Chronology of Video Game Systems

Copyright © 2002-2024 Ken Polsson
internet e-mail: ken@kpolsson.com
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URL: http://kpolsson.com/vidgame/

References are numbered in [brackets], which are listed here. A number after the dot gives the page in the source.

Last updated: 2023 October 25.


1999

July 1
  • Nintendo releases the Pokémon Snap video game for the Nintendo 64 in the US. Price is US$49.95. [401] [405.100] [417.81] [440.43] [595.142] (June 30 [411])
July 3
  • In Weirs Beach, New Hampshire, over six hours Billy Mitchell plays a "perfect" game of the arcade game Pac-Man, achieving the highest score that the game allows: 3,333,360. This can only be accomplished by guiding Pac-Man to eat every dot, fruit, and ghost in all 256 levels without dying. [578.134] [682.77] [1032.110] [1098.34]
July 10
  • Nintendo releases The New Tetris video game for the Nintendo 64 in the US. [401]
July
  • Konami releases the DrumMania arcade video game in Japan. [1025.11]
  • Nintendo releases the Command & Conquer video game for the Nintendo 64 in the United Kingdom. [393.28] (May [411])
  • EA Sports releases the NCAA Football 2000 video game for the PlayStation in the US. [627.36]
  • Nintendo releases the Star Wars Episode 1: Racer video game for the Nintendo 64 in the United Kingdom. [393.28]
July 27
  • Nintendo releases the Mario Golf 64 video game for the Nintendo 64 in the US. [401] [411] [871.38] (August [554.17])
(month unknown)
  • Sega releases the limited edition Seaman Dreamcast pack in Japan. Includes transparent Dreamcast, Seaman video game, microphone headset, Video Memory Unit, and mini game. 500 packs are sold. [810.22]
August 6
  • SNK officially releases the NeoGeo Pocket Color handheld video game system in the US. It features 160x152 pixel color LCD screen displaying 146 simultaneous colors of a palette of 4096, two buttons and joystick controls. The system operates for about 40 hours on battery power. Price is US$69.95. (About 200,000 units are sold in North America.) [465.188] [592.34] [595.27] [810.18] [1095.40] (July [674.46])
August 9
  • Sega of America announces it is beginning a US$100 million marketing campaign to promote the Dreamcast video game system, with television advertising showing the system. [597]
August
  • Retro Studios officially begins work on Metroid Prime video game for the next Nintendo video game system (GameCube). [436.48]
  • LucasArts releases the Star Wars: The Phantom Menace video game for the PlayStation in the US. [627.36] [643.116] [1094.40]
  • Nintendo reduces the suggested retail price of the Nintendo 64 in the USA to US$99.95. [1098.32]
  • Midway releases the NFL Blitz 2000 video game for the PlayStation in the US. [627.36]
  • EA Sports releases the Madden NFL 2000 video game for the PlayStation in the US. [627.36]

