The Evolution of The Evolution of Video GamesVideo Games

A Brief History from the 1800’s-A Brief History from the 1800’s-PresentPresent

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Ancestors of Video Ancestors of Video GamesGames The beginnings of the video The beginnings of the video

game industry can be traced game industry can be traced back to the pinball machine back to the pinball machine industry.industry.

Pinball itself can be traced Pinball itself can be traced back to the 1800’s game back to the 1800’s game Bagatelle, a form of billiards Bagatelle, a form of billiards in which players used a cue in which players used a cue to shoot balls up a sloped to shoot balls up a sloped table, hoping to have the ball table, hoping to have the ball land in a pocket on the way land in a pocket on the way down.down.

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Ancestors of Video Ancestors of Video GamesGames In 1931, Automatic Industries In 1931, Automatic Industries

introduced the first real pinball introduced the first real pinball machine, Whiffle, which used a machine, Whiffle, which used a plunger instead of a cue. It was plunger instead of a cue. It was also one of the first devices that also one of the first devices that was coin activated.was coin activated.

Later in 1931, David Gottlieb Later in 1931, David Gottlieb introduced the hugely popular introduced the hugely popular Baffle Ball, which launched pinball Baffle Ball, which launched pinball into a serious industry.into a serious industry.

At this point, there were no At this point, there were no flippers, bumpers, or scoring flippers, bumpers, or scoring device.device.

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Ancestors of Video Ancestors of Video GamesGames Harry Williams introduced Contact in Harry Williams introduced Contact in

1933, the first electric machine.1933, the first electric machine.

Around this time, pay-out machines Around this time, pay-out machines were introduced that combined pinball were introduced that combined pinball and gambling.and gambling. Many states passed laws prohibiting Many states passed laws prohibiting

gambling and these pay-out machines.gambling and these pay-out machines. In New York, pinball was ruled an extension In New York, pinball was ruled an extension

of gambling and was made illegal (until the of gambling and was made illegal (until the 1980’s!). Many states followed this 1980’s!). Many states followed this precedent and the gaming industry was precedent and the gaming industry was tainted.tainted.

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Ancestors of Video Ancestors of Video GamesGames

In 1947, Gottleib introduced Humpty In 1947, Gottleib introduced Humpty Dumpty, the first game to use flippers, Dumpty, the first game to use flippers, to establish pinball as a game of skill to establish pinball as a game of skill and not a game of chance.and not a game of chance.

Some states relented, but the gaming Some states relented, but the gaming industry was still tainted and linked to industry was still tainted and linked to gambling.gambling.

Other innovations followed, and the pinball Other innovations followed, and the pinball industry grew with companies like Gottleib, industry grew with companies like Gottleib, Williams, Bally, and Midway.Williams, Bally, and Midway.

Many of the founders and innovators of the Many of the founders and innovators of the video game industry had their starts in pinball.video game industry had their starts in pinball.

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The First Video Game?The First Video Game?

Early computers could only play Early computers could only play simple games like tic-tac-toe.simple games like tic-tac-toe.

Most historians agree the first video Most historians agree the first video game was invented in 1958 by Willy game was invented in 1958 by Willy Higginbotham at the Brookhaven Higginbotham at the Brookhaven National Laboratory.National Laboratory.

It was an oscilloscope and analog It was an oscilloscope and analog Donner computer to play “Tennis for Donner computer to play “Tennis for Two” as a demonstration for the Two” as a demonstration for the annual visitor day.annual visitor day.

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The First Video Game?The First Video Game?

Original Game

Rebuilt in 1997

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SpacewarSpacewar

In 1961, Steve Russell built Spacewar on a In 1961, Steve Russell built Spacewar on a DEC PDP-1 at MIT.DEC PDP-1 at MIT. It took 6 months and 200 hours of programming.It took 6 months and 200 hours of programming. Using toggle switches, two players could control Using toggle switches, two players could control

dueling ships firing torpedoes at each other.dueling ships firing torpedoes at each other. Additional effects like gravity, hyperspace Additional effects like gravity, hyperspace

(teleporting), and unreliable weapons were (teleporting), and unreliable weapons were eventually added.eventually added.

Due to its eventual influence on the Due to its eventual influence on the industry and its well-known history, many industry and its well-known history, many people consider this the first true video people consider this the first true video game.game.

