A Brief History of Consoles (sort of)

G.A.Betancourt | February 28, 2025

Est read time: 30mins

In the beginning...

As gamers, consoles play a special role in our hearts. Whether it's love or hate, since the first in 1972 to today, especially in the West, there have been up and downs with fans and critics alike hailing or degrading every generational release as the industry cycles. The uncertainty of today's climate sparks a yearning, longing for golden days and simpler times. Maybe it's more about taking a moment to appreciate what we have by looking back at how far we've come as well as anticipate the magnitude of leaps and bounds that lie ahead.

That's why we're taking a trip back down memory lane, at the history of consoles, both knowns and unknowns, in order, along with some unexpected twists to reflect on every major debut from the beginning to the present day...

Coming soon...

Magnavox Odyssey

Release: 1972

Description: The Magnavox Odyssey was the first home video game console, developed by Ralph Baer and released in 1972. It output simple black-and-white visuals and had no sound, using translucent overlays on the TV screen to add color. Sold initially through Magnavox dealerships in the U.S., it came bundled with 12 games (like a ping-pong game that inspired Atari’s Pong) and accessories such as dice, cards, and play money. This pioneering system established the concept of interchangeable game cartridges (actually printed circuit cards) and sparked the home gaming industry.

Retail price: $99.95 (at launch in 1972)

Flagship titles: Table Tennis (the Odyssey’s ping-pong game, precursor to Pong)

Fun fact: Many consumers mistakenly believed the Odyssey would only work on Magnavox TVs - a misconception that hurt sales. In reality, it worked with any television via the antenna connection. Magnavox later sued Atari for patent infringement, as Baer’s Odyssey concept had been patented, resulting in Atari paying licensing fees for Pong.

Atari 2600

Release:1977

Description: Atari’s Video Computer System (later named the 2600) popularized cartridge-based consoles in the late 1970s​ . It featured joystick and paddle controllers and launched with games like Combat. The 2600 brought iconic arcade titles into the living room, helping to make games a mainstream hobby. Its killer app was Space Invaders in 1980, which quadrupled console sales​ . Though wildly successful (selling 30 million units​ ), the 2600’s flood of low-quality games by 1982 led to the infamous video game crash of 1983. Retail price: $189.95 (launch price in 1977)​ Flagship title: Space Invaders (1980) – the first home console “killer app,” driving 2600 sales to new heights​ . Fun fact: The post-crash inventory of unsold cartridges was so huge that Atari buried hundreds of thousands of games (like the poorly received E.T. and Pac-Man) in a New Mexico landfill​ ​ . This “Atari burial” remained an urban legend until the site was excavated in 2014, confirming the massive dump of Atari cartridges.

Intellivision

Release:1980

Description: Mattel’s Intellivision (short for “intelligent television”) debuted in 1979–1980 as a more powerful competitor to the Atari 2600​ . It boasted better graphics and a unique controller with a directional disk and numeric keypad. Intellivision carved out a niche with realistic sports and strategy games, helping Mattel grab 20% of the console market by 1981​ . It was also the first console to offer downloadable games via a cable TV service (PlayCable) years before the internet era​ . Retail price: $275 (USD in 1980)​ Flagship title: Major League Baseball – a popular sports game that showcased Intellivision’s advanced graphics and helped differentiate it from Atari’s offerings​ . Fun fact: Intellivision introduced the first voice add-on in console gaming. The IntelliVoice module let games feature speech – an early example of real-time voice in games​ . Players could hear spoken words in titles like B-17 Bomber, a novelty in 1982.

ColecoVision

Release:1982

Description: Coleco’s ColecoVision delivered an arcade-like experience at home when it launched in 1982​ . The console’s powerful hardware produced graphics closer to arcade standards than the Atari 2600 or Intellivision, and it came packaged with Nintendo’s hit Donkey Kong as a pack-in game​ . The ColecoVision’s library grew to include numerous arcade conversions and even had expansion modules – one addon let it play Atari 2600 cartridges, boosting its game library considerably​ . The system enjoyed success until the video game crash in late 1983. Retail price: $175 (launch price in 1982)​ GAMESDB.LAUNCHBOX-APP.COM Flagship title: Donkey Kong – the bundled title that helped sell the system, offering a faithful home version of the arcade classic​ . Fun fact: Coleco released an expansion module that made the ColecoVision compatible with Atari 2600 games​ . This unusual move (essentially piggybacking on Atari’s library) led Atari to threaten legal action, but no injunction came – giving ColecoVision owners a two-in-one system.

