2021 seems to be an important year for gaming as it marks the first proper year of the ninth generation of gaming consoles, more specifically the PlayStation 5 and the Xbox Series X/S.
Instead of getting bitter due to the shortages of these consoles, let's look back at the past and dive into the older consoles that paved the way for the newer generation.
5
Playstation
Launched: 1994
Units sold: 102.4 million
Best releases: Metal Gear Solid, Final Fantasy 7 & Resident Evil 2
Sony’s first ever console took the world by storm when it first launched back in 1994.
Launched to compete with the likes of the Sega Saturn, the PlayStation not only outsold its competition, but most consoles to ever exist.
The first PlayStation saw the launch of tons of franchises that are still going strong today such as Resident Evil, Tomb Raider, Grand Theft Auto, Crash Bandicoot and more.
4
Playstation 4
Launched: 2013
Units sold: 115.9 million
Best releases: God of War, Red Dead Redemption 2 & The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt
The second Sony console to feature on the list (and not the last), the PS4 built upon ideas introduced by the PS3, with more importance given to online play and user experience as a whole.
The PS4 easily dominated its generation as it sold more than the Xbox One and the Wii U combined.
Holding the title for the "fastest home console to reach 100 million units sold", the PS4 was a pillar of gaming and don’t be surprised if it sells a couple more million units in the coming years.
3
Game Boy & Game Boy Colour
Launched: 1989
Units sold: 118.69 million
Best releases: Tetris, Donkey Kong & Pokémon Gold and Silver
Nintendo’s second try in the handheld console market became a mainstay for any child growing up in the 90s.
The console was small, inexpensive and durable and mostly thanks to Nintendo’s first party games, it boasted a vast library of games to play on the go.
The Game Boy will go down in history as the console that introduced Pokémon to the world with the release of Pokémon Red and Green in 1998.
2
Nintendo DS
Launched: 2004
Units sold: 154.02 million
Best releases: Mario Kart DS, Chrono Trigger & Grand Theft Auto: Chinatown Wars
The Nintendo DS was the successor to the Game Boy Advance as it was created to be backwards compatible with Game Boy Advance games.
This handheld introduced new features to handheld gaming such as the two LCD screens, one of which being touchscreen.
The Nintendo DS marked the first time a Nintendo system offered a Wi-Fi connection, allowing users to play with their friends around the world.
1
Playstation 2
Launched: 2000
Units sold: 155 million
Best releases: Grand Theft Auto III, God of War II & Shadow of the Colossus
Beating the Nintendo DS by less than a million units, Sony takes the first-place spot with their PlayStation 2.
With over 3,800 games in its library, the PS2 offered something different for each type of gamer.
The console itself also doubled as an affordable DVD player making it even more appealing for children and parents alike.
Holding a place in most gamers’ hearts, the PS2 was a gaming Icon and is deservedly the highest selling console of all-time.