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SpacewarSpacewar

The Spacewar PDP-1 Steve Russell and the Original Spacewar

Spacewar Screenshot

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The Magnavox The Magnavox Odyssey Odyssey In the late 1960’s, Ralph Baer began work In the late 1960’s, Ralph Baer began work

on a video game system while working at on a video game system while working at Sanders Associates.Sanders Associates.

The game was a form of ping pong using a The game was a form of ping pong using a moving ball and player controlled paddles.moving ball and player controlled paddles.

The system consisted of a game box The system consisted of a game box containing the logic, two simple controllers, containing the logic, two simple controllers, and used a standard television for a display.and used a standard television for a display.

Magnavox struck a deal, and the system Magnavox struck a deal, and the system became the Odyssey, launched in 1972.became the Odyssey, launched in 1972.

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The Magnavox The Magnavox OdysseyOdyssey Other games were also Other games were also

supported through the supported through the use of coloured screen use of coloured screen overlays and accessories.overlays and accessories.

Magnavox, unfortunately, overpriced the Magnavox, unfortunately, overpriced the system and marketed it as only working system and marketed it as only working with Magnavox sets.with Magnavox sets.

The system nevertheless sold reasonably The system nevertheless sold reasonably well for being the first home video game well for being the first home video game console.console.

It also had great influence on the first It also had great influence on the first major arcade video game … Pong.major arcade video game … Pong.

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The Beginnings of The Beginnings of AtariAtari Nolan Bushnell was first introduced to Nolan Bushnell was first introduced to

gaming through the pinball industry.gaming through the pinball industry. At the same time, Bushnell attended At the same time, Bushnell attended

the University of Utah, where he first the University of Utah, where he first saw and played Spacewar.saw and played Spacewar.

He went on to create Computer He went on to create Computer Space, a coin operated version of Space, a coin operated version of Spacewar using custom hardware and Spacewar using custom hardware and a television for a display in 1970.a television for a display in 1970.

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The Beginnings of The Beginnings of AtariAtari With help from Bill With help from Bill

Nutting of Nutting Nutting of Nutting Associates, 1,500 Associates, 1,500 Computer Space Computer Space machines were manufactured in 1971.machines were manufactured in 1971.

Due to poor marketing and complex game Due to poor marketing and complex game play (it needed several pages of instructions play (it needed several pages of instructions to explain), the game did poorly.to explain), the game did poorly.

Not to be deterred, Bushnell went on to Not to be deterred, Bushnell went on to form Atari in 1972 as the first video game form Atari in 1972 as the first video game company.company.

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Atari and PongAtari and Pong

Atari’s first commercial Atari’s first commercial success was Pong.success was Pong.

It was test marketed at It was test marketed at Andy Capp’s Tavern in Andy Capp’s Tavern in Sunnyvale, California late Sunnyvale, California late in 1972.in 1972.

It was a huge success.It was a huge success. Forgeries and copies Forgeries and copies

appeared on the scene to appeared on the scene to cash in on the new craze.cash in on the new craze.

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Atari and PongAtari and Pong

Magnavox sued Atari for patent Magnavox sued Atari for patent infringement.infringement.

Since Bushnell had seen the Odyssey at Since Bushnell had seen the Odyssey at a trade show months before Pong was a trade show months before Pong was made, Atari was in trouble.made, Atari was in trouble.

They settled with Magnavox and became They settled with Magnavox and became the sole licensee for this technology.the sole licensee for this technology.

Magnavox prosecuted all of the Magnavox prosecuted all of the imitators, leaving Atari back on top of imitators, leaving Atari back on top of the industry.the industry.

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More Early Home More Early Home ConsolesConsoles Atari’s Home Pong in 1975Atari’s Home Pong in 1975 The Connecticut Leather The Connecticut Leather

Company (Coleco) and Telstar Company (Coleco) and Telstar in 1976.in 1976.

Fairchild Camera and Fairchild Camera and Instrument releases Channel F, Instrument releases Channel F, also in 1976, the first also in 1976, the first programmable home game to programmable home game to use cartridges.use cartridges.

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More Early Home More Early Home ConsolesConsoles Atari released the Video Atari released the Video

Computer System Computer System (better known as the (better known as the 2600) in 1977. 2600) in 1977. Immensely popular.Immensely popular.

Magnavox and Magnavox and Odyssey2 in 1978.Odyssey2 in 1978.

