8-Bit Consoles (Third Generation)
The 8-Bit era, sometimes referred to as the third generation of video games, was an era of video games featuring more colors, more sound, and better processors. Additionally, this is the era where major video game companies began to emerge, with the strongest players becoming more solidified towards the end of the 16-Bit era.
Nintendo Entertainment System (Famicom)
In 1983, Nintendo released the Famicom in Japan. The console saw a reasonable amount of success in Japan, selling approximately 2.5 million consoles before the system was even released in North America. In 1985, Nintendo released the North American version of the Famicom, known as the Nintendo Entertainment System (NES). The NES was released in North America with Super Mario Bros., one of the most famous video game series of all time.
The NES was the most successful console of the 8-Bit era, selling over one million units in the first year alone.[1] Nintendo maintained this market dominance all throughout the 8-Bit era.
The NES was the most successful console of the 8-Bit era, selling over one million units in the first year alone.[1] Nintendo maintained this market dominance all throughout the 8-Bit era.
Notable NES Releases (in no particular order):
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Sega Master System (Mark III)
In 1985, Sega released the Mark III in Japan. This launch was completely unsuccessful, and it was not until a year later that Sega saw some success. In 1986, Sega released the Mark III under the name Master System in North America. The system was intended to be a direct competitor to the Nintendo Entertainment System (NES), however the system failed to compete, selling only 125,000 units in a year, a sharp contrast to the 1.1 million sold by Nintendo.[1]
Despite it's initial troubles, the system did well overall, selling well in Europe, and remaining popular in Brazil to this day.[2] Unfortunately, Sega was never able to match Nintendo or Atari's sales numbers. |
Notable Games:
- Aladdin (1994)
- Dr. Robotnik's Mean Bean Machine (1993)
- The Lion King (1994)
- Sonic the Hedgehog (1991) - This was an 8-Bit version of the game released specifically for the Master System.
Atari 7800
Released in 1986, the Atari 7800 was a minor upgrade to the Atari 2600. One of the most notable features was the consoles ability to play all Atari 2600 games, a feature that would not become popular in consoles until much, much later. Sadly the system saw low sales, selling only 100,000 units in 1986.[1] However, despite low sales the first year, the system was an overall success for Atari. This console marked the beginning of a decline for Atari's console era, although they would remain successful in developing games for years to come.
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Sadly the Atari 7800 did not have many native games, boasting instead the ability to play all Atari 2600 games. However, a couple notable titles are listed below:
Notable Games:
Notable Games:
- Dig Dug (1986)
- Galaga (1986)
More Information:
- "Nintendo Entertainment System" (Famicom) - Wikipedia
- "Sega Master System" (Mark III) - Wikipedia
- "Atari 7800" - Wikipedia
- "Third Generation of Video Game Consoles" (8-Bit Era) - Wikipedia
References:
1. Computer Entertainer, pg. 13. (1987)
2. McFerran, Damien. "Hardware Classics: Sega Master System." NintendoLife.com. (2014)
2. McFerran, Damien. "Hardware Classics: Sega Master System." NintendoLife.com. (2014)