As the 80s drew to a close, a new console generation dawned upon us. There was 6 year old me flicking through the Toys R Us catalogue drooling over all the delicious new consoles brimming with technological advancements and the promise of new and exciting adventures. Welcome to the era of 4th generation consoles, where the tried and tested cartridge-based consoles squared up with their more modern CD-Based counterparts. Prepare to embark on a journey through the annals of gaming history as we explore the remarkable consoles of the 4th generation!
PC-Engine/TurboGrafx-16 (1987):
Bursting onto the scene with a fusion of Japanese engineering and American ingenuity, the PC-Engine/TurboGrafx-16 enthralled gamers with its 8-bit powerhouse and an impressive line-up of games. With the capacity to display a vibrant colour palette and an array of innovative peripherals, this console set the stage for the fierce battles that lay ahead.
Mega Drive/Genesis (1988):
The Mega Drive/Genesis, an epitome of gaming prowess, swept gamers off their feet with its sleek design and ground-breaking 16-bit technology. Harnessing the raw power of its Motorola 68000 processor, this console brought arcade-quality graphics and sound to the living room.
Super Famicom/Super Nintendo SNES (1990):
Enter the realm of 16-bit greatness with the Super Famicom/Super Nintendo SNES, a console that defined an era. With its iconic Super NES controller and a library of timeless classics, this console enchanted gamers with its rich colours, impressive Mode 7 graphics, and the introduction of the legendary Super Mario World.
Neo Geo (1991):
The Neo Geo, a console beyond compare, descended from the heavens to cater to the most discerning gaming aficionados. Famed for its awe-inspiring arcade ports and breathtakingly detailed sprites, this powerhouse of a console enthralled gamers with its unparalleled visual and audio fidelity.
CD-ROM²/TurboGrafx-CD (1988):
The TurboGrafx-CD elevated gaming to new heights, introducing the world to the captivating realm of CD-based gaming. With its vast storage capacity, this add-on expanded the horizons of gaming, presenting us with immersive worlds, full-motion video, and CD-quality sound.
CD-i (1991):
The CD-i, a visionary console ahead of its time, broke the barriers of traditional gaming with its multimedia capabilities. Opening the door to interactive experiences, this system let us delve into educational adventures, creative software, and the enchanting world of Philips' media.
Sega CD/Mega-CD (1991):
Prepare to be mesmerised as the Sega CD/Mega-CD pushes the boundaries of gaming, fusing the power of CDs with the mighty Sega Genesis. Enhanced graphics, full-motion video, and captivating soundtracks became the norm as this add-on took gamers on unforgettable journeys through epic RPGs and immersive FMV adventures.
PC Engine Duo/TurboDuo (1991):
Witness the glorious union of power and elegance with the PC Engine Duo/TurboDuo, a console that seamlessly melded CD-ROM² capabilities with the TurboGrafx-16. Delighting gamers
with its sleek design and enhanced audio-visual capabilities, this console became a gateway to gaming paradise. From its library of classic titles to the introduction of iconic franchises like "Castlevania: Rondo of Blood," the PC Engine Duo/TurboDuo solidified its place in gaming history.
Some Hidden Gems:
Commodore CDTV (1991):
Venturing into uncharted territory, Commodore unveiled the CDTV, a unique fusion of gaming console and multimedia player. Blurring the lines between gaming and home entertainment, this remarkable system provided access to an array of interactive experiences, educational software, and a glimpse into the future of home computing.
LaserActive (1993):
The LaserActive, an enigmatic console with unrivalled versatility, mesmerised gamers with its ability to play games from various formats, including LaserDiscs and CD-ROMs. Boasting the power to deliver immersive full-motion video and captivating sound, this console allowed players to embark on unforgettable adventures in both gaming and multimedia realms.
Sega Genesis CDX (1993):
In a stroke of genius, Sega introduced the Genesis CDX, a compact powerhouse that combined the functionality of the Genesis/Mega Drive with CD capabilities. This console catered to gaming enthusiasts on the go, offering the best of both worlds with its extensive library of cartridges and the mesmerising experiences unlocked by CDs.
Neo Geo CD (1994):
Expanding its gaming empire, SNK unleashed the Neo Geo CD, a console that made the awe-inspiring Neo Geo library more accessible to gamers worldwide. Retaining the breath-taking visuals and captivating gameplay of its arcade counterpart, this console allowed enthusiasts to indulge in the glory of Neo Geo gaming from the comfort of their homes.
Super A'Can (1995):
The Super A'Can, a latecomer to the 4th generation console scene, sought to make its mark with a diverse line-up of games and unique hardware features. Though its time in the limelight was brief, this console left a lasting impression on enthusiasts, showcasing the potential for innovation even in the waning years of a console generation.
In this extraordinary era of gaming, the 4th generation consoles, whether cartridge-based or CD-supported, opened the doors to some pretty incredible adventures cough... Zelda... cough!. Each console, with its distinct strengths and captivating library, shaped the landscape of gaming and cost my parents a shit load of money!
So, embrace the call of adventure. Dust off those cartridges, polish those CDs with whatever household substance you've been told fixes knackered CDs and get cracking!