Nintendo Entertainment System (NES)

Release:1985 (North America; released as Famicom in 1983 in Japan)

Description:​ Nintendo’s NES revived the video game industry in 1985 after the crash of ’83​ . Redesigned as a gray front-loading “Entertainment System” for the U.S. market (to resemble a VCR, not a toy), it came with accessible gamepads and breakthrough titles like Super Mario Bros.. The NES set new standards for game quality with Nintendo’s strict licensing and introduced enduring franchises (The Legend of Zelda, Metroid, Mega Man)​ . Its impact was immense – by restoring consumer confidence and establishing a new business model of third-party game licensing​ , the NES became one of the most influential consoles ever. Retail price: $179 (NES Control Deck set in 1985)​ Flagship title: Super Mario Bros. – the pack-in game that became a cultural phenomenon, selling over 40 million copies and showcasing the NES’s capabilities​ . Fun fact: To help sell the NES to a skeptical U.S. market, Nintendo bundled a toy robot accessory called R.O.B. (Robotic Operating Buddy) with the Deluxe Set. R.O.B. was a Trojan horse to make the NES seem like a futuristic toy rather than just a game console. This marketing tactic paid off – R.O.B. generated initial buzz and got the NES into stores​ (even though only two games used the robot before it was discontinued).

Sega Master System

Release:1986 (North America; 1985 as “Mark III” in Japan)

Description: Sega’s Master System was an 8-bit console designed to compete with the NES​ ​ . Technically more powerful on paper (with vivid color output), it featured both cartridge slots and a unique credit-card-sized game card format​ . The Master System introduced optional peripherals like 3D glasses for stereoscopic 3D in certain games and a light gun. Despite its capabilities, it struggled in North America and Japan due to Nintendo’s stronghold on third-party titles​ . However, it found great success in regions like Europe and Brazil well into the 1990s. Retail price: $200 (USD in 1986)​ Flagship title: Alex Kidd in Miracle World – a built-in game on some Master System consoles, featuring Sega’s early mascot Alex Kidd (before Sonic) in a flagship platform adventure. Fun fact: The Master System’s 3D glasses accessory allowed games like Space Harrier 3-D to display in 3D – a first for home consoles​ . In Brazil, the Master System’s popularity endured so long that new versions and game releases continued well into the 2000s, making it one of the longest-supported consoles in that market.

TurboGrafx-16 (PC Engine)

Release:1987 (Japan, as PC Engine) / 1989 (North America)

Description: The TurboGrafx-16, made by NEC and Hudson Soft, kicked off the 16-bit era (though its CPU was technically 8-bit) with the first console capable of using CD-ROM games via an add-on​ ​ . In Japan (as the PC Engine) it was extremely successful, known for its compact design and a library rich in shoot-’em-ups and arcade-style titles. It was also the first home console to have a CD-ROM peripheral (the TurboGrafx-CD, in 1988) – heralding the coming shift to CD-based gaming​ . The North American TurboGrafx-16, with its larger, futuristic look, competed against the Genesis and SNES but struggled to gain market share in the West. Retail price: $199 (North American launch in 1989)​ ​ Flagship title: Bonk’s Adventure – a colorful platformer starring Bonk (PC Genjin in Japan), the caveman mascot whose head-butting antics became the system’s iconic franchise​ . Fun fact: The TurboGrafx-16 was the first console to introduce CD-ROM gaming to households​ . The CD add-on in Japan was a hit – by 1989, NEC had sold over 1.2 million PC Engine consoles and 80,000 CD-ROM units​ . It also spawned the first handheld console that could play home console games: the TurboExpress (a portable TurboGrafx-16) released in 1990.

Sega Genesis (Mega Drive)

Release:1989 (North America; 1988 in Japan as Mega Drive)

Description: Sega’s 16-bit Genesis brought arcade-quality action to living rooms and ignited the “console wars” of the early ’90s. Aggressively marketed with the slogan “Genesis does what Nintendon’t,” Sega positioned it as the cool alternative to the NES​ ​ . The Genesis delivered fast action, sports titles, and arcade hits (thanks to Sega’s arcade heritage). It attained a large library, including Madden NFL and Street Fighter II, and struck gold with Sonic the Hedgehog in 1991 – a character who became synonymous with the system’s identity and helped Sega briefly overtake Nintendo in U.S. console share​ . Retail price: $189 (launch price in 1989)​ Flagship title: Sonic the Hedgehog – the 1991 platformer that became the Genesis’s mascot title, known for its blazing speed and attitude. Sonic was a system-seller and gave the Genesis a defining identity against Mario. Fun fact: Sega’s edgy marketing paid off – at one point in the early ’90s, the Genesis controlled over 50% of the U.S. 16-bit console market​ . The famous “Genesis does what Nintendon’t” ad campaign even directly named the competitor, a rarity in console marketing​ . Sega also released a CD add-on (Sega CD) and 32X add-on for the Genesis, though these upgrades saw more limited success.

