The "General Games Chat" forum, which includes Retro Game Reviews, has been archived and is now read-only. You cannot post here or create a new thread or review on this forum.
Consoles, I am guessing that a huge number of us have them. Why else would we be on here if we didn't? So why did you buy your console?
There are a few reasons why the console is a better choice than a PC for gaming.
Firstly consoles are a lot cheaper. The most expensive ones are around £300 and you can pick up older consoles from around £30.
Consoles are designed so that they can be set up easily and used with most televisions. The loading times are much less that with PC's. There is no need to worry about compatibility with components, for example no need to worry about what operating system, sound card, and graphics card you have. The developers know exactly what is in the console and can use this knowledge to make games that use the hardware to the best they can.
Consoles are dedicated games machines, although newer consoles seem to have extra features such as DVD and audio CD playback, ability to browse the web. So are consoles changing and no longer being dedicated games machines?
Who knows maybe consoles will become more and more like PC's, no longer just allow playing games but let the user to many different tasks. This is one thing I wouldn't like to see happening. Consoles have always been, and should always be dedicated games machines, If we want all the others then we can buy a computer.
A brief history of the console
The first consoles came out in the 1970's. The first commercial arcade machine was the Computer Space by Nutting Associates which was released in 1971. In 1972 the Atari introduced PONG to the arcades, it is for most the first successful game and many can still remember it. Looking back now it looks total pants. For those days though it was a breakthrough that started the industry off.
PONG was then released on the Atari home games system and once again it was a huge success. Atari Video Computer System (VCS) was the first home console and was released in 1977. Each game cartridge could hold 4KB of data. Probably enough these days to store Mario's glove.
In 1985 the NES (Nintendo Entertainment System) was released. I remember wanting one and everyone I knew wanted one. The NES changed the industry for the better, even if you aren't a fan you have to admire what they have done for the gaming industry. The NES used control pads instead of a joystick, it brought games that were of an arcade quality to a home system.
Sega were next with the master system which couldn't compete with the NES.
Next Nintendo released the Super NES and sega released the mega drive. Again Nintendo were unbeatable although the sega console was a success and gained many many fans.
It was the playstation that again changed the industry. It used CD's as the storage medium for games. It attracted a lot of people to games and particularly and older generation who had finally been given the chance to own a console with the kind of games they like.
You all probably know the rest as it wasn't that long ago that the others were released, and soon more will be released over here.
Although a lot has changed since the Atari and NES, a lot of things still remain the same. All consoles have:
User control interface - Something to allow the user to interact with the game. A controller or a joystick.
CPU - Central Processing Unit. It processes all the data and works out what to do with it which eventually outputs sounds and images.
RAM - RAM is important. It provides temporary storage of games as they're being played. Makes the games run at an acceptable speed.
Software kernel - It is like an operating system for the console. It provides the interface between the various pieces of hardware, allowing the video game programmers to write the programming code using common software libraries and tools.
Storage medium for games - Has evolved over the years. Originally it was cartridges but these have disappeared to make way for things like CD's, optical disks and DVD's.
Video output - Controls how the video output is displayed on a television.
Audio output - Controls how the sound is outputted through the speakers.
Power supply - Provides power to the hardware components in the console that require it.
Well that's the past and the present so what about the future of the console? As mentioned before consoles seem to be moving away from being dedicated gaming machines. Maybe in the future consoles will have many different uses. They may be able to play music through CD's, mini disks etc. They will probably continue to play DVD movies and allow internet access not only for on-line gaming but for browsing the web and checking e-mail.
Technology will also improve and the ability of consoles will improve, this means the graphics and sounds will also improve.
The processor is a very important part of any console and these will also improve greatly with time. One thing you should all be aware off is that usually in computers the MHz speed of a processor tells you very little and the higher doesn't usually mean its better (unless they are made by the same company, e.g. Pentium 4 is better than a Pentium 3). But with games playing the higher the clock speed usually means its better. Comparing processors is very tricky. Some have higher clock speeds but lower band-with. Also it depends on what tasks the console must perform, as consoles move away from being dedicated games machines processor time is split between running a game and performing these extra tasks. It is worth noting that most consoles don't just have one processor, usually a few which means that the processing powers can be bigger than you think.
All this makes it very hard to compare consoles these days. Most have their good and their bad points. It all depends on how the internal architecture of the console is made up and what limitations there are for the developers due to the hardware. Everyone has their own taste in what they like and dislike.
One thing we can be sure of is that consoles should improve a lot in the future and are at a very high standard. Maybe new console developers will appear and some will go but as a gamer the future does look bright.
So what do you think future consoles will be like and what kind of things will they be able to do? OR Do you think they will return to being dedicated games machines? OR
Will the console die out?
Your views please.
There are a few reasons why the console is a better choice than a PC for gaming.