Mattel Electronics Mattel Electronics introduced the introduced the Intellivision in 1979.Intellivision in 1979.

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The Early ArcadeThe Early Arcade

Arcades did not exist at first … video Arcades did not exist at first … video games were largely installed in bars and games were largely installed in bars and were not seen as children’s amusements.were not seen as children’s amusements.

Bushnell saw the huge potential and Bushnell saw the huge potential and Atari introduced the Pizza Time Atari introduced the Pizza Time Theatre (Chuck E. Cheese) to help Theatre (Chuck E. Cheese) to help establish video games for children establish video games for children in 1977.in 1977.

Arcades for the whole family began to Arcades for the whole family began to spring up as video games grew in spring up as video games grew in popularity.popularity.

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Early Arcade Early Arcade DevelopmentsDevelopments 1975: Midway imports Taito’s 1975: Midway imports Taito’s

game Gunfight … the first to game Gunfight … the first to use a microprocessor.use a microprocessor.

1976: Exidy Games releases Death 1976: Exidy Games releases Death Race, in which players drive over Race, in which players drive over stick figures. Protests ensue.stick figures. Protests ensue.

1978: Atari releases 1978: Atari releases Football and Midway Football and Midway releases Space Invaders. releases Space Invaders. Both set records.Both set records.

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Early Arcade Early Arcade DevelopmentsDevelopments 1979: Atari releases Lunar 1979: Atari releases Lunar

Lander, its first vector Lander, its first vector graphics game. Atari later graphics game. Atari later released Asteroids, its released Asteroids, its best-selling game.best-selling game.

1980: Namco releases Pac-Man, 1980: Namco releases Pac-Man, the most popular arcade game the most popular arcade game ever world-wide.ever world-wide.

1980: Atari releases Battlezone, 1980: Atari releases Battlezone, perhaps the first true first-perhaps the first true first-person video game.person video game.

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Early Arcade Early Arcade DevelopmentsDevelopments 1981: Relative newcomer Nintendo 1981: Relative newcomer Nintendo

releases Donkey Kong, with the first releases Donkey Kong, with the first appearance of what would become appearance of what would become Mario, later Nintendo’s main mascot.Mario, later Nintendo’s main mascot.

Other classics followed: Other classics followed: 1981: Galaga, Frogger, Ms. Pac-Man, 1981: Galaga, Frogger, Ms. Pac-Man,

Centipede Centipede 1982: Dig Dug, Burger Time, Mr. Do!, Q*Bert, 1982: Dig Dug, Burger Time, Mr. Do!, Q*Bert,

Pole Position, Joust, Zaxxon, Moon Patrol (first Pole Position, Joust, Zaxxon, Moon Patrol (first game with parallax scrolling), Time Pilot game with parallax scrolling), Time Pilot

1983: Dragon’s Lair (first laser disc game), 1983: Dragon’s Lair (first laser disc game), Mario Bros., Spy Hunter Mario Bros., Spy Hunter

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Meanwhile, Atari Meanwhile, Atari at Home …at Home … 1979: Atari designer Warren Robinett introduces 1979: Atari designer Warren Robinett introduces

Easter Eggs to video games, hiding a room with his Easter Eggs to video games, hiding a room with his name in a 2600 game called Adventure.name in a 2600 game called Adventure.

1980: Atari ports Space Invaders to the 2600. The 1980: Atari ports Space Invaders to the 2600. The practice of porting arcade hits to home begins.practice of porting arcade hits to home begins.

1981: Atari ports Pac-Man to the 2600. Still ranks 1981: Atari ports Pac-Man to the 2600. Still ranks #4 on the Top Ten most Shameful Games of all #4 on the Top Ten most Shameful Games of all time. Really, really bad.time. Really, really bad.

1982: Atari rushes E.T. for the 2600 to market for 1982: Atari rushes E.T. for the 2600 to market for Christmas. Millions of cartridges are reportedly Christmas. Millions of cartridges are reportedly dumped and buried in the New Mexico desert. dumped and buried in the New Mexico desert. Even worse!Even worse!

1982: Atari releases the 5200 game console. It also 1982: Atari releases the 5200 game console. It also did not do very well. Atari in big trouble.did not do very well. Atari in big trouble.

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Also at Home …Also at Home …

1980: Sensing Atari was in trouble, several 1980: Sensing Atari was in trouble, several developers left and formed Activision, the developers left and formed Activision, the first third-party game publisher.first third-party game publisher.