Super Nintendo Entertainment System (SNES)

Release:1991 (North America; 1990 in Japan as Super Famicom)

Description: Nintendo’s 16-bit follow-up, the SNES, elevated graphics and sound to new heights, enabling rich, colorful games with advanced effects (like the pseudo-3D “Mode 7” rotation/scaling). Launching in 1991 in the US amid the console wars, the SNES eventually won gamers over with an stellar library of classics from Nintendo and its partners. Titles like The Legend of Zelda: A Link to the Past, Super Metroid, Street Fighter II, and Final Fantasy VI demonstrated the system’s range. By maintaining high quality control and strong third-party support, the SNES kept Nintendo at the forefront of the industry, selling over 49 million units worldwide. Retail price: $199 (launch in 1991)​ ​ Flagship title: Super Mario World – the packed-in game for the SNES, featuring Mario’s adventures in Dinosaur Land. With its polished gameplay and introduction of Yoshi, it became one of the console’s best-selling and most defining titles. Fun fact: The SNES introduced enhancement chips inside some game cartridges to push its capabilities. Notably, 1993’s Star Fox was powered by the Super FX chip, which rendered 3D polygon graphics on the SNES – an eye-popping feat for a 16-bit console​ . This idea of on-cartridge coprocessors extended the SNES’s lifespan and gave us early 3D gaming at home.

Neo Geo AES

Release:1990

Description: SNK’s Neo Geo Advanced Entertainment System (AES) in 1990 was essentially an arcade machine for your home​ ​ . It featured identical hardware to SNK’s arcade cabinets, allowing truly authentic arcade graphics and sound in games like Fatal Fury and Samurai Shodown. However, this power came at a steep cost – both the console and its large game cartridges were very expensive, making the Neo Geo a luxury system for enthusiasts. It was marketed as the first 24-bit console and delivered unrivaled 2D graphics performance in the early ’90s. Retail price: $649.99 (USD) – an astoundingly high price in 1990, equivalent to over $1,500+ today​ ​ Flagship title: Fatal Fury – one of SNK’s signature fighting games (alongside The King of Fighters and Samurai Shodown), it exemplified the Neo Geo’s arcade-quality gameplay and helped define the platform’s legacy in fighting game history​ . Fun fact: Initially, the AES home console was only offered for rental in Japanese game shops due to its high manufacturing cost, but fan demand convinced SNK to sell it to consumers despite the lofty price tag​ . The Neo Geo’s pricing and niche appeal kept its user base small, but incredibly loyal – the system’s long life in arcades (MVS) and at home fostered a cult following and game production that lasted into the early 2000s.

Atari Jaguar

Release:1993

Description: The Jaguar was Atari’s last attempt at a console, marketed in late 1993 as the first 64-bit game system. Its architecture included two 32-bit RISC processors (“Tom” and “Jerry”) and a Motorola 68000, but programming it was notoriously difficult​ ​ . The Jaguar launched with promise – boasting advanced 2D/3D capabilities – but a lack of compelling software and competition from Sega and Sony doomed its chances. By 1995, the Jaguar failed to gain traction, contributing to Atari’s exit from the console business. Retail price: $249.99 (launch in 1993)​ Flagship title: Alien vs. Predator – a well-received first-person shooter (1994) that became the Jaguar’s standout exclusive and is often cited as the best reason to own the system. Fun fact: Atari’s “64-bit” marketing for the Jaguar led to controversy. In reality, none of the console’s main CPUs had a 64-bit instruction set – the 64-bit claim came from the Jaguar’s 64-bit graphics data bus​ . This bit-number war in marketing didn’t save the Jaguar, but it did give us the cheeky slogan “Do the Math.” Ultimately, Atari only sold about 125,000 Jaguars, and unsold units and cartridges were later cleared out in bulk as the company bowed out of hardware.

3DO Interactive Multiplayer

Release:1993

Description: The 3DO (1993) was a 32-bit CD-based console conceived by Electronic Arts founder Trip Hawkins and produced by manufacturers like Panasonic. Uniquely, the 3DO Company licensed the hardware design to third parties rather than making the console themselves​ ​ . The 3DO launched with impressive audio-visual capabilities for the time, but its $699 launch price​ was sticker shock for consumers. Despite some innovative games and being an early mover in the CD era, the 3DO’s high cost and limited library kept it from competing against cheaper systems like the Sega Saturn and Sony PlayStation that arrived shortly after. Retail price: $699 (USD) at launch in 1993​ Flagship title: Gex – a wise-cracking gecko mascot platformer. Gex was developed to be a flagship title for the 3DO​ MOBYGAMES.COM and achieved enough popularity to later migrate to other platforms. Fun fact: Rather than building the consoles itself, The 3DO Company licensed the technology to manufacturers. Panasonic, GoldStar (LG), and Sanyo each produced their own 3DO players​ . This approach meant the 3DO was often marketed more as a high-end “multimedia” machine. However, the strategy backfired as inconsistent marketing and that sky-high launch price limited its reach. By 1996, the 3DO was deemed a commercial failure, and its parent company shifted to game development instead.

