Evolution of Video Games
Video games have continued to evolve with each passing generation, offering new technology with each release. This article covers an overview of video games from the fifth generation onward.
Fifth Generation (32-Bit Era)
From the beginning of the fifth generation of video games, 3D gaming became a staple rather than the exception. Graphics and sound improved with every new console release, and the top-selling console of all-time was released. Another notable change was the switch to CDs instead of cartridges, with the exception of Nintendo, who chose to continue the use of cartridges for another generation. Additionally, the 32-bit era contained the most consoles of any era, although most never saw anything close to success.
Consoles
- FM Towns Marty (1993) - Technically the first ever 32-bit console released, however it was never produced outside of Japan. The console allegedly failed due to its expensive price.[1]
- Amiga CD32 (1993)
- Atari Jaguar (1993) - Despite being a member of the 32-Bit generation, the Atari Jaguar was the first 64-bit console released, predating the Nintendo 64. However, the console was unsuccessful, ending Atari's ventures in the console market.[2]
- Sega Saturn (1995) - Sega's installation for the 32-bit era failed to replicate the success of its predecessor, the Sega Genesis. Although the console was highly popular in Japan, it fell into third place outside of the region.
- Sony PlayStation (1995) - In 1995, Sony entered the video game market with the release of the PlayStation (PS1). This would prove to be a smart move, as the console became the best of the generation.
- Nintendo 64 (1996) - The second 64-bit console ever released, the Nintendo 64 (N64) brought many of the titles gamers consider to be the best of the generation, with entries such as Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time, the most loved Zelda game ever.
Notable Games
- Super Mario 64 (N64)
- Gran Tourismo (PS1)
- Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time and Majora's Mask (N64)
- Mario Kart 64 (N64)
- Final Fantasy VII (PS1)
- Super Smash Bros. (N64)
Sixth Generation
During the sixth generation, graphics improved even further, and a new developer entered the arena (Microsoft). The idea of online game play began to enter the mainstream console market, with both Sony and Microsoft offering online capabilities, while Nintendo did not start online game play until the next generation.
Consoles
- Sega Dreamcast (1999) - The first console of the generation, and the first console to offer online play. However, the Dreamcast ended up failing, with some citing the reason for its failure as being "ahead of its time." This was the last console sold by Sega, as they dropped out to produce only games from here on out.
- Sony PlayStation 2 (2000) - The first console to offer DVDs, Sony's PlayStation 2 (PS2) quickly became a worldwide hit, soaring to the top-selling console of all-time, a title it still holds as of 2018.[3] The PlayStation 2 was popular until it's discontinuation in 2013, and still has many users today.
- Nintendo GameCube (2001) - The GameCube (GC) marked Nintendo's departure from cartridge games, as they were one of the last to adapt to discs. The GameCube was popular as a console, however it could not match the PlayStation 2's 155 million units sold.[3] The console brought with it many Nintendo titles that would join the classics library, some of which are offered on the Nintendo Virtual Console (Wii onward) today.
- Microsoft Xbox (2001) - The Xbox marked Microsoft's entry in the video game market, the latest of all current console developers. Surprisingly enough, the Xbox would outperform the GameCube in sales, making a great debut.[3] This was perhaps due to the fact that Microsoft offered online game play, a feature Nintendo was late to adapt.
Notable Games
- Shadow of the Colossus (PS2)
- Halo: Combat Evolved (Xbox)
- Kingdom Hearts (PS2)
- The Legend of Zelda: Wind Waker (GC)
- Final Fantasy X (PS2)
- Super Smash Bros. Melee (GC)
- Mario Kart: Double Dash!! (GC)
- Call of Duty (Xbox)
- Forza Motorsports (Xbox)
Seventh Generation
The seventh generation continued to improve graphics, while also featuring some innovation by both console developers and game developers. Many consoles of this generation began to offer High-Definition (HD) graphics, with Nintendo being the exception, as always. There were no new game developers during the seventh generation, turning the "console wars" into a three way battle between the old guard Nintendo, and the newcomers Sony and Microsoft.
Consoles
- Microsoft Xbox 360 (2005) - The most notable feature of the Xbox 360 was its ability to offer HD graphics, and an improved Xbox Live online service. The console's launch did not come without issues though, as the infamous "Red Ring of Death" issue plagued many owners. Despite this, the console sold relatively well, however it did end the generation in third place.[3]
- Sony PlayStation 3 (2006) - The most notable feature of the PlayStation 3 (PS3) was not that it offered HD graphics, but instead that it offered the ability to use Blu-Ray technology. This made it a very attractive console option, as it was priced reasonably when compared to buying an Xbox or Wii and a Blu-Ray player separately. However, despite this, the PS3 was not able to top the Wii in sales.[3]
- Nintendo Wii (2006) - The last entry to the seventh generation, but arguably the most innovative and successful, the Nintendo Wii launched at the end of 2006 with a new premise: motion-controlled gaming. Despite some concerns that it was a gimmick that would not last, the console sold very well, topping the generation, and marking Nintendo's second most profitable venture, topped only by the Nintendo DS.[3]
Current Generation
Since the current generation is still ongoing, it is difficult to estimate what the final impact will be. However, here is a list of consoles currently released during this generation:
- Microsoft
- Xbox One (2013)
- Xbox One S (2016)
- Xbox One X (2017)
- Sony
- PlayStation 4 (2013)
- PlayStation 4 Slim (2016)
- PlayStation 4 Pro (2016)
- Nintendo
- Wii U (2012)
- Nintendo Switch (2017)
References:
1. "FM Towns Marty - Console Information." Retrieved from the internet archive. Accessed 18 Feb. 2018.
2. "Atari Jaguar History." AtariAge. Accessed 18 Feb. 2018.
3. "Lifetime Video Game Console Sales." Statista. (2017)
2. "Atari Jaguar History." AtariAge. Accessed 18 Feb. 2018.
3. "Lifetime Video Game Console Sales." Statista. (2017)