a second analog "nub" input, the C-stick, Super-Stable 3D™ (face-tracking technology that allows the glasses-free stereoscopic 3D display to constantly adapt to the user's exact eye position as the player shifts his or her arms and body) and an upgraded processor that allows for more advanced NN3DS-exclusive games (e.g., a 3D port of acclaimed Wii game Xenoblade Chronicles) which cannot be played on the original Nintendo 3DS/2DS, although New Nintendo 3DS can still be played with all 3DS and most DS/i games. It was released in Japan on October 11, 2014; in Australasia on November 21, 2014; in Europe on February 13, 2015; in North America on February 13, 2015, for the XL version. The smaller version for North America was released on September 25, 2015, bundled with the game Animal Crossing: Happy Home Designer.[188] In April 2017, Nintendo announced the New Nintendo 2DS XL, released in Japan on July 13, 2017, and in North America on July 28, 2017. It is a streamlined version of the New Nintendo 3DS XL, with identical screen sizes, but with a thinner build and without stereoscopic 3D.[189]

The 3DS family was formally discontinued in September 2020.

PlayStation Vita

The PlayStation Vita is the second (and final) handheld game console developed by Sony Computer Entertainment.[190] It is the successor to the PlayStation Portable as part of the PlayStation brand of gaming devices. It was released in Japan on December 17, 2011[191] and was released in Europe and North America on February 22, 2012.[192][193]

The handheld includes two analog sticks, a 5-inch (130 mm) OLED/LCD multi-touch capacitive touchscreen, and supports Bluetooth, Wi-Fi and optional 3G. Internally, the PS Vita features a 4-core ARM Cortex-A9 MPCore processor and a 4-core SGX543MP4+ graphics processing unit (GPU), as well as LiveArea software as its main user interface, which succeeds the XrossMediaBar.[194][195]

The device is backward-compatible with a subset of the PSP and PS One games digitally released on the PlayStation Network via the PlayStation Store.[196] The graphics for PSP releases are upscaled, with a smoothing filter to reduce pixelation.[197]

Lifetime sales of the Vita have not been released by Sony but have been estimated between 15 and 16 million.[198][199] Sony discontinued the PlayStation Vita on March 1, 2019,[200] and has no plans for a successor.[201][202]

Nintendo Switch Lite

Nintendo released the Nintendo Switch Lite, a hardware revision of the Switch, worldwide on September 20, 2019. Designed as a less expensive version of the Switch, the Switch Lite integrates the Joy-Con onto the hardware unit itself, eliminating some of the Joy-Con's features, which prevents a small number of games in the Switch's library that exclusively require television or tabletop modes from being used on the Switch. Additionally, the Switch Lite cannot be docked. The unit is smaller and lighter than the main Switch console, and uses updated lower-powered hardware that improves its battery performance. It otherwise supports all other features of the Switch, including its communication capabilities.

Handheld comparison
Product Line Nintendo 3DS[203] Nintendo Switch PlayStation Vita
Console Nintendo 3DS / Nintendo 3DS XL / Nintendo 2DS / New Nintendo 3DS / New Nintendo 3DS XL / New Nintendo 2DS XL Nintendo Switch Lite PCH-1000 / PCH-2000
Logo
Image
Manufacturer Nintendo Sony (SCE/SIE)
Release dates
  • WW: September 20, 2019
 PCH-1000:
  • JP: December 17, 2011
  • EU: February 22, 2012
  • NA: February 22, 2012
  • AU: February 23, 2012
PCH-2000:
  • JP: October 10, 2013
  • EU: February 7, 2014
  • NA: May 6, 2014
Launch prices
US$199.99
Current prices

Nintendo 3DS:

  • ¥15,000[210]
  • US$169.99[211]
  • £/€, set by individual retailers
  • A$249.99[210]
 Wi-Fi / Wi-Fi+3G:
  • ¥19,980
  • US$199.99[212]
  • €199
  • £, set by individual retailers[213]
  • A$269.95
Discontinued Nintendo 3DS / Nintendo 3DS XL: January 5, 2015[214][215]
New Nintendo 3DS: July 2017[216][217]
New Nintendo 3DS XL: July 25, 2019[218]
Nintendo 2DS / New Nintendo 2DS XL: September 17, 2020[219][220][221]		 In production March 1, 2019[200]
Units shipped 75.94 million (as of March 31, 2022)[222] 18.40 million (as of March 31, 2022)[81] —[lower-alpha 1]
Best-selling game Mario Kart 7, 18.97 million units (as of March 31, 2022)[223]
 Mario Kart 8 Deluxe, 45.33 million units (as of March 31, 2022)[87] Uncharted: Golden Abyss, 500,000 units (as of June 3, 2012)[224]
Display Top Screen:
  • Autostereoscopic (3D) LCD (3DS, 3DS XL, New 3DS, New 3DS XL only)
  • 2D LCD resistive touchscreen (2DS, New 2DS XL only)
  • Screen size:
    • 3DS: 3.53 in (90 mm)
    • 3DS XL: 4.88 in (124 mm)
    • 2DS: 3.53 in (90 mm)
    • New 3DS: 3.88 in (99 mm)
    • New 3DS XL: 4.88 in (124 mm)
    • New 2DS XL: 4.88 in (124 mm)
  • Screen pixel:
    • 3DS/3DS XL/New 3DS/New 3DS XL: 800 × 240 px (400 × 240 px per eye in 3D)
    • 2DS/New 2DS XL: 400 × 240 px

Bottom Screen:

