History Of Video Game Consoles(seventh gen)
When we put the home video gaming consoles into consideration, it was on 22nd November 2005 that the seventh generation had officially begun. This was with the launch of Microsoft Xbox 360. The seventh generation further continued when PlayStation 3 was released by Sony on 11th November 2006. Further, Wii by Nintendo was released on 19th November 2006.
With each new console that was released, a breakthrough technology of an entirely different type had come to the fore. Just as an instance, PlayStation 3 and Xbox 360 will be remembered for their awe-inspiring HD graphics. But, when we speak of Wii, the focus lies on integrating movement sensors with controllers. The refined movements were to surpass those presented by using the joystick. This was to attract even those audiences that were not gamers traditionally.
The seventh generation of video game consoles is vastly recalled as the next generation of console wars. At the time when the generation began, it was assumed that this is going to be a 3-way battle, wherein the contenders were Wii, PS3, and Xbox.
But, Wii had posed different strategies as compared to those presented by Microsoft and Sony. The latter two organizations, hence, cease to compare their sales performance with Wii. One of the defining factors for this development was that PS3 and Xbox work on machines that are entirely different when compared to Wii. Wii’s core focus area lay over coming up with simple games that would attract a broader set of audiences. On the other hand, PS3 and Xbox were more particular about games characterized by HD graphics and superior performance.
It is then noteworthy that based on the financial reports released in 2009, the market share of Wii stood at nearly 49%, followed by Xbox 360 and PS3 at 29% and 22% respectively.
Hardware sales
Xbox 360 led Wii and PS3 by 6 million in sales before the two were released in the seventh generation. The former among the three was undoubtedly a quick seller. For months after its release, Microsoft struggled to match pace with the market demand for Xbox 360.
Sales of Xbox 360 in the US and Europe were remarkable. But, in the Japanese market, the console failed to perform too well, just as in the case of its predecessors.
Software sales
The characteristic feature of Wii was its outstanding popularity coupled with the low cost of development. Wii was an inspiration for a host of developers globally to create games focused on alternative demographics of gamers. Games with a casual focus, like Wii Fit, which is a fitness game, were gaining popularity. Numerous developers came up with minigame compilations that came across magnanimous success. Some noteworthy names of the era are Call of Duty and Grand Theft Auto.
Conclusion
The popularity of video gaming breached new landmarks in the seventh generation, with gaming being available on smartphones and tablets beyond PCs. People could download gaming apps or play games on websites and handheld devices. The seventh generation of video game consoles gave birth to the eighth generation, which is video gaming as we know it today.