This document traces the history and evolution of major video game consoles from 1977 to 2011, highlighting key specifications and features of each console generation including the Atari VCS, Nintendo NES, Sega Genesis, PlayStation, Xbox, Nintendo Wii, and Microsoft Kinect. It provides details on the introduction of new technologies like CD-ROM, motion control, and online connectivity that drove competition and advancement in the gaming industry.

1. By Katie Powell

2.  1977: the Atari VCS
 1985: the Nintendo (NES)
 1989: Sega Genesis
 1995: PlayStation
 2001: Xbox
 2006: Nintendo Wii

3.  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”)

4.  1985 Nintendo (NES)
released
 Set standards for
game design and
controller designs
 8-bit CPU console
 16K RAM
 52 colors on display
palette

5.  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

6.  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

7.  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

8.  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

9.  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

11.  Announcement

12.  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

13.  Would you consider purchasing Kinect for
Xbox?
 If not, why?