The 1980s - a time of big hair, big phones, and even bigger personalities. But for gamers, the 80s were a decade of revolution, as the home console market exploded with a plethora of iconic systems that would shape the industry into what it is today. From the humble beginnings of Atari to the rise of Nintendo and Sega, the 80s were a wild ride for gamers. So, without further ado, let's take a trip down memory lane and count down the 8 best video game consoles of the 80s.
The Rise of Home Consoles
The 1980s saw the home console market transition from a niche hobby to a mainstream phenomenon. The introduction of affordable, user-friendly systems like the Atari 2600 and Intellivision brought gaming into living rooms across the globe. But it wasn't all smooth sailing - the infamous North American video game crash of 1983 nearly derailed the industry. However, the resilience of gamers and the determination of manufacturers led to a resurgence in the latter half of the decade, paving the way for the console wars of the 1990s.
Console Wars: A Brief History
The 1980s console wars were a defining feature of the decade. Atari and Intellivision went head-to-head in the early years, before the arrival of ColecoVision and Commodore 64. But it was the introduction of Nintendo's Entertainment System (NES) in 1985 that truly shook the market. The NES's combination of addictive games, innovative controllers, and clever marketing strategies set a new standard for console gaming. Sega's Master System, released in 1986, provided a worthy challenger, but ultimately, the NES's dominance would last well into the 1990s.
Ranking the Best Consoles of the 80s
Now, without further ado, let's count down the top 8 consoles of the 1980s:
8. Atari 5200 (1982)
The Atari 5200 was a commercial failure, but it laid the groundwork for future consoles. Its advanced graphics capabilities and innovative controller design made it a precursor to the modern gaming systems we know today.
7. ColecoVision (1982)
ColecoVision was a solid console that rivaled the Atari 2600 in terms of graphics and gameplay. Its near-arcade-quality experiences made it a favorite among gamers, despite its relatively short lifespan.
6. Commodore 64 (1982)
The Commodore 64 was a powerhouse of a console, boasting impressive specs and a vast library of games. Although it was primarily marketed as a home computer, its gaming capabilities made it a staple of 80s gaming.
5. Intellivision (1980)
Intellivision was a worthy competitor to the Atari 2600, offering improved graphics and a more extensive library of games. Its innovative controller design and family-friendly marketing strategy made it a favorite among gamers.
4. Sega Master System (1986)
The Sega Master System was a technically impressive console that struggled to find its footing in the market. Despite its limited success, it paved the way for Sega's future console endeavors and remains a beloved system among retro gamers.
3. Atari 7800 (1986)
The Atari 7800 was a valiant attempt to revive the company's fortunes after the North American video game crash. Although it failed to regain lost ground, its innovative controller design and impressive graphics capabilities made it a solid choice for gamers.
2. Nintendo Entertainment System (NES) (1985)
The NES is arguably the most iconic console of the 1980s. Its addictive games, innovative controllers, and clever marketing strategies set a new standard for console gaming. The NES dominated the market for over a decade, cementing Nintendo's status as a gaming powerhouse.
1. Sega Genesis (1989)
The Sega Genesis, known as the Mega Drive outside North America, was the last console of the decade. Its impressive specs, innovative controller design, and addictive games made it a worthy challenger to the NES's dominance. The Genesis would go on to become one of the best-selling consoles of all time, cementing Sega's status as a major player in the gaming industry.
What was the best-selling console of the 1980s?
+The Nintendo Entertainment System (NES) was the best-selling console of the 1980s, with over 62 million units sold worldwide.
What was the most iconic game of the 1980s?
+Super Mario Bros. (1985) is often considered the most iconic game of the 1980s, as it revolutionized the platformer genre and became a cultural phenomenon.
What was the impact of the North American video game crash of 1983?
+The North American video game crash of 1983 led to a significant decline in console sales and game development, nearly derailing the industry. However, the resilience of gamers and the determination of manufacturers led to a resurgence in the latter half of the decade.
The 1980s were a transformative decade for the gaming industry, marked by the rise of home consoles, the console wars, and the introduction of iconic systems that would shape the industry into what it is today. Whether you're a retro gaming enthusiast or a newcomer to the world of console gaming, the 1980s offer a fascinating glimpse into the evolution of an industry that continues to captivate audiences worldwide.