GAMING THROUGH THE YEARS

THE BIGGEST CONSOLE & PC INNOVATIONS SINCE 2006

- Words By: Shintu Dhang

Get ready, gamers! Grab your controllers, keyboards, or VR headsets because it's time to explore the exciting history of gaming! Since 2006, the gaming world has advanced faster than a speedrunner chasing a world record.

From consoles that revolutionized couch co-op to PC setups powerful enough to calculate the meaning of life, the past two decades have served as a thrilling era of innovation. Let's take a closer look at the most significant breakthroughs in both consoles and PCs, and I promise to include enough gaming puns to make you groan even louder than a noob missing a headshot. Ready? Insert coin to continue!

2006 THE WII WAGGLES INTO OUR HEARTS

In 2006, Nintendo launched the Wii, delivering a major impact similar to a critical hit on a boss with just 1 HP. This little white console was more than just a gaming device; it represented a motion-sensing revolution that got everyone from grandmothers to toddlers swinging virtual tennis rackets. The Wii Remote, or "Wiimote" for those familiar with it, utilized infrared sensors and accelerometers to track your movements, turning games like Wii Sports into a living-room Olympics. Suddenly, gaming became an activity for the whole family, not just for basement occupants.

The Wii's key to success? Accessibility. It didn't require complex graphics to attract players; it just needed simple motions. With over 101 million units sold, it outperformed the competition like a pro in a one-on-one matchup. Sure, its graphics were more reminiscent of Super Mario 64 than Crysis, but who cared when you enjoyed bowling in your pajamas?

2007 THE PC GETS A CRYSIS OF CONFIDENCE