Console Wars Throughout History

Wars often involve mighty guns, courageous men, and omnipresent death. Well, how lucky we are that in the gaming world, they don’t look like that at all. Or maybe they do?

The console war is a unique term, originating in the rivalry between Nintendo and Sega in the late 80s and early 90s. And while the history of video games has witnessed similar events earlier, the brutality of this conflict inspired later wars. It is a piece of quite an exciting gaming evolution that few people know about. But with this guide, you can learn more if you too find this subject incredibly fascinating.

Console Wars Throughout History

First Console War: Atari vs. Intellivision (Late 1970s – Early 1980s)

Atari 2600 Once upon a time, the first consoles used removable game modules, also known as cartridges. After the great arcade Pong console success, Atari created an even faster and better device. It was the beginning of the Atari 2600, featuring 128-color graphics at 160 x 102 resolution, 128 bytes of RAM, and 4 kilobytes of ROM game cartridge support. Soon users of this invention could enjoy the best games of the time, like Backgammon, Space Invaders, and Asteroids.

Intellivision

Released in 1979, the device from today’s Mattel became the second best-selling console of the second generation. Initially equipped with only four launch titles, it soon became a severe threat to Atari. It sold 175,000 units with a library of thirty-five video games in 16-color graphics with 159 x 96 pixels resolution only in the first year.

Comparison and contrast

Although the Atari 2600 was the first, the Intellivision offered better graphics and sound abilities. The latter also decided to promote the product quite aggressively, comparing the capabilities of both consoles. Combining all this with an excellent sales strategy, Intellivision had a realistic chance of beating Atari. But there were no winners in this war – in 1983 came a dramatic time of crash in the video game industry.

Second Console War: Nintendo vs. Sega (The late 1980s – Early 1990s)

Nintendo Entertainment System (NES)

This third-generation 9-bit console launched many fantastic titles like The Legend of Zelda, Mega Man, and the legendary Super Mario Bros. Functioning under the Famicom name in Japan, NES became the best-selling console of all time, until 2010 when it was surpassed by the Wii console. Plus, it helped save the condition of the gaming industry after the 1983 crash.

Sega Genesis

This miniaturized version of the Sega System 16 machine started its career in 1988 in Japan and soon became famous worldwide. Competing with Nintendo, Sega designed a mascot worthy of Mario – Sonic the Hedgehog. Using quite aggressive advertising, the company soon achieved quite a success. And its users could enjoy great titles like Mortal Kombat, The Lion King, Lemmings, and many more.

Comparison and contrast

Sega outsold Nintendo in this brutal matchup with assertive advertising and technology differences. Popularizing Sonic as the older kids’ friend, the Genesis console became a perfect product for anyone wanting a more grown Nintendo alternative until the Super Nintendo Entertainment System 1990 release.

Third Console War: Sony vs. Nintendo vs. Sega (The mid-1990s – Early 2000s)

Sony PlayStation

The fifth consoles generation brought something new – the first device from Sony using a CD-ROM drive. Although the history of its creation was not uncomplicated, PlayStation soon dominated the market by offering better deals for game developers. All users of this groundbreaking console could play many excellent titles in 3D, like Crash Bandicoot, Final Fantasy, and Medal of Honor.

Nintendo 64

Nintendo 64 introduced many titles unavailable on other consoles like PS1. Among its most important games were memorable titles, including Mario Tennis, GoldenEye, and the sensational The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time. In addition, the machine offered a four-player gameplay with cartridges. Nintendo eventually sold over 32 million units, marking an essential success in the history of the console wars.

Sega Dreamcast

Released in 1998 in Japan, the Dreamcast was Sega’s last console. By 2000, it outsold the Nintendo 64 by delivering many cool games like GTA 2, Resident Evil, and Sonic Adventure. Ultimately, Dreamcast users could enjoy a library of over 320 titles! Soon, however, sales declined, and in 2001 Sega announced the end of production.

Comparison and contrast

Compared to the Sony PlayStation, Dreamcast and Nintendo 64 had pretty low sales. Funny, as initially, Nintendo and Sony were supposed to create a joint console until the former started an unexpected cooperation with Philips. Also, Square Enix released Final Fantasy VII on PS1, which upset Nintendo with this particular developer. Many bad decisions, poor marketing campaigns, and weak game libraries made PlayStation win this war.

