A Guide to the Different Types of Gaming Platforms

Video gaming has been a standout marker of technological progress over the past several decades, with software and hardware developers creating consoles and other gaming platforms that we would have never thought possible back in the early to mid-20th century. It was only in the late 1960s and 1970s that arcade games truly kicked off, but since then, a lot has changed. The first consoles like the legendary Atari were a sign of exciting things to come, allowing people to play proper video games from home for the first time.

However, you cannot really compare 20th-century gaming platforms with the technology available today. PlayStation and Xbox were beginning to show their potential in the late 1990s, but this was just the start. Nowadays, there are several quality gaming platforms available for players to enjoy various types of games. It can be hard getting to grips with all the excellent options on offer at the moment, but we’re here to help. Keep reading for a guide to the different types of gaming platforms available in the 21st century.

PlayStation

Sony’s PlayStation is arguably the most popular video gaming console, alongside the Xbox, with five iterations since the launch of the original PlayStation in 1994 providing a never-ending stream of new technology and excellent gaming entertainment. The standalone console now offers numerous high-profile gaming features, most notably the scintillating high-definition graphics, advanced haptic feedback controllers, massive open world games and much more.

There are numerous reasons why the PlayStation has become so popular, but one of the most significant is arguably the controls. These allow for a great deal of customization and control, with several buttons and two joysticks on the most recent PS5 offering unprecedented possibilities. This is particularly relevant for sports games like FIFA, which will no doubt enjoy yet another huge popularity boost due to Lionel Messi’s celebrated move to the MLS.

Xbox

Xbox, developed by Microsoft, is the other big player in the video gaming console world. Sony had more than half a decade head start on its direct rival, with the first Xbox only arriving in 2001. Nevertheless, the Xbox has grown steadily in popularity, with its landmark Xbox 360 being released a year earlier than its competitor, the PS3. This enabled Microsoft to claim lots of impatient PlayStation fans, especially considering the Xbox 360 had a much better online multiplayer gaming interface.

These days, the Xbox Series X continues to hold some advantages over its Sony rival. For example, games such as Starfield, which is set to be one of the most popular Xbox games for quite some time, will only be released on the Xbox platform. This space-themed massive multiplayer game promises to combine the worlds of Skyrim and Halo and is generating great excitement throughout the gaming community.

Other Consoles

While Xbox and PlayStation are the two primary gaming console platforms, you shouldn’t forget about some of the other options available. For example, Nintendo has repeatedly made a name for itself with slightly less complex consoles that can actually be more fun – depending on the type of games you wish to play.

For example, take the Nintendo Wii, the first console to use motion detection technology to allow players to actually move the remote rather than just press buttons. This was a huge hit during the late 2000s, but ultimately, its lack of HD graphics and other features meant that Xbox and PlayStation still reigned supreme. In more recent years, the Nintendo Switch has also enjoyed major popularity.

Mobile

Mobile gaming is huge nowadays, but this isn’t particularly new. People used to love playing classic options like Snake back in the early 2000s, although there are numerous much more complex and entertaining titles around.

For example, the mobile casino world has a wide range of games instantly available from your smartphone. This includes next-gen online slots packed with exciting bonus features, through to live dealer table options where you can enjoy games like blackjack or roulette with real human dealers.

Desktop

Desktop computers are arguably the most niche gaming platforms nowadays, but for serious gamers, they often represent the best option. The main reason is due to desktop computers’ inherent capacity for customization. For example, you can buy upgraded graphics cards and other elements, enabling you to play games with top-spec hardware and enjoy the absolutely sharpest graphics and frame rates.

The only thing to consider is that a top-spec gaming computer setup can cost several thousands of dollars, if not more.

(Devdiscourse's journalists were not involved in the production of this article. The facts and opinions appearing in the article do not reflect the views of Devdiscourse and Devdiscourse does not claim any responsibility for the same.)