What’s Next? Video Game Consoles Through the Years

1999: Sega Dreamcast

While overshadowed by later rivals, the Dreamcast is remembered fondly by gamers for its innovative games. Ah… Soul Calibur. Plus, it had a built-in modem, which was a first.

2000: PlayStation 2

Somehow managing to meet the incredible hype, the PlayStation 2 outdid its predecessor and is now the best-selling home console ever with over 155 million units sold worldwide. Which is ironic, considering how difficult it was to find at launch. (The original design pictured alongside the later slim version.)

2001: Nintendo GameCube

While it’ll probably always be the awkward sibling at Nintendo console family gatherings, the GameCube had some good games.

2001: Microsoft Xbox

With its innovative built-in hard drive and ethernet port, the Xbox ensured that Microsoft’s first entry into console gaming would be powerful and groundbreaking. Plus, it introduced Halo to the world.

2005: Xbox 360

In a relatively quick turnaround for consoles, the current generation Xbox 360 appeared four years later and surpassed the original Xbox in every way. It’s a favorite among gamers for its awesome graphics, highly praised Xbox Live online gaming service and innovative and popular Kinect motion controller. (The later slim model with the Kinect.)

2006: Sony PlayStation 3

Equipped with a Blu-ray drive and HDMI output, the PlayStation 3 is as much a home theater device as it is a powerful gaming system. It’s also undergone three major design revisions, the latest being released in fall 2012 (far right).

2006: Nintendo Wii

The funny name has not stopped the Wii from being embraced by both gamers and non-gamers alike. It has sold nearly 100 million consoles to date.

2012: Nintendo Wii U

While it’s too early to say whether it will be joining the GameCube at the kids’ table at Nintendo console family reunions, the Wii U has seen disappointing sales thus far.

2013: PlayStation 4 and Xbox 720 One

While we still don’t know what either of these consoles will look like, expect this holiday season to be another titanic battle between the major video game makers.

Update [5/21/13]:

Microsoft finally unveiled their next-gen console, officially named the Xbox One, and it’s being touted as an “all-in-one” entertainment device with powerful multitasking capabilities, live TV and a Blu-ray drive.