Fourth Console War: Sony vs. Microsoft vs. Nintendo (Early 2000s – Early 2010s)

Sony PlayStation 2

This elegant black box became the best-selling console ever, with over 155 million units sold. Released in 2000 in Japan, it had a CD drive, DVD player and could play PS1 titles. Which at a low price brought surprisingly impressive results. Users of this mightiest console could play sensational games and sequels like Gran Turismo 3 and 4, GTA 3, or God of War.

Microsoft Xbox

In 2002, another big player entered the market – the first Xbox. And when Nintendo focused on portable consoles, it turned out as the best competition for PS. No wonder, as it had much better parameters with an 8GB hard drive. Plus, Microsoft’s Xbox was the first console connected to the internet – and had the Halo series!

Nintendo GameCube

Released a year after the PS2, the GameCube was quite successful, selling 22 million units. When the market was ruled by two consoles from Microsoft and Sony, Nintendo introduced this $100 cheaper alternative, featuring a library of 653 video games. Call of Duty, Dragon Ball, FIFA, Luigi’s Mansion, and Resident Evil are among the best.

Comparison and contrast

Who won? In the end, the victory belonged to Sony and its PlayStation 2. The Xbox was too new and unknown to become the first-choice console, and Nintendo’s sales fell far behind the two giants. At the time, people loved the PlayStation, and its massive sales are proof enough.

Fifth Console War: Sony vs. Microsoft vs. Nintendo (The late 2000s – 2020s)

Sony PlayStation 3 and PlayStation 4

PS3 was the first to use Blu-ray and offer access to PlayStation Network service. It laid the foundation for the launch of the PlayStation 4 console, which was supposed to meet the requirements of even more demanding and best-selling titles like Uncharted 4, The Last of Us, or Ghost of Tsushima.

Microsoft Xbox 360 and Xbox One

Xbox 360 encountered many sales and technical problems. Many users bought overheating units with the so-called Red Ring of Death. Soon, Microsoft eliminated this problem, but the aversion remained. The Xbox One was destined to be the one and only console device in every home. Using Blu-ray, it soon got two more versions – Xbox One S and Xbox One X.

Nintendo Wii and Wii U

With the release of the Wii and Wii U consoles, Nintendo occupied a niche in the video game market. Focused on providing the best entertainment for the whole family, it didn’t fight for victory against Sony and Microsoft doing their thing. And it was a brilliant strategic choice with highly satisfying sales results.

Comparison and contrast

Like almost all previous wars, PlayStation won this one as well. But mainly due to a massive library of games and players’ trust. Therefore, PS4 outsold Xbox.

Sixth Console War: Sony vs. Microsoft vs. Nintendo (2020s – Present)

Sony PlayStation 5

The ninth generation of consoles brought a worthy PS 4 successor – PlayStation 5. Supporting the Blu-ray drive and games from digital distribution, PS5 initiated a significant leap into the future compared to other consoles of the past. No wonder it sold 30 million copies by January 2023.

Microsoft Xbox Series X|S

This 2020 successor to the Xbox One comes in two versions – a slightly weaker one and a stronger one. Like the PS 5 Digital Edition, the Xbox Series S does not use a disc drive. It is simply an improved version of its predecessor. X/S excels at running the most demanding games and exclusives like Halo Infinite, Forza Horizon 5, or Ori and the Will of the Wisps.

Nintendo Switch

Released in 2017, Nintendo’s handheld console sold over 14 million units by the end of that year. And that’s what made it the most trusted mobile console, making Nintendo Switch the go-to place for releasing all the finest indie and other titles like Hello Neighbor, Made in Abyss, and The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt.

Comparison and contrast

The sixth console war started the end of conflicts between giant corporations. Nintendo found its niche, Sony focused on providing the best hardware for hardcore gamers, and Microsoft is working on delivering a memorable gaming experience. Ultimately, the war brought once-lost balance in the console world.

Conclusion

The history of console wars may sound like a fun anecdote to tell at a party. But they are also memorable events in the development of gaming. Each step shows a fast path to moving video games to the cloud and starting something like Netflix for games.

History can help us predict what will happen in the future and how we — the players — will benefit from possible wars. But the console wars prove one more thing – gaming is an evolution. According to the famous saying that only the fittest survive, Nintendo, Microsoft, and Sony had to work out different paths determined by external factors like player preferences or technological limitations. They adapted, and that’s why they live to this day.