NBA 2K27 launched as a DLSS 5 showcase. Here is what every DLSS option does, how to enable it, and the best settings for sharp visuals and smooth FPS, including why Neural Rendering can tank your frame rate.
This post may contain affiliate links from places like Amazon and Green Man Gaming, and we may earn a small commission when you click these links. All earnings will go to keeping this website as minimally ad-free as possible.
The gaming industry is filled with iconic names that resonate with gamers of all ages. The names of game consoles often reflect the vision, history, and aspirations of their creators. Today, we'll dive deep into the stories behind some of the most famous game console names and understand how they came to be.
The Nintendo Entertainment System, released in 1985, is one of the most iconic game consoles in history. Nintendo, a company with roots dating back to 1889, initially produced playing cards before venturing into the video game industry. The name Nintendo itself translates roughly to "Leave luck to heaven," reflecting a blend of cultural heritage and optimism.
The NES was originally released in Japan as the "Family Computer" or "Famicom." When launched in the United States, Nintendo rebranded it to "Nintendo Entertainment System" to emphasize the entertainment aspect and to appeal to a broader audience beyond just video gamers.
The Sega Genesis, known as the Mega Drive outside North America, was released in 1988. Sega wanted a name that symbolized a new beginning, a rebirth in the video game industry. "Genesis" perfectly encapsulated this concept, suggesting a new era of 16-bit gaming that would redefine entertainment. The name "Mega Drive" was used in other markets to convey the power and advanced technology of the console.
Sony's PlayStation, released in 1994, has a straightforward yet powerful name. The project initially started as a collaboration between Sony and Nintendo to develop a CD-ROM add-on for the Super Nintendo. When the partnership fell through, Sony decided to create its own console. The name "PlayStation" was chosen to reflect a station or hub where players could come to enjoy a wide range of games and multimedia. The simplicity and universality of the name contributed to its global success.
Microsoft's Xbox, launched in 2001, derived its name from a contraction of "DirectX Box." DirectX is a collection of application programming interfaces (APIs) crucial for handling tasks related to multimedia, especially game programming and video. The "X" in Xbox signifies the console's roots in DirectX technology, emphasizing its superior graphical capabilities and performance. The name was catchy, easy to remember, and conveyed a sense of cutting-edge technology.
Nintendo's Wii, released in 2006, marked a significant departure from conventional gaming names. Originally codenamed "Revolution," Nintendo chose "Wii" to emphasize inclusivity. The two lower-case "i"s represent two people standing side by side, symbolizing players gathering together. The name "Wii" was easy to pronounce in various languages and reflected Nintendo’s aim to create a console that was accessible to everyone, from hardcore gamers to casual players and families.
The name Atari itself is derived from a term used in the Japanese game Go, which means a position where a player's stones are in imminent danger of being captured, similar to that of 'check-mate' in chess. This name reflected the competitive and strategic nature of Atari’s vision. In 1982, with the release of the Atari 5200, the original VCS was renamed the Atari 2600 to align with the new naming convention based on model numbers.
Nintendo’s Game Boy, released in 1989, became synonymous with handheld gaming. The name "Game Boy" was chosen to reflect its portability and appeal to a younger demographic. It played on the idea of a "boy" being small and easily carried around, much like the console itself. The straightforward, friendly name helped establish it as a beloved device for on-the-go gaming.
The 3DO Interactive Multiplayer, commonly known as the 3DO, was released in 1993 by The 3DO Company. The name "3DO" stands for "Three-Dimensional Objects," reflecting the console's focus on 3D graphics and multimedia capabilities. The company, founded by Electronic Arts' Trip Hawkins, envisioned the console as a versatile entertainment system, not just a gaming device.
The Atari Jaguar, released in 1993, was named to symbolize speed, power, and agility. Atari wanted a name that would convey the advanced technology and superior performance of their 64-bit console, which they marketed as the most powerful gaming system at the time. The name "Jaguar" was chosen to evoke the image of a sleek, fast, and powerful animal, aligning with the console’s cutting-edge capabilities.
The Sega Dreamcast, launched in 1999, has a name that reflects aspiration and innovation. The word "Dream" symbolizes Sega's hope and ambition for the console, while "Cast" implies broadcasting or sharing these dreams. Together, "Dreamcast" suggests a device that brings dreams to life and casts them into reality, highlighting the console’s forward-thinking technology and capabilities.
Mattel's Intellivision, released in 1979, derived its name from "Intelligent Television." The name was chosen to highlight the console's advanced technology and innovative features. Intellivision offered better graphics and more complex games compared to its competitor, the Atari 2600, suggesting a smarter and more sophisticated gaming experience that integrated seamlessly with home television systems.
The TurboGrafx-16, released in 1989 by NEC and Hudson Soft, was originally known as the PC Engine in Japan. The name "TurboGrafx-16" was chosen for the North American market to emphasize the console's powerful 16-bit graphics and its high-performance capabilities. "Turbo" suggested speed and power, while "Grafx" highlighted its superior graphical output. The "-16" suffix indicated the 16-bit technology that set it apart from its 8-bit predecessors.
SNK's Neo Geo, released in 1990, was named to signify a new, advanced gaming era. "Neo" means new, and "Geo" stands for geography, suggesting that the console would bring a new world of gaming experiences to players. The Neo Geo was known for its arcade-quality games and advanced graphics, living up to its name by providing a premium gaming experience that was revolutionary for its time.
The names of game consoles are more than just labels; they are a reflection of the vision, creativity, and strategic thinking of their creators. From emphasizing cutting-edge technology to promoting inclusivity and accessibility, the names of these consoles have played a significant role in their success and cultural impact. Understanding the stories behind these names gives us a deeper appreciation of the history and evolution of the gaming industry.
NBA 2K27 launched as a DLSS 5 showcase. Here is what every DLSS option does, how to enable it, and the best settings for sharp visuals and smooth FPS, including why Neural Rendering can tank your frame rate.
NBA 2K27 plays great basketball right out of the box. This is the review for people who just want to hoop, single player, on the court, no MyTEAM grind. Gorgeous on a high end GPU and the best playing 2K in years.
Moleculox is a free browser puzzler where you slide atoms together to build molecules, and it plays like Connect 4 with a periodic table. It is clever, generous, and it got me.
A New High: Steam Has Logged Over 10 million Users Online at One Time
Get ready for a classic arcade racing experience with Horizon Chase Turbo! Burn some rubber and enjoy the thrill of the race!
Where in the World is Mr. X? Labyrinth City Demo Available on Steam
Dive into the heart of 90s gaming with the classic Space Hulk on the iconic 3DO console. A blend of tactics, thrills, and nostalgia
RBI Baseball 20 is a solid no-frills barebones baseball game that will satisfy your baseball itch until a better game comes along.
