2000s Video Game Consoles

By August Tales

Video games leaped into maturity during the 2000s, transitioning from simple polygon graphics towards a vision of virtually indistinguishable life-likeness. This revolution rode the coattails of significant advances in video game hardware. Consoles like the PlayStation 2 and 3 spearheaded this transition, bringing technological innovations and enriched gaming experiences to the table.

10. The N-Gage: A Mobile Gaming Misfire

On October 7, 2003, Nokia unveiled the N-Gage, its answer to Nintendo’s Game Boy Advance. Interestingly, the N-Gage wore the hat of a proto-smartphone, capable of browsing the internet, making calls, and sending texts. Backed by an impressive lineup of games, it harbored the potential to outshine the GBA. However, a scarcity of quality games and the absence of child-friendly features stunted sales, leading to a discontinuation on February 24, 2006.

9. The Advanced Yet Short-lived Game Boy Advance

Launched on March 21, 2001, the Game Boy Advance was Nintendo’s response to the technologically superior competition. The console boasted multiplayer modes and unique peripherals, widening the scope of gameplay. While the Game Boy Advance was graced with an array of noteworthy titles, it was also the platform where Sega released its first third-party Sonic the Hedgehog titles, marking an unexpected ceasefire in the console wars.

8. PlayStation Portable: An Ambitious Undertaking

Sony took a dip into handheld gaming with the PlayStation Portable. Launched on November 11, 2004, and discontinued circa December 2014, the PlayStation Portable boasted an impressive array of attributes. It didn’t pull ahead of its less technologically advanced competitors but carved a niche in the PlayStation fandom.

7. Nintendo DS: Revolutionizing Handhelds

Coming out on November 21, 2004, the Nintendo DS soared above its siblings, the Game Boy Advance and GameCube. The console etched a new level of innovation through its double-screen setup and touch capabilities, serving as a lightweight, portable version of the Nintendo 64 or GameCube.

6. PlayStation 3: From Infamy to Respect

When Sony launched the PlayStation 3 on November 11, 2006, its high price tag and scarce game catalog saw initial criticism. However, the console evolved over time, made itself more appealing through price cuts and a burgeoning library of games, and gained retroactive appreciation.

5. The GameCube: A Dark Horse

Nintendo’s GameCube challenged tech behemoths Sony’s PlayStation 2 and Microsoft’s Xbox. The console stood out with its use of mini DVDs instead of standard-sized ones—a strategy to combat piracy. Despite a lack of third-party support, the GameCube cradled a number of strong first-party titles.

4. Xbox: The Dawn of a New Era

Microsoft’s Xbox brought the PC gaming experience to consoles. Competing closely with PlayStation 2, the Xbox set a solid foundation with its online gaming capabilities, solidifying its reputation in the video game scene.

3. The Wii: A Pioneering Force

The Wii marked Nintendo’s triumphant return to the console scene. Its unique motion controls, along with a reputable library of games, set the console apart from its competitors, influencing the future of gaming.

2. Xbox 360: A Gamer’s Oasis

Released a year prior to the PS3 and the Wii, the Xbox 360 seized an early advantage by embracing online gaming features. Its online survival through Xbox Live, along with a myriad of captivating games, etched a remarkable legacy for it.

1. PlayStation 2: A Behemoth of Its Time

The PlayStation 2 proved a colossus in the gaming industry, revolutionizing video games with its DVD technology. A library full of memorable first-party and third-party games, along with a successful window of tenure, stamped PS2 as the defining console of the 2000s.