Top 10 Most Innovative Video Game Consoles

The Xbox marked Microsoft's entry into the console market and introduced features like an internal hard drive for game saves and downloadable content, as well as a powerful GPU for better graphics. The Xbox also launched the Xbox Live service, which popularized online multiplayer gaming on consoles and introduced features like voice chat and digital game distribution.

The Sega Genesis, also known as the Mega Drive, was the first 16-bit console and offered significantly improved graphics and sound capabilities compared to its 8-bit predecessors. It pioneered the use of add-on hardware, such as the Sega CD and 32X, which expanded the console's capabilities and allowed for more complex games.

The Atari 2600 was a major step forward in home console gaming, popularizing the use of microprocessor-based hardware and interchangeable ROM game cartridges. This allowed for a vast library of games, making it easier for third-party developers to create and sell their own titles, which became a cornerstone of the gaming industry.

The Magnavox Odyssey was the first home video game console, laying the groundwork for the entire industry. It utilized printed circuit boards as game cartridges, which players would insert into the console to change games. The Odyssey also introduced the concept of screen overlays to provide a simple form of graphics for the games.

The Dreamcast was the first console to include a built-in modem for online gaming, paving the way for future online gaming services like Xbox Live and PlayStation Network. It also introduced the Visual Memory Unit (VMU), a memory card with a built-in screen that could display game information or be used as a portable gaming device.

The Wii's motion-sensing controllers revolutionized how players interacted with games, making gaming more accessible and engaging for a wider audience. The Wii Remote and Nunchuk allowed players physical actions to be input into the games making it one of the first mainstream systems to deliver motion controls to the mass gaming community.

The NES revolutionized the gaming industry by offering improved graphics, sound, and gameplay compared to previous consoles. It introduced the now-iconic gamepad controller and popularized the side-scrolling platformer genre with games like Super Mario Bros. The NES also featured a lockout chip to prevent unlicensed games, which helped maintain quality control and fostered a thriving third-party developer ecosystem.

The PlayStation introduced CD-ROM technology to the console gaming market, enabling larger games with improved graphics, sound, and cinematic storytelling. The DualShock controller, with its analog sticks and vibration feedback, provided a more immersive gaming experience. The PlayStation also attracted a more mature audience with titles like Metal Gear Solid, Resident Evil, and Final Fantasy VII.

Ocarina of Time, and GoldenEye 007. The N64 also pioneered four-controller support for local multiplayer gaming.