For Console Video Games, the evolution of the industry is defined by the system the game was produced for. Each set of platforms is referred to as a Generation.
 
 First Generation: The Magnavox Odyssey was the first console system developed. It took 6 years to develop and sell. First sold in 1972, few today would be willing to play games as simple as these. Still, they sold over 2 million copies.
 
 Second Generation: The Video Entertainment System (1977) brought the advent of the programmable cartridge, so each game was sold separately. Later renamed the Atari, this was generally considered to be the first true Console.
 
 Third Generation: The Nintendo Entertainment System (1983) was the first system developed in Japan rather than America. The system was bundled with Super Mario Bros, a masterful marketing move.
 
 Fourth Generation: Sega really enters the market in 1987, with the Genesis. They faced a prompt response from Nintendo with the Super NES. The primary innovation this generation is 3D rendering, in games like Star Fox.
 
 Fifth Generation: The first Playstation is developed and brought into production, and quickly rises to popularity, primarily because they used CD’s rather than cartridges. Nintendo responded with the N64, which made First Person Shooters a major hit.
 
 Sixth Generation: Driven by the Playstation 2 and the Xbox, these platforms brought the advent of online, interactive, multiplayer technology.
 
 Seventh Generation: With the Playstation 3, the Wii, and the Xbox 360 all competing for market leadership, this generation has been one of the most competitive. Two major changes are the introduction of Motion Controls and the significant increase of alternate controllers, with games such as Rock Band and Guitar Hero.
 
 Throughout these generations, consoles grew in graphics capacity and total memory available, making each generation of games look better than the last.

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