<P> Released June 23, 1996, The Nintendo 64, commonly called the N64, and codenamed Ultra 64, was Nintendo's third home video game console for the international market . It was released with three launch games in Japan (Super Mario 64, Pilotwings 64 and Saikyo Habu Shogi) and two in North America (Super Mario 64 and Pilotwings 64). PAL regions also had three launch titles (Super Mario 64, Shadows of the Empire and Pilotwings 64) with Turok: Dinosaur Hunter delayed until three days after launch . Other key games included Donkey Kong 64, Diddy Kong Racing, Banjo - Kazooie, two games in The Legend of Zelda series, GoldenEye 007, Mario Kart 64, Super Smash Bros. and Star Fox 64 . The Nintendo 64 sold 32.93 million systems . </P> <P> The Nintendo GameCube (commonly shortened to GameCube, NGC or GCN) was released in 2001 . It was Nintendo's sixth generation game console, the same generation as Sega's Dreamcast, Sony's PlayStation 2 and Microsoft's Xbox . Until the console's unveiling at SpaceWorld 2000, the design project was known as Dolphin--this can still be seen in the console and its accessories' model numbers . The GameCube is the most compact sixth generation console . The GameCube is Nintendo's first game console to use optical discs rather than game cartridges . An agreement with the optical drive manufacturer Matsushita led to a DVD - playing GameCube system named the Panasonic Q, which was only released in Japan . Much of Nintendo's core line - up centered on sequels to their established hit franchises such as Super Mario Sunshine, Super Smash Bros. Melee, The Legend of Zelda: Wind Waker, Metroid Prime, Pokémon Colosseum and Star Fox Adventures, while new franchises like Animal Crossing and Pikmin were born, although the former franchise had seen a Japan - exclusive release on the N64 . The GameCube has sold 21.74 million units . </P> <P> The Wii was released on November 19, 2006 as Nintendo's seventh - generation home console . Nintendo designed the console to appeal towards a wider audience than those of its main competitors, the PlayStation 3 and Xbox 360, including "casual" players and audiences that were new to video games . </P> <P> These aims were emphasized by the console's distinguishing feature, the Wii Remote--a handheld motion controller that can detect motion and rotation in three dimensions, using a mixture of internal sensors and infrared positioning . The controller includes an expansion port that can be used to connect other accessories, such as the Nunchuk--an attachment with an analog stick and additional buttons, a "Classic Controller" gamepad providing a traditional control scheme, and Wii MotionPlus--an accessory designed to enhance the motion detection capabilities of the original Wii Remote models . </P>

When nintendo entered the video game market with the wii