The second generation of video game consoles, spanning from the late 1970s to the mid-1980s, marked a significant evolution in home gaming, introducing more advanced graphics, sound, and gameplay mechanics. This era saw the rise of game cartridges, allowing for a broader library of games and more complex gaming experiences.
Popular Consoles
Atari 2600
Released in 1977, the Atari 2600 became an iconic console, known for its joystick controllers and cartridge-based games. It popularized home gaming with titles like Space Invaders and Pac-Man.
Intellivision
Launched in 1980 by Mattel, Intellivision was notable for its superior graphics and innovative controller design. It offered a range of games with more detailed visuals compared to its contemporaries.
ColecoVision
Introduced in 1982, ColecoVision was praised for its arcade-quality graphics and expansive game library. It helped bridge the gap between arcade games and home consoles.
Types of Video Game Media
The second generation was defined by the introduction of ROM cartridges, allowing consoles to run a variety of games. This innovation led to a significant expansion in game libraries, as players could easily switch between titles without purchasing new hardware.
Region-Specific Releases
Similar to the first generation, second-generation consoles had region-specific versions to accommodate different TV standards (NTSC, PAL, SECAM). This regional tailoring ensured compatibility and optimized performance across diverse markets.
Impact and Legacy
The second generation laid the groundwork for modern gaming, with significant advancements in technology and game design. It demonstrated the viability of the home video game market and set the stage for the industry’s explosive growth in subsequent generations. The introduction of game cartridges, improved graphics, and sound capabilities from this era paved the way for the sophisticated gaming systems we enjoy today.
This period solidified the concept of home entertainment through video games, fostering a generation of gamers and establishing a foundation for the multi-billion dollar industry that continues to thrive.
Second Generation Video Game Consoles
1976
- Fairchild Channel F
1977
- Atari 2600
- RCA Studio II
1978
- APF Microcomputer System
- Audiosonic 1292 Advanced Programmable Video System / APF-MP1000
- Bally Astrocade
- Interton Video Computer 4000 / VC 4000
- Magnavox Odyssey 2
1979
- Bandai Super Vision 8000 / TV Jack 8000
- Milton Bradley Microvision
1980
- Epoch TV Vader
- Mattel Intellivision
- Nintendo Game & Watch
1981
- Entex Select-A-Game
- Epoch Cassette Vision
- VTech CreatiVision
1982
- Atari 5200
- ColecoVision
- Emerson Arcadia 2001
- Entex Adventure Vision
- GCE Vectrex
1983
- Gakken Compact Vision TV Boy
1984
- Epoch Game Pocket Computer
- Palmtex Super Micro