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  • Activision releases the Quake II video game for the Nintendo 64 in the United Kingdom. [235.123] [393.28]
August 17
  • Eidos releases the Soul Reaver video game for the PlayStation in the US. (Total sales worldwide: 1.5 million.) [628.50] [633.58] (September [627.36])
August 23
  • Sony drops the price of the PlayStation in the USA from US$129 to US$99. [693.118] [1022.32] [1098.32]
August 25
  • At the Sumida Triphony Hall in Tokyo, Japan, Capcom stages a Biohazard concert with the New Japan Philharmonic Symphony Orchestra. [819.23]
August 27
  • In Tokyo, Japan, the Space World '99 show is held. Nintendo reveals the 64DD, an attachment to the Nintendo 64 allowing storage of game data and access to the Internet. [393.9,13] [819.25]
August
  • In Tokyo, Japan, the Game of the Year ceremony is held. The Fresh Prize is awarded to Nintendo for the Pikachu Genki Dechu video game. The Visual Prize is a tie between The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time for the Nintendo 64 and Final Fantasy VIII for the PlayStation. The Game of the Year is awarded for the game Final Fantasy VIII. Second place is The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time. [393.13]
August 31
  • Year to date sales of the Game Boy and Game Boy Color in the USA: 2.68 million. [1100.34]
  • Atari Games releases the Gauntlet Legends video game for the Nintendo 64. [235.125] [411] [418.28] (September [554.17])
August (month)
  • Top selling video game in the USA for the month: WWF Attitude for the PlayStation. [737.32] [1023.50] [1099.40]
(month unknown)
  • Sales of Zelda: Ocarina of Time video game for the Nintendo 64 to date: US$137 million. [378.58]
  • Unit sales of video game systems in North America to date: Nintendo Entertainment System 35 million, Sega Master System 1.5 million, Sega Genesis 19 million, Super Nintendo 20 million, Saturn 1 million. [378.59]
  • Unit sales of the Nintendo Game Boy video game system worldwide to date: 80 million. [378.60] [597]
  • Sony makes available the PlayStation 2 Development Tool, for 2,000,000 yen (about US$18,000). [737.17]
September 7
  • ADV Films releases the Sonic The Hedgehog - The Movie film on DVD (US$29.98) and VHS tape (US$19.98) in the USA. [810.7] [1098.179]
September 8
  • Square EA releases the Final Fantasy VIII video game for the PlayStation in the US. [556.99] [627.36] [633.58] [740.86] [869.19] [996.17] [997.6] [1022.100]
September 9
  • Sega releases the Dreamcast video game system in the US, preceded by a US$100 million marketing campaign. It features 200 MHz 128-bit Hitachi SH-4 processor, NEC PowerVR DC video chip, 16 MB RAM, 8 MB video RAM, 2 MB sound memory, 12x 1 GB CD-ROM drive, 56 kbps modem, four game ports. Price is US$199. Optional accessories: keyboard US$19.95, controller US$24.95, Visual Memory Unit for mini-games US$19.95, Jump Pack for rumbling controller US$19.95. Code name during development was Katana. 250,000 units sell on the first day. In the first 24 hours, Sega sells US$97 million worth of hardware and software, setting an entertainment industry record for highest-grossing day. (514,000 Dreamcast units are sold in the first two weeks. 10 million units are sold during the product's lifetime.) [361.44] [372.38] [375.60] [376.22] [377.62] [383.79] [384.194] [597] [674.46] [810.13,93] [819.16] [825.132] [1099.38] [1151.60] [1183.133] [1343.59] (first week sales: 119,996 [643.35])
  • Sega releases the Sonic Adventure video game for the Dreamcast in the US. [411] [737.191] [779.40] [810.13]
  • Namco releases the Soul Calibur video game for the Dreamcast in the US. [304.150] [411] [737.191] [810.13]
  • Sega releases the NFL 2K video game for the Dreamcast in the US. Price is US$49.99. [376.22] [810.13]
September 13
  • In Japan, Sony announces the official name of the successor to the PlayStation is PlayStation 2. The system will be released first in Japan on March 4, priced at 39,800 yen (about US$370). It will include a DualShock 2 Analog Controller, 8 MB Memory Card, 24x CD-ROM / 4x DVD ROM drive. Future plans for the system include Web site browsing, new game downloads to a hard drive, downloads of music and films, and interactive online versions of TV game shows. [597] [737.16] [819.24,52] [1023.31] [1099.38] [1404.20]
September
  • Capcom releases the Dino Crisis video game for the PlayStation in the US. [627.36] [740.85]
  • Konami releases the Dance Dance Revolution Solo Bass Mix arcade video game in Japan. [1025.11]
September 16
  • Microsoft announces the Windows CE toolkit 2.0 to help developers write Windows CE-based games for the Sega Dreamcast will be available in October. [597]
