EXPLORE THE WORLDS OF PLAY
Gaming platforms
Explore platforms by release decade, from modern systems to classic hardware, and discover what makes each one distinctive.
Newest first, using the earliest release worldwide. Regional launch dates may differ. Windows PC, arcade, mobile and other platforms are cross-era categories without a single launch date.
2020s
3 platforms
First released
Nintendo Switch 2
Nintendo’s next-generation hybrid system combines a larger screen and magnetic Joy-Con 2 with TV, tabletop and handheld play and selected Switch compatibility.
First released
PlayStation 5
Sony’s PS5 generation uses fast SSD storage and DualSense controls, includes several disc-drive configurations and supports the great majority of PS4 games.
First released
Xbox Series X|S
Xbox Series X and Series S form one console generation, sharing many games while differing in performance, storage and disc-drive options.
2010s
6 platforms
First released
Nintendo Switch
Nintendo’s hybrid gaming platform combines television and portable play, with detachable Joy-Con controllers and a broad library of dedicated games.
First released
Xbox One
The Xbox One family includes the original console, One S and One X, with disc and digital games plus selected backward-compatible titles.
First released
PlayStation 4
A home-console family spanning original, Slim and Pro models, with Blu-ray and digital games, DualShock 4 controls and built-in gameplay sharing.
First released
Wii U
Nintendo’s dual-screen home console pairs HD television play with the Wii U GamePad and offers compatibility with supported Wii software.
First released
PlayStation Vita
A handheld platform with twin analog sticks and front and rear touch input, using Vita game cards and selected compatible digital PSP titles.
First released
Nintendo 3DS
Nintendo’s dual-screen handheld family adds analog movement and glasses-free 3D on supported models, with meaningful differences across 3DS, 2DS and New revisions.
2000s
9 platforms
First released
Wii
A Nintendo home console built around pointing and motion controls, with accessories supporting sports, adventures and shared living-room play.
First released
PlayStation 3
Sony’s 2006 high-definition console combines Blu-ray games, wireless controls and local storage, with backward compatibility that depends on the hardware model.
First released
Xbox 360
Microsoft’s second home console brought high-definition games, wireless controllers and a shared achievement system to the Xbox family.
First released
PlayStation Portable
Sony’s first handheld combines a widescreen display, physical controls and portable 3D games. Most models use UMD discs, while PSP go is digital-only.
First released
Nintendo DS
A dual-screen Nintendo handheld family whose touch screen, stylus and wireless features support familiar adventures and new ways to interact.
First released
Original Xbox
Microsoft’s first home console introduced a built-in hard drive, four controller ports and broadband networking to the Xbox story.
First released
Nintendo GameCube
A compact Nintendo disc console with four controller ports, a distinctive controller and optional connections to the Game Boy Advance family.
First released
Game Boy Advance
A 32-bit Nintendo cartridge handheld with a color screen, shoulder buttons and several hardware designs, including the original GBA, SP and micro.
First released
PlayStation 2
A television console combining CD and DVD games, DualShock 2 controls and support for many original PlayStation discs, with several hardware revisions.
1990s
5 platforms
First released
Dreamcast
Learn about the Sega Dreamcast, including GD-ROM, VMU storage, online history, accessories and practical compatibility notes.
First released
Game Boy Color (GBC)
Nintendo’s color-screen handheld has dedicated Game Boy Color games and compatibility with earlier GB cartridges, while remaining separate from Game Boy Advance.
First released
Nintendo 64
Nintendo’s cartridge-based 3D console pairs an analog controller with four built-in controller ports for distinctive adventures and local multiplayer.
First released
PlayStation
Sony’s original home console introduced the PlayStation family through CD games, early 3D worlds and a controller design that evolved into DualShock.
First released
Super Famicom / SNES
Nintendo’s 16-bit cartridge console, with colorful two-dimensional games and a controller layout featuring four face buttons and two shoulder buttons.
1980s
2 platforms
First released
Game Boy (GB)
Nintendo’s classic monochrome handheld combines interchangeable game cartridges with a directional pad and physical buttons for portable play.
First released
Famicom / NES
Nintendo’s original cartridge-based home platform, known for simple controls, two-player games and its distinctive red-and-white Famicom design.
Across the decades
4 platforms
A cross-era platform category
Arcade
Arcade gaming combines a cabinet, display, controls and game hardware, spanning many manufacturers, eras and dedicated control designs.
A cross-era platform category
Mobile
Understand phone and tablet gaming, touch and controller input, app-store distribution and practical compatibility considerations.
A cross-era platform category
Other
Learn why the site uses an Other platforms category, what it includes, its compatibility limits and how standalone platform pages are created.
A cross-era platform category
Windows PC
Windows PC covers many computer designs; game compatibility and performance depend on hardware, software and the chosen input devices.