1982: General Consumer Electronics 1982: General Consumer Electronics produces the Vectrex.produces the Vectrex. The first vector graphics home console.The first vector graphics home console. It was monochromatic, but used It was monochromatic, but used

coloured plastic overlays like the first coloured plastic overlays like the first Magnavox Odyssey.Magnavox Odyssey.

1982: Coleco releases the 1982: Coleco releases the Colecovision.Colecovision.

Both consoles faltered in 1983 and died off Both consoles faltered in 1983 and died off in 1984, when the rest of the industry in 1984, when the rest of the industry crashed.crashed.

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The Crash of 1983-The Crash of 1983-19841984 After the golden age up to 1982, the video After the golden age up to 1982, the video

game market collapsed with several game market collapsed with several companies abandoning the industry or companies abandoning the industry or totally out of business. Why?totally out of business. Why? There was no new technology able to sustain and There was no new technology able to sustain and

drive growth of the industry.drive growth of the industry. There was a huge over-supply of game There was a huge over-supply of game

cartridges.cartridges. Atari believed they were unstoppable and could Atari believed they were unstoppable and could

do anything. Turns out they were wrong.do anything. Turns out they were wrong. Home computers arrived on the scene, and Home computers arrived on the scene, and

people began to panic at the new threat.people began to panic at the new threat. People lacked faith, and many felt video games People lacked faith, and many felt video games

were a fad. Retailers, distributors, the press, and were a fad. Retailers, distributors, the press, and good portions of the public turned their backs on good portions of the public turned their backs on them.them.

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The Advent of the The Advent of the Home ComputerHome Computer In the early 1980’s, home computers In the early 1980’s, home computers

began to grow in popularity.began to grow in popularity. Some did not do very well, like the Coleco Some did not do very well, like the Coleco

Adam (1984), but some proved popular as Adam (1984), but some proved popular as a gaming platform.a gaming platform. Commodore, with the VIC 20 (1981) and Commodore, with the VIC 20 (1981) and

Commodore 64 (1982) and again later with the Commodore 64 (1982) and again later with the Amiga.Amiga.

Apple with the Apple II and later generations.Apple with the Apple II and later generations. IBM and various PC clones, which has become IBM and various PC clones, which has become

the predominant home computing gaming the predominant home computing gaming platform.platform.

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The Advent of the The Advent of the Home ComputerHome Computer Several new companies began Several new companies began

developing for these new platforms:developing for these new platforms: AccoladeAccolade OriginOrigin InfocomInfocom EpyxEpyx BroderbundBroderbund SierraSierra MicroproseMicroprose Electronic ArtsElectronic Arts Lucas ArtsLucas Arts And many, many othersAnd many, many others

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Nintendo and SegaNintendo and Sega

In 1984, Nintendo released the In 1984, Nintendo released the Family Computer (Famicom) Family Computer (Famicom) in Japan. It was rebranded in Japan. It was rebranded in 1985 as the Nintendo in 1985 as the Nintendo Entertainment System (NES) for North Entertainment System (NES) for North America.America.

In 1986, Sega (once known as In 1986, Sega (once known as SErvice GAmes) released the SErvice GAmes) released the Sega Master System.Sega Master System.

These two new home consoles begin to These two new home consoles begin to revitalize the sagging game market.revitalize the sagging game market.

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Nintendo and SegaNintendo and Sega

Sega lagged behind Nintendo in sales.Sega lagged behind Nintendo in sales. In 1989, Sega introduced the In 1989, Sega introduced the

new 16-bit Genesis console, but new 16-bit Genesis console, but it still lagged behind as people it still lagged behind as people awaited the Super NES.awaited the Super NES.

When the Super NES was When the Super NES was introduced in 1991, Sega had a introduced in 1991, Sega had a surprise … it’s new mascot, surprise … it’s new mascot, Sonic the Hedgehog.Sonic the Hedgehog.

In 1992, Sega shipped the Sega CD In 1992, Sega shipped the Sega CD peripheral for the Genesis, which did not peripheral for the Genesis, which did not fare very well.fare very well.

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Other ContendersOther Contenders

1987: NEC introduces the hybrid 1987: NEC introduces the hybrid 8/16 bit PC Engine in Japan, later 8/16 bit PC Engine in Japan, later releasing it in 1989 in the U.S. releasing it in 1989 in the U.S. as TurboGrafx.as TurboGrafx.