Firstly consoles are a lot cheaper. The most expensive ones are around £300 and you can pick up older consoles from around £30.
Consoles are designed so that they can be set up easily and used with most televisions. The loading times are much less that with PC's. There is no need to worry about compatibility with components, for example no need to worry about what operating system, sound card, and graphics card you have. The developers know exactly what is in the console and can use this knowledge to make games that use the hardware to the best they can.
Consoles are dedicated games machines, although newer consoles seem to have extra features such as DVD and audio CD playback, ability to browse the web. So are consoles changing and no longer being dedicated games machines?
Who knows maybe consoles will become more and more like PC's, no longer just allow playing games but let the user to many different tasks. This is one thing I wouldn't like to see happening. Consoles have always been, and should always be dedicated games machines, If we want all the others then we can buy a computer.
A brief history of the console
The first consoles came out in the 1970's. The first commercial arcade machine was the Computer Space by Nutting Associates which was released in 1971. In 1972 the Atari introduced PONG to the arcades, it is for most the first successful game and many can still remember it. Looking back now it looks total pants. For those days though it was a breakthrough that started the industry off.
PONG was then released on the Atari home games system and once again it was a huge success. Atari Video Computer System (VCS) was the first home console and was released in 1977. Each game cartridge could hold 4KB of data. Probably enough these days to store Mario's glove.
In 1985 the NES (Nintendo Entertainment System) was released. I remember wanting one and everyone I knew wanted one. The NES changed the industry for the better, even if you aren't a fan you have to admire what they have done for the gaming industry. The NES used control pads instead of a joystick, it brought games that were of an arcade quality to a home system.
Sega were next with the master system which couldn't compete with the NES.
Next Nintendo released the Super NES and sega released the mega drive. Again Nintendo were unbeatable although the sega console was a success and gained many many fans.
It was the playstation that again changed the industry. It used CD's as the storage medium for games. It attracted a lot of people to games and particularly and older generation who had finally been given the chance to own a console with the kind of games they like.
You all probably know the rest as it wasn't that long ago that the others were released, and soon more will be released over here.
Although a lot has changed since the Atari and NES, a lot of things still remain the same. All consoles have:
User control interface - Something to allow the user to interact with the game. A controller or a joystick.
CPU - Central Processing Unit. It processes all the data and works out what to do with it which eventually outputs sounds and images.
RAM - RAM is important. It provides temporary storage of games as they're being played. Makes the games run at an acceptable speed.
Software kernel - It is like an operating system for the console. It provides the interface between the various pieces of hardware, allowing the video game programmers to write the programming code using common software libraries and tools.
Storage medium for games - Has evolved over the years. Originally it was cartridges but these have disappeared to make way for things like CD's, optical disks and DVD's.
Video output - Controls how the video output is displayed on a television.
Audio output - Controls how the sound is outputted through the speakers.
Power supply - Provides power to the hardware components in the console that require it.
Well that's the past and the present so what about the future of the console? As mentioned before consoles seem to be moving away from being dedicated gaming machines. Maybe in the future consoles will have many different uses. They may be able to play music through CD's, mini disks etc. They will probably continue to play DVD movies and allow internet access not only for on-line gaming but for browsing the web and checking e-mail.
Technology will also improve and the ability of consoles will improve, this means the graphics and sounds will also improve.
The processor is a very important part of any console and these will also improve greatly with time. One thing you should all be aware off is that usually in computers the MHz speed of a processor tells you very little and the higher doesn't usually mean its better (unless they are made by the same company, e.g. Pentium 4 is better than a Pentium 3). But with games playing the higher the clock speed usually means its better. Comparing processors is very tricky. Some have higher clock speeds but lower band-with. Also it depends on what tasks the console must perform, as consoles move away from being dedicated games machines processor time is split between running a game and performing these extra tasks. It is worth noting that most consoles don't just have one processor, usually a few which means that the processing powers can be bigger than you think.
All this makes it very hard to compare consoles these days. Most have their good and their bad points. It all depends on how the internal architecture of the console is made up and what limitations there are for the developers due to the hardware. Everyone has their own taste in what they like and dislike.
One thing we can be sure of is that consoles should improve a lot in the future and are at a very high standard. Maybe new console developers will appear and some will go but as a gamer the future does look bright.
So what do you think future consoles will be like and what kind of things will they be able to do? OR Do you think they will return to being dedicated games machines? OR
Will the console die out?
Your views please.
Corrections:
Pong was called 'Tennis' when it was originally brought out.
Sega Saturn used CD's before Playstation
Pong was called 'Tennis' when it was originally brought out.
Sega Saturn used CD's before Playstation
In my view, consoles are BECOMING P.C's.
I mean, having internet access, some use keyboards etc. They're becoming more and more like P.C's.
