Video Game Consoles
Video game consoles are household computer devices designed specifically to transmit video signals to a display while allowing the interaction of these images through an assortment of control devices, such as controllers. Often an enjoyable part of a home entertainment system, video game consoles were originally consumer products that reimagined and reengineered the arcade machine into an accessible size for the home.
Through various evolutions in technology and functionality, video game consoles have transformed from the 1970’s simple joystick-based gameplay experiences to ever-increasing high definition visual feats, complex player controls, motion-based games, internet connectivity, and even virtual-reality. Video game consoles will continue to challenge our expectations and imaginations through their stories and game types, and have now entered into greater public consciousness through the rise of e-sports.
The first home video game console was the Magnavox Odyssey released in 1972, with a range of 28 games with rules based on manipulating three square dots in various ways on the screen. Prior to the Magnavox Odyssey video games were novelty computer devices available in dedicated game arcades.
The best selling video game console in history is the PlayStation 2 (2002) that sold over 155 million units worldwide. Sony’s PlayStation lineup makes up 4 of the top 5 top selling consoles in history with Nintendo’s Wii breaking the trend at #4 all time.
Though the debate around the impacts of playing video games is often seen as a negative, most scientific research shows that video games provide many benefits including exercising the brain through problem solving and memory, building social networks between players, improving hand-eye coordination, and benefiting fitness when playing active games that require physical exertion.
