Nintendo Switch 2is something Nintendo called a major breakthrough, as it is a handheld console that has the power to run graphically taxing games, as well as the PlayStation 4. The console sold huge numbers, but despite that, there is hardly any air of excitement around the launch.
We can only speculate the reason, but perhaps it’s because the console has only one new title released on launch day, namely Mario Kart World. We have definitely seen more exciting launches than this for consoles that had a huge impact on the gaming industry. Many of them also introduced new gimmicks and ideas that revolutionized genres.
10Nintendo DS
The concept of using touch screens in gaming consoles was very novel at the time the Nintendo DS was released. It gave users a much more interactive experience while playing, and since it was so intriguing at the time, it sold well in both the USA and Japan.
Though there were very limited games available on launch, as there were barely any major titles except Metroid Prime Hunters: First Hunt. There were some other minor interesting titles, such as Pokémon Dash and Asphalt: Urban GT, that you could play on the first day.
9Sega Genesis
It’s not an exaggeration to say that Sega consoles had a good roster of classic platformers. We could see several novel and inventive concepts using pixel graphics. Sega Genesis is nostalgic to many of us, and at that time, it also got many people into gaming.
The launch titles, especially Ghouls N Ghosts, Golden Axe, and Alex Kidd in the Enchanted Castle, got enough attention at that time. However,the Sonic gameswere a huge highlight of the Sega Genesis era, and the iconic platformer started gaining a huge number of fans.
Sega Megadrive is only known as Sega Genesis in the North American regions.
8Nintendo Gameboy
Before the Nintendo Gameboy, portable gaming was only a dream. Sure, there were arcades and home console models, but handheld consoles had yet to make their mark. The device didn’t really have colorful games, but having a console that people could carry anywhere was very convenient.
For the console’s launch, people would just spend their time getting a high score on Tetris, or if they loved platforming, they could play Super Mario Land instead. ThePokemon franchiseentered the gaming industry during the Gameboy era and gained massive popularity and praise.
7PlayStation Portable
PSP was the first handheld console developed by Sony, and it was powerful enough to run graphically taxing games of that era. It had an exciting launch, considering that its performance was amazing for a portable console that people could take anywhere.
The console had a great run with major AAA entries releasing on it. PlayStation Portable also had a huge roster of launch titles, including Metal Gear Acid, Need For Speed: Underground Rivals, Dynasty Warriors, and Spider-Man 2.
PSP had several models, including PSP-1000, PSP-2000, PSP-3000, and PSP GO.
6Nintendo 3DS
Nintendo 3DS was released during an era when 3D videos were a huge trend. So, a console that lets you view your games in three dimensions without using glasses intrigued many gamers. It didn’t sell that well at launch, so Nintendo had to reduce the prices, but that increased sales dramatically.
Other than games, Nintendo 3DS had some cool gimmicks, including Streetpass, QR cards, and Face Raiders. The launch titles, including Nintendogs + Cats, Professor Layton and the Miracle Mask, and Rayman 3D, were all highly anticipated.
5PlayStation 2
The era of PlayStation 2 was one of the greatest in gaming, as we saw several notable classics that were ahead of their time. To this date, it remains the highest-selling console in history, and it deserved all the hype during its launch.
PlayStation 2 had a built-in DVD player, which was a big deal at that time. You would see console shops in a state of rush with people trying to get their hands on a copy. That said, even though PlayStation 2 was successful, the launch titles, except Tekken Tag Tournament, were very underwhelming and slightly decreased the console’s positive reception.
4Nintendo Wii
Nintendo is certainly creative with the gimmicks, and Nintendo Wii was another successful console that brought several new features to the table. It made gaming even more immersive as players could use the Wii remote motion controls in an active way to play games.
It sold higher than Nintendo’s expectation that there was a shortage of supply. The launch titles were very exciting, including Wii Sports, which was an assortment of active games. Other than that, The Legend of Zelda: Twilight Princess, Call of Duty 3, and Super Monkey Ball: Banana Blitz were all popular entries.
3Xbox 360
There was a time when people used to get crazy over a console launch, so much so that you would find running or making huge lines to get their hands on them. The fiesta was especially high than usual for the launch of Xbox 360.
It got great attention for its very strong hardware that made games look visually stunning. Not only that, the launch line-up alone caused a huge hype, after all titles like Call of Duty 2, Perfect Dark Zero, and Ridge Racer 6.
2PlayStation 4
The PlayStation 4 was a huge improvement over its predecessor, PlayStation 3. The console was released in an era where graphics were becoming a great deal in the gaming industry. It got massive popularity due to its price and its capability to run games as well as a PC.
It had major titles like Assassin’s Creed 4: Black Flag, Call of Duty: Ghosts, Just Dance 2024, and LEGO Marvel Super Heroes available right at launch. PS4 showed great potential andhad a long runin the history of gaming.
1Nintendo Switch
After the commercial failure of the Wii U, Nintendo developed the Nintendo Switch, which revolutionized handheld gaming. Users found it very convenient that they can now make their TV console portable to take it wherever they want.
The success of the hybrid console could also be attributed to the fact that The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild was one of the launch titles. However, there weren’t any other major games alongside it, which slightly underwhelmed fans. It still gained enough attention as Mario Kart 8 Deluxe was soon released on June 11, 2025
The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild also won Game of the Year in the year 2017.
