.: The Console War – Three Decades and Counting
By:GWOG
Category:Home / Recreation and Leisure / Entertainment / Computer Games
With the recent release of Microsoft’s Xbox 360 and the upcoming releases of Sony’s PS3 and Nintendo’s Wii, gamers a like are becoming more aware of the fierce competition and tactics used by these three major players of the video gaming industry.
It all began in 1972 with a unit you may remember – Magnavox Odyssey. While Magnavox’s efforts were short lived, they are still remembered to play a heavy role in the establishment of the home-based video game console. Of course Atari was next in line with a new and back then ‘evolutionary’ game – PONG. As simplistic as the game was, it was loved by consumers worldwide and helped launch Atari’s name into the ‘big books’.
The newly created gaming industry was gaining strength and the general consumers interest. However as 10 years passed the video gaming industry was about to crash. In 1983, consumers criticized the lack of quality console games with the emergence of home-based computers, gamers began to lose faith in the console. Breaking the silence in late 1983, Nintendo introduced the Famicon (Nintendo Entertainment System). With the release of the Famicon came the birth of Super Mario Bros. a signatory series to the Nintendo brand.
Nintendo’s dominance was challenged by Sega who entered the market with their Master System. Despite Sega’s efforts, their Master System barely captured any market share and made little profit. The company refused to face defeat and soon there after released the Mega Drive/ Genisis in 1988, two years before Nintendo’s release of the Super Nintendo (SNES).
Moving along, the video gaming world became divided into the 32-bit vs. 64-bit machines. The first wave of systems that entered the market was the 3DO and Atari’s Jaguar. While both systems were powerful for their time, neither was able to outperform Sega or Nintendo who both dominated the market until 1994. On December 3 1994, Sony launched its Playstation system and enjoyed a successful launch. Nintendo followed 2 years later with their 64-bit offering, the Nintendo 64. Even at this stage Nintendo made the controversial decision of releasing a cartridge based system arguing that it would reduce load times and minimize piracy.
Sega fought back one last time in 1998, releasing the Dreamcast. While Sega’s efforts were strong, the company failed to make ends meet when Sony released the successor to their first console – the PS2 (in 2000). In 2001 Nintendo released it’s Gamecube targeting a younger market. Both companies had established their own brands and proved themselves to the gaming community. Sony’s system was challenged in 2001 when Microsoft entered the arena with their Xbox.
We are currently in a new generation of console gaming. While Xbox 360 is currently available the ps3 and Wii are due to release later this year. Previously, Sony dominated in market share, however this is forecast to change with the new generation of gaming. More than ever it is critical to offer the greatest innovation, greatest power and most of all the greatest games.
So who will dominate the market this generation? This is difficult to answer, however as a gaming enthusiast, I strongly believe that competition between the three companies ultimately means better games for you – the gamer.
Article keywords: console, gaming, games
Article Source: http://www.articles32.com
For more gaming news and info visit www.greatwallofgaming.com
.: New Computer Games Articles
1). Addicting Fish Games And Screensavers Online: Where Can You Find It
Insane aquarium is an action puzzle game. It allows you to feed your fishes, watch the aquarium and captivates the underworld. You can use your funds when you needed to buy for new fishes, unlock the secrets of the pets or upgrade your aquarium.
2). The Most Popular RPG Computer Games
There was a time before computer games when children and adults generally toyed with games that never quite allowed them to compete on equal terms.
3). Classic Arcade Games At Home?
Now you can actually play free arcade games from the comfort of your own home.
4). How to Get a Free Playstation 3
During the launch phases, many companies obtained them in order to create contests and promotions for their loyal customers. Thus, just be alert and look around for Free PS3.
5). Playstation 3 Features
Having a pre-installed hard disk drive and a Gigabit Ethernet as standard in the Playstation 3 ps3; gamers will have the ability to download a range of content and access the services over the network and online games; more features included:...
6). Bioshock Is One Video Game That Is Sure To Impress In 2007
A discussion about the impressive new video game Bioshock that will be released in the spring of 2007 by Irrational Games for Xbox 360 and PC.
7). X-Box Video Game
I recently received a bonus at work for hitting a sales quota, so I decided to buy something fun for my family.
.: Top Computer Games Articles
1). Make Millions on Runescape 2
Want to learn ways to make quick money in Runescape 2? Need to know the secret of making millions on Runescape 2? Do not use hacks or secret codes for Runescape 2 . Read this article on Runescape 2 make your first million the honest way.
2). A day at Barrows - RuneScape Reflections
The Barrows is a very popular, challenging and dangerous minigame in the massive online game called RuneScape. Many players make big money at the Barrows, but many - even the experienced Barrowers like myself - risk loosing millions worth of items due to bad luck or not being alert.
I am Barrowing a lot to get my mage and range levels to 99 (currently range 96, mage 97, combat 91).
3). PSP Blender Review
Review of the popular PSP Blender program.
4). Time Lasting Runescape Secret to create an Elite Level 85+ Multi-Millionaire RuneScape Character
Copyright 2006 Roy Phay
Secret No 2: How to Make and Maintain Friends in RuneScape
If you already have a large extended family in runescape, then you can this very be even more exciting for you in runescape. If not, this secret for runescape will help you find the essential social network that makes runescape so fun. Also, you’ll find that having many friends in runescape will make getting rich a whole lot easier (for a different reason that you probably think).
5). Indulge Yourself with Loads of Free Printable Sudoku Puzzles Online
Do you want a game that is playable anytime you want to play with? What do you want in a game aside from the amusement it gives? Of course aside from entertainment, you also want to practice how your brain works, right?
6). Turning Your first 1500gp into 50,000gp in Runescape
Once you have 1500gp in your pocket it is time to start doubling or even tripling your money. To do this go to the fishing dock on Karjama. There you are going to buy as many cooked lobsters as you can. The going price is 100gp to 300gp. Usually you can get them for 125gp.
Once all your money is spent or your inventory is full it is time to leave. Remember to save 30gp for the ride back to Port Sarim.
7). RuneScape Playing Tips and Tricks Guide
The entertainment arena relating to online video gaming is blowing the socks of the Wall Street Wannabes.
With popular games such as "Everquest" and "World of Warcraft" grossing millions for their investors, others have tried entering the market.
With astonishing growth these no name companies have begun to gather hundreds thousands of followers for their simpler versions of "Everquest" and alike.