  • 2D LCD resistive touchscreen
  • Screen size:
    • 3DS: 3.02 in (77 mm)
    • 3DS XL: 4.18 in (106 mm)
    • 2DS: 3.02 in (77 mm)
    • New 3DS: 3.33 in (85 mm)
    • New 3DS XL: 4.18 in (106 mm)
    • New 2DS XL: 4.18 in (106 mm)
  • 320 × 240 px QVGA
  • 2D LCD
  • 5.5 in (140 mm)
  • 1280 × 720 px
 PCH-1000: 5 in (130 mm) OLED capactive touchscreen 960 × 544 px
PCH-2000: 5 in (130 mm) IPS LCD capacitive touchscreen 960 × 544 px
Approximately 16.77 million colors[225] Approximately 16.77 million colors Approximately 16.77 million colors
5 brightness levels 0-100% brightness levels 0-100% brightness levels
Autostereoscopy (3D) Yes (3DS, 3DS XL only)
Yes, with 'Super Stable 3D' technology (New 3DS, New 3DS XL only)
No (2DS, New 2DS XL only)		 No No
CPU 3DS/3DS XL/2DS: Dual-core ARM11 MPCore[203] & Dual-core VFP Co-Processor[203]
New 3DS/New 3DS XL/New 2DS XL: Quad-core ARM11 MPCore[203] & Quad-core VFP Co-Processor[203]		 Quad-core Cortex-A57 + quad-core Cortex-A53 @ 1.02 GHz Quad-core ARM Cortex-A9 MPCore[226][227]
GPU Digital Media Professionals PICA200 Nvidia GM20B Maxwell-based GPU PowerVR SGX543MP4+[226]
RAM 3DS/3DS XL/2DS: 128 MB FCRAM, 6 MB VRAM
New 3DS/New 3DS XL/New 2DS XL: 256 MB FCRAM, 10 MB VRAM		 4 GB LPDDR4 512 MB RAM, 128 MB VRAM[228]
Camera One front-facing and a set of two rear-facing 3D 0.3 MP (VGA) camera sensors — Front and rear 0.3 MP (VGA) camera sensors[226]
Audio
  • Stereo speakers (2) (with pseudo-surround support)
  • Mono speaker (1) (2DS only)
  • Headphone jack
  • Stereo speakers (2)
  • Headphone jack
  • Stereo speakers (2)
  • Headphone jack
Storage 1 GB internal flash memory 32 GB eMMC 1 GB internal flash memory (PCH-2000 only)
Supports up to 32 GB SD cards (3DS only)
Supports up to 32 GB SD/SDHC cards (3DS XL, 2DS only)
Supports up to 32 GB microSD/microSDHC cards (New 3DS, New 3DS XL, New 2DS XL only)		 Supports up to 2 TB microSD/HC/XC cards Supports 4 GB, 8 GB, 16 GB, 32 GB and 64 GB proprietary removable memory cards
2 GB SD card included (3DS only)
4 GB SDHC card included (3DS XL, 2DS only)
4 GB microSDHC card included (New 3DS, New 3DS XL, New 2DS XL only)		 No external storage included No external storage included
Media Nintendo 3DS Game Card (1–8 GB) / Nintendo DS Game Card (8–512 MB)
Digital distribution		 Nintendo Switch Game Card PlayStation Vita Game Card (2–4 GB)
Digital distribution
User interface
  • Circle Pad (2× with add-on (3DS/3DS XL only))
  • C-Stick (New 3DS/New 2DS XL/New 3DS XL Only)
  • D-pad
  • Autostereoscopic (3D) 15:9(5:3) screen (top screen) (2DS and New 2DS XL displays 2D only)
  • Resistive 4:3 touchscreen (bottom screen)
  • 3-axis accelerometer and 3-axis gyroscope[225]
  • Volume slider
  • 3D depth slider (Not available on 2DS/New 2DS XL)
  • Front 2D camera and rear 3D camera sensors
  • Microphone
  • Wireless communications switch (3DS/3DS XL only)
  • SLEEP switch (2DS only)
  • 12 × buttons
    (X, Y, A, B, L, R (ZL and ZR with add-on or New 3DS/New 2DS XL/New 3DS XL), START, SELECT, HOME, POWER)
Battery
  • Nintendo 3DS: 1300 mAh lithium-ion battery
    • 3DS Mode: 3–5 hours
    • DS Mode: 5–8 hours
  • Nintendo 3DS XL: 1750 mAh lithium-ion battery
    • 3DS Mode: 3.5–6.5 hours
    • DS Mode: 6–10 hours
  • Nintendo 2DS: 1300 mAh lithium-ion battery[229]
    • 3DS Mode: 3.5–5.5 hours
    • DS Mode: 6–9 hours
  • New Nintendo 3DS: 1400 mAh lithium-ion battery
    • 3DS Mode: 3.5–6 hours
    • DS Mode: 6.5-10.5 hours
  • New Nintendo 3DS XL: 1750 mAh lithium-ion battery
    • 3DS Mode: 3.5–7 hours
    • DS Mode: 7–12 hours
  • New Nintendo 2DS XL: 1300 mAh lithium-ion battery
    • 3DS Mode: 3.5–5.5 hours
    • DS Mode: 6–9 hours
 3570 mAh lithium-ion battery
3–7 hours
  • PCH-1000: 2200 mAh lithium-ion battery
    • Gameplay: 3–5 hours
    • Video playback: 5 hours
    • Music: 9 hours[230]
  • PCH-2000: 2210 mAh lithium-ion battery
    • Gameplay: 4–6 hours
    • Video playback: 6 hours
    • Music: 10 hours
Determined by screen brightness, Wi-Fi, sound volume, and whether 3D is active (3DS models only) Determined by screen brightness, Wi-Fi, and sound volume Determined by screen brightness, Wi-Fi, sound volume, and whether 3G is active (3G model only)
Connectivity
  • Integrated 802.11 b/g Wi-Fi
  • IR port
  • NFC for Amiibo support (only on New 3DS/3DS XL; older 3DS series need to use a 3DS NFC reader accessory)
  • Integrated 802.11 b/g/n Wi-Fi (PCH-1000 model only)
  • Integrated 802.11 b/g/n Wi-Fi (PCH-2000 model only)
  • 3G (3G model only)
  • Bluetooth 2.1 + EDR
Console Connection Wii / Wii U — PlayStation 3 / PlayStation 4
Stylus 3DS: Extendable up to 100 mm (3.9 in) long
3DS XL/2DS: 96 mm (3.8 in) long
New 3DS: 76.5 mm (3.01 in) long
New 3DS XL/New 2DS XL: 86 mm (3.4 in) long		 — —
Weight 3DS: 235 g (8.3 oz)
3DS XL: 336 g (11.9 oz)
2DS: 260 g (9.2 oz)
New 3DS: 253 g (8.9 oz)
New 3DS XL: 329 g (11.6 oz)
New 2DS XL: 260 g (9.2 oz)		 280 g (9.9 oz) Wi-Fi: 260 g (9.2 oz)
Wi-Fi+3G: 279 g (9.8 oz)
PCH-2000: 219 g (7.7 oz)
Dimensions
  • 3DS:
    • Width: 134 mm (5.3 in)
    • Depth: 74 mm (2.9 in)
    • Height: 21 mm (0.83 in)
  • 3DS XL:
    • Width: 156 mm (6.1 in)
    • Depth: 93 mm (3.7 in)
    • Height: 22 mm (0.87 in)
  • 2DS:
    • Width: 144 mm (5.7 in)
    • Depth: 127 mm (5.0 in)
    • Height: 20.3 mm (0.80 in)
  • New 3DS:
    • Width: 156 mm (6.1 in)
    • Depth: 93 mm (3.7 in)
    • Height: 22 mm (0.87 in)
  • New 3DS XL/New 2DS XL:
    • Width: 160 mm (6.3 in)
    • Depth: 93.5 mm (3.68 in)
    • Height: 21.5 mm (0.85 in)
  • Width: 208 mm (8.2 in)
  • Depth: 91 mm (3.6 in)
  • Height: 14 mm (0.55 in)
  • PCH-1000:
    • Width: 182 mm (7.2 in)
    • Depth: 83.6 mm (3.29 in)
    • Height: 18.6 mm (0.73 in)[226]
  • PCH-2000:
    • Width: 183.6 mm (7.23 in)
    • Depth: 85.1 mm (3.35 in)
    • Height: 15 mm (0.59 in)[231]
Online services Nintendo Network
  • Nintendo eShop
  • Miiverse (discontinued)
  • Nintendo Video (discontinued)
  • Swapnote (Nintendo Letter Box in PAL region) (discontinued)
  • StreetPass
    • StreetPass Mii Plaza (local & online players met)
  • SpotPass
  • Internet Browser
 Nintendo Switch Online
  • Nintendo eShop
 Sony Entertainment Network
  • PlayStation Network
  • PlayStation Store
  • PlayStation Video
  • PlayStation Music
  • PlayStation Mobile
Full game download/installation and automatic updates in the background via SpotPass Full game download/installation and automatic updates in the background Full game download/installation in the background
Free Paid Nintendo Switch Online subscription required for online multiplayer, except for free-to-play titles[232] Free
Preloaded applications

