Do not limited yourself to the latest video game consoles from Nintendo, Sony and Microsoft. There are a lot of vintage consoles out there that can be had for very little money, yet provide hours and hours of entertainment. Another benefit of these vintage systems is that the games are often much simplier and easier to play than many of the PlayStation 3 and Xbox 360 titles.
A brief rundown of the various video game platforms follows, click on the links on the left side of the page for more information and a sampling of many of the inexpensive game systems available.
3DO
The CD-ROM based 3DO system was ahead of its time when it came out in 1993. It featured full motion video, 16-bit CD quality sound, and 8 players could play at a time.
3DO Game Systems and Controllers are also available. 3DO game systems were manufactured by Panasonic and Goldstar. Games and control pads are compatible and interchangable with either system.
Adventure Vision
Brought out in 1982, the Adventure Vision was a tabletop console with limited features. A game library of 4 games, small speaker for sound, and red led lights for graphical display.
Atari 2600
The Atari 2600 first appeared in the videogame market in 1977 and retained popularity for many years due to its extensive library of cartridge games. The system itself went through many revisions becoming smaller and more streamlined.
Atari 5200
The Atari 5200 was a much improved gaming system over its earlier 2600 model. It included features such as analog control, acceleration and a pause button. The videogame market became saturated causing a halt in production by 1984, but there are still lots of used Atari 5200 games still available today.
Atari 7800
When it was released in 1986, the Atari 7800 had a new graphics subsystem and chip set. In order to use all of its features an encryption key had to be used or else the system would function like the 2600.
Atari Jaguar
The Atari Jaguar was released in 1993 and was the first 64-bit cartridge based system on the market. A CD-ROM attachment was made available later and fit itself in the cartridge slot. A modem was also released allowing gamers to communicate with each other.
Atari Lynx
The Atari Lynx, introduced in 1989, was the first color portable system on the market and included 3D, sound effects, link capabilities for multiplayer games.
Bally Astrocade
Advertised as a more advanced cartridge based system than the Atari 2600 the Bally Astrocade was released in 1978. The Bally Astrocade had BASIC which allowed gamers to create their own software. It also had a cassette attachment that could be used for storage. The Bally Astrocade was also known as the Astrovision, Bally Computer System and Astrocade.
ColecoVision
In 1982 Coleco introduced their gaming system featuring many of their arcade classics including Donkey Kong. The also had several peripherals including a steering wheel, Roller Controller and Expansion Module that allowed 2600 games to be played.
Dreamcast
Sega Dreamcast was released in 1999 and the system was packed with one control pad and web browser disc. The system included 4 controller ports for control pads, keyboards, mice, gun and fishing controllers. Sega also came up with the Visual Memory Unit (VMU). Besides being a memory card it also included its own LCD screen, directional pad and buttons making it a mini hand-held gaming device. Additional peripherals include a Jump Pack and Arcade Stick.
Emerson Arcadia
A small cartridge based system that appeared in 1982 it was considered superior to videogame systems that were currently on the market. The system had a small game library and two control pads with a number pad and joystick. This system was also known as the Leisure-Vision and Tele-Fever.
Fairchild Channel F
The Fairchild Video Entertainment system was released in 1976 and included two built-in games and 2 controllers that were attached. A later version of this system had detachable control pads to allow for easy replacement. The Fairchild was later renamed Channel F.
Game Boy Family
In 1989, the first edition of the worlds most popular portable became available in the US called the Game Boy. Featuring a black and white display, directional pad and two buttons, and a huge selection of games its become an enduring part of gaming history. With each new version that has appeared since its inception popularity has only grown. A smaller version of the Game Boy became available called the Game Boy Pocket and soon after a color version was released known as the Game Boy Color and then the Game Boy Advance. Each system had marked improvements, but the greatest feature for all of the systems was the fact that the games were backwards compatible.
Game.com
The game.com portable system was released in 1997 by Tiger to try and compete against the Nintendos Game Boy. It included a black and white touch screen, online abilities, calculator, calendar, speaker, and headphone jack.
GameCube
The Gamecube is cube shaped, measuring approximately 6 by 6 by 5 inches. Theres a handle on the back and a flip top lid (similar to PlayStation and Dreamcast) to insert the Gamecube mini DVD ROM. The mini disk format holds 1.5 gigabytes of info (190 times the size of the Super Mario 64 cartridge) and was developed by Nintendo and Matsushita.
The Gamecube has 4 controller ports, 2 memory card slots and a connector on the bottom of the console for a 56K modem or a broadband adapter.
