1976-1983: The Early 8-bit Era
The early 8-bit era (The Golden Age of Video Games) was ushered in 1976 with the Fairchild Channel F. The Fairchild Chanel F would introduce features that would be common to this era of gaming. The Fairchild Channel F introduced a microprocessor, a component needed for the AI used to generate computer opponents. This would allow for the creation of one-players games. The Fairchild Channel F would begin the second generation of video game consoles, but it was the Atari 2600 that would be king, with 30 million sales.
This marks the shift to ROM-based cartridges, where games are coded to the ROM cartridges rather than to the system itself. Before ROM-based cartridges, a limited amount of games were programmed into a console. With the advent of ROM-based cartridges, consoles were no longer limited in the number of games they could offer.
Second-generation consoles added basic audio features and basic color graphics, between two colors (1 bit) and sixteen (4 bit). Graphics consisted of blocks with resolutions up to 160 x 192 pixels. Games would span multiple flip-screen areas, and scrolling play fields would be introduced in the third generation of console gaming.
Home Consoles:
- November 1976: Fairchild Channel F
1979: Fairchild Channel F II
Company: Fairchild Semiconductor
Original price: $169.95
2019 price: $737.56
Sales: 250,000
Number of Games: 28
Best-selling game: Video-17: Pinball Challenge
Media: Cartridge
Main controller(s): Joystick/paddle
Other peripherals: N/A
Fairchild: Fairchild was founded by Sherman Fairchild in Delaware in 1927. Sherman Fairchild founded over 70 companies, but this particular company would go through a name change several times. Originally Fairchild focused on aviation technology, then cameras for military and commercial aerial mapping. The company became known as Fairchild Semiconductor in 1957, releasing the Fairchild F in 1976. Fairchild Semiconductor became a subsidiary of National Conductor in 1987, and in turn, National Conductor became a subsidiary of Texas Instruments in 2011. The remains of Fairchild, including Fairchild Imaging, are owned by BAE Systems and operate out of Milpitas, California today. Fairchild would not produce another video game console after the Fairchild F II in 1979, but their innovation and contribution to video game history live on.
The Fairchild Channel F was the first video game system to use cartridges, and the first to use a microprocessor.
Cartridge-based technology allowed the Fairchild F to produce 28 different games. Games included sports, trivia, action, shooters, educational, racing, maze, platforms, puzzles, pinball, and gambling themes; a much more rich assortment of games than ever before.
The technology of the Fairchild F was revolutionary. The first video game system to accept cartridges and to utilize a microprocessor, it’s hard to imagine the history of video games without either of these.
- 1977, September 11: Atari 2600
Company: Atari
Original price: $199
2019 price: $815.81
Sales: 30 million
Number of Games: 470 (421 in NA)
Best-selling game: Pac-Man (7 million)
Media: Cartridge
Main controller(s): Joystick
Other peripherals: Driving controller, keypad, Game Brain, Starpath Supercharger, GameLine
The Atari 2600 was the king of the second generation of gaming with 30 million sales, no other console would come close. Released in 1977, it is one of the most important and influential consoles in the history of video games. With its extensive library of games and easy-to-use joystick controller, the 2600 brought home gaming to a whole new level, helping to establish the video game industry as we know it today. The 2600’s iconic design, with its sleek black console and wood-paneled trim, is instantly recognizable to generations of gamers, and its graphics and sound – while primitive by modern standards – were revolutionary for their time.
One of the defining features of the Atari 2600 was its library of games. While many early consoles had only a handful of titles to choose from, the 2600 boasted hundreds of games in a wide range of genres, from simple sports and arcade-style games to more complex adventure and role-playing games. Some of the most iconic games of all time, including Space Invaders, Pac-Man, and Pitfall!, were released on the 2600, and many of these games continue to be beloved by gamers today. The Atari 2600’s influence on the video game industry cannot be overstated, and its legacy lives on in the countless consoles and games that have followed in its wake.
Here is a later Atari 2600 Commercial I remember from my childhood. I’ll never forget this tune. However, by this time Atari would never regain its grasp as the king of consoles. Games were being pumped out left and right for the Atari 2600, and many poorly produced games sunk Atari’s reputation with consumers. This commercial was a failed attempt to lure customers back to a cheaper console, but the future lay with newer consoles, like the Nintendo Entertainment System.
