Generations of video games

Video games and their respective consoles are often split into groups known as "Generations".

First generation

• Time period: 1972 to 1977.

Second generation

• Time period: 1976 to 1984.

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 console 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 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 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 DVDs 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?