The next thing you know we'll stop buying newer consoles and start just upgrading graphics crads and stuff in the console to save time and money.
I mean, having internet access, some use keyboards etc. They're becoming more and more like P.C's.
The next thing you know we'll stop buying newer consoles and start just upgrading graphics crads and stuff in the console to save time and money.
Ahh wrong forum. Post in the Prime one please. sorry just let this one slip to the bottom or SR delete it.
Sorry again.
Sorry again.
Consoles, I am guessing that a huge number of us have them. Why else would we be on here if we didn't? So why did you buy your console?
There are a few reasons why the console is a better choice than a PC for gaming.
Firstly consoles are a lot cheaper. The most expensive ones are around £300 and you can pick up older consoles from around £30.
Consoles are designed so that they can be set up easily and used with most televisions. The loading times are much less that with PC's. There is no need to worry about compatibility with components, for example no need to worry about what operating system, sound card, and graphics card you have. The developers know exactly what is in the console and can use this knowledge to make games that use the hardware to the best they can.
Consoles are dedicated games machines, although newer consoles seem to have extra features such as DVD and audio CD playback, ability to browse the web. So are consoles changing and no longer being dedicated games machines?
Who knows maybe consoles will become more and more like PC's, no longer just allow playing games but let the user to many different tasks. This is one thing I wouldn't like to see happening. Consoles have always been, and should always be dedicated games machines, If we want all the others then we can buy a computer.
A brief history of the console
The first consoles came out in the 1970's. The first commercial arcade machine was the Computer Space by Nutting Associates which was released in 1971. In 1972 the Atari introduced PONG to the arcades, it is for most the first successful game and many can still remember it. Looking back now it looks total pants. For those days though it was a breakthrough that started the industry off.
PONG was then released on the Atari home games system and once again it was a huge success. Atari Video Computer System (VCS) was the first home console and was released in 1977. Each game cartridge could hold 4KB of data. Probably enough these days to store Mario's glove.
In 1985 the NES (Nintendo Entertainment System) was released. I remember wanting one and everyone I knew wanted one. The NES changed the industry for the better, even if you aren't a fan you have to admire what they have done for the gaming industry. The NES used control pads instead of a joystick, it brought games that were of an arcade quality to a home system.
Sega were next with the master system which couldn't compete with the NES.
Next Nintendo released the Super NES and sega released the mega drive. Again Nintendo were unbeatable although the sega console was a success and gained many many fans.
It was the playstation that again changed the industry. It used CD's as the storage medium for games. It attracted a lot of people to games and particularly and older generation who had finally been given the chance to own a console with the kind of games they like.
You all probably know the rest as it wasn't that long ago that the others were released, and soon more will be released over here.
Although a lot has changed since the Atari and NES, a lot of things still remain the same. All consoles have:
User control interface - Something to allow the user to interact with the game. A controller or a joystick.
CPU - Central Processing Unit. It processes all the data and works out what to do with it which eventually outputs sounds and images.
RAM - RAM is important. It provides temporary storage of games as they're being played. Makes the games run at an acceptable speed.
Software kernel - It is like an operating system for the console. It provides the interface between the various pieces of hardware, allowing the video game programmers to write the programming code using common software libraries and tools.
Storage medium for games - Has evolved over the years. Originally it was cartridges but these have disappeared to make way for things like CD's, optical disks and DVD's.
Video output - Controls how the video output is displayed on a television.
Audio output - Controls how the sound is outputted through the speakers.
Power supply - Provides power to the hardware components in the console that require it.
Well that's the past and the present so what about the future of the console? As mentioned before consoles seem to be moving away from being dedicated gaming machines. Maybe in the future consoles will have many different uses. They may be able to play music through CD's, mini disks etc. They will probably continue to play DVD movies and allow internet access not only for on-line gaming but for browsing the web and checking e-mail.
Technology will also improve and the ability of consoles will improve, this means the graphics and sounds will also improve.
The processor is a very important part of any console and these will also improve greatly with time. One thing you should all be aware off is that usually in computers the MHz speed of a processor tells you very little and the higher doesn't usually mean its better (unless they are made by the same company, e.g. Pentium 4 is better than a Pentium 3). But with games playing the higher the clock speed usually means its better. Comparing processors is very tricky. Some have higher clock speeds but lower band-with. Also it depends on what tasks the console must perform, as consoles move away from being dedicated games machines processor time is split between running a game and performing these extra tasks. It is worth noting that most consoles don't just have one processor, usually a few which means that the processing powers can be bigger than you think.
All this makes it very hard to compare consoles these days. Most have their good and their bad points. It all depends on how the internal architecture of the console is made up and what limitations there are for the developers due to the hardware. Everyone has their own taste in what they like and dislike.
