The 10 Best Nintendo Consoles

The Switch Neon (about $292) represents the culmination of the manufacturer's years of experience. It's capable of being used as a handheld model on the go, or you can hook it up to the big screen using the combined charging and docking station.

If you can't bear to be away from your system for long, the 2DS XL (about $185) can accompany you on road trips, flights, and visits with distant relatives. You can even hook up to Wi-Fi and play with friends back home, or simply surf the web with the built-in browser.

While not as revolutionary as it once was, the Super NES (around $74) is just as much fun, a fact that you'll soon discover as you cycle through the 21 included games. You get two controllers with it, so you can remind your best friend that you were always better at Street Fighter II.

Although the Switch Lite (around $199) has the same custom processor and uses the same games as the Switch, this slightly smaller version cannot be connected to a TV. It is however lighter and more pocketable and boasts a decent battery life.

One of the great strengths of the Wii White (appx. $200) is the introduction of its wireless remote and nunchuk controllers, which allows for motion-activated gameplay. The popular sports package is included with this console and features five games that are fun for all the family.

The one that started it all, the Classic Edition (appx. $69) is a timeless 8-bit entertainment system. Many of its most iconic titles are still surprisingly addictive, so you may find yourself playing them for more than just a feeling of nostalgia.

A modern twist on one of the first handheld units, the Game Boy Advance SP (about $109) is compact enough to be slipped in a pocket, meaning games can be played on the go. This updated version can display up to 32,000 colors for a vivid experience.

Just when many were beginning to write the company off, the Wii U (around $248) made them trendsetters again. It's a perfect party starter, as the games encourage movement and activity while also being enjoyable for bystanders. The single-player appeal can wear thin quickly, though.

The GameCube Jet Black (about $115) is an often-overlooked machine that never really lived up to the manufacturer's reputation for innovation. It uses tiny compact discs, which cuts down on the storage space you need, but larger titles usually require switching between multiple CDs.

While revolutionary when it was first released, the Nintendo 64 (about $900) suffers a bit in the harsh light of modern times. The controller takes getting used to and is clunky, even at its best, and most of the games suffer from frustrating camera movement.