How old were you in 1994? To be more in depth, how old were you on December 3, 1994? If you were old enough to remember seeing commercials advertising videogames such as Final Fantasy VI, Tekken, Earthworm Jim, or Little Big Adventure, then you, my friend, grew up in the era of PlayStation. The original PlayStation continued to set a standard in the world of home gaming and was loved by many. This console helped to introduce a new way of gaming. No longer would the player have to rely on a gaming cartridge to play their favorite game, but now, the game was on a disc (similar to a CD/DVD).  

What is Electronic Gaming? 

Electronic gaming may sound like a simple phrase, but it has been around longer than you may think. With the “groundbreaking” introduction of the PlayStation in the 90’s helping this phrase to continue to flourish, but as you are already aware, there were many predecessors before the PlayStation. In fact, these systems helped to mold the PlayStation franchise to become a huge success. Below is a list of the history of gaming as we know it. 

1. 1958: The first video game is developed by Physicist William Hinginbotham. This game was a standard tennis game. 

2. 1961: Steve Russel creates the first interactive computer game known as “Spacewar.” 

3. 1970: Nolan Bushnell & Ted Dabney begin attempting to develop an arcade version of “Spacewar.” 

4. 1971: “Computer Space” better known as “Spacewar” becomes first video arcade game released. 

5. 1972: Bushnell and Dabney create the first home video game system known simply as “Atari.” 

6. 1975: Atari’s first video game is released (Pong). 

7. 1977: Atari releases its first cartridge and home-based system known as “Video Computer System.” The name was later changed to “Atari 2600.” 

8. 1983: A new home gaming system is introduced to the public known as Nintendo Entertainment System (NES). 

9. 1985: Alex Panjitinov, a Russian programmer, creates Tetris. This was quite a popular game and was able to be played on PC computers. 

10. 1989: Nintendo creates a handheld gaming system known as “Game Boy.”  

11. 1991: Nintendo releases “Super NES” in the United States. 

12. 1995: Sony develops the PlayStation, released in 1995 in the U.S. This gaming system will soon grow in popularity amongst other gaming systems in the 90s. 

13. 1996: Nintendo releases the Nintendo 64 in Japan. 

14.  2000: Sony releases The PlayStation 2 

15. 2001: Microsoft introduces Xbox gaming system. Microsoft went on to say that the Xbox offers “the most powerful game experiences ever.” 

16. 2001: Nintendo introduces its newest gaming system named “GameCube.” During the same year, Nintendo was still hard at work, later releasing another portable gaming system called “GameBoy Advance.” 

17. 2004: Still hard at work in the world of gaming, Nintendo works even harder to please the masses and ever eager gaming fans. During this year, Nintendo creates the Nintendo DS. This was yet another portable gaming system, but this time, 2 screens were included as well as touch screen capabilities. 

18. 2005: PlayStation Portable is created. Microsoft also develops its Xbox 360 during this year. 

19. 2006: Nintendo still working to provide the population with the latest in gaming technology, releases the Wii. The Wii offered more interactive capabilities with its gaming controllers allowing its users to use the controllers in an advanced way. Playing a tennis game? Wii has you covered! Use your controller as a racket! No, seriously, it can now be used as a tennis racket. Just strap the controller to your wrist, press a button, and follow along with what’s displayed on the television screen.   

20. 2006: Sony is still at work in its factories and is keeping up with competition. The PlayStation 3 is developed this year and was stated to be quite a sophisticated game system (not to mention pricey). 

21. 2008: A record breaking year in the world of gaming. Games such as “Grand Theft Auto 4” shatter records in its first week in stores. 

22. 2008: Nintendo develops “Wii Fit” a gaming system targeted towards fitness. 

23. 2010: Microsoft and Sony are inspired by Nintendo’s “Motion Control” system idea and add them to their respective gaming systems. 

24. 2012: Nintendo develops Wii U. 

25. 2013: Nintendo releases the 2DS, Sony releases their PlayStation 4 in November, and Microsoft releases the X-Box One during the same month. 

Retro Gaming Making a Return 

After a somewhat “brief” overview of the history of gaming consoles, one may think, “what does the return of an earlier gaming system mean for us?” In a statement made by Senior Vice President of PlayStation Worldwide Marketing, Eric Lampel, “Long-time fans will appreciate the nostalgia that comes with rediscovering the games they know and love, while gamers who might be new to the platform can enjoy the groundbreaking PlayStation console expierence that started it all.” (Lampel). 

The relaunching of the PlayStation classic will include a smaller version than the original one, and 20 pre-loaded classic games (Final Fantasy VII and Tekken 3 to name a few). This PlayStation will also include a USB and HDMI port so the device can be plugged in just about anywhere. 

The scheduled release date for this “classic” gaming system is set to take place on December 3, 2018, 25 years after the original PlayStation classic was released in Japan. So, does the thought of reliving your 90’s gaming years sound exciting yet? And for those who may be new to the PlayStation and missed out on 90’s gaming, how does it make you feel to take a trip to the 90s? 

Article submitted by Sade Bolling.