Applications

  • Health & Safety Information
  • Nintendo 3DS Camera (Photo + Video Recording and Editing)
  • Nintendo 3DS Sound
  • Nintendo eShop
  • Mii Maker
  • StreetPass Mii Plaza
  • AR Games
  • Face Raiders
  • Swapnote (Nintendo Letter Box in PAL regions)
  • Nintendo Video
  • Netflix (w/ paid subscription)
  • Hulu Plus (w/ paid subscription)
  • YouTube
  • Nintendo Zone
  • Activity Log[233]
  • Download Play[234]
  • System Settings

Multitasking Applications

  • Game Notes
  • Friend List
  • Notifications
  • Internet Browser
  • Miiverse
 Nintendo eShop
  • Welcome Park
  • near
  • Photos
  • Music
  • Videos
  • PlayStation Store
  • Trophies
  • Friends
  • Party
  • Group Messaging
  • Notifications
  • Internet Browser
  • Email
  • Maps
  • Content Manager
  • Remote Play
  • Cross-Controller
  • Settings
Regional lockout Region locked[235] No region lock No region lock[236]
List of games List of Nintendo 3DS games List of Nintendo Switch games
Can only play games that support handheld mode		 List of PlayStation Vita games
Backward compatibility Nintendo DS / Nintendo DSi

Downloadable only

 — Downloadable only
System software Nintendo 3DS system software Nintendo Switch system software PlayStation Vita system software
  1. Estimated between 15 and 16 million
  2. The Virtual Console classic video game re-release distribution service on Nintendo 3DS, Nintendo 3DS XL, Nintendo 2DS, New Nintendo 3DS, New Nintendo 3DS XL and New Nintendo 2DS XL currently have available for purchase digital versions of select games for the Game Boy, Game Boy Color, Sega Game Gear, Nintendo Entertainment System, and Super Nintendo Entertainment System platforms, via Nintendo eShop. Nintendo 3DS Ambassadors also have 10 Game Boy Advance games available for download.

Other handhelds
  • Neo Geo X
  • GCW Zero
  • Nvidia Shield Portable
  • GPD XD
  • GPD Win

See also
  • List of video game consoles
    • List of home video game consoles
    • List of handheld game consoles
    • List of dedicated video game consoles
  • List of microconsoles

