The COMPLETE History of Console Gaming Part 1: The Early Days

We’re up to date.

So, what next? Well, Atari sees a market that was very kindly tested by Baer, and in 1977 they released the Atari 2600 (angelic music), complete with joystick controllers and cartridge support. It became the first truly mainstream home console, and more importantly, it established the enduring model for home consoles that has lasted all of time (thus far). The model being: buy a system once and expand your collection over time.

As with the early computers, we can’t give the home consoles their dues without talking about the other ways to consume video game content, as their context directly affects home gaming. During this time period there was one other gaming staple that's popularity was rumbling, and that was the humble arcade. This (now almost dead) movement for gaming enthusiasts was the perfect way for millions to be introduced to video games. You didn’t need a console, you didn’t need a university-powered super computer, you just needed a few dimes and a free afternoon.

Arcades by the late ‘70s were on FIRE! And in 1978, Taito dropped “Space Invaders,” and suddenly arcades were everywhere. The game was so popular in Japan it caused a coin shortage… I’m going to repeat that again JUST in case that didn’t sink in. Japan played so much “Space Invaders” that all of the country’s coins were stuck in machines! Machines started popping up in malls, restaurants and convenience stores. Basically, if there was wall space, there was a cabinet. Then Namco unleashed “Pac-Man” in 1980, and it was goodnight outdoor fun and good morning “a generation of Cheeto-fingered violent little children,” and if I hadn’t been born 15 years later, I’d have been right alongside them.

As for our historical breakdown of console gaming, that ends part 1. Next time, we’re gonna be looking at the ‘80s, and one of the most infamous moments in video game history, so make sure you’re subscribed if you’re not already, and I’ll see you VERY soon.