First-generation consoles may have paved the way for players around the globe to take on a newer style of gaming. Thanks to evolving technology, however, 7th generation consoles really upped the ante.
Considered the modern age of gaming, consoles that fall in this era are considered revolutionary. They paved the way for more accessible and portable devices that give high-definition gaming a whole new definition.
The evolution of the gaming industry is definitely something to marvel at, what with its numerous update and improvements. To pay homage to the greats, let’s take a closer look at the 7th generation consoles many of us have come to love.
Defining 7th Generation Consoles
7th generation consoles are defined as video game consoles and other handheld game consoles which were released from 2005 until sometime in 2011.
Touted as the modern age of gaming, consoles that were produced in that generation paved the gaming landscape of today.
The notable features of consoles of this generation include high-definition video resolution, playback options, and integrated controllers fitted with movement sensors.
You also get the availability of joysticks, and even real-world action simulation through gameplay. These consoles of this age also came with a higher processing ability which allowed for a more seamless gaming experience.
Taken together with the high-definition resolutions, sleeker designs, and wireless connectivity, this brought gaming to a whole new level.
Because of these groundbreaking features, these video game consoles have undoubtedly cemented themselves as an essential part of the IT infrastructure we know today.
It ushered in monumental returns and demands since inception, paving way for the consoles we know today.
A Brief History of 7th Generation Consoles
The release of the Xbox 360 by Microsoft jumpstarted the seventh era of video game consoles. It was launched on November 22, 2005, with the release of the Playstation 3 by Sony and Nintendo Wii following suit just a year after, with the two launchings on November 17 and 19 respectively.
Microsoft’s Xbox 360 was the first to set the standards of high-definition gaming with its high-definition resolutions available upon the release of the console.
Meanwhile, the coming of the Playstation 3 introduced players to a built-in 3D Blu-ray Disc player, allowing users to rewind and playback movies.
The Wii, on the other hand, provided individuals with newer, slimmer, and lighter controllers. These controllers were equipped with movement sensors and joysticks designed to mimic and mirror real-world actions during gameplay.
Later on, Microsoft’s Kinect also made waves in 2010 with its top-of-the-line physical motion capturing capabilities not with the use of controllers, but with cameras.
Prior to the release of home consoles of this seventh generation, handheld consoles debuted months before in November 2004 with the reveal of the Nintendo DS to the public and later on the PlayStation Portable (PSP) in December of the same year.
The Nintendo DS came with a state-of-the-art feature such as wireless connections, touch screen capabilities, and a built-in microphone.
The PSP, on the other hand, was considered the first handheld video game console to turn to an optical disc format for its media storage.
Types of 7th Generation Consoles in Existence
As you might have already seen from the discussion above, some of the most notable consoles to belong in this generation still are in use today.
They include the Microsoft Xbox 360, the Sony PlayStation 3, and the Nintendo Wii - all three of which kicked off the modern age of gaming.
Besides this, the Kinect for Xbox 360, PlayStation Move, and Mattel's Hyperscan are also out there.
The Bottom Line
The 7th generation consoles will always be an iconic turn in video gaming history. With their superb array of features and its notable gameplay experience, there’s no doubt they have shaped what gaming is today.