September 17
  • In Japan, the Tokyo Game Show is held, over three days. [996.21] [998.16] [1021.29] [1097.30]
September 20
  • Sony CEA announces cutbacks in PlayStation 2 shipments due to parts shortages in Japan. [1460.585]
September 23
  • Enix releases the Dragon Quest I & II Remix video game for the Game Boy Color in Japan. [298.51]
September 29
  • Activision releases the Tony Hawk's Pro Skater video game for the PlayStation in the US. (About 1 million copies are sold in six months.) [358.86] [625.51] [626.34] [633.58] (August 31 [411])
September 30
  • Konami releases the Metal Gear Solid: VR Missions video game for the PlayStation. [411] [471.52] [737.32,191] [997.65] [1023.58] [1098.52]
  • Square releases the Final Fantasy Anthology video game for the PlayStation in the US. Included are Final Fantasy V and Final Fantasy VI (Final Fantasy III in the US). [411] [737.32,191] [869.19]
  • Rockstar Games releases the Grand Theft Auto 2 video game for the PlayStation in the US. [411] [570.77] [737.32]
September (month)
  • Total sales of the Dreamcast in the US during the month: 500,000. [819.16] (700,000 [684.17])
  • Top selling video game in the USA for the month: Final Fantasy VIII for the PlayStation. [627.31] [819.22] [1024.38] [1100.36]
(month unknown)
  • Sega releases the Virtua Fighter 3TB video game for the Dreamcast in the US. [308.69]
  • Sega releases the Sega Rally 2 video game for the Dreamcast in the US. [304.127]
  • WMS Industries announces it will no longer manufacture arcade cabinets. This includes companies Midway, Williams, and Bally. [1100.34]
October 1
  • Nintendo releases the Pokémon Yellow Version: Special Pikachu Edition video game for the Game Boy Color in the US. (1 million copies sell in 14 days, making it the fastest selling Nintendo title. Total sales: 8 million.) [401] [447.4] [554.17] [595.143] [819.154] [1317.30] [1425.52]
  • Nintendo releases the Mario Golf video game for the Game Boy Color. [304.126] [401]
October 3
  • The Fox Broadcasting Company airs The Simpsons TV show in the US. A home video game is played, showing a player skiing. [879]
October 6
  • United Paramount Network airs the Seven Days TV show in the USA. The episode involves a video game player remotely controlling a live missile aimed at the US Pentagon building. A few arcade video game machines appear at a nightclub. A brief scene takes place in a videogame arcade, showing a wrestling game. [908]
October 8
  • The Duke Nuken - Zero Hour video game is released for the Nintendo 64 in England. [393.13]
October 14
  • Sega releases the Dreamcast video game system in the UK and Europe. [1340.15]
October
  • Konami releases the Suikoden II video game for the PlayStation in the US. [737.32] [740.86]
  • Nintendo releases a limited edition Game Boy Color decorated with Pokémon characters, bundled with the video game Pokémon Yellow Version: Special Pikachu Edition. Price is US$109.95. [595.143] [819.154]
  • Nintendo releases the Pokémon Red version and Pokémon Blue version games for the Game Boy in Europe. [595.143]
  • Square EA releases the Final Fantasy VIII video game for the PlayStation in Europe. [556.99]
October 22
  • The 33rd annual Tokyo Motor Show is held in Tokyo, Japan. Sony shows a demonstration of Gran Turismo 2 on a long row of PlayStation systems. Sega has a F355 Challenge arcade machine in the Ferrari booth. Nintendo demonstrates a Panasonic in-car game system allowing the Nintendo 64 to connect to a mini television in the car. [820.24]
October 31
  • Capcom releases the Resident Evil 2 video game for the Nintendo 64. [411]
  • Unit sales of Dreamcast video game system in North America to date: 750,862. [597]
October (month)
  • Top selling video game in the USA for the month: Pokémon Yellow for the Game Boy Color. [753.42]
(month unknown)
  • At an Okawa Foundation event in Japan, Sega shows prototype Dreamcast peripherals, including Zip drive, camera, microphone, and network card. [1295.34]
November 3
  • Comedy Central airs the South Park TV show in the USA. A "Chinpokomon" video game system appears, which gives one of the kids a seizure. [1245]
November 4
  • Disney Interactive, ESPN, and Konami announce a deal for production of a line of ESPN sports games for video game systems. [597]
November 10
  • Warner Bros. releases the film Pokémon: The First Movie to theaters. (The Pokémon characters originated with a video game in Japan. Total American theater ticket sales: US$86 million.) [440.43] [447.4] [463.293] [493.29] [496.40] [595.143] [819.154]
November 11
