“Retro gaming consoles and personal computers that defined an era” brings back memories of iconic systems that left an indelible mark on gaming history. From consoles like the Atari 2600, that revolutionised home gaming in the late ’70s, to the Nintendo Entertainment System (NES), which introduced many to the joys of gaming in the ’80s.
Then we have The Commodore 64 which introduced vibrant colours and a revolutionary SID sound chip followed by the Amiga in ’85 that created a new benchmark blowing away the competition along with our minds in every single way! These machines shaped the industry and our gaming experiences.
During the late 80s and 90s, the Sega VS Nintendo console war delivered some memorable machines and games with famous slogans like “Genesis does what Nintendon’t”, however, Nintendo’s commercial success has been cemented in history with its consoles, exclusive titles, and gameplay.
The Sega Genesis/Mega Drive brought arcade-quality graphics and Sonic the Hedgehog into our homes, while the Super Nintendo Entertainment System (SNES) delivered unforgettable classics like Super Mario World and The Legend of Zelda: A Link to the Past. Let’s not forget consoles like the MSX, MSX2 and MSX+ released in Japan ’83 -’88.
The PlayStation, Sony’s entry into the gaming world, redefined gaming with its CD-based format and groundbreaking titles like Final Fantasy VII. Meanwhile, the Nintendo 64 introduced revolutionary 3D gameplay with titles such as Super Mario 64 and The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time.
In more recent years, consoles like the Sega Dreamcast, while short-lived, showcased innovative features like online gaming and introduced cult classics like Shenmue. The PlayStation 2 stands as one of the best-selling consoles of all time, boasting a vast library of games that appealed to a broad gaming community.
These retro gaming consoles not only defined an era but continue to influence and inspire gamers and game developers alike, proving that timeless classics never go out of style.
Here are some machines packed with nostalgia and childhood memories.
Atari 2600
The Atari 2600 also known as the Atari Video Computer System (Atari VCS) was released shortly after the competing Channel F in late 1977. This 8-bit console shipped with 2 controllers and revolutionised home gaming with its swappable cartridges and iconic games like Space Invaders and Pac-Man. Despite hardware limitations, its vast library made the Atari 2600 the one you brought home. Atari sold 30 million units before being formally discontinued in 1992. The console’s success made Atari a household name and deeply influenced a generation of gamers.
ColecoVision
ColecoVision, released in mid-1982, brought the arcade experience home like never before and sold 500,000 units during its first Christmas. Who remembers visiting K-Mart to play this? The add-on accessories alone were amazing, not to mention the Atari 2600 expansion port, making it a versatile gaming powerhouse. Despite its groundbreaking features, Coleco faced tough times with the unsuccessful Adam PC in 1983, and decreased sales ended ColecoVision production by late 1985. Even with an estimated 6 million consoles sold, but still leading to its downfall, much like Commodore. It leaves us pondering what could have been, but nonetheless, we cherish the memories and the impact these iconic systems left on the gaming world. ColecoVision shipped and its estimated to have sold a total of 6 million consoles.
Nintendo Entertainment System (NES)
The Nintendo Entertainment System (NES) was released in Japan in 1983 as the Famicom, and global markets between 1985-1993. It revitalised the video game industry after the 1983 crash, becoming a global phenomenon. The NES introduced the D-pad controllers and iconic games like Super Mario Bros., The Legend of Zelda, and Excitebike which were ahead of other systems on the market. Popular throughout the 1980s and early 1990s, it sold over 61 million units before declining with the release of the Super Nintendo in 1991. Nintendo stopped manufacturing the NES in the late 1990s.
Sega Master System
After achieving profitable outcomes with the SG-1000, the Mark III faced stiff competition that led to it being revised and relaunched as the Master System in late 1986. With Nintendo’s 90% stronghold, the Master System struggled to capture market share. Limited by a smaller game library and Nintendo’s strategic partnerships with developers, Sega’s console remained in the shadow of its rival. While both 8-bit systems, it didn’t help that games released for both consoles were usually better on the NES. Production ceased in 1992 with an estimated sales of 13 million units.
NEC PC Engine/ TurboGrafx-16
Late 1987 the TurboGrafx-16 was the first 16-bit graphics console and managed to sell 500,000 units in its first week in a market dominated by Nintendo and Sega. It was also the first to have an optical disc and did quite well in Japan with around 11 million in sales more than doubling Mega Drive and not far behind Nintendo’s Super Famicom. With a total of 678 games released including localised Japanese titles such as Out Run, Darius Plus, and Galaga ’88 the console was impressive. With its delayed 1989 release globally, it failed to gain traction with fierce competition and new releases with Nintendo SNES and Sega Genesis ceasing production late 1994.
Sega Saturn
Released in 1994, the Saturn was Sega’s fifth home gaming console. Despite innovative 32-bit hardware and creative games like ‘Panzer Dragoon’, it struggled against Sony’s PlayStation. Challenges included complex dual processors, rushed launch, limited games, and Sony’s lower pricing. The Saturn pioneered online play and digital downloads but ceased production in 1998. Despite difficulties, it sold 9.26 million units, leaving a unique legacy in gaming history.
