The first credited home console, The Odyssey, was released in 1972, and one of the greatest consoles of all time,Atari Video Computer System came in 1977. However, it wasn’t until the 1980s that gaming became a ubiquitous household activity.
With the emergence of early console giants Nintendo and Sega going up against the well-established Atari, the 80s was a decade that cemented the idea of gaming in the imaginations of all. With home and handheld consoles arriving on the market to supplement arcade access, the gaming culture we know today truly began. It is easy to deduce a console’s success by looking at the units that it sold, though that doesn’t always tell the full story. While the video console industry waxed and waned during the decade of glitz, the exploits of Nintendo and Sega would live on into the Nineties, ensuring that gaming was here to stay.
8Sega SG-1000 (1983)
While this early 80s console is not so memorable for audiences in the western world, it deserves its recognition as being an innovative first-of-its-kind home console.
Selling over 2 million copies, this system and its subsequent upgrades were the first entries into Sega’s home console catalog. With over 60 games released that includeFlicky, Congo BongoandSega-Galaga,this console was the first maneuver in the greatest console war of all,Nintendo vs Sega.
7Nintendo Game Boy (1989)
While not a typical home console,the Nintendo Game Boywas extremely important in the spread of gaming culture and acceptance that gaming was more than a passing fad. Having sold more than 100 million units worldwide, it is hardly surprising to see the impact that Nintendo’s first multi-game handheld.
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From the addictive nature ofTetristo the puzzling temples ofThe Legend of Zelda: Links Awakening, with over 1000 releases, the Game Boy was the gift that kept on giving.
6Atari 7800 (1986)
The younger and much quietersibling to the Atari VCS/2600didn’t make many waves in terms of memorable impact, having sold only two million copies. Still, it was an upgrade from the 2600 in terms of graphics. This was evident in some of the games on the console, but a distinct lack of titles released is perhaps the reason this console never outdid its predecessor.
With only 59 game releases, some of the best games out were also available elsewhere such asDonkey Kong Jr., AsteroidsandDouble Dragon.Though it didn’t make as big of a splash, it’s still worth noting.
5TurboGrafx-16 (1987)
Released by NEC Home Electronics in the later 80s,this lesser-known consolewas the first fourth-generation, 16-bit system on the market. While not a recognizable name nowadays, this hybrid console and PC engine sold over 10 million copies.
With 678 games released over the course of a decade,the TurboGrafx-16’s cataloggrew until 1999 before coming to an end. It is worth adding that the sleek white compact version released only in Japan is a beautiful-looking console, aesthetically ahead of its time.
4Sega Master System (1985)
Although Sega’s initial SG series was not popular worldwide, the Master System more than made up for that. Having sold over ten million units, this glossy-black angular console was an instant success and proved a decent pushback to Nintendo’s mid-80s success.
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Games continued to be released for the Master System well into the 90s, even at the height of its successor’s popularity. With over 300 titles to choose from, one classic 80s game that should be experienced by allis the one,Alex Kidd.
3Sega Genesis (1988)
Only three years after the release of the Master System, Sega decided to begin the next campaign by hitting Nintendo first. That strike came in the form of their most successful installment to date,the Sega Genesis(or Sega Mega Drive).
With over 30 million consoles sold and 887 games released, it is fair to say that the Genesis was super popular. But, in all fairness, this console is truly a 90’s child born in the 80s and will be remembered for introducingSega’s icon character, Sonic.
2Atari 2600 [Darth Vader & Junior] (1982 & 1986)
Technically a 70s conception, Atari repackaged and re-released their classic Atari VGC twice over the following decade. As such, they were a solid contestant in the first half of the Eighties' console competition, and have to date sold over 30 million copies of this iconic console.
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Adventure, Pac-Man and Space Invaders are just three of the titles released that carried theAtari 2600 to household statusin the Eighties.
1Nintendo Entertainment System [NES] (1983)
During the 80s, while Sega were plotting and scheming to overtake the market, Nintendo was minding its own business being the best. Released early in the 80s, this rectangular cartridge-inserting, gray oblong console sold over 60 million times on its road to decade dominance.
Many of the standout Nintendo franchises of today first found success on the NES.Mario Bros,MetroidandThe Legend of Zelda, to name a few, all got their start on this console. With over 700 titles to its name, this, the first of Nintendo’s home consoles, is an impressively sturdy 8-bit machine that consistently released good games.
