The ’90s were a golden era for video games, with Nintendo and Sega dominating the scene. But what about those unsung heroes of gaming history?
If you also want to go down in history as a gaming legend, take this chance to play live blackjack and take inspiration from these risk-takers. These forgotten consoles contributed to the blossoming universe of the great tech we know of today. Some of their ideas paved the way for many future generations of tech.
A Blast From The Past
Today’s selection wouldn’t be the same without the bold attempts and daring ideas of these ’90s underdogs. Join us on a trip down memory lane as we dust off the lost devices that dared to take on industry giants and faded into obscurity. Until now.
1. TurboGrafx-16 (PC Engine):
Our first contender, the TurboGrafx-16 (known as the PC Engine in Japan), tried to make its mark in the late ’80s and early ’90s. While it couldn’t outdo titans like Sega or Nintendo, it had some standout titles like ‘Bonk’s Adventure’ and ‘Ys Book I & II.’ Unfortunately, it lacked the marketing muscle to stay in the race.
2. Neo Geo:
SNK’s Neo Geo was a beast of power and quality. It offered arcade-level playing at home, but with a hefty price tag. This console was the right choice for serious pros who didn’t mind shelling out for the experience. Games like ‘Metal Slug’ and ‘The King of Fighters’ showcased its prowess, but its steep cost kept it niche.
3. 3DO Interactive Multiplayer:
The 3DO Interactive Multiplayer was a promising but pricey system. It boasted impressive graphics and a lineup that included ‘Star Control II’ and ‘Gex.’, but the high $700 price tag in 1993 made it a luxury for most gamers.
4. Atari Jaguar:
Atari, the name synonymous with video games, released the Jaguar in 1993. It boasted itself as the first 64-bit console, but this marketing claim didn’t translate into success. The Jaguar faced stiff competition and a lack of compelling titles.
5. Philips CD-i:
The Philips CD-i was a curious one. It meant to go above and beyond what a console offered. It was a multimedia system that played games, educational software, and even played movies. Yet it failed to find its identity and fell out of the market’s favor.
6. Virtual Boy:
Nintendo’s Virtual Boy was ahead of its time in some ways, offering a 3D experience in 1995. But its monochromatic graphics and awkward design led to discomfort for players. It’s remembered more as a quirky relic than a real triumph.
7. Sega Nomad:
Sega’s attempt at a portable Genesis, the Sega Nomad, was a cool concept but failed to gain traction. The somewhat bulky design and limited battery life held back its potential.
8. Sony PlayStation Portable (PSP):
While the PSP wasn’t a failure by any means, it usually gets overshadowed by its successor, the PlayStation Vita. The PSP had a strong library, including titles like ‘God of War: Chains of Olympus’ and ‘Final Fantasy Tactics: War of the Lions.’ Still, it couldn’t surpass the popularity of the Nintendo DS.
9. Atari Lynx:
The Atari Lynx was an early attempt at a handheld system with color graphics. Unfortunately, it was up against the Game Boy, which had a more popular game library and beat the Lynx in its earlier release.
All of these examples may not have achieved the fame of Nintendo’s Super Nintendo or Sega’s Genesis, but they each left their unique mark. While they faced many challenges and got lost, they showcased immense creativity for their time.
A Look Behind to See Ahead
The ’90s were a battleground for supremacy, and while Nintendo and Sega emerged as royalty, we shouldn’t forget the brave contenders who took a chance on challenging the giants.
These consoles might have been buried with time, but they remain a fascinating part of gaming history, reminding us that innovation and creativity are always worth celebrating, even in the face of stiff competition.