  • Electronic Arts releases the Medal of Honor video game for the PlayStation in the US. [626.34] [737.32] [1319.30]
November 12
  • Capcom releases the Resident Evil 3: Nemesis video game for the PlayStation in the US. (3.5 million copies are sold.) [411] [577.102] [641.36] [737.32,191] [740.85] [819.14] [834.17] [1099.60] [1491.21]
November 14
  • The Fox Broadcasting Company airs The Simpsons TV show in the US. A child plays a home videogame system showing three ninjas. [880]
November 15
  • Nintendo releases the Donkey Kong 64 video game for the Nintendo 64 in the US. Included within the game is the original Donkey Kong video game. [393.28] [401] [411] [819.135] [1099.61]
  • Eidos releases the Tomb Raider: The Last Revelation video game for the PlayStation and Dreamcast in the US. (Total lifetime sales on the PlayStation: 900,000.) [308.82] [411] [444.34] [641.36] [737.179,191] [1021.29] (December [740.85])
November
  • Nintendo releases the Pokémon Gold and Pokémon Silver video games for the Game Boy Color in Japan. [595.143]
  • Time magazine in the US features the Pokémon characters on its cover. [595.143]
  • THQ releases the Wrestlemania 2000 video game for the Nintendo 64 in the US. [1218.82]
November 16
  • Electronic Arts releases the 007: Tomorrow Never Dies video game for the PlayStation in the US. [641.36] [746.158] [1319.30]
November 22
  • Unit sales of the Dreamcast video game system in North America to date: 1 million. [370.95] [377.62] [597]
November 26
  • Sega announces its plans to make the DreamCast the center of its Web strategy, focusing on multiplayer online gaming. [377.62]
November
  • Nintendo releases the Donkey Kong Set, including Jungle Green Nintendo 64 system, Donkey Kong 64 video game Pak, Jungle Green Controller, and Expansion Pak. [446.52]
November (month)
  • Top selling video game in the USA for the month: Pokémon Yellow for the Game Boy. [753.42]
(month unknown)
  • Midway renames Atari Games to Midway Games West. [825.40]
December 1
  • Nintendo releases the 64DD disk drive for the Nintendo 64 in Japan. Included are a modem cartridge, Kyojin no Doshin (Doshin the Giant) video game, and Mario Artist: Paint Studio software. (Total sales over the product's lifetime: about 250,000.) [393.45] [825.32] [1151.44] [1494.192]
December 2
  • Sega releases the Shenmue: Chapter 1 Yokosuka video game for the Dreamcast in Japan. Included within the game are Space Harrier and Hang-On video games. [737.191] [825.58] [1505.334]
December 8
  • Sony CEA releases the Gran Turismo 2 video game for the PlayStation in the US. [411] [626.34] [737] [740.88] [820.20] [1023.44] [1099.60]
December 14
  • Sega of America and Excite@Home announce a partnership to build Sega's Dreamcast Network, an Internet gaming portal. [597] (December 13 [377.62])
December
  • Sega releases the special Dreamcast Model Seaman Christmas Package in Japan, limited to 850 units, including controller, VMU, and Seaman video game. Price is 34,800 yen (about US$340). [753.38]
December 17
  • Infogrames of France announces it will acquire GT Interactive Software. [1084.163]
December
  • Unit sales of the PlayStation video game system worldwide to date: 70 million. [377.62]
  • Unit sales of the Nintendo 64 video game system worldwide to date: 28.7 million. [377.62]
December 31
  • Unit shipments of Nintendo's Mario Party video game in the USA to date: 1.15 million. [597]
October-December
  • Market share of shipments of video game systems in the US during October to December: PlayStation 49.1 percent, Nintendo 64 32.1 percent, Dreamcast 18.8 [ercent. [748.202]
Year
  • Total handheld video game sales in the USA: US$1.26 billion. [1460.568]
  • Total sales of video game hardware and software in Japan: 600 billion yen (US$5 billion). [1460.583]
  • Total sales of non-portable video game system software in the US during the year: US$3.7 billion. [705.93]
  • Retail sales of video game systems and games in the U.S. during the year: US$6.9 billion. [597]
  • Unit shipments of Sony PlayStation systems worldwide during the year: over 50 million. [597]
  • Unit shipments of Sega Dreamcast systems in the US during the year: 1.55 million. [597] [684.17]
  • Market share of video game systems in the US: PlayStation 34 percent, Game Boy 31 percent, Nintendo 64 17.5 percent, Dreamcast 16 percent. [684.17]

End of 1999. Next: 2000.

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A list of references to all source material is available.


Last updated: 2023 October 25.
Copyright © 2002-2024 Ken Polsson (email: ken@kpolsson.com).
URL: http://kpolsson.com/vidgame/
Link to Ken P's home page.

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