Best Video Game Console Generations
Which generation of video game consoles do you think was the best or most significant?The Top Ten
6th Gen (PlayStation 2, GameCube, Xbox, Dreamcast)
The 6th generation of consoles began in 1998 with the release of the Sega Dreamcast, followed by the PlayStation 2, Xbox, and GameCube. This era marked the transition to widespread use of optical discs, with the PlayStation 2 becoming the best-selling console of all time. Online gaming began to gain prominence during this generation, particularly with Xbox Live.
I grew up with this generation of consoles, but not because I was alive then. My dad had an old Xbox he let me use.
Definitely the best! So many GameCube games, so many PS2 games, and great Xbox and Dreamcast games.
7th Gen (Wii, Xbox 360, PlayStation 3)
The 7th generation of consoles launched with the Xbox 360 in 2005, followed by the PlayStation 3 and Nintendo Wii. This generation introduced high-definition gaming and motion controls, with the Wii becoming a cultural phenomenon due to its motion-based gameplay. Online connectivity became a central feature, with digital distribution and online multiplayer becoming widely popular.
The generation I grew up with the most.
Wii was the best!
Great consoles.
8th Gen (Wii U, Xbox One, PlayStation 4)
The 8th generation started in 2012 with the release of the Wii U, followed by the PlayStation 4 and Xbox One in 2013. It featured enhanced graphical capabilities and further integration of online services such as game streaming and cloud storage. The PlayStation 4 led this generation in sales, while the Wii U struggled commercially.
4th Gen (Super Nintendo, Sega Genesis, TurboGrafx-16)
The 4th generation, also known as the 16-bit era, began with the release of the TurboGrafx-16 and Sega Genesis in 1987 and 1988, respectively, followed by the Super Nintendo in 1990. This era saw significant advancements in graphics and sound, with titles like *Super Mario World* and *Sonic the Hedgehog* becoming iconic. Console wars intensified, especially between Sega and Nintendo.
5th Gen (PlayStation, Nintendo 64, Sega Saturn)
The 5th generation, beginning in the mid-1990s, saw the rise of 3D graphics and the shift from cartridges to CDs, with the PlayStation pioneering the use of optical discs. The Nintendo 64 retained cartridge-based media but featured innovative 3D games like *Super Mario 64*. Sega Saturn struggled commercially but contributed to the growth of 3D gaming and multimedia capabilities.
True 3D graphics for the first time, but still left enough to your imagination to create your own narrative as you played. This was also the tipping generation before games shifted to the "I Win!" mode they all have now. Walk into a barrage of bullets? No problem! Just stand back up and keep going! Not in this generation. At the very least, you had to re-do the level.
Additionally, with such obvious differences between the systems, there was much to discuss. Now, there's very little, with almost no exclusives. ~X8
3rd Gen (NES, Sega Master System, Atari 7800)
The 3rd generation, starting in the early 1980s, revived the home console market with the release of the NES in 1985. The NES became synonymous with gaming during this time, thanks to its strong library of titles like *The Legend of Zelda* and *Super Mario Bros.* The Sega Master System and Atari 7800 also competed but achieved less market dominance.
2nd Gen (Atari 2600, Intellivision, Odyssey 2)
The 2nd generation began with the release of the Fairchild Channel F, but it was the Atari 2600 that defined this era, released in 1977. The generation introduced interchangeable game cartridges, moving away from built-in games. The Intellivision offered improved graphics, while the Odyssey 2 introduced more advanced gameplay features.
1st Gen (Magnavox Odyssey, Atari Pong, Telstar)
The 1st generation of video game consoles, starting in the early 1970s, consisted of simple machines with built-in games. The Magnavox Odyssey, released in 1972, was the first commercial home console. Atari's Pong and the Coleco Telstar series helped bring video games to the mainstream by offering simple, interactive games on home televisions.
9th Gen (PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X/S)
The 9th generation of consoles launched in 2020 with the PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X/S. This generation focuses on ultra-high-definition graphics, ray tracing, and fast load times using SSD technology. Backward compatibility, cloud gaming, and digital game libraries have become key features in these systems.
BAdd New Item