Sega Saturn

Release:1995 (North America; 1994 in Japan)

Description: Sega’s Saturn arrived in 1995 as a 32-bit powerhouse for 2D games and an early contender in 3D. In Japan, the Saturn was initially successful – fueled by arcade hits (Virtua Fighter helped it take off). In North America, however, a surprise early launch (May 1995) and a $399 price tag put it at a disadvantage against Sony’s upcoming PlayStation. The Saturn’s complex dual-CPU architecture made development tricky, leading to weaker third-party support. While it excelled at 2D fighters and had gems like NiGHTS into Dreams..., the lack of some big-name franchises and the looming competition saw the Saturn falter in the West. Retail price: $399 (USD) in 1995​ Flagship title: Virtua Fighter 2 – the polished 3D fighting game that showcased the Saturn’s prowess. It was a system-seller in Japan and one of the Saturn’s most acclaimed titles, helping drive the console’s early adoption with its arcade-perfect quality. Fun fact: The Saturn’s U.S. launch became legendary for its marketing missteps. Sega announced at the first E3 in May 1995 that the Saturn was shipping to stores immediately for $399 – catching retailers and consumers off-guard. Only months later, Sony took the E3 stage and simply stated “$299” for the PlayStation’s price​ TIMEEXTENSION.COM , undercutting Sega by $100 and drawing huge applause. This price difference (and Sony’s cool approach) is often cited as a turning point that sealed the Saturn’s fate in North America.

Sony PlayStation (PS1)

Release:1994 (Japan) / 1995 (North America)

Description: Sony’s PlayStation debuted in December 1994 in Japan and September 1995 in America, reshaping the industry with CD-ROM technology and strong third-party support. Born from a failed collaboration with Nintendo on a CD add-on (Sony famously was “left at the altar” when Nintendo partnered with Philips instead)​ GAMESRADAR.COM , the standalone PlayStation quickly proved itself. It was developer-friendly and catered to an older demographic, gaining a vast library from RPGs to racing games. Iconic titles like Final Fantasy VII, Metal Gear Solid, Gran Turismo, and Resident Evil propelled the PS1 to over 100 million units sold. By embracing CD storage (allowing full-motion video and large game worlds) and securing tons of third-party games, the PlayStation became the top console of its generation, eclipsing Sega and deeply challenging Nintendo. Retail price: $299 (USD) in 1995​ Flagship title: Final Fantasy VII – the 1997 RPG that was a landmark for gaming. Its epic story and cinematic presentation drove many gamers to buy a PlayStation, symbolizing Sony’s triumph in wooing major franchises away from Nintendo. (Gran Turismo and Metal Gear Solid are also emblematic of PS1’s blockbuster lineup.) Fun fact: The PlayStation was originally going to be a Super NES CD add-on, but after the deal fell through, Sony decided to go it alone​ GAMESRADAR.COM . This bold move was transformative: by 1999, the PlayStation became the first console to ship over 100 million units. It also popularized the use of memory cards for game saves and introduced the now-standard dual-analog controller (DualShock) late in its lifecycle.

Nintendo 64

Release:1996

Description: Nintendo’s N64, launched in 1996, was a 64-bit machine focused on groundbreaking 3D gameplay. It used cartridges at a time when competitors shifted to CDs, which meant faster load times and durable media but also less storage space for FMV and audio. The N64 delivered some of the most influential 3D games ever – Super Mario 64 revolutionized 3D platforming with its analog stick control and open worlds, and The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time set a new standard for action-adventures. Despite a slower trickle of games (partly due to limited third-party support), the N64 became synonymous with local multiplayer fun (thanks to its four controller ports and games like GoldenEye 007 and Mario Kart 64). It ultimately sold over 32 million units, trailing Sony but securing a beloved place in gaming history. Retail price: $199 (USD)​ ​ Flagship title: Super Mario 64 – the seminal 3D platformer that shipped with the N64. Mario 64’s vast 3D environments and precise analog controls proved what 64-bit gaming could do and served as the N64’s showcase title. Fun fact: The N64 introduced the world to rumble feedback. In 1997, Nintendo released the Rumble Pak (packed with Star Fox 64), a plug-in accessory that made the controller vibrate during gameplay – the first for a home console​ TECHSPOT.COM . The success of the Rumble Pak led to force-feedback becoming a standard feature in controllers (Sony quickly followed with the DualShock). The N64 was also Nintendo’s last home system to use cartridges until the Switch in 2017.

Sega Dreamcast

Release:1999 (North America; 1998 in Japan)

Description: Sega’s Dreamcast (1999) was a forward-looking console that arrived before the PS2, Xbox, and GameCube. It featured crisp VGA graphics, online play out of the box (56k modem included), and a quirky controller with a VMU screen for mini-games and stats. The Dreamcast’s library, while short-lived, was filled with creativity – from fighters like SoulCalibur (which looked better than its arcade version) to innovative titles like Shenmue and Jet Set Radio. Despite critical acclaim and a strong start (especially in the U.S.), the Dreamcast was discontinued by 2001 as Sega exited the hardware business, due in part to poor sales in Japan and the looming dominance of the PS2. Retail price: $199 (USD) in 1999​ Flagship title: Sonic Adventure – Sega’s iconic mascot made his 3D debut at the Dreamcast’s launch. Sonic Adventure drew fans with its high-speed 3D platforming and showcased the console’s impressive graphics. Along with SoulCalibur and NFL 2K, it helped define the Dreamcast experience. Fun fact: The Dreamcast’s VMU (Visual Memory Unit) was a memory card with its own little screen and controls​ TECHEBLOG.COM . You could play tiny mini-games on the VMU (like raising a pet “Chao” from Sonic Adventure) or see hidden information during gameplay (for example, play-calls in NFL 2K would show on the VMU to prevent screen-peeking). This clever accessory was ahead of its time – a precursor to second-screen gaming.