- 1977, October: Bally Astrocade
Company: Midway
Original price: $299
2019 price: $1,221.78
Sales: N/A
Number of Games: around 40
Best-selling game: N/A
Media: Cartridge, cassette, floppy
Main controller(s): N/A
Other peripherals: N/A
Midway: Midway was originally a manufacturer of amusement park rides, and later expanded to produce pinball machines and other arcade games before entering the video game market. The Bally Astrocade, released in 1977, was a lesser-known but innovative console in the early days of gaming. Developed by Bally Technologies, the Astrocade was ahead of its time with its advanced graphics capabilities and built-in BASIC programming language.
The Astrocade had a unique design, with a front panel that housed the system’s controls and game cartridges. The console’s graphics were impressive for its time, with a color palette of 256 colors and a maximum resolution of 160×102 pixels. The console was capable of producing smooth animation and detailed graphics, making it a popular choice for home game developers and hobbyists.
One of the most notable features of the Astrocade was its built-in BASIC programming language. This allowed users to write and create their own games, making the console a favorite among DIY game developers. The console also had an expandable memory, allowing for larger and more complex programs to be developed.
Despite its innovative features, the Astrocade struggled to compete with more well-known consoles of the time, such as the Atari 2600 and the Intellivision. The console’s high price and lack of a strong library of games made it a difficult sell to the average consumer. However, the Astrocade did find a dedicated fan base among hobbyists and homebrew game developers.
Today, the Bally Astrocade is a relic of gaming history, with a small but passionate following of collectors and enthusiasts. While it may not have had the commercial success of other consoles of its time, the Astrocade was a unique and innovative piece of technology that played an important role in the early days of gaming.
- 1978, December (EU): Magnavox Odyssey²
- 1979, February (NA): Magnavox Odyssey²
Company: Magnavox
Original price: $179
2019 price: $652.05
Sales: 2 million
Number of Games: 46
Best-selling game: N/A
Media: Cartridge
Main controller(s): Joystick
Other peripherals: The Choice, Chess Module
The Magnavox Odyssey², released in 1978, was a pioneering console in the early days of gaming. Developed by Magnavox, the Odyssey² was an evolution of the original Magnavox Odyssey, featuring improved graphics and gameplay features.
The Odyssey² had a unique design, with a futuristic silver and black color scheme and a distinctive membrane keyboard for game selection. The console’s graphics were impressive for its time, with a maximum resolution of 280×192 pixels and 128 colors. The console also featured a built-in speech synthesizer, which added an extra level of immersion to certain games.
One of the most notable features of the Odyssey² was its library of educational games. The console’s developers believed that games could be used as a tool for learning, so they created a variety of educational games for the console. These games covered a range of subjects, from math and spelling to history and science. This made the Odyssey 2 a popular choice among parents who wanted their children to learn while they played.
The Odyssey² also had a strong library of traditional games, including popular arcade games like Pac-Man and Donkey Kong. These games were often faithful adaptations of their arcade counterparts, and the Odyssey²’s graphics and sound capabilities made them stand out from other home console versions of the games.
While the Odyssey² was not as commercially successful as some of its competitors, it played an important role in the early days of gaming. Its innovative features and unique library of games set it apart from other consoles of its time, and its legacy can still be felt in modern educational games and other gaming experiences that aim to teach as well as entertain.
Overall, the Magnavox Odyssey² was an important and innovative console in the early days of gaming. Its unique design, educational games, and strong library of traditional games made it a favorite among gamers and parents alike, and its legacy can still be felt in modern gaming today.
- 1980: Intellivision
Company: Mattel
Original price: $299
2019 price: $967.38
Sales: 3 million
Number of Games: 133 (118 cartridges, 6 ECS cartridges, 8 cassettes for keyboard component, 1 cartridge for Keyboard Component)
Best-selling game: Las Vegas Poker & Blackjack (1.9 million)
Media: Cartridge, cassette
Main controller(s): Game pad – 16 directions, 12 numeric buttons
Other peripherals: Keyboard Component
Mattel: Before entering the video game market, Mattel was primarily known for producing toys and games such as Barbie dolls, Hot Wheels cars, and Uno card games. Mattel’s entry into the video console industry came in the late 1970s with the release of the Intellivision. The system boasted more advanced graphics and sound than its rival, the Atari 2600, and featured a unique controller with a numeric keypad and directional disc. Despite its initial success, Mattel ultimately struggled to keep up with the pace of technological change and exited the market in the early 1980s.