References
  1. "PlayStation Boss: 'One In 20' PS4 Buyers Also Bought PSVR". UploadVR. June 5, 2019. Retrieved July 18, 2020.
  2. Bol, Mike (June 10, 2019). "Data Point of the Week: 5 Million PSVRs?". AR Insider. Retrieved July 18, 2020.
  3. Cull, James (June 20, 2011). "Nvidia Tegra: The Future of Android Gaming". appstorm.net. Archived from the original on September 22, 2012. Retrieved September 20, 2011.
  4. "Mobile Gaming is Dominating the Gaming Industry". Geekaphone. July 27, 2011.
  5. Alpeyev, Pavel (June 19, 2011). "Nintendo May Fail to Replicate Wii Success as IPhone Games Bloom". Bloomberg.com. Retrieved June 22, 2011.
  6. Gallagher, Dan (June 21, 2011). "Sony, Nintendo Place Big Bets on Handhelds". The Wall Street Journal. Archived from the original on March 14, 2020. Retrieved June 22, 2011.
  7. Agnello, Anthony John (February 9, 2012). "Will Smart TVs End the Game Console Business?". InvestorPlace. Retrieved February 24, 2012.
  8. Stuart, Keith (January 4, 2013). "PlayStation 2 manufacture ends after 12 years". The Guardian. London. Retrieved January 4, 2013.
  9. App Annie, IDC. "App Annie & IDC Portable Gaming Report Q2 2013: iOS & Google Play Game Revenue 4x Higher Than Gaming-Optimized Handhelds". Archived from the original on August 22, 2013. Retrieved August 30, 2013.
  10. "Consolidated Sales Transition by Region" (PDF). Nintendo. July 30, 2013. Archived from the original (PDF) on August 10, 2013. Retrieved July 31, 2013.
  11. "Apple Hardware Sales In FY 2012: 125.04M iPhones, 58.23M iPads, 18.1M Macs And 35.2M iPods". TechCrunch. October 25, 2012.
  12. Kubba, Sinan (May 9, 2013). "Sony, Microsoft going 'heavily' on free-to-play next-gen, says Epic VP Rein". Joystiq. Archived from the original on June 16, 2013. Retrieved June 30, 2013.
  13. Gorman, Michael (June 12, 2013). "AMD's Saeid Moshkelani on building custom silicon for PlayStation 4, Xbox One and Wii U". Engadget.
  14. "AMD won the next-gen console war, and PC gamers could reap the reward". The Verge. June 21, 2013.
  15. Langshaw, Mark; Reynolds, Matthew (January 13, 2013). "Can Android consoles Ouya, Project Shield challenge PlayStation, Xbox?". DigitalSpy.com. Retrieved March 7, 2013.
  16. Kelly, Tadhg (January 10, 2013). "With Ouya, GameStick, Steam Box and more, will 2013 be the year of the 'microconsole'?". Edge Online. Retrieved March 7, 2013.
  17. Pereira, Chris (January 15, 2013). "Digital and Nontraditional: Breaking Down Ouya, Steam Box, And Other New Wave Systems". 1Up.com. Archived from the original on February 21, 2013. Retrieved March 7, 2013.
  18. Radd, David. "Nintendo's Project Cafe: Will Gamers Feel The Buzz?". Business Insider. Retrieved June 11, 2011.
  19. Brightman, James (May 26, 2011). "PlayStation 4 in the Works, Sony Confirms". IndustryGamers.com. Eurogamer Network Ltd. Archived from the original on March 18, 2012.
  20. Ewalt, David M. "PlayStation Chief Jack Tretton: How To Sell Vita, Navigate Clouds, and Debut The PS4". Forbes. Interview with Jack Tretton, president and CEO of Sony Computer Entertainment America.
  21. Brightman, James (March 7, 2011). "Microsoft Hiring Engineers for Next Xbox". IndustryGamers.com. Eurogamer Network Ltd. Archived from the original on March 18, 2012.
  22. Yoon, Andrew. "Microsoft: Xbox 360 'about halfway' through generation". Shacknews.com. Retrieved November 19, 2012.
  23. Robinson, Martin (June 4, 2009). "E3 2009: 360 to Stick Around Until 2015". IGN. Retrieved November 11, 2010. "The Xbox 360's recently unveiled motion control technology will help extend the console's life span into 2015, according to Microsoft executive Shane Kim."
  24. Yin-Poole, Wesley (January 27, 2012). "Nintendo: market is now waiting for new home consoles". Eurogamer. Retrieved January 27, 2012.
  25. Sherr, Ian; Wakabayashi, Daisuke (May 30, 2012). "Sony Rejects Web-Based PlayStation Console". The Wall Street Journal. Archived from the original on March 14, 2020. Retrieved May 31, 2012.
  26. Fahey, Rob (November 10, 2017). "Softly, softly: The Xbox One X Launch". GamesIndustry.biz. Retrieved April 26, 2021.
  27. Pino, Niko (January 16, 2019). "PS4 Pro vs Xbox One X: which 4K console is better?". TechRadar. Retrieved April 26, 2021.
  28. Warren, Tom (June 10, 2019). "Microsoft ends Xbox backward compatibility, but Project Scarlett will run Xbox One games". The Verge. Retrieved June 10, 2019.
  29. Bankhurst, Adam (June 10, 2019). "Xbox Project Scarlett to Support 4 Generations of Games - E3 2019". IGN. Retrieved June 10, 2019.
  30. Rubin, Peter (April 16, 2019). "Exclusive: What to Expect From Sony's Next-Gen PlayStation". Wired. Retrieved April 16, 2019.
  31. 次世代コンソールゲーム機 「プレイステーション 5」に名称決定 [Next generation game console named "PlayStation 5"] (press release) (in Japanese), Sony Interactive Entertainment, October 8, 2019
  32. Wales, Matt (March 20, 2020). "Sony clarifies "overwhelming majority" of PS4 games will be backward compatible on PS5". Eurogamer. Retrieved April 8, 2020.
  33. 2010-07-15, Why Are Consoles Banned In China?, Kotaku
  34. Carsten, Paul (January 6, 2014). "China suspends ban on video game consoles after more than a decade". Reuters.
  35. Yan, Sophia (July 27, 2015). "China eliminates all restrictions on gaming consoles". CNN. Retrieved September 14, 2019.
  36. "Sony sets up PlayStation plant in China". BBC. May 27, 2014. Retrieved September 14, 2019.
  37. "The Global Games Market Reaches $99.6 Billion in 2016, Mobile Generating 37%". newzoo.com. April 21, 2016. Retrieved June 3, 2016.
  38. Nayak, Malathi (April 29, 2014). "Microsoft's Xbox One console to go on sale in China in September". Reuters. Retrieved September 14, 2019.
  39. "BesTV and Microsoft to bring Xbox One to China in September". Xbox Marketing, Microsoft. April 29, 2014. Retrieved May 13, 2014.
  40. "SONY PLAYSTATION IN CHINA – TWO YEARS IN". nikopartners.com. May 17, 2017. Retrieved August 22, 2018.
  41. 2013-09-12, Sony not planning to release PlayStation Vita TV in the US or Europe 'at this point', Videogamer
  42. Dudley, Brier (June 11, 2014). "E3: Nintendo boss on Wii U beating Xbox and PlayStation". The Seattle Times. Retrieved September 14, 2019.
  43. Li, Pei; Nussey, Sam (April 18, 2019). "Tencent wins key approval to sell Nintendo's Switch in China". Reuters. Retrieved April 18, 2019.
  44. Dent, Steve (August 2, 2019). "Tencent is at the center of Nintendo's Switch launch in China". Engadget. Retrieved August 2, 2019.
