Xbox was the first video game console produced by Microsoft, in collaboration with Intel and Nvidia. The Xbox was developed to compete against Sony's PlayStation 2, the Nintendo GameCube and Sega Dreamcast as part of the sixth generation consoles. Their main characteristics are the analog triggers command, soon to be taken by Sony in Sixasis and DualShock 3 Control and its successor, the Xbox 360.
The main characteristic is the core processor based on processor IntelPentium III. The system also incorporates a DVD player, an internal hard drive, ethernet port and finally the system has four connectors for the controls.
The architecture of the Xbox is based on the x86 architecture similar to a PC, this has made it easier for developers to adapt a large number of PC titles for Xbox, helping to expand the catalog of console games.
After launch, Microsoft began working on its successor using a different architecture. In late 2005, the Xbox 360 was launched as the successor to the Xbox. In 2006, Microsoft removed the Xbox Marketplace, so active in the marketing of the Xbox 360. The units of this equipment were sold 24 million consoles, according to official figures
XBOX 360
Is a continuation of the original Xbox but much more powerful. Now based on a multi-core CPU in the hands of IBM, who designed the new machine architecture. It was the first console of the current generation, and that played in favor of Microsoft, as it gave a lot of games, when it leaves its competitors, and are starting to get their full potential, being top seller (exhausted their stock to hit the market). Provides support for games of its predecessor, although emulation mode, so many do not work properly. It was a machine that sold virtually at cost, with a very tight profit margin on a long-term business strategy (technique that Sony would copy later). But Microsoft, true to their traditional way of rapid development and neglected, left some bugs that cause the machine at random, the famous ring of death, after which the console is unusable. Halo 3 was one of the most anticipated and spectacular.Then start hitting the market improved Xbox 360:
Xbox 360 Core
The Core system is designed for those players who want to exploit the full potential of the new generation. No cable to connect to HDTV inputs and hard, necessary to fully enjoy Xbox Live. Besides bringing the remote is not wireless.
Xbox 360 Premium
In principle the summit of Xbox 360, brings cable to connect components to an HDTV input, 20GB hard drive to save games, demos, videos, music, games Arcade ... It includes a wireless controller and a headset and microphone for Xbox Live. Along with the hardware comes one month trial of Xbox Live Gold. Additionally, included a XBOX360 Media Remote for a limited way.
Xbox 360 Elite
In 2007 Microsoft announced a review of the Xbox 360 hardware, the Elite system is designed to take advantage of the multimedia content to their competitors. Xbox 360 Elite is the most expensive and advanced of the three versions. Internally the same as an Xbox 360 Premium but two differences, brings video output HDMI (v1.2) and a 120GB hard drive designed for multimedia content begins to deploy Microsoft XBox Live, series and movie rentals Servidio in IPTV, still nonexistent outside the United States. The March 27, 2007 Microsoft announced the release date for their Elite, April 29 in the United States, May 4 in Canada and in Europe after the summer as one of the most anticipated and spectacular
In the late 70`s, after the proliferation of home computers, the video game industry entered a important crisis, since players prefer hack or buy the games, instead of spending money on them.
The solution to the problem was the creation by companies of their own home consoles, or develop software for them. In this context arises the Nintendo Entertainment System, or NES, an 8-bit console released by Nintendo in 1983 in Japan as the Famicom, short for Family Computer. After some minor corrections and thanks to great success in the Asian market, Nintendo decided in 1985 to launch in North America, South America, Asia, Europe, Oceania and Africa
Super Nintendo Entertainment System (SNES)
The Super Nintendo Entertainment System, also known as Super Nintendo, Super NES or SNES, was a 16-bit console and was released by Nintendo in Asia, North America, South America, Europe, Oceania and Africa. In Japan it was known as the Super Famicom ( diminutive or contraction of Super Familiy Computer). In South Korea is also known by the name of "Super Comboy" and was distributed by Hyundai Electronics.
The SNES was the second home console from Nintendo. While initially had to fight in PAL regions and part of Asia the SNES proved to be an absolute success worldwide, in part because they had millions of followers from the days of the NES.
Nintendo took a long time to design this console, which at the time of its launch had a very high power and superior to its competitors, although not long after life was technologically surpassed by other consoles that have failed same success.
3D age and new generation of consoles
In 1995, Nintendo, following the advice of Gunpei Yokoi, released Virtual Boy. This work marked the first failure of the company, although in itself was innovative, had several cons that impeded success. Among these highlighted, for example, that the magazines could not publish promotional material with images of the games, as it was impossible to play 3D images. Not would class easily because it was not a portable console because they can only be played if it sits on a table, but as a home console was not very powerful and had no output to TV. A lot of people felt uncomfortable because the games was only in red and black, one was causing dizziness. In addition to these problems, was constantly with commercial obstacles, which further complicated the Virtual Boy. He just came to launch 22 titles.
Nintendo 64 (N64)
Following the resounding success of the SNES, Nintendo released a 64-bit console to the market, Nintendo 64, in 1996 with Super Mario 64 as his star game. His code name was Project Reality.