The Intellivision had superior graphics to the Atari 2600 but lacked the arcade licenses the Atari had. However, it was compatible with Atari 2600 games through the use of the System Changer module. The Intellivision was a classic console that often gets overlooked in the retro gaming conversation. While it may not have had the same brand recognition as Atari or Nintendo, it certainly had its fair share of impressive features. As mentioned, one of the standout features of the Intellivision was its superior graphics to the Atari 2600. Its controllers were also a notable advancement, with a numeric keypad and disc-shaped directional pad that allowed for a wider range of gameplay possibilities.
One of the most intriguing aspects of the Intellivision, however, was its compatibility with Atari 2600 games through the System Changer module. This meant that gamers could expand their library of games without having to purchase a separate console, a feature that was ahead of its time. It’s fascinating to think about the potential impact this could have had on the gaming industry had the Intellivision been able to compete with Atari in terms of licensing agreements. Regardless, the Intellivision remains an important piece of gaming history and a testament to the innovation and creativity of the early pioneers of gaming technology.
- 1982, August: ColecoVision
Company: Coleco
Original price: $199
2019 price: $512.70
Sales: over 2 million
Number of Games: 142 (130 US, 7 foreign, 5 TeleGames)
Best-selling game: Donkey Kong (pack-in)
Media: Cartridge
Main controller(s): Gamepad with knob and numerical keys
Other peripherals: N/A
The ColecoVision, released in 1982, was one of the most popular and innovative consoles of the early 1980s. Its sleek design, featuring a dark blue console with distinctive silver accents, was a departure from the wood-grain look of many of its contemporaries. But it wasn’t just the console’s appearance that set it apart – the ColecoVision was also known for its impressive graphics and sound, which were more advanced than those of its competitors at the time.
One of the ColecoVision’s most unique features was its “Expansion Module Interface,” which allowed players to purchase add-on modules that expanded the console’s capabilities. The most famous of these was the “Atari 2600 Module,” which allowed the ColecoVision to play games designed for the Atari 2600. This made the ColecoVision an attractive option for gamers who already owned an Atari 2600 and wanted to expand their gaming library without buying a new console. While the ColecoVision’s popularity was short-lived due to the video game market crash of 1983, its innovative design and impressive capabilities have earned it a lasting place in the annals of gaming history.
- 1982, May: Arcadia 2001/Leisure Vision
Company: Emerson
Original price: $200
2019 price: $525.49
Sales: N/A
Number of Games: 46
Best-selling game: N/A
Media: ROM cartridge
Main controller(s): Game pad with knob and numerical keys
Other peripherals: N/A
Emerson: Emerson is a large multinational corporation that has been involved in a wide variety of industries over the years, including electronics, engineering, and manufacturing. Prior to entering the video game industry, Emerson was primarily known for its work in electronics and telecommunications, producing products ranging from televisions and radios to transistors and semiconductors. The company was founded in 1890 and has since grown to become one of the largest and most diversified corporations in the world. Emerson entered the video console industry in the early 1980s with the release of the Arcadia 2001.
The Arcadia 2001, released in 1982 by Emerson, was an innovative video game console that aimed to compete with established consoles like the Atari 2600 and ColecoVision. Its unique, triangular design and distinctive controllers set it apart from other consoles of the time. The console was also notable for its library of games, which included many ports of popular arcade games such as Pac-Man and Galaxian, as well as a number of original titles.
Despite its many strengths, the Arcadia 2001 ultimately struggled to find an audience in the competitive video game market of the early 1980s. Its library of games was not as extensive as those of its competitors, and its unique design and controllers may have been seen as too unconventional by some gamers. The console was also hampered by limited marketing and distribution, which made it difficult for Emerson to build awareness and momentum for the product. While the Arcadia 2001 is not as well-remembered as some of its contemporaries, it remains an interesting piece of gaming history and a testament to the innovation and creativity of the early days of the industry.
- 1982, November (NA): Vectrex
Company: General Consumer Electric and Milton Bradley
Original price: $199
2019 price: $511.13
Sales: N/A
Number of Games: 29
Best-selling game: N/A
Media: Cartridge
Main controller(s): Joystick
Other peripherals: 3-D Imager, Light Pen
General Consumer Electric: General Consumer Electric (GCE) was a division of the General Electric Company and primarily produced consumer electronics, such as televisions and radios. General Consumer Electric (GCE) entered the video game industry in the late 1970s. GCE released the Vectrex console in 1982.
The Vectrex was a video game console released by General Consumer Electric (GCE) in 1982. It was unique at the time for its built-in vector display, which produced high-quality graphics for the time. The console also featured a number of unique design elements, including a built-in screen overlay that added color and texture to the games, and a sleek and futuristic controller that was praised for its ergonomics.
