Interesting 80s Game Consoles – The ColecoVision

Although there were a lot of different interesting 80s game consoles available, the ColecoVision stood out from the crowd with its arcade-style gameplay.

The 80s were a pivotal decade for home entertainment, especially in the video game industry. The early 80s saw a large selection of new videogame systems being released, flooding the market. Among the many interesting 80s game consoles that were released during this time, the ColecoVision stood out from the crowd. Manufactured by a leather company back in 1982, the ColecoVision quickly became the future of the early 80s video game boom. And, they managed to set a whole new standard for 80s game consoles.

The Rise of 80s Game Consoles

The early 80s were marked by rapid advancements in technology. These changes were especially pronounced in the computing and home entertainment industries. Although video games had already gained in popularity through arcades during the 70s, it was companies like Atari that introduced the world to 80s game consoles. After the success of the Atari 2600, there became a demand for more sophisticated home gaming systems that could provide a more arcade-like experience.

The videogame industry was booming, and it was fueled with big-name hits like Pac-Man and Donkey Kong. But, as the technology continued to advance, players wanted something more immersive. Companies all over the tech industry began to scramble in order to meet this demand. And, the 80s game consoles market became flooded with many different options. The ColecoVision was one of these options, and it was launched as a powerful system that was capable of delivering that arcade experience from the comfort of your own home.

The Rise and Fall of ColecoVision in the 80s Game Consoles Market

ColecoVision was a game changer in the 80s game consoles market, but it also contributed to the 1983 video game crash.

Superior Graphics and Arcade-Like Gameplay in 80s Game Consoles

When it was released back in 1982, the ColecoVision distinguished itself from its competitors with the help of arcade-quality gameplay. At the time, the most advanced system available was the Atari 2600. But, it was known for having very simple graphics and pixelated visuals. However, the ColecoVision boasted a resolution of 256 by 192 and a larger color spectrum. This allowed games to look more like an arcade game when played at home. In fact, the biggest selling point of the ColecoVision, was that it created a more authentic arcade experience at home.

But, the early success of the ColecoVision was a result of a licensing agreement with Nintendo. The game itself was released with Donkey Kong as a bundled package. As a result, the game itself became synonymous with the ColecoVision and it also showcased the 80s home game consoles ability to replicate the arcade experience. The company would go on to offer a large selection of arcade-style games and titles on their system.

Expansion Modules and Versatility

Another key that helped ColecoVision to prosper during the early 80s, was its expansion capabilities. The use of expansion modules added to the versatility of the system. The first expansion module available on the ColecoVision actually allowed people to play Atari 2600 games on the system. This gave them an instant advantage over any competitor by allowing them to use the vast library of Atari game titles.

Eventually, ColecoVision released its second expansion module which featured a steering wheel and foot pedal, that allowed for a more realistic racing game experience. This helped them to market popular titles like Turbo.

Finally, there was the third expansion module which actually transformed the 80s game consoles into a very simple and basic home computer. This allowed ColecoVision  to tap into the growing demand for personal computers. And, these expansion modules help to solidify their reputation as a forward-thinking company.

The Decline and Impact of 80s Game Consoles

Nevertheless, ColecoVision was at the mercy of the video game crash of 83. This was an industrywide recession that was caused by an oversaturation of low-quality games and 80s game consoles. In North America, the video game market crashed, and this affected all manufacturers. Although the ColecoVision was seen as a system that should be able to survive the crash, the rapid decline in sales eventually forced the company to turn its attention back to the manufacturing of leather goods.

However, it’s important to point out that ColecoVision‘s short-lived peak played an integral role in setting all new standards for 80s game consoles. They managed to show just how much innovation could be packed into such a small device. And, they set a whole new standard for console performance, hardware innovation, and of course, game design.

The Influential Figures and Icons Behind ColecoVision

Arnold Greenberg was the president of Coleco, and he saw the potential of creating a high-quality videogame system as a way of shifting the company from manufacturing leather products, to electronics. His forward-thinking strategy helped to propel the company into the home gaming console market during the early 80s. And, in partnering with Nintendo to introduce the ColecoVision with Donkey Kong, Greenberg became one of the most influential figures of the 80s game consoles industry.

The Legacy of ColecoVision

Despite its short-lived peak, ColecoVision left a lasting mark on the gaming industry. The company managed to influence both hardware design and change the direction of game console development. By focusing on offering high-quality arcade ports, they set a whole new standard for what players could come to expect from 80s game consoles. And, they managed to push the industry toward creating a more immersive gameplay experience.

After the crash of 1983, the ColecoVision seemed to have vanished from the history books. It’s not as if the game console had completely disappeared, rather it was overshadowed by the launching of the Nintendo Entertainment System in 1985. Nevertheless, the influences of the system in the early 80s can still be felt today in more modern home gaming consoles.

Conclusion

Without question, the ColecoVision was a groundbreaking 80s game consoles. They set a whole new standard for graphic quality and gameplay, by making arcade games playable at home. Their superior arcade ports and expansion modules helped to distinguish it from the many competitors in the crowded market. And although its success was short due to the video game crash of 1983, its legacy still lives on today.