1990: SNK introduces the new 1990: SNK introduces the new 24-bit NeoGeo game console in 24-bit NeoGeo game console in the U.S.the U.S.

1993: Panasonic releases the 1993: Panasonic releases the 32-bit 3DO system, a CD based 32-bit 3DO system, a CD based system.system.

Despite their technical Despite their technical innovations, none of these innovations, none of these systems fared as well as systems fared as well as Nintendo’s or Sega’s.Nintendo’s or Sega’s.

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Arcades Fight BackArcades Fight Back

In 1987, CAPCOM introduced In 1987, CAPCOM introduced Street Fighter, but hardware Street Fighter, but hardware lacked the power to really drive lacked the power to really drive the game.the game.

In 1991, that was fixed with In 1991, that was fixed with Street Fighter II, and new life Street Fighter II, and new life was breathed into the arcade.was breathed into the arcade.

CAPCOM followed with many CAPCOM followed with many more fighting game classics.more fighting game classics.

In 1992, Midway followed suit In 1992, Midway followed suit and introduced the gory Mortal and introduced the gory Mortal Kombat series. More protests.Kombat series. More protests.

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Arcades Fight BackArcades Fight Back

Though fighting games brought life back to Though fighting games brought life back to arcades, it was never the same as before arcades, it was never the same as before the crash.the crash. Arcades became testing grounds for next Arcades became testing grounds for next

generation hardware and games for home generation hardware and games for home consoles for Nintendo, Sega, and Sony.consoles for Nintendo, Sega, and Sony.

Arcades also came to house specialized hardware Arcades also came to house specialized hardware unavailable to the home console, or the classic unavailable to the home console, or the classic games that once defined the industry.games that once defined the industry.

Despite the boost in popularity, arcades were not Despite the boost in popularity, arcades were not able to revive their glory days. But, this was not able to revive their glory days. But, this was not the end of the arcade either …the end of the arcade either …

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Hand Held GamingHand Held Gaming

Early hand helds were primarily LED Early hand helds were primarily LED based, single game machines.based, single game machines.

New hand helds changed that:New hand helds changed that: Atari Lynx (1989) Atari Lynx (1989) Nintendo Game Boy (1990)Nintendo Game Boy (1990) NEC TurboExpress (1990)NEC TurboExpress (1990) Sega Game Gear (1991)Sega Game Gear (1991) NeoGeo Pocket (1998), Colour (1999)NeoGeo Pocket (1998), Colour (1999) Game Boy Colour and Advanced (2001)Game Boy Colour and Advanced (2001)

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Home Computer Home Computer AdvancementsAdvancements 1989: Maxis releases SimCity and 1989: Maxis releases SimCity and

begins the line of Sim games.begins the line of Sim games. 1993: 71993: 7thth Guest becomes the Guest becomes the

first big CD-ROM hit. Myst first big CD-ROM hit. Myst follows shortly.follows shortly.

1993: Id Software publishes 1993: Id Software publishes Doom, firmly establishing the Doom, firmly establishing the first-person shooter, and first-person shooter, and introduces multiplayer gaming.introduces multiplayer gaming.

1995: 3D acceleration hardware 1995: 3D acceleration hardware introduced.introduced.

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A Three Horse RaceA Three Horse Race

1994: Sega releases the Saturn 1994: Sega releases the Saturn in Japan (1995 in the U.S.).in Japan (1995 in the U.S.).

1994: Sony releases the 1994: Sony releases the Playstation in Japan (1995 in Playstation in Japan (1995 in the U.S.).the U.S.).

1995: Nintendo releases the 1995: Nintendo releases the Nintendo 64 in Japan (1996 Nintendo 64 in Japan (1996 in the U.S.).in the U.S.).

This time, all three consoles enjoy This time, all three consoles enjoy reasonable success.reasonable success.

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A New Three Horse A New Three Horse RaceRace 1999: Sega releases the Dreamcast.1999: Sega releases the Dreamcast. 2000: Sony releases the Playstation 2.2000: Sony releases the Playstation 2. 2000: Sega introduces Internet 2000: Sega introduces Internet

access to the Dreamcast.access to the Dreamcast. 2001: Nintendo releases the Gamecube.2001: Nintendo releases the Gamecube. 2001: Microsoft releases the Xbox.2001: Microsoft releases the Xbox. 2001: Sega discontinues the 2001: Sega discontinues the

Dreamcast, and announces it Dreamcast, and announces it will no longer produce hardware.will no longer produce hardware.

