The Rise of Atari
Atari burst onto the scene in the 1970s, paving the way for domestic gaming. The 1977 launch of the Atari 2600 changed gaming for good. Featuring titles like Space Invaders, Pong, and Pac-Man, the Atari 2600 quickly became known as a household name. Atari introduced numerous individuals to domestic gaming for the first time, and set the stage for the booming industry that was on the horizon.
The Nintendo Entertainment System (NES)
By 1983, the gaming industry faced severe challenges, known as the Video Game Crash. During this time, Nintendo emerged to revitalize the market with the launch of the Nintendo Entertainment System (NES) in 1985. The NES featured a collection of the most loved games in history, like Super Mario Bros., The Legend of Zelda, and Metroid. These games not only became household names, but also set the precedent for platformers and action-adventure games.
Sega Master System: Challenging the NES
With Nintendo controlling the gaming market, Sega launched the Sega Master System in an attempt to go head-to-head the NES. Released in 1985, Sega Master System featured more advanced graphics and sound than the 90s video games NES. Although it faced challenges to attain the same level of success as the NES in North America, it found considerable success in Europe and Brazil. Memorable games like Alex Kidd in Miracle World and Sonic the Hedgehog became beloved games that secured Sega’s spot in the gaming industry.|With games like Alex Kidd in Miracle World and Sonic the Hedgehog, Sega proved that it could deliver compelling content.}
The Sega Mega Drive/Genesis
Sega kept pushing its efforts to rival Nintendo with the introduction of the Sega Mega Drive (known as the Genesis in North America) in 1988. The Sega Mega Drive was the first of a new era of 16-bit consoles, featuring superior graphics and faster gameplay. With games like Sonic the Hedgehog, Streets of Rage, and Mortal Kombat, the Mega Drive quickly became a top choice among gamers. It earned a reputation for its edgier games, which helped it capture an older audience.
How the SNES Reinvented Gaming
In response, Nintendo introduced the Super Nintendo Entertainment System (SNES) in 1990. The SNES featured enhanced 16-bit graphics, boasting better 16-bit graphics that allowed for more rich game environments and characters. It introduced iconic games like Super Mario World, The Legend of Zelda: A Link to the Past, and Super Metroid. These titles expanded the edges of what video games could achieve at the time. Many gamers see the SNES as one of the greatest consoles ever released, largely because of its vast catalog of games and advanced features.
How Retro Consoles Shaped the Gaming World
The impact of retro gaming systems like the Atari, NES, Sega Master System, Sega Mega Drive, and SNES remains today. These consoles popularized many features and genres that are shaping modern gaming. Starting with basic graphics and limited gameplay, transitioning into the richer 16-bit generation, these consoles remain in the hearts of gamers all over the world. Whether you grew up with them or came across them later, their impact on gaming is indisputable.
Learn more about retro gaming at retroware.co.uk