16-Bit Consoles (Fourth Generation)
The 16-Bit era was the next innovation for video game consoles after the Nintendo Entertainment System (NES) kicked off the 8-Bit era in 1983. Consoles in this generation featured more improvements to graphics and sounds, more complex controllers, and larger memory; leading to bigger levels, games, and character sprites. This generation was also the first generation to feature a noticeable console war, a trend that has continued every generation since its start between Nintendo and Sega.
TurboGrafx-16 (PC Engine)
The first console to kick off the 16-bit era, the "PC Engine" as it was known in Japan launched in 1987. The system was highly popular in Japan, outselling the Sega Genesis (Mega Drive). In 1989, the system launched in North America under the name TurboGrafx-16. Sadly, the system never caught-on outside of Japan, outsold by both the Super NES (SNES) and the Sega Genesis (Mega Drive).
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Sega Genesis (Mega Drive)
Released in 1988 (Japan) and 1989 (North America), the Sega Genesis (or Mega Drive) was arguably the most popular console of the 16-Bit generation. Oddly enough however, the Genesis never caught on in Japan, with the Japanese market preferring the TurboGrafx-16.
The Genesis brought Sega's most recognizable mascot, Sonic the Hedgehog to the video game industry in 1991.[1] Sonic allowed Sega to take the lead of the console wars for a brief period, although Nintendo was able to reclaim the throne with the release of the Nintendo 64.[1] Most of the Genesis's notable games involved Sega's new character Sonic, although there were many other games that saw popularity as well. |
Notable Sega Genesis Games:
- Sonic the Hedgehog (1991)
- Sonic the Hedgehog 2 (1992)
- Sonic the Hedgehog 3 (1994)
- Quackshot (1991)
- Aladdin (1993)
- Sonic and Knuckles (1994)
- Sonic Spinball (1993)
- Bubsy (1993)
Super Nintendo Entertainment System (Super Famicom)
Late to enter the 16-bit market, Nintendo released the Super Famicom (Japan) in 1990, and the Super Nintendo Entertainment System (SNES) in 1991 (North America). Despite this, the console was very successful in Japan and North America, beating out the Sega Genesis despite the SNES's late release.[2]
Part of the console's success could be attributed to the release of Street Fighter II to console, as it was one of the largest hits of the arcade era. |
Other Notable Games Include:
- Kirby's Dreamland 3 (1997)
- Kirby Super Star (1996)
- Harvest Moon (1997)
- Donkey Kong Country (1994)
- Mortal Kombat II (1994)
- Mario Paint (1992)
- EarthBound (also known as Mother 2 in Japan) (1995)
- Super Mario RPG: Legend of the Seven Stars (1996)
- Star Fox (1993)
- Super Mario Kart (1992)
- Super Mario World 2: Yoshi's Island (1996)
- Chrono Trigger (1995)
- Legend of Zelda: A Link to the Past (1992)
Other Consoles:
Other consoles released in the 16-bit generation include the Phillips CD-i and the Neo-Geo. Both consoles flopped, due to a myriad of reasons, including poor content and bad pricing points. The Phillips CD-i is mostly remember for its horrific release of the Legend of Zelda CD-i games.
More Information:
- Console Wars: Sega, Nintendo and the Battle that Defined a Generation, by Blake Harris. ISBN: 978-0062276704. Amazon link. -- This book details the "console war" between Sega and Nintendo that took place during the 1990's. It was this "war" that affected who was a major player of the next generation (early 2000's), with Nintendo ultimately winning the battle.
References:
1. Fahs, Travis. "History of Sega." IGN (2009)
2. "Nintendo Sales Report" Nintendo. Accessed 18 Feb. 2018.
2. "Nintendo Sales Report" Nintendo. Accessed 18 Feb. 2018.