2002: Both Sony and Microsoft 2002: Both Sony and Microsoft introduce Internet connectivity introduce Internet connectivity to their consoles.to their consoles.

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Portable Portable DevelopmentsDevelopments 2003: Nintendo releases the Game 2003: Nintendo releases the Game

Boy Advanced SP.Boy Advanced SP. 2003: Gamepark releases the GP32 2003: Gamepark releases the GP32

with wireless support, Internet with wireless support, Internet connectivity, USB, and Smart Media connectivity, USB, and Smart Media cards. cards. In addition to its own games, it can play In addition to its own games, it can play

Game Boy and Game Boy Colour, NES, Game Boy and Game Boy Colour, NES, Super NES, Atari 2600, NeoGeo Pocket, Super NES, Atari 2600, NeoGeo Pocket, and other console titles through and other console titles through emulators.emulators.

2003: Nokia releases the N-Gage with 2003: Nokia releases the N-Gage with wireless connectivity through wireless connectivity through Bluetooth and cellular networks for Bluetooth and cellular networks for games, e-mail, and so on.games, e-mail, and so on.

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Arcades Fight Back Arcades Fight Back AgainAgain Arcades have seen a recent Arcades have seen a recent

revival, starting at the turn revival, starting at the turn of the new millennium with of the new millennium with games with new controls games with new controls and innovative twists and innovative twists best suited for the arcade.best suited for the arcade. Dance Dance Revolution Dance Dance Revolution

(and at least 12 sequels) ...(and at least 12 sequels) ... MoCap Boxing, MoCap Golf, ...MoCap Boxing, MoCap Golf, ... And quite a few others.And quite a few others.

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Arcades Fight Back Arcades Fight Back AgainAgain The arcade’s resurging popularity is The arcade’s resurging popularity is

highest highest in Asia, particularly Japan.in Asia, particularly Japan.

Some arcades and arcade machines are Some arcades and arcade machines are reappearing in North America, more so in reappearing in North America, more so in the United States than in Canada.the United States than in Canada.

But, it is still not the same as it once was.But, it is still not the same as it once was. The focus still appears to be more about The focus still appears to be more about

introducing new technologies.introducing new technologies. The gameplay almost seems secondary; The gameplay almost seems secondary;

without the gimmicks, the games would not be without the gimmicks, the games would not be nearly as much fun to play.nearly as much fun to play.

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The Latest ... The Latest ...

Nintendo released in late 2004 its latest handheld, the dual-screenNintendo DS, with morepower than the N64, andlots of bells and whistles.

Sony also released in late2004 its own feature rich hand held, the Playstation Personal (or PSP) in Japan and brought it to North America early 2005.

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The Latest …The Latest …

In late 2005, Microsoft In late 2005, Microsoft launched its Xbox 360.launched its Xbox 360.

It features a three-core It features a three-core processor, built-in processor, built-in wireless, hard-drive, wireless, hard-drive, built-in network support, built-in network support, and high-end graphics. Very nice.and high-end graphics. Very nice.

This marked the beginning of the This marked the beginning of the “next generation” of console “next generation” of console hardware …hardware …

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The Latest …The Latest …

In November 2006, Sony launched the Playstation 3 in North American and Asian markets. (A European launch took place in spring 2007.)

It features a Cell processor,Blu-ray drive, high definitionvideo, a hard drive, built-innetworking, and other featuresdepending on configuration.

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The Latest …The Latest …

Also launched near the end of 2006 was Nintendo’s Wii (formerly the Revolution).

While lacking the raw powerof the Xbox 360 and the PS3,the Wii’s controller promises new innovations in gamesand game design, while itsbackwards compatibilityservices the old school types.

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Revisions to the Latest Revisions to the Latest … … Nintendo launched the DS Lite in 2006. Not to be outdone, Sony introduced a newer

and smaller version of the PSP in 2007. Microsoft and Sony have also released

multiple variations of the Xbox 360 and PS3 consoles respectively, with variations in storage capacity, video connectivity, peripherals and so on.

This is an interesting trend compared to earlier consoles, which traditionally had a single configuration and form factor …