Gaming has come a long way. From the very first edition of Computer Space to comic book-themed slots at AmazonSlots, gaming entertainment gets more exciting, creative, and advanced every year. Just think about it. 15 years ago or so ago, VR sets were crazy expensive and complicated, and the quality of graphics simply didn’t justify the price tag. Today, we all carry games in our pockets, with instant access to hours and hours of entertainment.
Even so, we mustn’t forget that there are many consoles that paved the way for mobile gaming and RPG and multiplayer online games that rule the market today. And it goes without saying, many of them have a loyal fan base willing to pay significant amounts for mint games and consoles in good condition. To celebrate the entertainment systems that made the future happen, we revisit them and pay our honour!
Game Boy
If you were a kid in the late 1980s or early 1990s, Game Boy was stuff the dreams were made of. The simple grey device, with signature purple buttons and a tiny screen, was one of the first portable gaming consoles on the market. This little engine could also support multiplayer action thanks to chunky cords, and despite having no night mode, could swallow batteries like there’s no tomorrow. Despite the fact that later editions were available in all colours of the rainbow, the simple classic Game Boy in grey is a true collectable.
SNES
SNES, or Super Nintendo Entertainment System, was revolutionary for its time. Fighting head to head with Sega Genesis, it managed to come out as a winner in what is now known as the First Console War. Unlike its competitor, SNES didn’t hesitate to provide games for younger audiences and was more inclusive from the very start. The ultimate domination was finally established with Donkey Kong Country, which remains one of the most thrilling arcade games to this day. This was one of the first consoles that made all generations come together and play classics such as Super Mario, Superman, and Street Fighter II.
Atari 2600
Atari 2600 or Atari VCS is a true throwback to the age of perms, acid wash jeans, and mullets. The 1980s console is a testament to the time when everything was simpler (or, at least, so it seemed). Instead of the controller, you had to use a joystick to navigate the characters on the screens. The setup was a nightmare with multiple switches and cables that were, more often than not, a tangled mess. Despite all its flaws, the Atari 2600 is the console that brought us cult classics such as Pac-Man.
PlayStation
Compared to others on the list, PlayStation is a young recruit. Released in 1994 by Sony, it offered a new twist on the world of gaming. With the PS, colours were brighter, games had more dimension to them, and the variety of titles surpassed all expectations. It was one of the first consoles to feature CD games instead of cartridges. No more blowing into those pesky grooves stinking of electronics! PlayStation is also the console that helped gaming sagas become a thing. Call of Duty and FIFA wouldn’t be what they are today if it wasn’t for this Sony masterpiece.
