Unit 20: Computer Games Platforms and Technologies: Game Consoles

Here's a timeline of different gaming platforms as the years advance...

First Generation

Magnavox Odyssey -

This console was the first home games console and was released in the same year as Pong; it didn't play sound and had graphics in today's day and game would be considered primitive.

Second Generation

Atari 2600 -

This console was sometimes nicknamed "The Woody" most likely due to the case itself being partly made of wood. This console made use of a joystick controller with one button and it's best sold game was Pac-Man.

Third Generation

Nintendo Entertainment System (NES) -

The Nintendo Entertainment System (or NES for short) sold 61 million copies worldwide , used two controllers that utilised digital arrows and two buttons other than the start button. Its best selling game would have to be Super Mario Bros. selling over 40 million copies.

Forth Generation

Super Nintendo Entertainment System (SNES) -

Leading the forth generation consoles is the SNES, this improvement over the original NES console implemented more buttons to the controller also introducing the right and left bumpers or shoulder buttons on their controllers. This machine's most sold game was Super Mario World (selling at about 20 million copies). This console was also one of the first to take advantage of 16 bit graphics.

Fifth Generation

Playstation -

A pioneer of home consoles, the Playstation one if not the first home entertainment gaming system that made use of compact discs and laser eye reading. Allowing for a lot cheaper manufacturing and data to be stored in a game. Although loading times weren't comparable to the Nintendo 64's. Gran Turismo is the Playstation's most sold game.

Nintendo 64 -

Still sticking to cartridges, Nintendo released the Nintendo 64. Presenting a peculiar three pronged controller, and analogue stick this controller also introduced a back button that would rest firmly in between the players' index finger. Most sold games on this console were Super Mario 6, Pokemon Stadium and Mario Kart 6.

Sixth Generation

Dreamcast -

The Dreamcast although a great console to play actually almost bankrupt SEGA, with their president Isao Okawa having even having to donate $695 million just to save it. That said this console was still fun to play and boasted a selective of friendly and fun games, it's most popular ones being Sonic Adventure (selling over 2.5 million copies), Crazy Taxi, Legacy of Kain and Chuchu Rockets.

Playstation 2 -

The Playstation 2 (or PS2) to this date is still the most sold console worldwide. Boasting some of the best graphics for its time and a massive collection of games (GTA: San Andreas being its most popular and selling over 17 million units) this console will probably stay in the hearts of many gamers within its era for decades to come.

Xbox -