Sony PlayStation 2

Release:2000

Description: The PlayStation 2 built upon Sony’s success and became the best-selling console in history (over 155–160 million sold)​ HYPEBEAST.COM . Launched in 2000, the PS2’s biggest ace was its ability to play DVDs – for many families it was an affordable DVD player and a game system, accelerating its adoption. Backward compatibility with the huge PS1 library also gave it a running start. The PS2’s game lineup turned out to be one of the greatest ever: Grand Theft Auto III and Vice City introduced open-world mayhem, Gran Turismo 3 and 4 set racing benchmarks, and a slew of classics (Metal Gear Solid 2, Final Fantasy X, God of War, Kingdom Hearts, Shadow of the Colossus, and many more) made the PS2 an essential console through the early 2000s. It enjoyed a lifespan of over 12 years of production. Retail price: $299 (USD) in 2000​ Flagship title: Grand Theft Auto: San Andreas – one of the PS2’s best-selling and defining titles. Released in 2004, San Andreas (and the GTA series in general on PS2) showcased the console’s 3D capabilities and mature content appeal, drawing in millions of players and exemplifying the PS2 era’s expansive game design. Fun fact: With more than 160 million units sold, the PS2 is the all-time highest-selling home console​ HYPEBEAST.COM . Its longevity was legendary – even after the PS3 launched, PS2 units kept selling (especially in emerging markets), and games like Pro Evolution Soccer 2014 were still coming out for PS2 nearly 14 years after its debut. The PS2’s DVD playback feature is often credited with hastening the DVD format’s takeover from VHS, as the console put DVD players in countless households.

Nintendo GameCube

Release:2001

Description: The GameCube was Nintendo’s purple box of power – a compact disc-based console that succeeded the N64 in 2001. It used small 1.5GB mini-DVD discs and ditched cartridges, which lowered costs but meant the Cube couldn’t play standard DVDs (unlike PS2 and Xbox). The GameCube focused on what Nintendo did best: games. It wasn’t a multimedia hub, but it delivered beloved titles like Super Smash Bros. Melee, The Legend of Zelda: The Wind Waker, Metroid Prime, and Resident Evil 4. The Cube’s hardware enabled colorful, polished graphics (many multi-platform games ran best on it), and its controller gained praise for comfort (except the tiny “Z” button). However, with weaker third-party support and no DVD playback, the GameCube took third place in its generation, selling about 22 million units. Retail price: $199 (USD) in 2001​ Flagship title: Super Smash Bros. Melee – the Cube’s best-selling game (7+ million copies) and a defining multiplayer experience. This crossover fighting game became a staple of parties and tournaments, showcasing the GameCube’s four-player strengths and Nintendo’s characters in one of their finest outings. Fun fact: The GameCube’s design included a sturdy built-in carrying handle on the back, reflecting Nintendo’s view that gamers might bring the console to friends’ houses for social play. The handle contributed to the Cube’s quirky, toy-like aesthetic. Additionally, by using the Game Boy Player accessory, the GameCube could play Game Boy Advance games on the TV – backward compatibility in a roundabout but popular form.

Microsoft Xbox

Release:2001

Description: Microsoft entered the console arena in November 2001 with the Xbox, a PC-like console packing an Intel Pentium III processor and an NVIDIA GPU​ . It was the first console with a built-in hard drive and built-in Ethernet, which opened the door to robust online gaming. The Xbox’s debut was driven by the massive success of Halo: Combat Evolved, a killer app that put the system on the map. The console attracted a following for its advanced graphics (it handily outperformed PS2 in raw power) and brought Western PC franchises and online-focused titles to console (e.g. Morrowind, Knights of the Old Republic, and Halo 2 on Xbox Live). While it struggled in some markets like Japan, the Xbox sold over 24 million units worldwide and established Microsoft as a major player in gaming. Retail price: $299 (USD) in 2001​ Flagship title: Halo: Combat Evolved – the launch title that defined the Xbox. A sci-fi first-person shooter with excellent controls and split-screen multiplayer, Halo became a system-seller and spawned a franchise that is synonymous with Xbox. Its sequel, Halo 2 (with Xbox Live play), further solidified the console’s legacy. Fun fact: The name “Xbox” comes from Microsoft’s graphics API, DirectX – it was originally code-named the “DirectX Box” during development​ . Many early executives assumed the name would change, but “Xbox” stuck and became the official brand. The original Xbox controller, affectionately nicknamed “The Duke,” was unusually large. It was later redesigned into a smaller Controller S after feedback from players (especially in Japan) who found The Duke too bulky.

