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Code names of Nintendo consoles and what they meant
All Nintendo consoles have a serial number with a short model code. These codes are unique to each console and are often referred to by their model code online rather than their full name. You've probably seen labels like MGB, DMG, AGB, and others.
In this article, we'll figure out why consoles had certain model codes.
Known console codes
Family Computer – a home console first released in Japan in 1983. Later, it was released in America and Europe, where the console's name was changed to NES (Nintendo Entertainment System). The model code was HVC-007, where HVC stood for Home Video Computer.
Family Disk System – an expansion for the FC console that allowed games to be launched from a diskette instead of a cartridge. The model code was FMC, which was an abbreviation of two words: FaMily Computer. FMC codes were used for all devices related to diskettes. Additionally, there was a code starting with FSC, but its meaning is unknown. (FSC-870515 – a promotional flyer for a golf tournament in the USA).
Gameboy – the first portable console from Nintendo with interchangeable cartridges. The model code was DMG-01, which stood for Dot Matrix Game. This name came from the new dot-matrix display technology. This technology (simplified) involved a fixed set of dots that, when lit in a specific sequence, could display an image.
Super Famicom – the second home console from Nintendo, released in 1990. The model code was SHVC, which stood for Super Home Video Computer.
The American model had the code SNS, which likely stood for Super Nintendo Entertainment System. In Europe, the Super Famicom was released with the model code SNSP, which possibly stood for Super Nintendo Entertainment System Pal.
During development, this console model was referred to as SFX. Even the version released by Sony for Nintendo was labeled SFX-100. This internal designation likely came from the name of the Super-FX processor built into the console.
Virtual Boy – the strangest device in Nintendo's console lineup. This device is called a portable console, but it's most comfortable to play while lying down. The model code was VUE, which stood for Virtual Utopia Experience. This strange combination appeared during development because the device completely isolated the user from the world and forced them to see and hear something new. During development, this model was also called VR-32, which likely stood for Virtual Reality 32 bit.
Nintendo 64 – the fifth-generation console from Nintendo. It was released in 1996, and its model code was NUS, which stood for Nintendo Ultra Sixty-Four.
Game Boy Pocket – a smaller and lighter version of Nintendo's first portable console. The model code was MGB, which stood for Mini Game Boy.
Game Boy Light – this was almost the same as the Game Boy Pocket, but with a backlight and two AA batteries. The model code was MGB-101. Interestingly, this seems to be the first device with the same model code but using the numbers 101. Later, this change in the model code would often be used in cases of significant console redesign.
Game Boy Color – the next step in the evolution of Nintendo's portable consoles. This console added a color screen. The model code was CGB, which stood for Color Game Boy.
Game Boy Advance – another stage in the development of Nintendo's portable consoles. Interestingly, this console got its model code from another console that was in development in 1996 – Project Atlantis. The model code was AGB, which stood for Advanced Game Boy.
GameCube – the sixth generation of home consoles from Nintendo. The model code was DOL, which were the first three letters of the word DOLphin, the internal name for this model during development. The first version of the GameCube had the code DOL-001, and the second (downgraded) version had the code DOL-101.
Game Boy Advance SP – the model code was AGS, which stood for Advanced Game Boy Special. This console also had two models: AGS-001 (with a dark screen) and AGS-101 (with a bright screen), and unlike the GameCube, "101" meant an improved, not downgraded, model.
Nintendo DS – the model code was NTR, which stood for NiTRo. During development, this console changed its internal name three times. Initially, it was developed under the name IRIS and was planned as the second version of the Game Boy Advance (read more about IRIS in our article: Nintendo Project Iris). During development, the concept changed, and the console gained a second screen and was renamed Nitro. The name was tied to a strange concept that nitrogen makes up 78% of the air (and this console was supposed to take up the same percentage of your time). This name was supposed to boost sales, but later Nintendo changed the name to the simpler DS (dual screen or developer’s system).
Game Boy Micro – released in 2005, this console replaced the older Game Boy Advance. The model code was OXY, which stood for OXYgen (oxygen) and was likely the remaining 22% (in that strange concept), as these two consoles were developed together.
Wii – the model code was RVL, which stood for ReVoLution, a name that often appeared in the news.
Unknown console codes
Unfortunately, the code names of all subsequent consoles remain shrouded in mystery.
Nintendo DS Lite – received its model code USG from the Japanese word USuGata ("うすがた"), which translates to "thin." This version of the console was indeed much thinner than the Nintendo DS.
Nintendo DSI – the model code TWL came from the word TWiLight. The TWL code was likely related to the processor, as the developer device had the name TWL-CPU-X4.
Nintendo DSi XL (LL in Japan) – received its model code UTL from the phrase Ultra TwiLight. While "Ultra" is clear, "Twilight" still raises questions.
Nintendo 3DS – likely received its code CTR from the name Project CiTRus. However, this requires further verification.
Nintendo 2DS – the model code FTR, its meaning is unknown.
New Nintendo 3DS – the model code KTR, possibly derived from the internal development code Project KonToRolle. "Kontrolle" in German means "control, check."
New Nintendo 3DS XL – the model code RED, possibly derived from the internal development code Project InfraRED.
New Nintendo 2DS XL – the model code JAN, its meaning is unknown.
Nintendo Switch – the model code HAC (possibly stands for Handheld And Console, which could be translated as "portable and home console").