Sega Mega Drive/ Genesis
With the Nintendo NES overshadowing Sega’s Master System and Saturn, the battle was heating up. Released in Japan as the Mega Drive in 1988 and the US the following year as the Genesis, this was Sega’s first 16bit console (CPU & GPU). With a slow initial start, the introduction of Sonic the Hedgehog by the close of 1993 helped Sega finally push out Nintendo to claim a 60% US market share! It dominated in Europe but never had the same success back in Japan. With over 30 million units sold the Mega Drive/ Genesis is Sega’s most successful console. The console is still manufactured under license.
Neo Geo
rewrite – Launched by SNK in 1990 and on the market until 2004, the Neo Geo was an arcade and home game console known for its arcade-quality games and powerful hardware. Despite a high price tag, it gained cult status due to games like ‘Metal Slug’ and ‘The King of Fighters.’
Sony PlayStation – PS1
Sony entered the console market after a failed partnership with Nintendo in 1991. This drove investment and the launch of the 32-bit PlayStation in 1994, competing with Nintendo and Sega in the heated console wars. The console’s advanced technology, developer-friendly design, and strong marketing helped Sony attract top game creators. Popular titles like Twisted Metal and Ridge Racer created a strong game library. By 2005, the PlayStation sold over 50 million units in 1999 making it one of Sony’s highest-earning divisions that year, but that was just the beginning. The PlayStation became the first console to ship 100 million units sitting at 102.49 million units shipped and establishing Sony as a major player in the video game industry.
Nintendo N64
The Nintendo 64, released in 1996, was Nintendo’s third home console. It featured 3D graphics with a 64-bit CPU, skipping the 32-bit era. It featured 3D graphics and captured the hearts of gamers worldwide. Thanks to its iconic titles like Super Mario 64 and The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time, the Nintendo 64 remains a favorite to this day. While Nintendo bucked the optical disk trend, the N64 would be their last home console to use cartridges until the Nintendo Switch in 2017. With production ending in 2002, the last title released on the N64 was Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater 3 which still rates highly. Nintendo shipped 32.93 million N64 units worldwide.
This success laid the groundwork for Sony’s continued presence in the console market with subsequent PlayStation generations. The impact of the original PlayStation on gaming culture and the industry as a whole cannot be overstated.
Sega Dreamcast
The Sega Dreamcast, produced between 1999 and 2001 launched into yet again, a tough market competing against Gamecube, Xbox, and the upcoming PlayStation 2 with DVD. Sega liked to innovate and the Dreamcast was made of dreams but sadly, it was Sega’s final home console that almost sent them bust. Despite its brief lifespan, it innovated with a 128-bit processor, a built-in 56k modem, 4 controllers, and GD-ROMs storing over 1 GB. It offered 620 official games, including classics like Sonic Adventure, Shenmue, and Jet Set Radio. However, challenges arose with third-party game development and EA’s refusal to produce games without sports exclusivity. Though commercially unsuccessful with just over 9 million units sold, the Dreamcast is remembered fondly for its ahead-of-its-time features and diverse game library, leaving a lasting impact on gaming history. Dreamcast is one of the goto consoles for benchmarking emulation console performance.
Sony PlayStation 2 – PS2
With a newly developed processor that would change game design and an inbuilt DVD player, the PlayStation 2 created a new benchmark. Launched in Japan in early 2000 with titles, including Ridge Racer V and Tekken Tag Tournament, Sony sold over 1 million consoles over the first weekend. The PS2 targeted a more mature audience differentiating it from the Gamecube. Before launching globally in late 2000 PS2 sales had already reached 3 million. Sony released the slimline in 2004 and ended production in 2013! To date PS2 sales are at around 158 million units, making it the most successful home console.
Microsoft Xbox
While successful with PC gaming, Microsoft entered console gaming with the Xbox in late 2001, competing against PS2 and GameCube. It used PC components, was powerful, and supported online gaming. Xbox introduced franchises like Halo and Fable. Despite selling 24 million units by 2006, it trailed the PS2 and cost Microsoft $4 billion in losses. However, this move established Microsoft as a major player in the gaming industry and supported investment in the Xbox 360.
Nintendo GameCube
The heat was on in 2001 with another console released late in the year by Nintendo, this one has had mixed reviews. The Nintendo GameCube was Nintendo’s fourth home console. Known for its square toy-like appearance and unique controller, it featured popular games like Super Smash Bros, The Legend of Zelda, Luigi’s Mansion, and Metroid Prime. Despite falling short and considered a commercial disappointment, it doubled Dreamcast sales to 21.74 million units worldwide and is beloved by fans for its excellent first-party titles and diverse game library, which included both family-friendly and mature games. Many enthusiasts consider it one of Nintendo’s finest consoles.
Microsoft Xbox 360
rewrite- Microsoft’s release of the Xbox 360 in 2005 transformed the landscape of home game consoles. With high-definition graphics, multimedia capabilities, and an online multiplayer option, the Xbox 360 became the best-selling console of its generation
Sony PlayStation 3
rewrite- Sony’s PlayStation 3 (2006) quickly became a firm favorite thanks to its multimedia features, quality graphics, and online capabilities through the PlayStation Network. Games such as ‘Uncharted’ and ‘The Last of Us’ offered immersive gaming experiences and were enjoyed worldwide.
Nintendo Wii
wii 2006 101.63 million sales