Frequently Asked Questions
The most-asked questions about video game consoles by generation, part 2.
What does 'video game consoles by generation, part 2' refer to?
It is the second volume of a fan-maintained reference that catalogs home video game consoles grouped by their generational era. Part 2 picks up where part 1 left off, covering the later generations of hardware from the mid-1990s onward.
Which console generations does part 2 cover?
Part 2 spans the fifth through ninth generations, beginning with the PlayStation, Nintendo 64, and Sega Saturn era and ending with the PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X/S. This covers roughly 1994 to the present day.
Who are the most prominent figures discussed in part 2?
Key names include Sony's Ken Kutaragi, who championed the original PlayStation, and Nintendo's Shigeru Miyamoto, whose designs shaped the N64 and beyond. Microsoft's Don Mattrick and Reggie Fils-Aimé also feature heavily in the Xbox and Wii narratives.
Where should a newcomer start reading in part 2?
The recommended entry point is the fifth-generation overview, since it marks the shift from cartridge-based to disc-based dominance and the rise of true 3D gaming. From there, readers can follow the chronological thread through each subsequent generation.
What is the single most defining moment in part 2's coverage?
The 1994 launch of the Sony PlayStation is widely regarded as the pivotal turning point, as it introduced a mass-market disc-based console and fundamentally reshaped the industry's competitive landscape. It effectively ended Sega's dominance and set the stage for the console wars that followed.
How does part 2 differ in scope from part 1?
Part 1 focuses on the foundational, largely 2D cartridge era, while part 2 deals with the 3D, online, and hybrid-console landscape. The latter also grapples with the blurring line between dedicated hardware, mobile, and PC gaming.
What is the most commonly cited controversy in part 2?
The 2010 Xbox 360 'Red Ring of Death' hardware failures and the subsequent forced online requirements for certain titles remain among the most discussed reliability and consumer-trust issues. The 2017 Xbox One launch-day policy reversals also draw frequent mention.
How are console 'generations' defined in this encyclopedia?
Generations are grouped by overlapping market lifespans and shared architectural features rather than strict release dates. A new generation is typically marked when a majority of major manufacturers introduce hardware with a significant leap in processing power or a new media format.
Which console in part 2 sold the most units worldwide?
The Sony PlayStation 2, released in 2000, holds the record at roughly 155 million units sold, making it the best-selling dedicated home console of all time. Its longevity, spanning over a decade of active sales, is a recurring point of discussion in the encyclopedia.
Does part 2 include handheld or hybrid devices?
Hybrid machines like the Nintendo Switch are included because they compete directly with dedicated home consoles in the same generation window. Pure handhelds such as the PSP or 3DS are referenced for context but are not the primary focus of the generation-by-generation breakdown.