Xbox 360

Release:2005

Description: Microsoft’s Xbox 360 hit the market in late 2005, a year before Sony’s PS3 and Nintendo’s Wii, giving it a head start in the seventh generation. The 360 emphasized online connectivity – Xbox Live on the 360 brought voice chat, digital game downloads, and a unified service that pushed console online gaming to new heights. The console was known for its excellent library, including titles like Gears of War, Halo 3, Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion, BioShock, and multiplatform hits (many of which ran best on 360 early on). It became the console of choice for many Western developers and gamers during that era. However, early models of the 360 were plagued by the infamous “Red Ring of Death” hardware failure, which forced Microsoft into an extended warranty program that cost over $1 billion to address​ KITGURU.NET ​ KITGURU.NET . Even so, the Xbox 360 amassed ~85 million units sold, essentially tying with the PS3 and firmly cementing Microsoft’s place in the industry. Retail price: $399 (USD) for the Pro model at launch in 2005​ (a lower-priced Core model without a hard drive was $299). Flagship title: Halo 3 – released in 2007, this was a cultural event and one of the 360’s biggest system-sellers, concluding Bungie’s original Halo trilogy with record-breaking sales (it earned $170 million on day one). It showcased the 360’s online prowess via Xbox Live with its robust multiplayer modes. (Gears of War deserves a nod as well, being a major new franchise born on the 360.) Fun fact: The Red Ring of Death (three red lights on the console) became a meme of console hardware failure. At its peak, Microsoft was receiving thousands of defective units per week. In 2007, the company extended all Xbox 360 warranties to three years for RROD issues and ultimately spent about $1.15 billion to repair or replace broken units​ KITGURU.NET ​ KITGURU.NET . Despite this fiasco, Microsoft’s swift action and the 360’s strong game lineup kept customers loyal, and the platform went on to be a great success after the early hurdles.

Sony PlayStation 3

Release:2006

Description: Sony’s PS3 launched in November 2006 with cutting-edge technology – notably the Cell Broadband Engine CPU co-developed with IBM/Toshiba – and a built-in Blu-ray drive for high-capacity discs. The powerful hardware proved initially difficult to harness for developers, and Sony’s early marketing stumbled with a high launch price ($599 for the 60GB model) and arrogant messaging. After a slow start (and even a momentary loss of market share to Xbox 360), the PS3 found its footing through a combination of hardware revisions, price cuts, and a barrage of top-notch exclusives in its later years: Uncharted 2, Metal Gear Solid 4, LittleBigPlanet, God of War III, Gran Turismo 5, and The Last of Us, among others. It also served as a popular Blu-ray player in many homes. The PS3 eventually sold about 87 million units, almost neck-and-neck with the Xbox 360 globally by the end of the generation. Retail price: $499 (20GB model) / $599 (60GB model) at launch in 2006​ ​ TIMEEXTENSION.COM Flagship title: The Last of Us – a late-gen (2013) masterpiece that became one of the PS3’s most acclaimed titles, showcasing the console’s peak capabilities and storytelling prowess. (Other defining PS3 games include Uncharted 2: Among Thieves, which was widely heralded in 2009 and exemplified the system’s graphical leap after years of optimization.) Fun fact: In April 2011, the PlayStation Network suffered a massive hack and data breach. Sony had to shut down PSN for 23 days to secure its systems, during which 77 million users’ personal data was potentially exposed​ NEOGAF.COM . Sony offered free games and identity theft protection as an apology in what was one of the largest security incidents in console history. Also notable: the PS3’s early models were hardware backward-compatible with PS2 games (by including PS2 chips inside), but this feature was removed in later revisions to cut costs.

Nintendo Wii

Release:2006

Description:​ Nintendo’s Wii, released in November 2006, defied the HD trend by focusing on innovative motion controls over raw power. The compact, minimalist Wii introduced the motion-sensing Wii Remote and nunchuk, allowing players to swing, bowl, and dance their way through games. The strategy paid off enormously – the Wii became a cultural phenomenon, drawing in non-traditional audiences like senior citizens and families with its approachable sports and fitness games. Wii Sports, bundled with the console, was instrumental in showcasing the new play style and became ubiquitous in living rooms worldwide. Though the Wii’s graphics were closer to GameCube-level and it lacked strong third-party support in later years, Nintendo’s first-party titles (Super Mario Galaxy, Zelda: Twilight Princess, Mario Kart Wii, etc.) and the broad appeal of motion gaming drove the Wii to over 100 million units sold, outselling both PS3 and Xbox 360. Retail price: $249 (USD) in 2006​ Flagship title: Wii Sports – the pack-in game that defined the console. Its five motion-controlled sports (bowling, tennis, baseball, boxing, golf) were instantly intuitive and turned the Wii into a sensation. Wii Sports became one of the best-known video games ever and a showpiece for the Wii’s unique capabilities. Fun fact: The Wii’s runaway success led to some unexpected problems – enthusiastic players occasionally lost grip of the Wii Remote, sending it flying into televisions. Nintendo received numerous reports of smashed TV screens and bruised bystanders. The company soon offered free replacement wrist straps (strengthened to be thicker) for the Wii Remote and even added rubber jackets for extra grip​ TECHENCLAVE.COM . By early 2007, Nintendo had reportedly replaced over 3 million Wii Remote straps to ensure players “do not throw your controller at the TV” during intense gameplay.