  45. Fleming, Ryan (November 16, 2010). "Nintendo to talk next-gen consoles after selling 15 million more Wii systems". Digital Trends. Retrieved June 8, 2011.
  46. "Official Press Release From Nintendo Details The Wii U And Gives Information on New Titles". Gameon.co.uk. Archived from the original on March 14, 2012. Retrieved November 19, 2012.
  47. Saenz, Aaron (June 7, 2011). "Nintendo's New Wii U Wows at E3, and Changes Gaming Forever…Again". singularityhub.com. Retrieved June 8, 2011.
  48. Dickinson, Derek. "Nindendo Wii 2, Project Cafe: the Milestone of Next Generation". brothersoft.com. Archived from the original on January 28, 2013. Retrieved June 8, 2011.
  49. Tassi, Paul (February 4, 2013). "EA CEO Doesn't Think Wii U is a 'Next Gen' Console". Forbes. Retrieved February 28, 2013.
  50. Leadbetter, Richard (February 5, 2013). "Wii U graphics power finally revealed". Eurogamer. Retrieved February 28, 2013.
  51. "Wii U technical specs". Nintendo of America. Archived from the original on February 27, 2016. Retrieved January 1, 2016.
  52. Hussain, Tamoor (August 28, 2013). "Wii U price cut in North America, Wind Waker HD hardware bundle announced". Retrieved October 15, 2013.
  53. "Wii U has sold just over half of what the GameCube did in the same span". NintendoToday. April 23, 2014. Retrieved June 6, 2021.
  54. "Final Wii U models discontinued in Japan - Polygon". www.polygon.com. January 31, 2017. Retrieved June 21, 2017.
  55. Bishop, Bryan (February 20, 2013). "Sony announces the PlayStation 4". The Verge. Retrieved February 20, 2013.
  56. Conditt, Jessica (February 21, 2013). "PS4 Eye has two cameras: One to watch you, one to make you pretty". Joystiq. Archived from the original on May 30, 2013. Retrieved February 21, 2013.
  57. "Xbox One: a next-gen console with a focus on interactive TV and apps". The Verge. May 21, 2013. Retrieved May 25, 2013.
  58. "Xbox One guide brings HDMI in/out, overlays for live TV". Engadget. Retrieved May 25, 2013.
  59. Warren, Tom (January 13, 2022). "Microsoft has discontinued all Xbox One consoles". The Verge. Retrieved January 13, 2022.
  60. "Third Quarter Financial Results Briefing for Fiscal Year Ending March 2015". nintendo.co.jp. Retrieved November 14, 2019.
  61. "Nintendo announces new gaming hardware platform codenamed NX". The Guardian. March 17, 2015. Retrieved November 24, 2020.
  62. [Nintendo Switch the fastest-selling US console this generation] Robert Purchese, Eurogamer, December 18, 2018
  63. Beckwith, Michael (October 8, 2021). "Nintendo Switch OLED can't do 4K but its dock can". Metro. Retrieved October 11, 2021.
  64. Sliva, Marty (January 12, 2017). "Nintendo Switch Price and Release Date Revealed". IGN. Retrieved March 28, 2018.
  65. Sledge, Kyle (September 7, 2016). "PS4 Slim Price and Release Date Revealed".
  66. Hussain, Tamoor; Pereira, Chris. "PS4 Pro: Specs, Release Date, and Price Confirmed".
  67. "21 launch countries listed for Xbox One". June 14, 2013. Retrieved June 15, 2013.
  68. Makuch, Eddie (April 23, 2014). "box One hits Japan Sept. 4 -- Will it find success where Xbox 360 did not?". GameSpot. Retrieved April 23, 2014.
  69. Warren, Tom (June 11, 2017). "Xbox One X is Microsoft's next game console, arriving on November 7th for $499". The Verge. Retrieved June 21, 2017.
  70. Goldfarb, Andrew (June 10, 2013). "E3 2013: PlayStation 4 Launching for $399". IGN. Retrieved February 11, 2019.
  71. House, Andy (September 7, 2016). "PS4 Pro and slimmer, lighter PS4 revealed". PlayStation Blog. Retrieved May 17, 2022.
  72. Purchese, Robert (June 15, 2016). "Microsoft announces the Xbox One S price and release date - UPDATE: UK pricing revealed". EUROGAMER. Retrieved May 17, 2022.
  73. Kolokythas, Panagiotis (November 7, 2017). "Xbox One X jetzt erhältlich – alle Infos zum Launch". PC-WELT (in German). Retrieved May 17, 2022.
  74. Crossley, Rob (April 23, 2014). "PS4 Price Slashed to £290 Following Xbox One Discount". GameSpot. Retrieved April 23, 2015.
  75. Jayne Murphy. PlayStation 4 now available from only €349.99/£299.99, playstation.com, October 21, 2015.
  76. Frank, Allegra (January 31, 2017). "Final Wii U models discontinued in Japan". Polygon. Retrieved February 8, 2019.
  77. Robinson, Andy (January 5, 2021). "Sony Japan confirms PS4 Pro and 'all but one' PS4 model have been discontinued". Video Games Chronicle. Retrieved January 5, 2021.
  78. "The Xbox One Is Now an Ex-Box". Kotaku. Retrieved February 11, 2019.
  79. Warren, Tom (July 16, 2020). "Microsoft discontinues Xbox One X and Xbox One S digital edition ahead of Series X launch". The Verge. Vox Media. Retrieved July 16, 2020.
  80. "IR Information : Sales Data - Dedicated Video Game Sales Units". Nintendo Co., Ltd. December 31, 2017. Retrieved January 31, 2019.
  81. "Consolidated Financial Highlights - Q2 FY2022" (PDF). Nintendo. November 4, 2021. Retrieved November 4, 2021.
  82. Handrahan, Matthew (October 28, 2020). "PS4 shipments near 114m as new generation looms". GamesIndustry.biz. Retrieved October 28, 2020.
  83. "Nearly 10 million Xbox One consoles shipped worldwide". Engadget. Retrieved February 8, 2019.
  84. "PLAYSTATION™NETWORK MONTHLY ACTIVE USERS REACHES 103 MILLION" (Press release). Sony. January 6, 2020. Archived from the original on January 13, 2020. Retrieved January 6, 2020.
  85. White, Sam (November 15, 2021). "How Xbox outgrew the console: inside Phil Spencer's multi-billion dollar gamble". GQ. Retrieved November 15, 2021.
  86. "IR Information : Financial Data - Top Selling Title Sales Units - Wii U Software". Nintendo. Retrieved February 8, 2019.
  87. "IR Information : Sales Data - Top Selling Title Sales Units". Nintendo Co., Ltd. Retrieved February 1, 2021.
  88. Ramsey, Robert (October 20, 2021). "God of War Sales Hit a Staggering 19.5 Million Copies on PS4". Push Square. Retrieved February 3, 2022.
  89. "PUBG Has Sold 8 Million Copies on Xbox One". ScreenRant. July 4, 2018. Retrieved February 8, 2019.
  90. Spencer (September 13, 2012). "Wii U Has 2GB of Main Memory, Discs Are 25GB". Siliconera. Retrieved November 19, 2012.
  91. Yin-Poole, Wesley (March 13, 2017). "Why Nintendo Switch games are ending up more expensive". Eurogamer. Retrieved February 10, 2019.
  92. "Spec Analysis: PlayStation 4". Eurogamer.net. February 21, 2013. Retrieved July 7, 2013.
  93. Thang, Jimmy. "Xbox One S Review". GameSpot. Retrieved September 23, 2016.