One of the most notable aspects of the Vectrex was the quality of its games. The console had a number of popular arcade ports, including titles like Asteroids, Armor Attack, and Space Invaders, which were praised for their faithful reproductions of the original games. In addition, the console had a number of original titles that were exclusive to the platform, such as Minestorm and Star Castle, which were also well-regarded by players and critics alike.
Despite its unique features and high-quality games, the Vectrex struggled to compete with more established consoles like the Atari 2600. Part of this may have been due to its high price point, which made it less accessible to many consumers. In addition, the console had a limited library of games, which made it difficult for the platform to build momentum and establish a strong following. While the Vectrex may not have been a commercial success, it remains an important console in the history of video gaming and is still beloved by many retro-gaming enthusiasts today.
- 1982, November: Atari 5200
Company: Atari
Original price: $270
2019 price: $693.49
Sales: 1 million
Number of Games: 69
Best-selling game: N/A
Media: Cartridge
Main controller(s): Joystick with number pad
Other peripherals: Track-Ball Controller, Atari 2600 adapter (backward compatibility)
The Atari 5200 was a video game console released by Atari in 1982. It was designed as a successor to the popular Atari 2600 and featured a number of significant upgrades over its predecessor. The console boasted a more powerful CPU, improved graphics and sound capabilities, and a sleek new design that was meant to appeal to more sophisticated gamers.
One of the key strengths of the Atari 5200 was its library of games. The console had a number of popular arcade ports, including titles like Ms. Pac-Man, Pole Position, and Galaxian, as well as original titles like Star Raiders and Countermeasure. The console also had a unique feature that allowed it to play many games from the Atari 2600, which helped to build a large library of available titles.
Despite its many strengths, the Atari 5200 struggled to gain traction in the market. Part of this may have been due to its high price point, which made it less accessible to many consumers. In addition, the console was plagued with technical issues, including problems with the controllers that made them difficult to use. These issues, combined with a lack of strong marketing and distribution efforts, made it difficult for the console to build momentum and establish a strong following. While the Atari 5200 may not have been a commercial success, it remains an important console in the history of video gaming and is still beloved by many retro gaming enthusiasts today.
Second-tier home consoles:
- 1977, January: RCA Studio II (RCA)
- 1978: 1292 Advanced Programmable Video System (Audiosonic)
- 1978: APF Microcomputer System or MP1000 (APF Electronics)
- 1978: Interton VC 4000 (Interton)
- 1979: Bandai Super Vision 8000 (Bandai)
- 1981: PlayCable (Mattel and General Instrument)
- 1981: VTech CreatiVision (VTech)
- 1981, July 30 (JP): Epoch Cassette Vision (Epoch)
Portable consoles:
- 1979, November: Microvision
Company: Milton Bradley
Original price: $49.99
2019 price: $165.79
Sales: N/A
Number of Games: 12
Best-selling game: N/A
Media: Cartridge
Milton Bradley: Before entering the video game industry, Milton Bradley was primarily known for manufacturing board games and other tabletop games. The company was founded in 1860 and had a long history of producing popular games like Candy Land, Chutes and Ladders, and Twister. In addition to board games, the company also produced other toys and games, such as jigsaw puzzles and card games. Milton Bradley entered the video game industry in 1979 with the release of the Microvision handheld console, which was one of the first handheld systems to use interchangeable cartridges to play different games.
The Milton Bradley Microvision was a handheld video game console released in 1979. It was one of the first handheld systems to use interchangeable cartridges, which allowed users to play different games on the same device. The console had a small black-and-white screen and a limited selection of games, but it was a groundbreaking innovation in the world of portable gaming.
The Microvision was designed by engineer Jay Smith, who had previously worked on the Apollo Lunar Module. Smith’s experience in designing compact, reliable electronics helped to make the Microvision a well-engineered and dependable device. However, the console’s high price point and a limited library of games made it difficult to compete with other popular handhelds of the time, such as the Game & Watch series from Nintendo.
Despite its commercial struggles, the Microvision has become an important piece of gaming history and is still beloved by many retro-gaming enthusiasts today. The console’s innovative design and early use of interchangeable cartridges helped to lay the groundwork for the portable gaming systems that would follow in the decades to come. While the Microvision may not have been a commercial success, its impact on the world of gaming is still felt today.
- 1980, April 28: The Nintendo Game & Watch
Company: Nintendo
Original price: $20 (each)
2019 price: $62.15
Sales: 43.4 million
Number of Games: 59
Best-selling game: N/A
Media: N/A
Nintendo’s first video game success, the Nintendo Game & Watch gave Nintendo the confidence to enter the gaming industry and forever change the gaming market with the Nintendo Entertainment System. Each unit sported a different mobile game. The joystick was not practical for mobile gaming, so Nintendo introduced the innovation of the d-pad.