One thing we can be sure of is that consoles should improve a lot in the future and are at a very high standard. Maybe new console developers will appear and some will go but as a gamer the future does look bright.
So what do you think future consoles will be like and what kind of things will they be able to do? OR Do you think they will return to being dedicated games machines? OR
Will the console die out?
Your views please.
There are a few reasons why the console is a better choice than a PC for gaming.
Firstly consoles are a lot cheaper. The most expensive ones are around £300 and you can pick up older consoles from around £30.
Consoles are designed so that they can be set up easily and used with most televisions. The loading times are much less that with PC's. There is no need to worry about compatibility with components, for example no need to worry about what operating system, sound card, and graphics card you have. The developers know exactly what is in the console and can use this knowledge to make games that use the hardware to the best they can.
Consoles are dedicated games machines, although newer consoles seem to have extra features such as DVD and audio CD playback, ability to browse the web. So are consoles changing and no longer being dedicated games machines?
Who knows maybe consoles will become more and more like PC's, no longer just allow playing games but let the user to many different tasks. This is one thing I wouldn't like to see happening. Consoles have always been, and should always be dedicated games machines, If we want all the others then we can buy a computer.
A brief history of the console
The first consoles came out in the 1970's. The first commercial arcade machine was the Computer Space by Nutting Associates which was released in 1971. In 1972 the Atari introduced PONG to the arcades, it is for most the first successful game and many can still remember it. Looking back now it looks total pants. For those days though it was a breakthrough that started the industry off.
PONG was then released on the Atari home games system and once again it was a huge success. Atari Video Computer System (VCS) was the first home console and was released in 1977. Each game cartridge could hold 4KB of data. Probably enough these days to store Mario's glove.
In 1985 the NES (Nintendo Entertainment System) was released. I remember wanting one and everyone I knew wanted one. The NES changed the industry for the better, even if you aren't a fan you have to admire what they have done for the gaming industry. The NES used control pads instead of a joystick, it brought games that were of an arcade quality to a home system.
Sega were next with the master system which couldn't compete with the NES.
Next Nintendo released the Super NES and sega released the mega drive. Again Nintendo were unbeatable although the sega console was a success and gained many many fans.
It was the playstation that again changed the industry. It used CD's as the storage medium for games. It attracted a lot of people to games and particularly and older generation who had finally been given the chance to own a console with the kind of games they like.
You all probably know the rest as it wasn't that long ago that the others were released, and soon more will be released over here.
Although a lot has changed since the Atari and NES, a lot of things still remain the same. All consoles have:
User control interface - Something to allow the user to interact with the game. A controller or a joystick.
CPU - Central Processing Unit. It processes all the data and works out what to do with it which eventually outputs sounds and images.
RAM - RAM is important. It provides temporary storage of games as they're being played. Makes the games run at an acceptable speed.
Software kernel - It is like an operating system for the console. It provides the interface between the various pieces of hardware, allowing the video game programmers to write the programming code using common software libraries and tools.
Storage medium for games - Has evolved over the years. Originally it was cartridges but these have disappeared to make way for things like CD's, optical disks and DVD's.
Video output - Controls how the video output is displayed on a television.
Audio output - Controls how the sound is outputted through the speakers.
Power supply - Provides power to the hardware components in the console that require it.
Well that's the past and the present so what about the future of the console? As mentioned before consoles seem to be moving away from being dedicated gaming machines. Maybe in the future consoles will have many different uses. They may be able to play music through CD's, mini disks etc. They will probably continue to play DVD movies and allow internet access not only for on-line gaming but for browsing the web and checking e-mail.
Technology will also improve and the ability of consoles will improve, this means the graphics and sounds will also improve.
The processor is a very important part of any console and these will also improve greatly with time. One thing you should all be aware off is that usually in computers the MHz speed of a processor tells you very little and the higher doesn't usually mean its better (unless they are made by the same company, e.g. Pentium 4 is better than a Pentium 3). But with games playing the higher the clock speed usually means its better. Comparing processors is very tricky. Some have higher clock speeds but lower band-with. Also it depends on what tasks the console must perform, as consoles move away from being dedicated games machines processor time is split between running a game and performing these extra tasks. It is worth noting that most consoles don't just have one processor, usually a few which means that the processing powers can be bigger than you think.
All this makes it very hard to compare consoles these days. Most have their good and their bad points. It all depends on how the internal architecture of the console is made up and what limitations there are for the developers due to the hardware. Everyone has their own taste in what they like and dislike.
One thing we can be sure of is that consoles should improve a lot in the future and are at a very high standard. Maybe new console developers will appear and some will go but as a gamer the future does look bright.
So what do you think future consoles will be like and what kind of things will they be able to do? OR Do you think they will return to being dedicated games machines? OR
Will the console die out?
Your views please.