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Magnavox Odyssey -

Released in 1972, the Magnavox Odyssey was the first commercially successful game console. Developed by Ralph H. Baer, it featured simple games played on a TV screen using interchangeable cartridges, pioneering the concept of home video gaming and laying the foundations for future consoles.

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Atari 2600 -

The Atari 2600 was released in 1977 with versatile hardware and a library of iconic games like 'Space Invaders' and 'Pac-Man.' Its swappable cartridges made it a cornerstone of the video game industry and cemented it as a cultural phenomenon.

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Intellivision -

Released in 1979 by Mattel Electronics, the Intellivision was a competitor to the Atari 2600. The controllers had numeric keypads, and it was the first console to use a tile-based playfield, which allowed for the display of detailed graphics and color.

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ColecoVision -

The ColecoVision (1982) offered near-arcade-quality graphics and a diverse range of games, including 'Zaxxon' and the much-loved 'Donkey Kong'. In its short two-year lifespan, the ColecoVision sold over six million units and made a permanent mark as one of the highest quality and most advanced home video game consoles of the 1980s.

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Nintendo Entertainment System (NES) -

The Nintendo Entertainment System (NES) hit the market in 1985 and its rectangular design and diverse library of games like 'Super Mario Bros.' and 'The Legend of Zelda' revolutionized home gaming. It breathed some life back into the video game industry after the 1983 crash and became a cultural phenomenon worldwide. 

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Sega Master System -

The Sega Master System was released in 1985 and was Sega’s inaugural console. While overshadowed by the NES, it paved the way for Sega’s success in the industry. Popular games include 'Sonic the Hedgehog' and 'Alex Kidd in Miracle World.' The Master System II, a cheaper model, was released in 1990.

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Atari 7800 -

Launched in 1986, the Atari 7800 was one of the first consoles with backward compatibility: it could run almost all Atari 2600 cartridges. While it wasn’t as successful as its predecessor, it did introduce enhanced graphics and sound capabilities.

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TurboGrafx-16 -

The TurboGrafx-16 was a collaboration between NEC and Hudson Soft, known for its advanced graphics and extensive game library. It hit the market in 1987 and introduced the concept of CD-ROM gaming, paving the way for future innovations in the industry.

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Sega Genesis -

The Sega Genesis, also known as the Mega Drive, was Sega’s answer to the NES. Launched in 1988, its sleek design, advanced graphics, and blast processing technology made it a fierce competitor in the 16-bit console wars. Games included 'Sonic the Hedgehog' and 'Streets of Rage.'

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Super Nintendo Entertainment System -

The Super Nintendo Entertainment System (1990) featured powerful graphics co-processors, which allowed for smooth scaling and awesome rotating 3D effects. The console could also display 256 colors simultaneously from a palette of 32,768 (the Mega Drive, in comparison, only produced 61 colors from a palette of 512). 

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Philips CD-i -

Introduced in 1991, the Philips CD-i was a multimedia console with CD-ROM capabilities and a library of diverse educational and entertainment titles. Unfortunately, the console struggled to find widespread success and was discontinued in the late 1990s.

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Neo Geo -

Launched by SNK in 1990 and on the market until 2004, the Neo Geo was an arcade and home game console known for its arcade-quality games and powerful hardware. Despite a high price tag, it gained cult status due to games like 'Metal Slug' and 'The King of Fighters.'

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Sega CD -

Released in 1991 as an add-on for the Sega Genesis, the Sega CD featured a fast CPU and graphic enhancements, like sprite scaling and rotation. It could also play audio CDs and CD+G discs. A library of games including 'Sonic CD' and 'Lunar: The Silver Star' expanded the gaming experience for Sega fans.

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3DO Interactive Multiplayer -

The 3DO Interactive Multiplayer was introduced to the market in 1993. It was known for its cutting-edge graphics and multimedia capabilities, not to mention its high price tag. Although it had a promising start, it struggled to compete with more affordable consoles and was eventually discontinued in 1996.

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Atari Jaguar -

Atari reentered the game console market in 1993 with the Atari Jaguar. It burst onto the scene with 64-bit graphics and a unique controller layout. But despite exciting titles like 'Alien vs. Predator' and 'Tempest 2000,' its complicated architecture and limited game selection led to its commercial failure.

