Old Game Systems

The Glory and Fall of Old Game Systems

The seventh generation of video game systems is currently pushing its way to the gaming industry. In fact, Microsoft-produced Xbox 360 is the only video game system that has been released so far as far as the seventh generation of game consoles is concerned. Sony’s PlayStation 3, Nintendo’s Wii, and Evizions Computer Entertainment’s EVO: Phase One are all scheduled to be released at the last quarter of 2006. These video game systems have a long way to go and different game developers are on their way on creating the next generation of video game systems that will be released as soon as possible.

Beyond the new generation of video game systems, probably you already forgot its predecessors, particularly the first and second generations. Such generations became the “cream of the crop” of the gaming industry during its early years, and facilitated the development of subsequent video game systems until the seventh generation. What we do not realize is that new video game system becomes old video game system soon, and is soon forgotten in a dusty corner.

That is what exactly happened to the old game systems. Once, they have been glorified because of the extraordinary entertainment that it provides to the gaming public. But now, they are just within the sidesteps of our memory, being demolished by new game systems which, as previously mentioned, will soon become old technologies once newer systems will be introduced to the market.

At this point, we need to refresh our memories and take ourselves back to the time when old game systems were at the pedestal of excellent recognition during the first stretch of video game systems and rediscover why we loved these game systems in the first place.

Atari 2600

The Atari 2600, which was released in October 1977, became the first successful video game system to use plug-in cartridges instead of the traditional built-in games. It was originally known as Atari VCS (Video Computer System), which was changed in Atari 2600 in 1982 after the release of the more advanced 5200. It is equipped with two conventional joystick controllers, a game cartridge, and an adjoined pair of paddle controllers.

The fundamental layout of Atari 2600 is similar to other game systems and home computer during the 80s. Its central processing unit (CPU) was the MOS Technology 6507, an 8-bit microprocessor capable of addressing 8 KB of game memory, which is considered to be a lot during the 70s era. It was running at 1.19 megahertz on the 2600 model. The game system contains 128 bytes RAM for runtime data, which included state of the game world and call stack. In the absence of a frame buffer (a video output device which drives a video display from a memory buffer that has an extensive data frame), the 2600 made use of 2 bitmapped sprites, single-pixel ball, 2 single-line missile sprites, and a playfield. On the other hand, its video hardware gave 2600 the reputation of being among the game machines in the world that is difficult to program.

Atari 7800 Prosystem

The 7800 Prosystem was released by Atari in June 1986, which is designed to reestablish the company’s market supremacy against two of the prominent video game system producer during that time (Colecovision and Intellivision) as well as to replace the unpopular Atari 5200. The 7800 Prosystem addressed the shortcomings of 5200, particularly the joysticks and the compatibility with 2600-enabled games.

The 7800 Prosystem was Atari’s first video game system designed by other company, particularly the General Computer Corporation (GCC). Since it was designed to be upgraded into a complete home computer, the game system made use of a keyboard which had an expansion port in addition to other peripherals such as printers and disk drives. Furthermore, GCC came up with a high-score cartridge, which is a battery-backed RAM game cartridge that is developed for saving high game scores.

However, the 7800 Prosystem faced a severe software drought that marked the crash of all Atari game systems. There were few title releases made by Atari and most of them were lacking in feature and was generally unpolished. There were also some 7800 games that were made which are already available in the previous Atari video game systems. It was also noted that there were no effort in recruiting third party game developers, aside from several game titles. Later on, Atari finally announced that they were formally abandoning the 7800 Prosystem.

These are just two of hundreds of old game systems which had been glorified on the early years of video gaming. Although most of them have sad endings, their contribution to the video gaming industry will be remembered and will serve as an inspiration for present video game system development.

US Game Systems

US Game Systems: Providing Great Game Systems for the US and the rest of the World

US Game Systems

The US is one of the leading manufacturers of game systems today. In the past, a company in the US developed Atari and it took the world by storm. Today, there are other immensely popular game systems available in the market that the US has developed.

The USA is also known to develop great games for different popular game systems around the world. It is a fact that the American people loves to be entertained. This is why a lot of Americans buy different gadgets and equipments to entertain themselves. They even make their own home cinemas and entertainment rooms where it is filled with state-of-the-art sound and video system.

Adding to the entertainment system, they also install a game system of their choice in these rooms. The video games systems available today are integrated with the latest technology in graphics and sound. With this technology, gaming consoles today are played with realistic characters in realistic environments. Some games for gaming systems are so real that children aren’t allowed to play because of the realistic violence integrated in the game.

Large game system companies and game developers have teamed up to produce quality games in the USA and also around the world. Today, more and more popular game titles are popping out of the market.