  94. Mudgal, Kartik (November 29, 2012). "Wii U CPU and GPU Clock Speeds revealed, slower than PS3/360". GamingBolt.com. Retrieved November 29, 2012.
  95. Schiesser, Tim (December 19, 2016). "Nintendo Switch reportedly runs a lot slower when undocked". TechSpot. Retrieved March 3, 2018.
  96. "The PS4, with a clock speed of 8 x 1.6 GHz (or 43X the PS2).2 + 2 doesn't…". Sony UK. Retrieved January 1, 2016 – via Google+.
  97. Soper, Taylor (September 3, 2013). "Xbox One now in full production with improved CPU performance". GeekWire. Retrieved September 3, 2013.
  98. Plunkett, Luke (June 12, 2017). "Here Are The Xbox One X's Specs". kotaku.com. Retrieved June 21, 2017.
  99. "AMD's Jaguar Architecture: The CPU Powering Xbox One, PlayStation 4, Kabini & Temash". Anandtech. May 23, 2013. Retrieved June 30, 2013.
  100. "The Xbox One: Hardware Analysis & Comparison to PlayStation 4". Eurogamer. Retrieved May 24, 2013.
  101. "Wii U's Memory Bandwidth, GPU More Powerful Than We Thought?". CINEMABLEND. February 23, 2014. Retrieved February 8, 2019.
  102. Leadbetter, Richard (August 2, 2016). "Xbox One S performance boost revealed". Eurogamer. Retrieved February 8, 2019.
  103. "How The Removal of eSRAM Will Help Games Development On Xbox One Scorpio". Retrieved February 8, 2019.
  104. "PS4 Pro vs. PS4 Slim vs. PS4: 2,5 Konsolengenerationen im Hardware-Vergleich [Update]". PC Games Hardware. November 8, 2016.
  105. "TSMC is rumoured to be creating a new 7nm console chip | OC3D News". www.overclock3d.net. April 30, 2018.
  106. "PlayStation 4 Teardown". iFixit. November 15, 2013. Retrieved November 22, 2013.
  107. "AMD and Nintendo Join Forces in Creating A New Way to Enjoy Console Gaming Entertainment". Marketwire.com. Retrieved June 7, 2011.
  108. "AMD Wii U GPU Specs". TechPowerUp. Retrieved February 10, 2019.
  109. Leadbetter, Richard (February 25, 2017). "New performance mode boosts Switch mobile clocks by 25 per cent". Eurogamer.net. Retrieved March 3, 2018.
  110. "NVIDIA Tegra X1 Specs". TechPowerUp. Retrieved February 10, 2019.
  111. "AMD Playstation 4 Pro GPU Specs". TechPowerUp. Retrieved February 10, 2019.
  112. Leadbetter, Richard (May 9, 2019). "Switch's 'boost mode' tested: what is it and how does it work?". Eurogamer.
  113. "AMD Xbox One X GPU Specs". TechPowerUp. Retrieved February 11, 2019.
  114. "MNR 486: Marc Whitten updates us on the progress of Xbox One". Xbox Live's Major Nelson. Retrieved August 2, 2013.
  115. Leadbetter, Richard (August 2, 2016). "Xbox One S performance boost revealed". Eurogamer. Retrieved September 23, 2016.
  116. Cutress, Ian. "Microsoft's Project Scorpio: More Hardware Details Revealed". AnandTech. Retrieved June 21, 2017.
  117. Demerjian, Charlie (August 26, 2013). "XBox One details in pictures". SemiAccurate. Retrieved August 27, 2013.
  118. "AMD Wii U GPU". TechPowerUp. Retrieved July 7, 2013.
  119. "AMD Liverpool GPU". TechPowerUp. Retrieved July 5, 2013.
  120. "Nintendo Wii U Teardown". AnandTech. Retrieved May 24, 2013.
  121. "Switch RAM specs revealed: Samsung LPDDR4 with 25 GB/s bandwidth - NintendoToday". NintendoToday. February 25, 2017. Retrieved March 28, 2018.
  122. Wii U Tech Specs. IGN. Retrieved on January 25, 2014.
  123. Goldfarb, Andrew (July 26, 2013). "3.5GB of PlayStation 4 RAM Reportedly Reserved for OS". IGN. Retrieved February 8, 2019.
  124. Sarkar, Samit (June 8, 2017). "Xbox Scorpio developers now have 1 GB of extra RAM". Polygon. Retrieved February 8, 2019.
  125. Plunkett, Luke (June 11, 2013). "Specs Sheet Says The PS4 Has A 500GB Hard Drive, Camera Not Included". Retrieved June 11, 2013.
  126. Yoshida, Shuhei. "And yes, PS4's HDD is upgradable like PS3 <3". twitter.com. Retrieved June 11, 2013.
  127. Stevens, Tim (May 21, 2013). "Xbox One has non-replaceable hard drive, external storage is supported". Engadget. Retrieved June 30, 2013.
  128. "| Wii U Internal Storage Space Information". Nintendo. Retrieved November 19, 2012.
  129. "Technical Specs - Nintendo Switch™ Official Site - System hardware, console specs". www.nintendo.com. Retrieved March 3, 2018.
  130. Gartenberg, Chaim (February 3, 2017). "The PS4 will support external hard drives in upcoming update". The Verge. Retrieved February 3, 2017.
  131. Karmali, Luke (May 21, 2014). "Xbox One June Update Bringing External Storage and Real Names". IGN. Retrieved July 11, 2014.
  132. Devine, Richard; Brown, Matt (December 8, 2017). "How to choose and use an Xbox One external hard drive". Mobile Nations. Windows Central. Retrieved May 2, 2018.
  133. Shuman, Sid (October 30, 2013). "PS4: The Ultimate FAQ – North America". PlayStation Blog. Retrieved October 31, 2013.
  134. "PS4: The Ultimate FAQ – North America – PlayStation.Blog". PlayStation Blog. October 30, 2013. Retrieved January 24, 2014.
  135. Pereira, Chris; Hussain, Tamoor (September 7, 2016). "PS4 Pro: Specs, Release Date, and Price Confirmed". GameSpot. Retrieved September 23, 2016.
  136. Gurry, Lisa (August 8, 2013). "Unboxing Xbox One". Xbox Wire. Archived from the original on December 3, 2013. Retrieved January 24, 2014.
  137. "Benefits of upgrading to Xbox One X or Xbox One S". Xbox Support. Retrieved November 12, 2017.
  138. Brown, Peter (September 19, 2013). "Microsoft on Xbox One vertical orientation: "Do it at your own risk"". GameSpot. Retrieved January 24, 2014.
  139. Crecente, Brian (June 15, 2017). "Xbox One X can be placed vertically with optional stand". Polygon. Retrieved July 29, 2019.
  140. Hachman, Mark (May 6, 2014). "Study: Xbox One, PS4 consume ridiculous amounts of unnecessary power". PC World. Retrieved April 12, 2015.
  141. Blair, Frank. "Here's how the Xbox One S stacks up to the original It's smaller and supports 4K video streaming, but not 4K gaming". PC World. Retrieved August 28, 2016.
  142. "About TV resolutions and Xbox One". Xbox. Microsoft. Retrieved July 30, 2019.
  143. Brown, Matt` (March 3, 2018). "How to enable Xbox One 1440p support for Xbox One X and Xbox One S". Mobile Nations. Windows Central. Retrieved May 2, 2018.
  144. Brunner, Grant (August 18, 2014). "August Xbox One system update brings 3D, remote downloads - ExtremeTech". ExtremeTech. Archived from the original on August 5, 2017. Retrieved March 28, 2018.
  145. McWhertor, Michael (September 3, 2014). "PS4 Remote Play is coming to Sony Xperia Z3 phones and tablets this November". Polygon. Retrieved October 1, 2014.
