Gaming

PlayStation 4 (left) and XBOX One (right)

Gaming, a term associated with computer games is often associated with siting down and randomly pressing bunch of buttons  on your favorite controller or keyboard like crazy. This process is known to be time consuming and can take up to as long as a day without a break.

If you are reading this post, I don’t think you agree with me on the above statement cuz the nerds in us reading this post look at the same phenomena as equivalent to performing real world tasks. To them, this actually uses more brain power since you are virtually posed with challenges far tougher than you will ever find in your back yard.

Something you wouldn't do in your back yard (Crysis)

Gaming systems have evolved a lot from the to the likes of Magnavox Odyssey and VES to the likes of, Alienware, Xbox, PlayStation, Nintendo WII and the iPhone. Every newer generation had better graphics and the games were bigger.

First Gen game consoles

Magnavox Odyssey

First Gen game consoles were first invented in the 1950s. (Yes folks, your grand pa was a gamer). These video games were played on vector displays connected massive computers. (Not normal televisions). In 1972, Magnavox released the Magnavox Odyssey, the first home video game console which could be connected to a TV set. This console was also the first to use cartridges.

Second Gen game Consoles

Atari 2600

Second Gen Consoles included the 1977 Atari 2600 which dominated the market in early 1980s . It was the most popular console of its time. My old man had one.

Third Gen game Consoles

Super Mario: probably the best game of all time

Third Gen consoles are where most of us began. These included the NES (Nintendo Entertainment System). The NES was the highest selling console in the history of North America. Other popular consoles during this time were Atari 7800 and Sega Master System. The likes of Super Mario and other titles were on these consoles.

Fourth Gen game consoles

Sega Mega Drive (Genesis)

Fourth Gen consoles included the Sega Mega drive 1988 which was called the Sega Genesis in the US. and the SNES (Super Nintendo Entertainment System). Titles like Sonic the hedgehog and Mortal Kombat 3 made these consoles very popular. 

Fifth Gen game Consoles

Fifth gen consoles are for those of us who were born yesterday. These included the Sony PlayStation, 3DO, Atari Jaguar, Sega Saturn and Nintendo 64 among others. There was an Apple Mac based console called the Apple Bandai Pippin, something that was more of a computer.  Games like Tekken, Mario Kart 64 and Gran Turismo made these fifth gen consoles very popular.

Sixth Gen game Console

PS2 (Best selling console)

Sixth Gen consoles were the PlayStation 2 which is the best selling console to date, Xbox, Nintendo GameCube and the Sega Dreamcast which was Sega’s last console and before it transitioned to software/ making games. These consoles were more or less PCs. They used DVDs and had longer games that were visually more appealing.

Seventh Gen game Consoles

XBOX Kinect

Seventh gen consoles were the Xbox 360, Nintendo WII and PlayStation 3. These are more powerful versions of their predecessors. The Nintendo WII was the first console to get players off the couch and actually get then playing actively by use of its motion sensing controllers.

The PlayStation 3 later introduced the same. Microsoft introduced the Kinect sensor to compete with the WII as it was outselling both the Xbox and the PlayStation. The Kinect used camera and infra red to track movements of the player and converted this to input data.

Eighth Gen game Consoles

Eighth gen consoles are the Xbox One, PlayStation 4 and the Nintendo WII U. These are also more powerful versions of their predecessors. The Xbox One and PlayStation 4 have become more of PCs as they use PC architecture and hardware. The Nintendo WII U changes the game and concentrates more on the way gamers intract with its massive controller

PC Gaming

Putting all the above consoles aside, the regular PC was always a gaming device and still is. 

PC processors and graphics processors have evolved over time and the PC is still the most powerful and most flexible gaming system. 

From the days of Prince of Persia, Lotus the Ultimate challenge, Dave and Doom to high end games like Crysis.  

PC Gaming Gear. Keyboard, Mouse and Headphones

The Keyboard and mouse are the primary controls on the PC and these are more suited for First Person Shooters.  All kinds of controllers can be used with PC.

Alienware and MSI are some gaming PC manufactures. These PCs or rigs are generally more powerful and more expensive than your average PC.

Hand Held Gaming.

PSP

There have been many handheld games over time. These included the Brick Games, Game Boys, which had all sorts of versions, PSP (PlayStation Portable), Nintendo DS (Double Screen), 3DS which actually has a 3D screen that you can use without glasses.

Real Racing 3 on iPhone

Currently portable gaming is most popular on smartphones. These devices are getting more and more powerful and are capable of console quality Games. Most popular platforms are IOS and Android.

Do you think Gaming is useful?

Gaming is not only a something you do after a busy day to cool off. It is actually a career for some. There are professional gaming leagues and these buy and sell professionals gamers. Yes ladies and gentlemen, this phenomenal isn't only within the English Premier League.

Gran Turismo 1

Please use the comment box below and share with the rest of us about your favorite game of all time. You never know you are not the only one that actually likes Wild Arms on the first PlayStation. 

Tell us which console was your favorite and whether you prefer PCs or consoles. I prefer PC.

For the parents out there, tell us whether you think video games are good or bad for your children. And let us know if you actually support the saying that video games promote violence.

And for the gamers out there, don’t forget to defend yourself as to why you think gaming is good for you and why you think your parents should let you game all night long. You can throw the “Gaming helps to develop your problem solving skills” card as well. Trust me it works every time.

Tetris (Your old man must have loved this)

Please share your views in the comment box below