Great titles are only half of the video game experience. The other half consists of great video game consoles that support that particular game. Without these platforms, all we would be enjoying about these games is their cool packaging. Here are ten of the best video game consoles.

10. Sega Dreamcast

Sixth generation, launched November 1998

The Dreamcast was the last gaming console developed by Sega, and the first in the so-called sixth generation of gaming consoles. Launched sixteen months before the release of the Playstation 2, and three years ahead of the Game Cube and Xbox, many regard Sega Dreamcast as a console ahead of its time. It failed to gain momentum before the Playstation 2’s launch, however, and the Dreamcast also became the first console of that generation to be discontinued.

The Dreamcast was the first console to provide online gaming technology, with a built-in modem providing Internet support. Notable games included Sonic Adventure, Soul Calibur and Phantasy Star Online.

9. Nintendo DS

Seventh generation, launched November 2004, March 2006 (Lite version)

Nintendo is the undisputed king of the hand-held gaming consoles, and the Nintendo DS further establishes that reputation. The Nintendo DS is a great leap forward from previous handhelds. Its most notable feature is its two LCD screens, the bottom one being a touch screen.

This innovation provides countless possibilities for gaming, like added controls, larger game screens, and extra space for maps and resources. Other cool features include a built-in microphone (which is also integrated into games), a stylus for touch screen games, and Wi-Fi capability so you can play multiplayer matches with your friends. The Nintendo DS has sold over 50 million units since its launch, and has become the fastest-selling hand-held console of all time.

In March of 2006, Nintendo released the Nintendo DS Lite. It is a more compact and lightweight version of the DS, and has a more stylish design to make it more appealing to a broader market. Some of the Nintendo DS’s most popular games include Nintendogs and Metroid Prime Hunters.

8. Wii

Seventh generation, launched: November 2006

Inspired by the success of the Nintendo DS, Nintendo aimed to develop a video game console that has similar capabilities and a broader appeal than hardcore consoles. The result is the surprisingly enjoyable Wii.

It is one of the last consoles of the seventh (and current) generation of consoles to be launched (released the same day as the Sony Playstation 3).

The Wii is Nintendo’s smallest console to date, but it is also the most innovative. Departing from the conventional console design, the Wii sports an original and distinct game controller. Dubbed the Wii remote, it is pointed towards the screen as the player controls his or her moves – a style reminiscent of the DS. The Wii is currently the highest-selling console of the seventh generation, beating out its rivals Sony Playstation 3 and Microsoft Xbox 360.

7. Sega Genesis/Sega Mega Drive

Fourth generation, launched October 1988

The Sega Genesis (also known as the Sega Mega Drive in Japan and Europe) is the third and most successful console of Sega. The Sega Genesis succeeded the Sega Master System, and competed against the Super Nintendo Entertainment System (SNES) and the Neo Geo.

The console is the first console of the fourth generation to gain popularity outside North America and Japan. It proved to be highly popular in Australia and Europe, and got notable market shares in those regions. The console is also noted for its long life: the last official Genesis game was released way back 2002. Notable games include the Sonic the Hedgehog series, Mortal Kombat, and Duke Nukem 3D.

6. Atari 2600

Second Generation, launched October 1977

Those who were kids in the late 70s and early 80s may well remember the Atari 2600, which popularized microprocessors and game cartridges instead of built-in games. This feature is still practiced today by current consoles. Originally named Atari VCS, it was re-dubbed Atari 2600 when a more advanced Atari 5600 was launched in the market.

The later Atari console, however, failed to follow the success of Atari 2600. In fact, the Atari 2600 maintained its popularity even as newer and more advanced game consoles were launched. It is the most enduring console in video game history, officially retiring in 1992 after a lifespan of 14 years. Its most popular games included the classic Space Invaders and Pac Man titles.

5. Nintendo Game Boy

Third generation, launched April 1989

The Game Boy is a compact hand-held gaming system developed by Nintendo, and is the first of the Game Boy line of hand-held consoles. The Game Boy is the console that put Nintendo into the limelight of the portable game market. It was the quintessential hand-held console, before being dethroned by another Nintendo hand-held, the DS.

The Game Boy was given credit for including a copy of Tetris for every console sold. This proved to be a brilliant move, as Tetris is a highly-addictive puzzle game that bolstered the sales of the hand-held by 33 million units.

4. Super Nintendo Entertainment System (SNES)/Super Famicom

Fourth generation, launched November 1990

The SNES (Super Famicom in Japan, Super Comboy in Korea) is the second home console of Nintendo, succeeding the Nintendo Entertainment System (NES). The console introduced more advanced graphics and sound than its predecessor, and contained other features like the 16-bit technology and various enhancement chips.

The SNES was the best-selling console of the fourth generation of computer consoles, dubbed “the 16-bit era.” It outsold its closest rival, the Sega Mega Drive, by over 20 million units. Notable games include Super Mario World and Gradius III.

 

(If your NES console is still intact why don’t you breathe a second life to your NES Zapper.)

3. Sony Playstation 2

Sixth generation, launched March 2000

The Sony Playstation 2 was a highly-anticipated console when it was launched at the turn of the century. Following the massive success of the first Playstation, Sony became determined to continue the strategy of marketing the Playstation consoles with the mature gamer in mind. The new Playstation system emphasized graphics and overall performance. Many of the features found in the original Playstation are retained for the PS2, with added enhancements like DVD-ROM technology and the popular Dual-Shock controller.

Like its predecessor, the PS2 has enjoyed a huge following among gamers. New titles that gained popularity with the PS2 include the Grand Theft Auto series, God of War, and Ratchet and Clank.

2. Sony Playstation

Fifth generation, launched December 1994

When this video game console - the first of its kind from Sony - was launched in the mid-1990s, it took the world by storm. Sony hoped that this console would establish the ubiquitous Playstation brand of gaming consoles and Sony as one of the front-runners in the video game business.

With CD-ROM technology and other innovative features, it was the first gaming console to hit the 100 million mark (102 million units shipped).

Sony was first approached by Nintendo to help develop a gaming console that used CDs instead of cartridges to store games. When the partnership didn’t go through, Sony decided to develop the technology on its own. Nintendo would later release the Nintendo 64, a system that still used cartridges, while Sony’s Playstation gained widespread enthusiasm for the convenience and accessibility of the new CD-ROMs.

The Playstation is also noteworthy for its vast library of games. This includes the Final Fantasy, Gran Turismo, and Metal Gear Solid series.

1. Nintendo Entertainment System (NES)/Famicom

Third generation, launched July 1983

The first-ever video game console by Nintendo, the NES almost single-handedly revived the video game industry following its crash in 1983. The 8-bit system established standards for future video game consoles, like the D-pad, game design, and graphics.

The system is also responsible for introducing many games that are considered big-name franchises today. Games like Super Mario Bros.,

Legend of Zelda, Metroid, Donkey Kong, Megaman, and Final Fantasy all started out on this console. The highest-selling game console of its time, it is also the most influential platform in the history of video games.

The technology of video games is a never-ending quest for innovation and new ideas, and these game consoles are proof of that. Endless research and countless trials are being done by the game companies to create good game consoles. Beside the great graphics and cool features, however, the quest of every console is to provide us players with the best gaming experience possible. When you find yourself fully enjoying the games, that proves that the console has been successful.

 

(You wouldn’t want to be left out you should know the Greatest Games on Nintendo Family Computer Console and the Top Ten Video Games Of All Time.)