  146. "Updated Sony Confirms Vita Remote Play For PS4 Games Is (Mostly) Mandatory". Game Informer. June 26, 2013. Retrieved June 30, 2013.
  147. Gilbert, Ben (June 13, 2013). "Sony's Shuhei Yoshida talks Remote Play ubiquity on PlayStation 4, not bundling the Eye with the console". Engadget. Retrieved June 30, 2013.
  148. Orland, Kyle (January 21, 2015). "Windows 10 includes in-home game streaming from Xbox One". Ars Technica. Retrieved January 22, 2015.
  149. "Xbox One iFixit Teardown". November 21, 2013. Retrieved November 22, 2013.
  150. Sakr, Sharif (May 21, 2013). "Xbox One hardware and specs: 8-core CPU, 8GB RAM, 500GB hard drive and more". Engadget. Retrieved June 30, 2013.
  151. "Xbox One S Teardown". iFixit. August 3, 2016. Retrieved September 23, 2016.
  152. "Wii U GameCube controller adapter compatible with more than just Smash Bros". Eurogamer. October 8, 2014. Retrieved December 24, 2014.
  153. "Controller Pairing FAQ | Nintendo Support". en-americas-support.nintendo.com. Retrieved March 28, 2018.
  154. "Vita as a PS4 Controller Clarified". IGN. July 29, 2013. Retrieved August 23, 2013.
  155. Brown, Matt (August 2, 2016). "How to claim your free Kinect adapter for the Xbox One S". Mobile Nations. Windows Central. Retrieved September 23, 2016.
  156. Jackson, Mike (May 21, 2013). "Next-gen Xbox Live details: Background downloads, skill tracking, 1000 friends". Computer and Video Games. Retrieved January 24, 2014.
  157. "Nintendo Switch Online – Nintendo Switch™ Official site – Online gaming, multiplayer, voice chat". www.nintendo.com. Retrieved March 28, 2018.
  158. "PS4 online multiplayer gaming requires PlayStation Plus subscription". Polygon. June 10, 2013. Retrieved June 10, 2013.
  159. PS4 online multiplayer requirements Archived February 1, 2015, at archive.today, support.us.playstation.com, November 3, 2014.
  160. https://www.onmsft.com/news/cloud-saves-on-xbox-360-will-soon-no-longer-require-an-xbox-live-gold-subscription
  161. "How to Edit and Post Screenshots to Facebook or Twitter | Nintendo Switch | Nintendo Support". en-americas-support.nintendo.com. Retrieved March 28, 2018.
  162. "How to Capture and Edit Gameplay Video | Nintendo Switch | Nintendo Support". en-americas-support.nintendo.com. Retrieved March 28, 2018.
  163. "How to Share Captured Gameplay Videos | Nintendo Switch | Nintendo Support". en-americas-support.nintendo.com. Retrieved March 28, 2018.
  164. "Xbox One will soon capture your epic plays in full HD". Engadget. Retrieved November 7, 2017.
  165. "Game DVR on Xbox One X will support up to 4K recording with HDR". Neowin. Retrieved November 7, 2017.
  166. Xbox One Can Capture Up to 5 Minutes of Gameplay, PS4 Can Store Up to 15 Archived July 29, 2013, at the Wayback Machine. Gengame (July 22, 2013). Retrieved on August 23, 2013.
  167. "Wii U Will Be Region-Locked". IGN. September 24, 2012. Retrieved November 19, 2012.
  168. Smith, Mat (June 11, 2013). "The PS4 won't be region-locked". Engadget. Retrieved June 30, 2013.
  169. "Your Feedback Matters – Update on Xbox One". Xbox.com. June 19, 2013. Retrieved June 30, 2013.
  170. MacGregor, Alice (May 7, 2015). "Xbox One firmware update removes 'Region Lock' in China". The Stack. Retrieved November 25, 2015.
  171. Crecente, Brian (January 5, 2015). "PlayStation Now all-you-can-play subscriptions hit next week for $20 a month, $45 for three months". Polygon. Retrieved January 5, 2015.
  172. "Microsoft is bringing Xbox 360 games to the Xbox One". The Verge. June 15, 2015. Retrieved June 15, 2015.
  173. "Xbox One will play Xbox 360 games, preview members can try it today". Engadget. AOL Inc. June 15, 2015. Retrieved June 15, 2015.
  174. "Xbox 360 backward compatibility coming to Xbox One". Ars Technica. Conde Nast Digital. June 15, 2015. Retrieved June 15, 2015.
  175. "Downloading Nintendo Switch software updates". Nintendo. Retrieved March 28, 2018.
  176. McFerran, Damien (May 1, 2013). "Smartphones, and tablets to be gamer's primary screen in 2017". Nintendo Life. Archived from the original on September 5, 2015.
  177. "Launch of New Portable Game Machine" (PDF) (Press release). Minami-ku, Kyoto: Nintendo. March 23, 2010. Retrieved March 23, 2010.
  178. Tabuchi, Hiroko (March 23, 2010). "Nintendo to Make 3-D Version of Its DSi Handheld Game". Archived from the original on March 27, 2010. Retrieved April 24, 2010. It takes place June 15~17, 2010, at the Los Angeles Convention Center.
  179. Tabuchi, Hiroko (March 23, 2010). "Nintendo to Make 3-D Version of Its DS Handheld Game". The New York Times. Retrieved April 4, 2010. 'We wanted to give the gaming industry a head's up about what to expect from Nintendo at E3,' said Ken Toyoda, chief spokesman at Nintendo. 'We'll invite people to play with the new device then.'
  180. Alexander, Leigh (January 15, 2010). "Analyst: DS Successor To Hit In Next 15 Months?". Gamasutra. Think Services. Retrieved April 4, 2010. In the year 2010, Nintendo's continuing face-off against the PSP seems less relevant than the overall sea change in the portable market brought about by the explosive iPhone.
  181. "Nintendo 3DS vs. PS Vita: Handheld Wars, The Next Generation". IndustryGamers.com. Eurogamer Network Ltd. September 16, 2011. Archived from the original on April 19, 2012. Retrieved November 1, 2011.
  182. "Nintendo's 3DS Hits the U.S. On March 27 for $249.99". Kotaku. January 19, 2011.
  183. "Nintendo's 3DS Hits Europe on March 25". Kotaku. January 19, 2011.
  184. "What Do You Think About Nintendo's Big 3DS Announcement?". IGN. July 28, 2011. Retrieved July 28, 2011. In an astounding and unexpected set of announcements, Nintendo took a huge leap in righting the wrongs of the 3DS' shaky launch. The system, which released in the US on March 27 with a hefty $250-dollar price tag, will see a massive price cut to $170 come August 12.
  185. "Nintendo Reveals 3DS XL - IGN". June 22, 2012 – via www.ign.com.
  186. "Nintendo 3DS family comparison chart" (PDF) (PDF). Nintendo of Europe. Retrieved August 28, 2013.
  187. "Nintendo Announces a New Member to the Nintendo 3DS Family". Nintendo Australia. August 29, 2013. Retrieved August 29, 2013.
  188. "Nintendo announces two New Nintendo 3DS systems coming this fall". Nintendo of America. August 31, 2015. Archived from the original on July 30, 2016. Retrieved July 22, 2016.
  189. Plunkett, Luke (April 28, 2017). "Nintendo Announces The New 2DS XL". Kotaku. Retrieved April 28, 2017.
