The Evolution of Video Game Systems

Most kids could not imagine a world without video games. Little do they know that video game technology first debuted about 60 years ago. Here is a look at the history of the many generations of video game consoles.

First Generation

Most people consider the Atari the beginning of all modern video games. While it is the most known console at the start of the video game explosion, video gaming was being pioneered as early as the 1950's by television engineer Ralph Baer. While building a television set from the ground up, Baer got the idea for a new interactive television. It wasn't until the late 1960's that Baer's ideas began to catch the interest of some major investors.

Second Generation

In the mid-1970's, the video game industry started to gain significant steam. This generation is know for consoles with 8-bit processors and individual game cartridges. As mentioned, the Atari is the most known console for this generation. For me, my first experience with video games started when I inherited my uncle's old Atari console. The Magnavox Odyssey and Intellivision were also major players during the second generation.

Third Generation

Being in my mid-20's, I entered the world in the middle of the third generation of video gaming. In my opinion, this is the single most important generation that influenced the following generations of gaming consoles. During this stage of gaming history, many of the founding systems fell flat while new players very successfully entered the arena. At the forefront of the third generation was the NES (Nintendo Entertainment System).

Fourth Generation

Many of the same players stuck around for the fourth generation. Most notably was Nintendo's Super NES and Sega's Genesis systems. The consoles offered a 16-bit system that offered faster and better graphics than third generation systems. In addition to better consoles, game makers were now offing battery powered handheld systems including the Nintendo Game Boy and Sega Game Gear.

Fifth Generation

Great strides were made during the fifth gaming generation. The graphics improved dramatically to 32 and 64-bit systems. This allowed the systems to display 3D images that made the game play more dynamic and realistic. Also, during this stage, many of the game consoles switched to CD-ROM discs from the traditional cartridge.

Sixth Generation

The next generation made huge strides. You can definitely tell that the game manufactures wanted to really strut their stuff during the first generation of video games to fall into the 21st century. During the sixth generation, there were four main consoles - Sega Dreamcast, Playstation 2, Nintendo Gamecube, and Microsoft Xbox. There were a few significant improvements during this stage including wireless controllers and an explosion internet game play.

Seventh Generation

While Sega didn't survive the sixth generation, Nintendo, Microsoft, and Sony unveiled their newest systems - Wii, Xbox 360, and PS3 (Playstation 3) in 2005 and 2006. The most notable development during this generation was motion gaming. The Nintendo Wii lead the pack with a special controller that allows players to use their body motion to control the game. Soon after, the Xbox and PS3 answered by offering their own motion gaming experiences - the Sony Move and Xbox 360 Kinect.

Sources:
A Brief of History of Home Video Game Consoles

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