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Sega launched
The service game company was founded June 3, 1960. -
Pong Released
The first widely popularized arcade game by Atari that led to a successful copyright lawsuit by Magnavox Odyssey. -
Period: to
First Generation
The first of seven distinct increase in technology. Before this, coin-operated arcade games ruled. -
Magnavox Odyssey Released
The world's first game console, known as the the "Brown Box." Only 340,000 units were ever sold. -
Period: to
Second Generation
The second of seven distinct increase in technology. The introduction of early 8-bit home consoles and CPU-based gaming units. -
Pac Man
1980 saw the release of one of the most famous arcade games ever. Created by Namco, the game has grossed over $2 billion dollars since its release. -
Mario Brothers
A hugely successful full-color platform arcade game by Nintendo about Italian-American plumber Mario and his brother Luigi defeating enemies in the sewers beneath New York City. -
Period: to
Third Generation
The third of seven distinct increases in technology. Dominated by Nintendo. -
Video Game Crash
The delay of Atari's 7800 console and the flood of consoles and poor quality games based on ET resulted in a two-year econmic slump for video game giants. -
NES
The 8-bit Nintendo Entertainment System helped to rebound the industry after the crashed with its 60 million units sold and the openness towards third-party developers. -
Period: to
Handheld games
This timespan saw the introduction of the first solely handheld gaming devices. -
Super NES
This gaming console had more advanced audio and graphics abilities and pioneered better 3D graphics. -
Period: to
Fourth Generation
The fourth of seven distinct increases in technology. The addition of 16-bit processors and the competiton between Nintendo and Sega. -
Period: to
Fifth Generation
The fifth of seven distinct increases in technology. The 32- and 64-bit era with the introduction of Sony and the internet to the mix. -
Sony Playstation
The wildly successful 32-bit console by Sony that was the first of its time to sell over 100 million units and started a dynasty of Playstation consoles. -
Period: to
Sixth Generation
The second-to-last of seven distinct increases in technology. 128-bit computing power introduced. -
Microsoft Xbox
Microsoft's first console predating the Xbox 360 and Xbox One that sold 24 million units. -
Nintendo Wii
The fifth home game console by game giant Nintendo that utilized wireless controllers and internet based services to target a wider demographic than its competitors. In 2007, it was named the sales leader of the generation. -
Period: to
Seventh Generation
The final of seven distinct increases in technology. Starting with the release of the Xbox 360 and multiple breakthroughs in gaming technology. -
Period: to
Eighth Generation
The most recent development in technology that is predicted to be the last one. Smart phones, tablets, and smart TVs compete with the newest consoles from Nintendo, Sony, and Microsoft.
