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Spacewar
The game was quite simple, you had to control a space ship and would fire missiles at flying saucers. Computer Space's technology was very primitive - no microprocessor and no modern memory architecture, the entire minimalistic computer was made of only 74 logic circuits using diode arrays as memory. -
First generation console
Ralph Baer's system represented both the first home console system as well as the first video game by the original and legal definition of the term: an apparatus that transmits a video signal to a television receiver for the purpose of generating images that can be manipulated by individuals to play a game.[citation needed] The system launched with a dozen games included in the box, four more sold with a separate light gun, and six games sold separately. Retailing for roughly $100.00, the Odysse -
Second generation consoles 1976–1992
This was an obvious issue for developers; customers would have to buy a new device to attach to their TV sets in order to play different games. By the mid-1970s, game consoles contained general-purpose microprocessors and video games were found on cartridges, starting in 1976 with the release of the Fairchild Video Entertainment System (VES). Programs were burned onto ROM chips (ICs) that were mounted inside plastic cartridge casings that could be plugged into slots on the game console. -
Golden age of arcade video games 1978–1982
The arcade game industry entered its golden age in 1978 with the release of Space Invaders by Taito, a success that inspired dozens of manufacturers to enter the market. The game inspired arcade machines to become prevalent in mainstream locations such as shopping malls, traditional storefronts, restaurants and convenience stores during the golden age. Between 1978 and 1982 over 5 billion dallors was made from many different companies and there total earnings. Alot of the money came from quarter -
Third generation consoles 1983–1995 (8-bit)
In 1985, the American video game console market was revived with Nintendo’s release of its 8-bit console, the Famicom (a portmanteau of "Family Computer"), known outside Asia as the Nintendo Entertainment System (NES). Marketed as a toy to North American audiences, the NES instantly became a success, dominating both the North American and Japanese home console gaming markets until the rise of the next generation of 16-bit consoles in the early 1990s. -
Fourth generation consoles 1987–1999 (16-bit)
The intense competition of this time was also a period of not entirely truthful marketing. The TurboGrafx-16 was billed as the first 16-bit system but its central processor was an 8-bit HuC6280, with only its HuC6270 graphics processor being a true 16-bit chip. Additionally, the much earlier Mattel Intellivision contained a 16-bit processor. Sega used the term "Blast Processing" throughout its marketing to describe the simple fact that their console's CPU ran at a higher clock speed. -
Fifth generation consoles 1993–2006 (32 and 64-bit)
In 1993, Atari re-entered the home console market with the introduction of the Atari Jaguar. Also in 1993, The 3DO Company released the 3DO Interactive Multiplayer. Both consoles had very low sales and few quality games, eventually leading to their demise. By the end of this period, Sony had become the leader in the video game market. -
Sixth generation consoles 1998–2013
Before the end of 2001, Microsoft Corporation, best known for its Windows operating system and its professional productivity software, entered the console market with the Xbox. Based on Intel's Pentium III CPU, the console used a great deal of PC technology to leverage its internal development, making games for PC easily portable to the Xbox. In order to gain market share and maintain its toehold in the market, Microsoft reportedly sold the Xbox at a significant loss. -
Seventh generation consoles 2005–present
The generation opened early for handheld consoles, as Nintendo introduced their Nintendo DS and Sony premiered the PlayStation Portable (PSP) within a month of each other in 2004. While the PSP boasted superior graphics and power, following a trend established since the mid-1980s, Nintendo gambled on a lower-power design but featuring a novel control interface. The DS's two screens proved extremely popular with consumers, especially young children and middle-aged gamers. -
Eighth generation consoles 2012–present
Features of the new console include HD graphics support (on Wii U only), and a controller, the Wii U GamePad, which features a 6.2 inch touch screen built-in that can be used as a second screen providing additional info and interactivity, such as "asymmetric gameplay".The PlayStation 4 (or PS4) is a video game console from Sony Computer Entertainment. The Xbox One is a video game console from Microsoft.