- 1981: Select-A-Game
Company: Entex
Original price: $54.99
2019 price: $159.10
Sales: N/A
Number of Games: 6
Best-selling game: Space Invaders 2 (Pack-in game)
Media: Cartridge
Entex: Before entering the video game industry, Entex Industries was primarily known for manufacturing electronic toys and handheld games. The company was founded in the early 1960s and had a wide range of products, including educational toys, sports games, and action figures. Some of Entex’s most popular products before entering the video game market included handheld electronic football and baseball games. Entex entered the video game industry in 1981 with the release of the Entex Select-A-Game, followed by the Entex Adventure Vision in 1982.
The Entex Select-A-Game was a handheld video game console released by Entex Industries in 1981. The console featured a number of built-in games and could also play games on interchangeable cartridges. It was one of the first handheld consoles to feature this type of modular design, which allowed players to choose which games they wanted to play on the go.
The Select-A-Game had a sleek and compact design, with a small LCD screen and a simple button layout. The console’s library of games included a variety of classic arcade-style titles, such as Space Invaders and Pac-Man. While it was not as successful as some of its contemporaries, such as the Nintendo Game & Watch series, the Entex Select-A-Game remains an important part of gaming history and a beloved artifact for retro gaming enthusiasts.
- 1982, August: Adventure Vision
Company: Entex
Original price: $79.95
2019 price: $205.98
Sales: 50,757
Number of Games: 4
Best-selling game: Defender (pack-in)
Media: ROM cartridge
The Entex Adventure Vision was a handheld video game console released by Entex Industries in 1982. The console was notable for its innovative use of a mirrored eyepiece to create a 3D effect in its games. This was a significant technical achievement for the time and made the Adventure Vision stand out from other handheld consoles on the market.
The Adventure Vision had a small but impressive library of games, including titles such as Defender and Turtles. The console’s unique 3D display made these games even more immersive and exciting to play. Unfortunately, Adventure Vision was not a commercial success and was discontinued shortly after its release. However, it remains a fascinating artifact from the early days of handheld gaming and is highly sought after by collectors and enthusiasts today.
- 1984: Palmtex Portable Videogame System (PVS)
Company: Palmtex
Original price: $59.95
2019 price: $148.09
Sales: Under 37,200
Number of Games: 3
Best-selling game: N/A
Media: ROM cartridge
Palmex: Palmtex Corporation was primarily involved in the distribution of electronic components and devices before entering the video game industry. They also had experience in manufacturing other electronic devices such as pocket calculators and handheld LCD games. Palmtex entered the video game industry in the early 1980s, around 1982. They released a number of handheld electronic games and several home video game consoles during this period, including the Super Micro and the Super Action Controller.
The Palmtex Portable Videogame System (PVS) was a handheld video game console released by Palmtex Corporation in 1984. The console featured a full-color LCD screen and was designed to be small and portable, making it an ideal option for gamers on the go. The system was relatively affordable and came bundled with a number of built-in games, as well as the ability to add more through the use of game cartridges.
Despite its advanced features and promising specs, the Palmtex Portable Videogame System was not a commercial success. The console faced stiff competition from other handheld consoles such as the Nintendo Game & Watch and the Atari Lynx, which was more established in the market. Today, the Palmtex Portable Videogame System is a rare and sought-after item among collectors of vintage handheld consoles.
- 1984, November (JP): Game Pocket Computer
Company: Epoch
Original price: ¥12,000
2019 price: ¥14,802.44
Sales: N/A
Number of Games: 7
Best-selling game: Slide Puzzle and Drawing Tool (built-in)
Media: Cartridge
The Game Pocket Computer was a handheld game console released by Epoch Co. in 1984. The console featured a full-color LCD screen and was designed to be small and portable, similar to other handheld consoles of the time. The Game Pocket Computer had a unique feature of a built-in calculator, which was an unusual addition to a video game console. The console was marketed as a versatile device, offering users the ability to play games and perform calculations all in one device.
The console came with a variety of built-in games, including titles such as Mahjong and Blackjack. Players could also purchase additional game cartridges, adding to the console’s library of available games. Despite the console’s unique features and versatility, it was not a commercial success, likely due to the high price point and competition from other handheld consoles. Today, the Game Pocket Computer is a sought-after item among collectors of vintage handheld consoles.