This game, besides being one of the first gems of the console video games in general, marked a inflection point in the world of digital entertainment, thanks because it was the first of the series nintendo, allowing the player to control the cameras and the point of view from which the character is seen, with a number of specific buttons, something that today is widespread and introduced true 3D graphics (the previous 3D games were created by pixies or sprites giving a sensation of polygonal graphics but without using real polygons), and was an example of later games.
While the Nintendo 64 was technologically superior in almost every respect to its competitors for its technical quality and some innovative accessories (which until today are essential in any console) and vibration controls, sticks a finger for games dimensional environments and 4 control ports so they could play 4 players, but the SNES can't keep the throne of the video consoles.
Nintendo GameCube (GCN)
In November 2001 is launched the Nintendo GameCube, a next-generation console that would compete with Sony PlayStation 2 and Microsoft Xbox. His code name was Dolphin.
Looking To fight against piracy, Nintendo develops GOD (GameCube Optical Disc, MiniDVD format exclusive Nintendo with a capacity of approximately 1.8 gigabytes of data) for their games. To accomplish the console hacking was not only hardware modifications necessary also needs a total modification of the chassis, as it was impossible to introduce into a DVD player to a normal DVD. Subsequently charging simplified backup with external devices and MiniDVD, but never became popular these charging methods.
Wii (2006)
Wii is the name of the seventh generation console from Nintendo, which is the successor to Nintendo GameCube. It was formerly known by the codename "Revolution", which, according to Nintendo, dictate "the direction in which the company was headed." Graphically inferior to all your generation consoles, note that Wii was the first home console Nintendo has not taken the word "Nintendo" in name but is called only Wii. The main characteristic of the wii is the wireless controller of the console, dubbed Wii Remote (Wii Remote or Wiimote) because of its resemblance to a TV remote control, which is able to detect motion and rotation in space three dimensions. The control functions of vibration has also integrates a speaker. Another important aspect of the console mode is "suspended" WiiConnect24, which allows you to receive messages and updates over the Internet with very low power consumption.
Wii U (2012)
U is the name of the lastest Nintendo video game console and the successor to the Wii . His code name was Project Café. The system was launched in 2012 and developed in the Electronics Entertainment Expo 2011, where the system specifications were announced.
The most innovative is his command, which incorporates a 6.2 inch touchscreen. Lets play of the console games without a TV. It also has a microphone, speakers, gyroscope, and two cameras, one rear and one front, enabling augmented reality elements.
The PlayStation was released for sale on December 3, 1994 in Japan, on September 9, 1995 in the U.S and September 29, 1995 in Europe
(Officially abbreviated as PS, and unofficially as PSX or PS1) is a video game console of 32 bits, released by Sony Computer Entertainment on December 3, 1994 in Japan. The console was a pioneer in the use of the CD-ROM as a storage medium for their games, irrespective of conventional cartridges were used in most consoles of the time.
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PlayStation 2
(PS2 usually abbreviated) is the second video game console produced by Sony Computer Entertainment. The PlayStation 2 is the successor to the PlayStation, and competed against the Sega Dreamcast, Nintendo Gamecube Nintendo and Microsoft's Xbox. Currently still active with a large number of users, competing with the seventh generation consoles, the only console that has managed to have a long life cycle. One of the main distinguishing features are its central processor called Emotion Engine and Dualshock 2 controller. The team also includes a DVD player and two USB 1.0 ports (some drivers use these ports). In version PlayStation 2 Slim joined an Ethernet port for Internet use Central Station. The same port can be added to the original versions of the console. Some games feature the ability to play through a local area network (LAN), allowing also play online via free system XLink Kai.
PLAYSTATION 3
The PlayStation 3 was released on November 12, 2006 in Japan, 11 on November 17, 2006 in U.S and in 2009 in Mexico., 12-23 March 2007 in Europe and Australia. Two variants were available at the time of launch: a basic model with 20 GB HDD SATA 2.5 "and a professional model with 60 GB hard drive and several additional features such as dual USB ports and number of backwards compatibility with its predecessor games PlayStation 2. the 20 GB model was not sold in Europe and Australia.Since then, all the models have made several revisions in hardware to reduce production cost and selling price.
PSP (PlayStation Portable)
It was released to the market on December 12, 2004 in Japan, 3. The "slim" version of the console was launched in September 2007. In August 2008, is released for sale the PSP-3000.
The PSP had changed the tendency to make ever smaller portable devices, taking to market a console with a larger screen that is getting better enjoy the games. Competition with Nintendo DS games buffered by using the stylus on the DS touch screen and voice recognition on PSP games and multiplayer via Wi-Fi. Homebrew apps have increased competition between the two: can take pictures and edit them, make animations and upload them to the internet and play music and 3D games and multimedia entertainment in the form of music. While for the Nintendo DS are hundreds of useful applications and very creative, PSP has unofficial applications that benefit from the increased technical capabilities that together provides the PSP. Both consoles have resulted in a very lucrative business selling accessories online unofficial, popular websites of consoles, funded by advertising or sponsors and specialty shops.
