What Consoles Came Out in 1983?
The year 1983 marked a significant milestone in the history of video games, as two major console manufacturers, Sega and Nintendo, released new consoles that would go on to shape the industry for years to come. In this article, we will explore the consoles that were released in 1983 and their impact on the gaming world.
The Sega SG-1000
Released in July 1983, the Sega SG-1000 was Sega’s first home video game console. It was a significant improvement over previous consoles, with a built-in keyboard and the ability to play both cartridges and cassette tapes. The SG-1000 was released in Japan only and was not widely popular, but it laid the foundation for Sega’s future console efforts.
The Nintendo Famicom
Released in July 1983, the Nintendo Famicom, also known as the Family Computer, was Nintendo’s first home console. It was a huge success in Japan, with over 2 million units sold within the first year of its release. The Famicom was the precursor to the Nintendo Entertainment System (NES) released in North America in 1985.
Impact of 1983 Consoles
The release of the Sega SG-1000 and Nintendo Famicom in 1983 marked a significant shift in the gaming industry. For the first time, consoles were being released that were specifically designed for home use, rather than just for arcades. This change led to a new era of gaming, with consoles becoming a central part of many people’s entertainment routines.
Console Comparison
Here is a comparison of the Sega SG-1000 and Nintendo Famicom:
| Feature | Sega SG-1000 | Nintendo Famicom |
|---|---|---|
| Release Date | July 1983 | July 1983 |
| Region | Japan | Japan |
| Cartridges/Cassette Tapes | Both | Cartridges only |
| Keyboard | Built-in | No |
| Sales | Not widely popular | Over 2 million units sold in Japan |
| Impact | Laid foundation for Sega’s future console efforts | Precursor to NES and a major success in Japan |
Games Released in 1983
Several games were released in 1983 for the Sega SG-1000 and Nintendo Famicom. Here are a few notable ones:
- Space Ace (Sega SG-1000): A laser disc game that was ported from the arcade game of the same name.
- Dragon’s Lair (Sega SG-1000): Another laser disc game that was ported from the arcade game of the same name.
- Mario Bros. (Nintendo Famicom): A platformer game that was one of the first games released for the Famicom.
- Mappy (Nintendo Famicom): A platformer game that was also released for the Famicom.
Conclusion
In conclusion, 1983 was an important year for the video game industry, as two major console manufacturers, Sega and Nintendo, released new consoles that would go on to shape the industry for years to come. The Sega SG-1000 and Nintendo Famicom were significant improvements over previous consoles, with the Famicom being a huge success in Japan. The games released in 1983, such as Space Ace and Dragon’s Lair, were notable for their use of laser discs and their porting from arcade games.