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Sega Saturn -

In 1994, Sega released its fifth game console: the Sega Saturn. And while it boasted 32-bit hardware and imaginative games like 'Panzer Dragoon' and 'Nights into Dreams,' it struggled to compete with Sony’s PlayStation and find widespread popularity outside of Japan.

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Sony PlayStation -

The Sony PlayStation (1994) was a game changer in the gaming industry. With 3D graphics, CD-ROM technology, and titles like 'Final Fantasy VII' and 'Gran Turismo,' it became a widespread success, making Sony a force to be reckoned with in the industry.

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Nintendo 64 -

The Nintendo 64 (1996) was Nintendo’s third home gaming console. It featured 3D graphics and captured the hearts of gamers worldwide. thanks to its iconic titles like 'Super Mario 64' and 'The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time.' The Nintendo 64 remains a favorite to this day.

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Sega Dreamcast -

Sega released its final console in 1999: the Dreamcast. It featured online gaming and a built-in modem, and received critical acclaim. But despite popular games like 'Sonic Adventure' and 'Shenmue,' tough competition meant the Dreamcast was discontinued in 2001.

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Sony PlayStation 2 -

With DVD playback capabilities and a vast library of games, including 'Grand Theft Auto: San Andreas' and 'Metal Gear Solid 2,' Sony’s PlayStation 2 (2000) became one of the fastest-selling consoles of all time, defining a generation of gaming.

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Microsoft Xbox -

The year 2001 saw Microsoft’s entry into the game console market with the introduction of the Xbox. With powerful hardware and online gaming abilities, it introduced popular franchises like 'Halo' and 'Fable,' earning its rightful place as a major player in the industry.

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Nintendo GameCube -

The GameCube entered the market in 2001 and was Nintendo’s fourth home gaming console. The console was–and still is–popular for its compact size, innovative controller design, and games like 'Super Smash Bros. Melee' and 'The Legend of Zelda: The Wind Waker.'

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Microsoft Xbox 360 -

Microsoft’s release of the Xbox 360 in 2005 transformed the landscape of home game consoles. With high-definition graphics, multimedia capabilities, and an online multiplayer option, the Xbox 360  became the best-selling console of its generation.

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Sony PlayStation 3 -

Sony’s PlayStation 3 (2006) quickly became a firm favorite thanks to its multimedia features, quality graphics, and online capabilities through the PlayStation Network. Games such as 'Uncharted' and 'The Last of Us' offered immersive gaming experiences and were enjoyed worldwide.

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Nintendo Wii -

The Nintendo Wii (2006) introduced a new era of interactive and accessible gaming with its motion-sensing controller, the Wii Remote. Games such as 'Wii Sports' and 'Mario Kart Wii' appealed to a wide range of audiences, and resulted in the Wii becoming one of Nintendo’s best-selling consoles.

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Sony PlayStation 4 -

Sony’s PlayStation 4, released in 2013, pushed the boundaries of home gaming with its high-definition graphics and blockbuster titles like 'The Last of Us Part II' and 'God of War.' Over 117 million consoles have been sold.

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Microsoft Xbox One -

Microsoft Xbox One (2013) was a multimedia powerhouse. Not only did it provide advanced gaming experiences, with the option to play multiplayer games online, but users could also watch videos, share recorded gameplay videos, and use Skype to talk to friends.

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Nintendo Switch -

The Nintendo Switch, released in 2017, offered a unique hybrid design, allowing players to enjoy both console and handheld gaming experiences. In particular, 'Animal Crossing: New Horizons' captured the hearts of millions of players around the world with its charming gameplay and cute characters.

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Sony PlayStation 5 -

With its lightning-fast SSD, immersive audio, and remarkable graphics, the Sony PlayStation 5 (2020) represents the pinnacle of gaming technology. Over 50 million consoles have been sold to date.

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Microsoft Xbox Series X|S -

The Xbox Series X|S is Microsoft’s most powerful Xbox ever. Users can enjoy gaming at up to 120 frames per second, ultra-fast load times, and 3D spatial sound. The games library includes thousands of current favorites, new releases, and time-honored titles.

Sources: (The Guardian) (Game Developer) (Nintendo) (Xbox) (BBC)

See also: The fascinating world of retro gaming

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