  190. Purchese, Robert (June 7, 2011). "NGP becomes PlayStation Vita". Eurogamer. Archived from the original on September 24, 2015. Retrieved June 7, 2011.
  191. Moriarty, Colin (September 14, 2011). "TGS: Sony Reveals Vita's Release Date". IGN. Archived from the original on July 22, 2018. Retrieved September 14, 2011.
  192. Grant, Adam (October 19, 2011). "PlayStation Vita Launches From 22 February 2012". PlayStation Blog. Sony Interactive Entertainment. Archived from the original on February 20, 2016. Retrieved October 19, 2011.
  193. Tretton, Jack (October 18, 2011). "Get Ready: PS Vita is Coming February 22nd". PlayStation Blog. Sony Interactive Entertainment. Archived from the original on May 29, 2016. Retrieved October 19, 2011.
  194. Cullen, Johnny (January 24, 2011). "Sony outs tech specs for NGP". VG247. Retrieved January 25, 2011.
  195. Savov, Vlad (January 27, 2011). "Sony's next PSP, codenamed NGP". Engadget. Archived from the original on March 15, 2012. Retrieved January 29, 2011.
  196. "Sony US FAQ". Sony. October 14, 2011. Archived from the original on October 16, 2011. Retrieved October 19, 2011.
  197. Robinson, Martin (June 2, 2011). "NGP's backwards compatibility unveiled". Eurogamer. Archived from the original on January 27, 2016. Retrieved June 2, 2011.
  198. Baker, Chris (June 28, 2017). "PlayStation Vita's Rebirth as a Boutique Platform". Glixel. Archived from the original on November 16, 2017. Retrieved July 7, 2017.
  199. Kim, Matt (September 20, 2018). "PS Vita Production in Japan Will End in 2019, No Successor Planned". USgamer. Archived from the original on May 14, 2019. Retrieved October 2, 2018.
  200. Liptak, Andrew (March 2, 2019). "Sony has officially stopped producing the PS Vita". The Verge. Archived from the original on March 10, 2019. Retrieved March 4, 2019.
  201. Khan, Imran (September 20, 2018). "PlayStation Vita Production To End In 2019 With No Successor Planned". Game Informer. Archived from the original on August 25, 2019. Retrieved July 16, 2019.
  202. Gilbert, Ben (September 24, 2018). "Sony will exit portable gaming market in 2019, leaving market open to Nintendo". Business Insider. Archived from the original on June 24, 2019. Retrieved February 15, 2020.
  203. "Hardware – 3dbrew". Retrieved February 26, 2015.
  204. Kaluszka, Aaron (January 19, 2011). "3DS North American Price, Date, Colors Set". Nintendo World Report.
  205. $250 3DS launching March 27 GameSpot
  206. Vuckovic, Nick (February 8, 2011). "Nintendo 3DS launches in Australia on March 31st for $349". Vooks.net. Archived from the original on March 25, 2012. Retrieved February 8, 2011.
  207. "New Nintendo 2DS XL portable system to launch in Australia & New Zealand on June 15!". Nintendo. Archived from the original on July 19, 2017. Retrieved August 26, 2017.
  208. Munir, Bob (June 6, 2011). "E3: Sony's PlayStation Vita due end of 2011 for $249". destructoid.com. Retrieved June 8, 2011.
  209. "11 October 2011. Retrieved 22 August 2013". Au.playstation.com. Retrieved January 24, 2014.
  210. "3DS price cut 40% in Japan, now $169.99 in the U.S. – Video Games Reviews, Cheats". Geek.com. July 28, 2011. Archived from the original on January 1, 2012. Retrieved August 4, 2011.
  211. "An exciting message for people who own a Nintendo 3DS and those who want to". Nintendo.com. Retrieved August 4, 2011.
  212. Reilly, Luke (August 20, 2013). "IGN. 2013-08-20. Retrieved 2013-08-22". Ign.com. Retrieved January 24, 2014.
  213. Lester, Jonathan. "Dealspwn. 21 August 2013. Retrieved 22 August 2013". Dealspwn.com. Retrieved January 24, 2014.
  214. Cosimano, Mike (January 5, 2015). "Nintendo has seemingly discontinued the original 3DS". Destructoid. Retrieved March 4, 2019.
  215. Hilliard, Kyle (November 30, 2014). "Japan To Discontinue 3DS XL Soon". Game Informer. Retrieved March 4, 2019.
  216. Frank, Allegra (July 13, 2017). "New Nintendo 3DS production ends in Japan". Polygon. Retrieved July 18, 2017.
  217. Phillips, Tom (July 14, 2017). "New Nintendo 3DS discontinued". Eurogamer. Retrieved July 14, 2017.
  218. "Compare Nintendo 3DS Vs. Nintendo 2DS - Nintendo 3DS Family of Systems". Archived from the original on July 25, 2019. Retrieved August 27, 2019.
  219. "Nintendo 3DS Family". Nintendo of Europe GmbH. Retrieved September 17, 2020.
  220. "ニンテンドー3DSシリーズ｜任天堂". 任天堂ホームページ. Retrieved September 17, 2020.
  221. "Nintendo has discontinued the 3DS". www.theverge.com. September 17, 2020.
  222. "IR Information : Sales Data - Hardware and Software Sales Units". Nintendo Co., Ltd. September 30, 2019. Retrieved November 3, 2019.
  223. "IR Information : Sales Data - Top Selling Software Sales Units - Nintendo 3DS Software". Nintendo Co., Ltd. March 31, 2019. Retrieved May 22, 2019.
  224. Parijat, Shubhankar (June 3, 2012). "Uncharted: Golden Abyss sells over 500,000 units worldwide". GamingBolt. Retrieved August 5, 2019.
  225. "Nintendo 3DS Hardware Specs". Nintendo of America. Archived from the original on January 18, 2013. Retrieved January 1, 2016.
  226. "Official PlayStation website: PlayStation Vita, PS Vita - Specifications for PlayStation®Vita". Retrieved March 7, 2011.
  227. "Sony outs tech specs for NGP". VG247. January 27, 2011. Retrieved August 4, 2011.
  228. ""PlayStation®Vita" Expands Its Entertainment Experience by Introducing Various Applications for Social Networking Services and Communications". SYS-CON Media. August 17, 2011.
  229. McFerran, Damien (October 12, 2013). "Nintendo 2DS review". Eurogamer. Retrieved October 26, 2013.
  230. Lowe, Scott (December 22, 2011). "How Good is the PS Vita's Battery Life?". IGN. Retrieved September 29, 2012.
  231. "Sony PS Vita Slim review - Pocket-lint". May 6, 2014. Retrieved August 19, 2014.
  232. "Nintendo Switch Online – Nintendo Switch™ Official site – Online gaming, multiplayer, voice chat". www.nintendo.com. Retrieved March 28, 2018.
  233. Nintendo 3DS features Game Coins system Archived April 6, 2011, at the Wayback Machine aussie-nintendo
  234. DS games on 3DS – a few more details Archived July 11, 2011, at the Wayback Machine GoNintendo
  235. "Nintendo 3DS Region Locked – IGN". Uk.ign.com. January 11, 2011. Retrieved November 19, 2012.
  236. Pereira, Chris. "Vita is Not Region Locked, Says Sony Exec". 1up.com. Retrieved November 19, 2012.
This article is issued from Wikipedia. The text is licensed under Creative Commons - Attribution - Sharealike. Additional terms may apply for the media files.