Video consoles companies have divided the video consoles in "generations". The differences between generations are: †Graphics systems †Processor †BIT's systems Until now, there are 8 generations of video consoles.
First Generation
The first video console wasthe Magnavox Odyssey, invented and developed by Ralph Baer,but it did not have the expected success, until the appearance of "Atari pong". Since the appearance of this game, the popularity of video consoles began to spread among young people.
Magnavox Odyssey.
Second Generation
Colecovision
It has highlighted the Atari 2600, Colecovision, Atari 5200 and Mattel Intellivision in this generation. Atari was the absolute control, but had at least two notable rivals (Colecovision and Mattel). Some Japanese companies today considered mythical as Sega or Nintendo, made her timid incursions at domestic level.
Intellivision
Third Generation
NES
Since the crisis of video games, the console world is a Japanese monopoly. In this generation consoles like the NES (Nintendo Entertainment System) and Sega Master System had a system of 8 Bits. It has totaled control on the market (NES), and dominates alone until the arrival of Sega Mega Drive in 1988.
Sega Mega Drive
Fourth Generation
Sega Mega Drive
In 1988, Sega introduces a console with a 16-bit CPU known as Sega Genesis in America and Sega Mega Drive in Europe and Asia. In 1990 Nintendo console brings the 16-bit Super Nintendo this year. This generation stands for graphics chips added to the cartridge, as the Super FX and SVP and hardware upgrades of Mega Drive: Mega CD and Mega 32X.Super Nintendo is the best selling console to 49 million units, while the best-selling Mega Drive in Europe.
Fifth Generation
This generation had a variety of manufacturers who presented different equipment with features similar to a PC. Game development companies began to produce games in a 3D environment.
This is a generation that marked the passing of 2D and 3D dimensional environments, this changes began in 1994 when Sega launched the Sega Saturn and Sony the PlayStation, which marked the debut of this company in the gaming world.
Sony PlaysStation
Basically the market was dominated by three consoles, Nintendo 64 (1996), Sega Saturn (1994) and PlayStation (1994). These consoles defined the console war in this era. The 3DO Interactive Multiplayer and Atari Jaguar and were also part of this era, but their marketing was poor and failed to make an impact in the gamers.
Nintendo 64
Sega Saturn
Sixth Generation
It has produced a lot of devices with similarities to the architecture of a PC in this generation, however, the consoles and cartridges use high-capacity storage media such as DVD-ROM and Nintendo Optical Disk. this brought the games were longer and visually attractive. In addition, this generation also experiences the online game consoles and implementation of internal storage systems in equipment as flash memory and hard drives that are used to store game data.
The Dreamcast was the first console of this generation, and the latest video game console from Sega.
DreamCast
Sony's PlayStation 2 continued the same success of the PlayStation, and was the first home console to include a DVD player, allowing the system to play movies.On September 20, 2012, Sony has sold 120 million consoles, which makes it as the best selling system in this generation.
PlayStation 2
The Nintendo GameCube was the fourth video game console from Nintendo, and the company's first system that dispenses the cartridges. This system uses a format similar to DVD disk, called "GOD" (GameCube Optical Disc), whose size is 8 cm. This system was an attempt to regain lost market for the Nintendo 64 at the PlayStation.
GameCube
The Xbox was the last console that released in this generation and the first of Microsoft. He leaned as did Sega Dreamcast in the online gaming and innovated to provide the console an integrated hard drive, use the DVD format and the ability to save music from an audio CD using it to console games like GTA San Andreas. It was well received, although short-lived.
Xbox
Seventh Generation
It has been the beginning of the "hi-tech video consoles": the integration of optical disc format Blu-ray, used only on the PlayStation 3 and wireless controllers and motion detection that have "replaced" the classic controller via cable.
Xbox 360
Another important aspect is the distribution of games via the Internet, with the advent of Internet providers in the world. Some Internet services that support any multiplayer games is the Xbox Live from Microsoft, the Sony PlayStation Network and Nintendo WiFi Connection. Another important aspect that characterizes this generation to the other, is the inclusion of sophisticated graphics chips that help process real images, as in the case of the digital processor Nvidia GPU RSX-the PlayStation 3 and the ATI Xenos in Xbox 360.
PlayStation 3
Nintendo Wii
However, in this generation no longer has a major company in the manufacture of consoles, Sega. Only three companies are competing in the market (Nintendo, Sony and Microsoft). In late 2005, Microsoft's Xbox 360 was the first to appear in this generation. In November 2006, are Sony's PlayStation 3 and Nintendo Wii. For the sales, the Nintendo Company recovers the lost success in the last two generations, due to the popularity of the brand Sony PlayStation. With the new approach with which Nintendo designed the Wii has helped posicionase in first place in the sales of consoles.
Eighth Generation
Nintendo Company has been having the monopoly in this age with the release of Wii U in 2012.
In principle the summit of Xbox 360, brings cable to connect components to an HDTV input, 20GB hard drive to save games, demos, videos, music, games Arcade ... It includes a wireless controller and a headset and microphone for Xbox Live. Along with the hardware comes one month trial of Xbox Live Gold. Additionally, included a XBOX360 Media Remote for a limited way.
