PlayStation is a gaming brand that has Sony as its parent brand. Launched originally in 3 December 1994, it was considered to be a part of the fifth generation of game consoles, it competed against the Sega, Saturn and Nintendo 64 back in the mid-’90s.
The main reason PlayStation console actually spawned, was a failed partnership with Nintendo. Back then, Sony was in talks to manufacture an add-on for the Super Nintendo. The PlayStation had features that included dual-speed CD-ROM drive, a single core CPU that had 2MB of RAM with a separate 1MB of video RAM with graphics that delivered up to 360,000 polygons per second.
Thus began PlayStation’s pivotal role in transitioning the gaming industry away from 2D graphics to real-time life-like 3D rendering. The compact disc format allowed it to create a much detailed full-motion video, something the competing (Nintendo) N64 struggled to do with its cartridges. The PlayStation didn’t have an internal hard drive. If the users wanted to save a game, it required memory cards, which were then a measly 128KB in size.
PSOne
Sony released the PSOne on July 7, 2000 and started a trend of compact sized gaming consoles. Being smaller, it featured a refurbished chassis that was much rounder.
PS2
The PS2 launched with its Emotion Engine CPU, which was a single-core processor clocked at 294.9MHz. It featured 32MB of system RAM and 4MB of video RAM. The upside being that the console was backward compatible with most PS1 games, which was a rare feature at that time. PS2 was the first console to support DVDs that was useful for games with larger assets. It was also the first console to support USB ports.
While the original console allowed users to install an optional 40GB hard drive, it still used memory cards. Unlike the PS1, however, which used 128KB cards, storage here was pumped up to 8MBs. The PS2 also introduced the DualShock 2. While still wired, this controller featured a new black finish and tighter sticks.
PS3
At the heart of the PS3 was its proprietary Cell processor. Sony designed the chip in partnership with Toshiba and IBM. However, the CPU became controversial among developers due to how difficult it was to program. The Cell featured seven cores and was clocked at 3.2GHz. The PS3’s graphics used Nvidia’s RSX Reality Synthesizer GPU, which featured 256MB of VRAM and clocked in at 550MHz. The PS3 was also the first PlayStation system to support HDMI and 1080p output.
Initial versions of the PS3 were backward compatible with PS2 games, but that was because Sony physically incorporated a PS2 processor inside the chassis. In order o cut costs, Sony later removed this feature shortly after launch.
The PlayStation 3 also introduced Wi-Fi connectivity and came with a 20GB internal hard drive. It allowed users to install their own HDD as well.
PS4
The PS4 marked the first time Sony would release a console with a CPU based on the x86 instruction set, which is the same processor architecture that gaming PCs use. Specifically, it uses an 8-core AMD x86-64 Jaguar CPU clocked at 1.6GHz along with 8GB of GDDR5 memory, which it shares with its integrated AMD Radeon GPU.
First game console or the first generation gaming console has certain defining characteristics that were later on modified and transformed to have a breakthrough in the genre of gaming consoles.
If we closely analyze the characteristics and features of the classic video game consoles, we can sum up them as the following:
Evolution Of Gaming Consoles
From the generation of interactive television to digital electronics, original video game consoles have evolved from strength to strengths. Home video games also achieved extensive popularity and success over its launch and this further demanded modification and adjustment to the classic systems of the first home game consoles.
Video gaming has progressed significantly since the beginning of Mario and Pac-man. We are now able to play moderate amusements of high clarity with 3D illustrations and marvelous intelligence in the solace of our home, underestimating the little and inconspicuous enhancements made to every single console previously getting to be what they are today. As it were, the forceful rivalry between organizations of computer game consoles had produced the better highlights of video gaming than conveying to us the magnificent quality we see today.
Game Consoles The “IN” Thing Today
Thus it is clearly evident from the history of the evolution of the old game consoles is quite intriguing. From bulky physical first home game consoles to small microchips of gaming systems, these devices have undergone rapid revision.
There are reassures that fit any kind of gamer. In this purchasing guide, we separate the essentials of gaming comforts and suggest the best gadget for an assortment of requirements. While there’s no single comfort that checks all the crates, each significant reassure has its points of interest. We’ll enable you to locate the correct support for your circumstance.
On the off chance that you intend to transform your first home game console into the center of your home theater, we prescribe the Xbox One with its Kinect camera embellishment. Despite the fact that it would glitch now and again, there’s something exceptionally unwinding about returning home following full-time work, taking a seat on the TV and turning it for your Xbox to summon, Xbox on.
The world’s best gaming consoles have evolved at an alarming rate, and gamers are spoilt for choices. However, what makes the best gaming console are their features which include their processor, the storage, accessible RAM, etc. Apart from these, customers look for other features that include the size of the gaming devices, and it’s compatibility across various games and platforms. Interactive gaming systems are most preferred by gamers.
There are many exceptions to this rule, and they reign on the following list. As you will see, some of the coolest consoles belong in the yesteryears, making their debut in the 20th century and they are one of the best selling gaming consoles of all times. Keeping this in mind, let’s have a look at the top ten gaming consoles; some to reminisce and others to invest.
Nintendo GameBoy
This console was launched in 1989 and shook the entire world of gaming. It was bulky and slow, yet it’s sweet price point, and battery operated system gave it an edge over its competitors. Some of its most memorable games include Tetris and Pokemon. It has become more of a collector’s item today.
Sony PlayStation
Coming into existence in 1995, this was a simple CD operated console. It continues to be hailed as the console that made gaming more mature and living room worthy. The games too came with a maturity and some darker themes which were never before seen.
Microsoft XBox 360
This was the console that brought XBox live to the world. It helped to keep alive a gaming community solely through a console. Also, it offered an added feature where one could purchase both old and new games.
Nintendo Wii
This best selling game console had some of the most memorable and enjoyable games at the time and gained wide popularity due to its revolutionary feature, i.e., the motion control. It also had a wide range of Super Mario games, which were at the peak of the decade.
Sega Dreamcast
Out of all the gaming devices so far, this is definitely the one with a niche following. The Dreamcast console was far ahead of its time, being the first console that offered online access. A distinct feature of this console was memory stick that came along with the gaming device.
Nintendo Entertainment System
The Nintendo ES or simply NES was released in 1985 and made a gamer out of every kid at the time because this is the gaming system that debuted Super Mario Bros. It also had other memorable games like The Legend of Zelda and Mega Man.
Sony PlayStation 2
This console is one of the best video game consoles of all time, which isn’t a small feat. It was received well and it also paved the way for the revolutionary DVD format of gaming. There are games specifically for the PS2 even today, and you can still buy this game console in the market.
PlayStation Portable
By 2004, the seventh generation of video games had taken over. The PSP was Sony’s first competitor than the other handheld gaming devices. It had impressive high-end graphics for a handheld gaming device. Coupled with additional features like TV Tuner and Video Player, this game controller became an all-round entertainment device. This was one of the top gaming devices.
Nintendo 3DS
With the wildly successful Pokemon X and Y as its flagship game, this was the handheld to give all others a run for their money. The 3DS came with online gaming options and a range of streaming services. It is still available today even after its prior release.
XBox One S
As far as all rounding consoles go, the XBox One S is a cherry on the cake. It is also the most powerful gaming consoles of all times. From pricing to processor speed, and storage, this is a wholesome gaming console. It also plays multimedia files from a range of streaming services like Netflix, all in 4K. It’s slimmer and smaller than all previous versions and boasts Microsoft’s impressive gaming library.