2. 1977: the Atari VCS
1985: the Nintendo (NES)
1989: Sega Genesis
1995: PlayStation
2001: Xbox
2006: Nintendo Wii
3. CPU: Central Processing Unit; part of computer system that carries out
the instructions of a computer program; runs everything
RAM: Random- Access Memory
ROM: Read-Only Memory
Interchangeable cartridges: printed circuit board inside plastic case,
software written on cartridge
Bit: (binary digits) amount of information that can be stored by a digital
device that exists in only two distinct states (energy levels, etc.)
VDP: Video Display Processor; also called a Graphics Processing Unit;
microprocessor unit that manipulates graphics and accelerates graphics
like 2D and 3D
Sprite: two dimensional computer image/animation put into larger scene
SD: Secure Digital card; nonvolatile memory card for portable devices
(ROM, flash drive); used in cameras and camcorders
PowerPC: high performance processors
4. 1977 the Atari VCS
was released
First successful
console with
interchangeable
cartridges
128 bytes RAM
4 KB (max) cartridges
ROM
Updated Atari 2600
released in 1982,
came with two joystick
controllers, a pair of
paddle controllers,
and one cartridge
game (“Combat”)
5. 1985 Nintendo (NES)
released
Set standards for
game design and
controller designs
8-bit CPU console
16K RAM
52 colors on display
palette
6. Released in 1989
Became new console
king by 1992
Had three different
models
Model 1 (right) 16-
bit CPU
16 MB ROM, 64KB
RAM, 512 colors
Uses GPU
Known for CD-ROM
format
7. Released 1995 in US
32-bit CPU
3D graphics
16.7 million colors
512 KB ROM
Parallax scrolling
(imitation of
simultaneous
background)
Faster, better graphics,
more memory increases
competition in industry
8. Released 2001
Built-in hard disk drive
(eliminated need for memory
cards)
Xbox Live created online
community; better game play
w/ Internet/download content
on console
◦ Wired ethernet
32-bit CPU
64MB RAM
Dolby Digital encoding
DVD-ROM- 3.5 inch hard drive
AV Multi Out port for
composite video, component
video, separate video, and
SCART
2nd worst video game
controller
9. Released 2006
Motion sensor game-play
Wireless controller,
detects movement in 3D
WiiConnect24- users
remain connected to
Internet while console on
standby (send messages)
88 MB main memory
512 MB internal flash
memory
SD memory card slot
(external storage)
PowerPC based “Broadway”
CPU
AV Multi Out port
10. Microsoft introduces Kinect for XBox 360
Controller-free gaming
Webcam-style add on to Xbox 360 console
Natural user interface
Kinect sensor RGB camera,depth sensor, multi-
array microphone
Sensor reaches up to 11ft distance
Track up to 6 people
Headset-free party chat
Video at rate of 30 Hz
Angular view of 57 degrees (horiz), 43 degrees (vert)
4 microphone capsules
13. Kinect uses “true technology that science
fiction hasn’t even written about.” – Peter
Molyneux
Creators of Kinect have incorporated New
Media and its technology in it
Consumers of Kinect interact with this
technology
Gaming has been brought to a whole new
level of intelligence and interaction
14. Would you consider purchasing Kinect for
Xbox?
If not, why?