Game Gear
Sega introduced their color portable system in 1991 to compete against the Nintendo Game Boy. Game Gear featured a larger screen and 8 bit processor. Peripherals included a TV tuner, wide screen viewer and Master System converter which allowed the Sega Master system games to be played on the Game Gear.
Genesis
The Sega Genesis 16-bit cartridge based system was released in 1989. The system was rectangular in shape and featured stereo sound, head phone jack, volume control, on and off switch, reset button and two controller ports. A second smaller square shaped version was released in 1994, getting rid of the head phone jack and volume control. The third generation and even more streamlined version was released in 1998. The Genesis originally included a 3 button control pad and later switched to a six button configuration. Peripherals included a fighter stick, four player adapter, Game Genie, gun (Justifier), Menacer, and mouse.
Intellivision
The Intellivision was released in 1979 and consisted of a console and two attached controllers with a numeric pad and dial. Several peripherals were made for the system. A keyboard attachment allowed the system to become more like a computer. The Intellivoice was an attachment that could be plugged into the cartridge port and would talk to gamers. And in 1983, a music synthesizer and game converter allowed the Atari 2600 games to be played on the Intellivision system. The system itself went through several revisions and was later called the Intellivision II and the INTV system III or the Super Pro System.
Microvision
Microvision was released in 1979 featuring a small LCD screen and game cartridges that had their own CPUs. This 4 bit system had very few games to choose from and was quickly eclipsed by other systems.
Neo Geo AES
When the Neo Geo system was released by SNK in 1990, it brought their arcade games into players homes. They also made memory cards available to that gamers could save their progress and continue on any Neo Geo system.
Neo Geo CD
In 1994 Neo Geo released a CD-ROM peripheral. Although the price of the CD games were cheaper, gamers had to deal with significant loading time.
Neo Geo Pocket
The Neo Geo Pocket and Color systems were released in 1998 and 1999. It was ahead of its time with a 16-bit processor, but had few games to support it and was withdrawn from the market.
Nintendo Entertainment System (NES)
The 8 bit Nintendo Entertainment System (NES) was released in the US in 1985 and was a huge success due to its huge library of games and peripherals that were made available. A Light Gun, ROB (Robotic Operating Buddy), Track Mat, Multi Player Adapter, Power Glove and Game Genie.
Nintendo 64
In 1996, Nintendo brought out their 64-bit cartridge based system. It included a control pad with an analog stick, directional pad, trigger button and slot in the bottom to fit several peripherals. The control pak allowed gamers to save their progress when they were unable to do so using the cartridge game itself. The rumble pak let gamers feel & experience the games.
Nintendo DS
Released in 2004, the Nintendo DS is another handheld system from Nintendo. DS stands for dual-screens, which are used in many different ways depending on the game. The bottom screen is touch sensitive and the system comes with a stylus. The DS also contains a microphone and is backwards compatible with Game Boy Advance Titles. In 2006 a redesigned version of the system was released. Called the DS Lite, it was slimmer, sleeker, more lightweight and moved certain features around (like the microphone) to be more comfortable.
Nintendo Wii
Released in 2006, the Nintendo Wii went the opposite route of most game consoles. Instead of making a technologically superior system, the company made a sleek, cheap, casual-player oriented system. The main feature is the wireless, motion-sensitive bluetooth controls (otherwise known as the Wiimote). The motion sensitive controls allow players to get in to the game more than ever before. Other features include internet connectivity, backwards-compatibility with GameCube games, and extra attachments such as the Nunchuk, Classic Controller, Zapper, and the Wii Fit pad.
Odyssey 1
Released in 1972, the Magnavox Odyssey was the first home video game system. Multigame circuit boards were included with the system and other games were available via mail. The system itself had two controller paddles and no memory or processor and therefore gamers were unable to save or keep score. TV overlays were provided to help with color and scorecards, dice, and chips were included to help enhance the game experience. A gun peripheral was also later made available.
Odyssey 2
The Odyssey 2, a cartridge based system, was released in 1978. The system included a keyboard and two control pads that were attached to the system. The Voice, a speech synthesis box, peripheral was also made available.
PlayStation
The Sony PlayStation was released in 1995 as a CD-ROM based videogame system. Grey in color and rectangular in shape the lid flips up to easily insert a game disc. The standard control pad that was originally included had a directional pad, four buttons on the face and four buttons on the top. The control pad would go through two more revisions including an analog controller and a dual shock control pad. By the end of its lifespan PlayStation had accumulated a game library of over 1200 titles and had numereous peripherals. Multi Tap, Light Gun, Mouse, Memory Card, Steering Wheel and the Dance Mat to name a few.