Nintendo Wii U

Release:2012

Description: The Wii U, launched in 2012, was Nintendo’s first HD console and featured an ambitious tablet-like GamePad controller that allowed for dual-screen gameplay. With the GamePad’s touchscreen, players could enjoy off-TV play or asymmetrical multiplayer (one person on the GamePad, others on the TV). However, the Wii U’s concept was poorly communicated – many consumers thought it was merely an add-on for the Wii, rather than a brand-new system​ MYNINTENDONEWS.COM . The console struggled with a sparse game library and weak third-party support, leading to lifetime sales of only about 13.5 million – Nintendo’s worst-performing home console. Still, the Wii U was home to some critically acclaimed games like Super Mario 3D World, Mario Kart 8, Super Smash Bros. for Wii U, and Splatoon, and it introduced ideas that would later flourish in the Switch. Retail price: $349 (Deluxe Set in 2012) Flagship title: Mario Kart 8 – released in 2014, it became the Wii U’s top-selling title (over 8 million copies) and a showcase of the system’s HD graphics and online play. Mario Kart 8 was so popular that its enhanced re-release on the Switch became that console’s best-selling game as well. Fun fact: The Wii U’s name contributed to its market woes. Nintendo acknowledged even a year after launch that people were still asking if the “Wii U” was just an upgrade or accessory for the Wii​ MYNINTENDONEWS.COM . This confusion, combined with minimal marketing, meant many consumers didn’t understand that the Wii U was a new console generation. On a brighter note, the Wii U’s GamePad functioned as a universal TV remote and web browser – some users found themselves using the GamePad to watch YouTube or browse the internet on the couch more than to play games, an unintended legacy of the device.

Sony PlayStation 4

Release:2013

Description: Launched in November 2013, the PS4 brought Sony back to a focus on core gaming and developer-friendly design. It offered a powerful yet straightforward x86 architecture, making it easier to develop for (and to port PC/Xbox games to) compared to the PS3’s Cell CPU. Sony hit a $399 price point – $100 cheaper than the competing Xbox One – and cleverly capitalized on Microsoft’s early PR missteps by promoting the PS4’s player-friendly approach (like easy game sharing)​ ​ . The result was massive success: the PlayStation 4 sold over 117 million units by 2022​ GAMESPOT.COM . Its library was filled with acclaimed titles, from multi-platform blockbusters to a stellar lineup of exclusives in every genre (Uncharted 4, Bloodborne, Horizon Zero Dawn, God of War (2018), Marvel’s Spider-Man, The Last of Us Part II, and many more). The PS4 became the dominant console of its generation worldwide, and its PlayStation Network expanded into multimedia and subscription services, laying the groundwork for Sony’s ongoing ecosystem. Retail price: $399 (USD) in 2013 Flagship title: God of War (2018) – Santa Monica Studio’s revival of the God of War franchise was a PS4-exclusive that earned numerous Game of the Year awards. Its stunning visuals and deep narrative exemplified the high-quality exclusive content that drove many to choose PS4. (Other flagship series included Uncharted, whose fourth installment was a system showpiece, and The Last of Us Part II which capped the generation with critical acclaim.) Fun fact: By October 2019, the PS4 had become the second best-selling home console in Sony’s history (behind only the PS2)​ . Sony continued to support the PS4 even after the PS5’s 2020 launch, due to the huge player base. Notably, the PS4 Pro model (2016) was one of the first mid-generation console upgrades, enabling 4K output and improved performance – reflecting a trend of iterative hardware updates.

Xbox One

Release:2013

Description: Microsoft’s Xbox One debuted in November 2013 as the successor to the Xbox 360. Billed as an “all-in-one” entertainment system, it integrated live TV features, voice control (via the packed-in Kinect camera), and multimedia apps – but these came at the expense of gaming focus and a higher price. Initially launching at $499 with Kinect, the Xbox One faced backlash for its earlier plans for strict DRM (which were reversed prior to launch after gamer outcry) and for the mandatory Kinect. Microsoft eventually unbundled the Kinect and dropped the price to $399 in 2014, bringing the Xbox One in line with the PS4​ FORBES.COM ​ FORBES.COM . The Xbox One’s fortunes improved later with strong first-party titles (Halo 5, Forza Horizon 3, Gears of War 4) and initiatives like backward compatibility with 360 games. It also pioneered a subscription service with Xbox Game Pass (2017). By the end of the generation, Xbox One sales were estimated around 50 million – far behind PS4, but Microsoft’s retention of a loyal Xbox Live user base set the stage for its next generation. Retail price: $499 (launch Day One edition with Kinect, 2013); later $399 for the Kinect-free version (2014 onward) Flagship title: Halo 5: Guardians – the 2015 installment of the Halo franchise was a marquee Xbox One exclusive, continuing the saga of Master Chief. While reception was mixed on story, its polished multiplayer and the Halo brand made it a key system title. (Other notable exclusives were the Forza series, with Forza Horizon 4 showcasing the One’s power, and new IPs like Sunset Overdrive.) Fun fact: In 2013, Microsoft originally planned for Xbox One to require an internet check-in every 24 hours and restrictions on used games. The negative reaction was so severe that Microsoft performed a complete policy U-turn before launch​ NEWATLAS.COM . The early PR missteps, along with a higher launch price, gave Sony’s PS4 a lead that Xbox never overcame. On a positive note, the Xbox One introduced Game Pass in 2017 – a subscription allowing unlimited access to a rotating game library – an approach that has since become a major part of Microsoft’s gaming strategy.

