|
|
| (4 intermediate revisions by 2 users not shown) |
| Line 1: |
Line 1: |
| − | Video games and their respective consoles are often split into groups known as "Generations".
| + | #redirect [[sega:Generations of video games]] |
| − | | |
| − | ==First generation==
| |
| − | * Time period: 1972 to 1977.
| |
| − | | |
| − | ==Second generation==
| |
| − | * Time period: 1976 to 1984.
| |
| − | | |
| − | ==The video game crash of 1983==
| |
| − | | |
| − | ==Third generation==
| |
| − | * Time period: 1983 to 1992
| |
| − | Also known as the '''8-bit era''', the third generation of video games began with the release of the [[Nintendo]] Famicom, known to the English-speaking world as the [[Nintendo Entertainment System]], or "NES". It is considered to be the first of the "modern" era video game generations.
| |
| − | | |
| − | As most consoles used 8-bit processors around this time, this generation became known as the '''8-bit era''', a trend which continued for quite some time as processor strength increased.
| |
| − | | |
| − | It was in this generation that the [[console wars]] between Nintendo and [[Sega]] began. In response to the NES system, Sega released its [[SG-1000 Mark III]], later revamped and released in the English-speaking world as the [[Sega Master System]]. Nintendo and Sega both released a hand-held video game consoles during this generation: the [[Gameboy]] and [[Game Gear]], respectively.
| |
| − | | |
| − | ==Fourth generation==
| |
| − | * Time period: 1987 to 1996.
| |
| − | Also known as the '''16-bit era''', the fourth generation of video games began with the release of the [[Wikipedia:Nippon Electric Company|Nippon Electric Company]]'s release of the PC Engine, known as the [[TurboGrafx 16]] in North America. However, the PC Engine was quickly overshadowed by Nintendo and Sega's 16-bit consoles: Nintendo's [[Super Nintendo Entertainment System]] ("SNES", or Super Famicom in Japan) and Sega's [[Sega Mega Drive|Mega Drive]] (Genesis in North America).
| |
| − | | |
| − | It was during this era that our good old friend [[Sonic]] was created.
| |
| − | | |
| − | Other consoles released during this time included the [[Sega Mega CD]] and the [[Sega 32X]].
| |
| − | | |
| − | ==Fifth generation==
| |
| − | *Time period: 1993 to 2002.
| |
| − | Also known as the '''32-bit era''' or later the '''64-bit era''', the fifth generation of video games saw the explosion of 3D graphics and compact disks, and the rise of [[Sony]] as a video game console developer. Consoles released during this era include the [[Sega Saturn]], [[Sony Playstation]], and the [[Nintendo 64]] (a 64-bit system), as well as the [[Gameboy Pocket]] and [[Gameboy Light]].
| |
| − | | |
| − | ==Sixth generation==
| |
| − | *Time period: 1998 to 2006.
| |
| − | Sometimes erroneously referred to as the ''128-bit era'', the sixth generation of video games began the 21st century for gaming. With the release of the [[Sega Dreamcast]], [[Sony Playstation 2]], and [[Nintendo Gamecube]], consoles abandoned cartridges as a medium and switched to [[DVD]]s and other media. Even [[Microsoft]] entered the race with its [[Xbox]] system.
| |
| − | | |
| − | While sometimes referred to as the ''128-bit era'', most consoles from this generation onward use 32-bit processors. For example, while the Nintendo 64 used a 64-bit processor, its successor, the GameCube, used a 32-bit one. The "bit" naming convention was largely dropped by advertisers at this point.
| |
| − | | |
| − | ==Seventh generation==
| |
| − | *Time period: 2004 to present.
| |
| − | The current generation of video games shows the major players (Nintendo, Sony, and Microsoft) going in separate directions. The [[Nintendo Wii]] focuses on innovation rather than increased power. The [[Playstation 3]] focuses on power. The Microsoft [[Xbox 360]] tries to fall in between. Who will emerge this generation's winner?
| |