PlayStation 2
Sony PlayStation 2 was released in 2000 and with backwards compatibility and DVD movie capabilities it was an instant hit. The system included a Dual Shock control pad. Later a DVD remote, Memory Card, Multi Tap, dance pad and steering wheel were made available.
PlayStation 3
Released in 2006, the PlayStation 3 was the most technologically advanced (and, at the time of release, most expensive) system to hit the market. It featured backwards compatibility with PlayStation 1 and 2 games, was a blu-ray player, a hard drive, and wireless, SIXAXIS control. The system originally came in 20GB and 60 GB models, which have both been discontinued in favor of 40GB and 80GB models. Backwards compatibility is being phased out of the PlayStation 3 however. The 80GB model has limited backwards compatibility and the 40GB does not include the feature at all.
RCA Studio II
In 1977, the RCA Studio II was introduced. The system included 2 control pads attached to the system and pre-loaded games. The system would only show up in black and white and its entire game collection consisted of 10 titles.
Saturn
The Sega Saturn CD based system was released in 1995 and featured double speed CDs, parallel processing, and web service using their Net Link adapter. Peripherals included a light gun, keyboard, joystick, multiplayer adapter, steering wheel and back-up ram.
Sega 32X
The Sega 32X was introduced in 1994 as an add-on for the Sega Genesis. The addition would create better graphics and players could experience higher quality sound and gameplay when also attached to the Sega CD. About 35 game titles were made available for the 32X.
Sega CD
In 1992, Sega released the Sega CD system. The system attached itself to the botton of the Sega Genesis and games could be inserted through a front loading tray. A year later a top loading, Sega CD 2 version, was made available. The CD system worked in conjunction with the Sega Genesis and doubled the amount of memory and allowed CD sound to be used in the games. A third and final version was released in 1994, Sega CDX, and combined the Sega Genesis and Sega CD into a small, compact unit.
Sega Master System
The 8 bit Sega Master System was released in 1986 and featured two types of games, cartridge and card type. Only a few of the card games were made, because although they were cheaper to make they were not able to hold even half as much information as a cartridge. Peripherals included a Light Gun and 3-D Glasses.
Sony PSP
In 2005, Sony entered the handheld gaming market with their PSP. With its sleek black design, large LCD screen, and stereo speakers, memory card slot, and familiar Sony button layout gamers eagerly awaited its release.
The PSP plays both videogames and movies using a new media format called UMD (Universal Media Disc). It also offers wireless networking for gaming and web browsing. The PSP will also let you connect to your PC via a mini USB cable allowing you to copy games, video, music and pictures. Sony released the system in the US as a value pack which included a system case, case strap, cleaning cloth, headphones, ac power adapter, 32MB Memory Stick, and the movie Spiderman 2.
Super Nintendo
The 16-bit cartridge based Super Nintendo system was released in 1991. Rectangular in shape with purple power and reset buttons, game cartridges are loaded from the top and there are two controller ports. Peripherals include the SuperScope, Advantage Joystick, Justifier Gun, Mouse, Multi Tap Adapter and Super Game Boy.
TurboGrafx 16
Released in 1989, the Turbo Grafx 16 had thin card type games that slid into a slot in the front of the system. Turbo Grafx was the first to offer a CD-ROM drive which let gaming companies create bigger and better games. Peripherals available were the TurboTap (multiplayer adapter) and joystick.
Vectrex
The Vectrex was launched in 1982 and featured its own screen, control pad and speaker. Overlays were included to help colorize the monochromatic screen. Peripherals include a Light Pen and 3D Imager.
Virtual Boy
Developed by Nintendo and released in 1995, the Virtual Boy was touted as a 3-D video game system. The system included a black and red display, a small stand that could not be adjusted, and few game titles to choose from. Nintendo also had a warning to not play for more than 30 minutes as headaches could occur.
Xbox
Microsoft entered the gaming market in 2001 to compete with Sonys PlayStation and Nintendos GameCube. Including an 8GB hard drive, ethernet port, four controller ports, DVD playback, and using software developed from their Windows 2000 system Microsoft was aiming for a more sophisticated audience. Microsoft also introduced their Xbox Live service allowing gamers, for a monthly fee, to play games online using a broadband connection. Another feature of the Xbox allowed gamers to play their music cds during gameplay or save it to their hard drive for playback later. The system included the console, controller, AV Composite Cables and AC Power Cord.
Xbox 360
In 2005, Microsofts goal to release an all-in-one multimedia system for the whole family became available. Offering high-definition games, ability to watch DVD movies, rip music cds, stream movies from your PC, share pictures, and communicate/chat/challege friends or gaming rivals. Peripherals available are wired control pads, wireless control pads, dvd remote, headsets, faceplates, hard drive, memory units, battery packs, and a network adapter.
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