What video game console was in the 70's and 80's?

The 1970s and 1980s were formative years for the video game industry. This period saw the emergence of the first home consoles and the rise of arcade games, laying the foundation for the gaming culture we know today. Let's take a look at some of the most notable video game consoles from that era and explore some famous games associated with them.

1970s Video Game Consoles

1. Magnavox Odyssey (1972)

• Launch Year: 1972

• Description: The Magnavox Odyssey is widely considered the first home video game console. It didn't have a microprocessor and could only display simple graphics made up of squares and lines, but it introduced the concept of playing games at home. The Odyssey featured games like Pong, but with variations such as “Tennis” and “Shooting Gallery.”

• Game Example: Pong – The most iconic game, a basic two-player table-tennis simulation.

• YouTube Channel: Retro Gaming Time – Features gameplay and history of vintage consoles like the Magnavox Odyssey.

2. Color TV-Game Series (1977)

• Launch Year: 1977

• Description: Developed by Nintendo, the Color TV-Game series was a set of dedicated home consoles that primarily offered simple, pre-programmed games, including Pong variants. These consoles helped establish Nintendo as a player in the video game market, long before the release of their Game Boy and Super Mario Bros..

• Game Example: TV-Game 6 – A Pong clone with six variations of the game.

• YouTube Channel: Nostalgia Nerd – Provides deep dives into consoles like Color TV-Game.

3. Atari 2600 (1977)

• Launch Year: 1977

• Description: The Atari 2600 revolutionized home gaming by allowing players to swap cartridges for different games. It introduced arcade-style games into the living room and became synonymous with video gaming in the late '70s and early '80s. It had classics like Space Invaders and Pac-Man, which helped establish the home console market.

• Game Example: Space Invaders – One of the first arcade-style shooters to hit the home console market.

• YouTube Channel: Classic Game Room – Features gameplay and reviews of retro consoles like the Atari 2600.

1980s Video Game Consoles

1. Nintendo Entertainment System (NES) (1985)

• Launch Year: 1985

• Description: The Nintendo Entertainment System (NES) is one of the most iconic consoles of all time, largely responsible for reviving the video game industry after the 1983 video game crash. It was home to some of the most beloved games, including Super Mario Bros., The Legend of Zelda, and Metroid, shaping the future of gaming.

• Game Example: Super Mario Bros. – The groundbreaking side-scrolling platformer that launched Mario’s global fame.

• YouTube Channel: Game Grumps – A popular YouTube channel that plays through classic NES games like Super Mario Bros. and The Legend of Zelda.

2. Sega Master System (1985)

• Launch Year: 1985

• Description: The Sega Master System was Sega’s attempt to rival Nintendo’s NES. Though it wasn’t as successful in North America, it performed well in regions like Brazil and Europe. It featured games like Alex Kidd in Miracle World and Sonic the Hedgehog.

• Game Example: Alex Kidd in Miracle World – A quirky platformer that became the face of Sega's early console offerings.

• YouTube Channel: Sega Lord X – A YouTube channel dedicated to retro Sega consoles and games, including the Sega Master System.

3. Commodore 64 (1982)

• Launch Year: 1982

• Description: The Commodore 64 wasn’t strictly a video game console, but rather a personal computer that became a massive success in the early 1980s due to its ability to play games. The system was popular for its graphics, sound, and affordability, making it a favorite in the home entertainment space.

• Game Example: The Bard’s Tale – A classic dungeon-crawling RPG that was one of the most popular titles for the C64.

• YouTube Channel: Retro Man Cave – A channel that dives deep into the history of systems like the Commodore 64, reviewing old games and hardware.

4. Atari 7800 (1986)

• Launch Year: 1986

• Description: The Atari 7800 was a successor to the Atari 2600, and it introduced improved graphics and backward compatibility with Atari 2600 games. While it was technically advanced for its time, it struggled due to strong competition from Nintendo and Sega.

• Game Example: Pole Position II – A racing game that took advantage of the 7800's improved graphics.

• YouTube Channel: AtariAge – Offers gameplay videos and reviews of Atari 7800 games, showcasing titles from the golden era of Atari.

The Impact of These Consoles

The 1970s and 1980s were crucial decades in the development of gaming. Early consoles like the Magnavox Odyssey and Atari 2600 laid the foundation for the home gaming industry, while later systems like the NES and Sega Master System solidified the role of consoles in mainstream entertainment.

These consoles were not just for playing games, but also for cultural impact, bringing video games to living rooms worldwide. The games were simple but memorable, introducing characters and gameplay styles that would influence future generations of game designers.

Are Retro Games Worth Playing Today?

Absolutely! Retro games offer a unique gaming experience, with their simpler mechanics, pixel art style, and nostalgic music. Playing these games on modern systems or retro consoles like the NES or Atari 2600 can be a fun trip down memory lane or an introduction to the roots of video gaming.

For those looking to dive into retro gaming in 2025, emulation offers a way to play these classic games on modern devices, while official consoles like Nintendo Switch Online offer curated collections of retro titles to enjoy.

• Where to Buy or Play Retro Games:
  • eBay – A popular site for purchasing retro consoles and games.
  • Nintendo Switch Online – Includes a selection of NES and SNES games available for subscribers.
  • Steam – Has some classic game collections, including games like Pac-Man and Space Invaders.

By visiting these YouTube channels and websites, you can explore the rich history of early gaming and discover why these consoles remain beloved to this day.