What Consoles Were Available in 1990?
1990 was a pivotal year in the gaming industry, as it marked the dawn of a new decade in terms of console technology. Although the home console market had been stagnant for a while, new players emerged with innovative products that revolutionized the industry. In this article, we will dive into the world of video game consoles in 1990, exploring the range of options available to consumers.
The Top consoles of 1990:
In 1990, there were a dozen or so consoles on the market, each with its unique features and selling points. Here are the major players:
- SNK Neo Geo AES / MVS: **Japanese gaming giant SNK brought its 16-bitNeo Geo AES and arcade-like MVS consoles to market in 1990.
- Commodore 64 Games System: Commodore continued to update its successful Commodore 64 platform with the more powerful Games System, launched in 1990.
- Amstrad GX4000: **British company Amstrad entered the gaming industry with the GX4000, a 32-bit console designed to rival Sony’s forthcoming PlayStation.
- Nintendo Super Famicom / SNES: Nintendo’s 16-bit Super Famicom console was launched in Japan in 1990, eventually becoming the influential Super Nintendo Entertainment System (SNES) Worldwide.**
Additional Entries:
Other consoles present in 1990 were:
- Sega Master System: Although officially discontinued in 1986, the Sega Master System continued to be supported throughout the decade, with the Italian company Tec Toy launching exclusive titles in 1990.
- Nintendo PC Engine: This sleek, handheld console, though not exclusively a gaming platform (it was also used to play FMV films!), offered 8-bit home console quality on-the-go.
- Mattel Intellivision: The aging Intellevision line continued its quest for survival, launching add-ons like the Turbo Fire chip and the "Mini-Turb" accelerator adapter.
In summary:
In 1990, the home gaming market featured a mix of established brands and new upstarts. The year was highlighted by the introduction of three major consoles: SNK’s Neo Geo AES & MVS, Nintendo’s Super Famicom and the subsequent Super Nintendo, and the Commodore Amiga-like Games System by Amstrad.
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