Nintendo Switch

Release:2017

Description: Nintendo struck gold in 2017 with the Switch – a hybrid console that functions as both a handheld and a home console. After the Wii U’s failure, the Switch’s concept of “play anywhere, play with anyone” resonated with consumers. Its tablet unit with detachable Joy-Con controllers enables instant transition from TV gaming to portable gaming. Backed by a robust lineup from day one (The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild launched alongside it to universal acclaim), the Switch became a runaway success. It appealed to both traditional Nintendo fans and a broader audience, blending the company’s portable and console markets into one. Blockbuster titles like Super Mario Odyssey, Mario Kart 8 Deluxe, Animal Crossing: New Horizons, and Super Smash Bros. Ultimate drove sales to astronomical heights. By 2023, the Switch had sold over 150 million units​ NINTENDOLIFE.COM ​ NINTENDOLIFE.COM – approaching Nintendo’s all-time record – and fostered an indie game boom on its eShop. Retail price: $299 (USD) in 2017 Flagship title: The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild – the open-world Zelda that accompanied the Switch’s launch. It redefined the possibilities of open-ended gameplay and exploration. Breath of the Wild not only moved millions of Switch consoles but also set a new bar for game design and won countless Game of the Year awards, making it a quintessential Switch experience. Fun fact: The Switch has been a record-breaker for Nintendo. In early 2023, it surpassed 122 million units, overtaking the Wii and Game Boy to become Nintendo’s second best-selling system, and is on track to challenge the Nintendo DS (154 million) for the top spot​ NINTENDOLIFE.COM . Also, owing to its hybrid nature, the Switch received both handheld-only variants (the Switch Lite) and improved models (Switch OLED) during its life. Not everything was perfect, though – many Switch owners have experienced “Joy-Con drift,” a nagging issue where the analog sticks register movement on their own. Nintendo offers free repairs for drifting Joy-Cons, but it became a minor blemish on an otherwise wildly successful console.

PlayStation 5

Release:2020

Description: Sony’s PlayStation 5 launched in November 2020 in the midst of a global pandemic, ushering in the ninth generation with fast SSD storage and powerful graphics capable of 4K resolution and ray tracing. The PS5’s custom ultra-high-speed SSD drastically reduced load times, changing how games design streaming of data. Its new DualSense controller introduced adaptive triggers and advanced haptic feedback, adding tactile immersion (players can feel tension in a bowstring or the patter of rainfall through vibrations). The PS5 arrived with a small but solid lineup (Spider-Man: Miles Morales, Demon’s Souls remake, etc.) and has since seen major releases like Ratchet & Clank: Rift Apart, Horizon Forbidden West, and God of War Ragnarök. Demand for the PS5 was enormous – it was extremely hard to find in its first two years due to supply chain and chip shortages, with restocks selling out within minutes online​ REUTERS.COM . Despite these hurdles, the PS5 became one of the fastest-selling PlayStations once supply caught up, and by 2023 it exceeded 40 million units sold. Retail price: $499 (Standard edition with UHD Blu-ray); $399 (Digital edition) Flagship title: Marvel’s Spider-Man: Miles Morales – a stand-alone follow-up to 2018’s Spider-Man, it was a showcase title during the PS5’s launch window. With ray-traced graphics and instant fast-travel (thanks to the SSD), Miles Morales demonstrated the PS5’s capabilities while delivering a fan-favorite superhero experience. (In subsequent years, titles like Elden Ring and God of War Ragnarök also became emblematic of the PS5 era, though they were cross-generational.) Fun fact: The PS5’s debut coincided with COVID-19 disruptions, leading Sony to sell it primarily online at launch​ REUTERS.COM ​ REUTERS.COM . This resulted in an explosion of scalping and instant sell-outs – in its first holiday season, the PS5 was largely only obtainable via luck in online queues or paying exorbitant resale prices. Sony even ran invitation-based restocks on its website to combat bots. It wasn’t until mid-2023 that Sony announced the supply shortage was essentially over. The console’s physical design is also noteworthy: it’s the largest home console in modern history – its towering white shell earned it nicknames like “wifi router” from amused fans.