Today, there are three game system manufacturers that are dominating the market. These companies are:

• Nintendo

• Microsoft

• Sony

These three companies equally offer the best game systems available that are integrated with the latest technology in 3D graphics and sound. Up to this day, these three large game system developers are continuously competing to dominate the game industry.

They are now even taking advantage of the internet by integrating worldwide multiplayer games that can connect players from all over the world to play against or with each other. With this technology, playing games is never the same anymore. They now integrate wireless internet technology in their systems to maximize game play.

These companies are now thinking of new ways of letting people play the games in their game systems. They are now even integrating their graphics chips that will be compatible to high-definition TV. This means games will be more enjoyable to play.

One new game system developed by Nintendo is now going to be released in the United States on November 2006. This game system developed by Nintendo is called Nintendo Wii and people from all over the world are now anticipating the release of this new game system that is filled with new features with claims that it will change the way people see video game systems.

Sony is also going to release their new video game system in the market in November 2006. This game system is called PlayStation 3. It also has stunning specifications that people will really want to play with.

Microsoft is also going to release their new game system on November 2006. Also filled with great specifications, the people in the US will really love to have one in their own home.

As you can see, all of the three companies are getting more and more competitive with their game systems. It is up to you to decide which game system you choose. As an American, you would really want a game system that will offer quality entertainment with quality games.

When choosing a game system, it is important that you shouldn’t just look at the price for comparison. It is also important to consider the features inside these machines in order for you to get the best game system available. Another way to choose is the additional features. With the increasing amount of features being integrated in the game systems today, it is very hard to choose which game system to purchase.

You should choose a game system that offers the features you need in a game console which you can really enjoy.

Another factor that you should consider when choosing a game system is the number of game titles available. The more popular game titles available, the better the game system is.

These are some of the things you should consider when choosing a game system. So, if you want a game system that can truly entertain you, you should consider the mentioned tips before you rush into the nearest store and purchase a game system.

New Game Systems

New Game Systems: Which Game Systems You Should Buy

People in this modern society demands better entertainment for them to relax after a long day at work or at school. There are different kinds of entertainment available today. Some people go to movie theaters, some play sports, some prefer watching TV or listening to music, while other prefer playing video games.

Today, video game systems are becoming more and more sophisticated and are now integrated with the latest technology in graphics and sounds. If you played with the latest video game systems before, you know how much fun it is to play with these machines.

Game systems are basically a great form of entertainment where you can interact with the TV. Since the beginning of the development of video games, people have been purchasing and demanding newer game system with the latest technology. Because of this demand, many game system developers are striving to provide the best game systems in the industry.

Games for the game systems or consoles are also becoming more and more realistic everyday. These powerful machines combined with the latest games available can really make you feel as if you are a part of the game itself and not just someone playing the game. The realistic environment that is integrated in these games is so good that it created the ESRB. The ESRB rates the games on what particular age it is recommended for.

However, because of the competition that is going on between game system developers and game developers, many people find it confusing on which game systems and games they should buy. First of all, game systems today are so close in terms of graphics and sound technology that it adds to the confusion among consumers.

So, as a consumer, you have to know which game system you should purchase. Since there are a lot of new game systems popping out in the market, you have to choose which game system you should buy.

Here are examples of the latest game systems available in the market today:

• Sony PlayStation 2

• Microsoft Xbox 360

• Nintendo GameCube

There are more game system developer companies that are competing in the market today. And, more and more new game systems are being released. This adds more to the confusion of consumers. In order for you to know which game systems you should purchase, it is recommended that you should compare the different game systems that it is on your list and determine which game system is the best.

You should look for a game system with higher processor speed, has the highest transfer rate, the latest in graphics technology, the highest RAM, the best sound technology, and also other features, such as the ability to let you play online multiplayer games, and also a wide variety of games available.

You should also choose a video game system that has been tested and brought by a lot of customers worldwide. You can also ask your friends who owns a video game system and ask about the performance and also ask if he or she is satisfied with it. You can also gain access to different comments of game system owners through the reviews in the internet.

If you want a more in depth look at the newest game systems available in the market or one that is going to be released in the market soon, you should visit the website of the manufacturers. By doing this, you will know more about the video game system and know which new game system you should purchase.

Always remember that you shouldn’t only base on the price of the game system when you are shopping for one, you should also determine the different technology integrated in the game system and you should also know if the game system has a wide library of games available. Besides, you don’t want a video game system with limited game library; this will create boredom because after you get tired of the same old games, you will likely want to buy newer games for your game console.

So, in case you are shopping for a new video game system, you have to remember all of the things mentioned above. Always remember that these machines don’t come in cheap and this is why it is recommended that you should first research about the machine before you buy.