Chronology of Video Game Systems

Copyright © 2002-2024 Ken Polsson
internet e-mail: ken@kpolsson.com
All rights reserved. Permission is granted to create web links
to this site, not to copy these pages to other web sites.
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.


2005

July 5
  • Majesco releases the Psychonauts video game for the PlayStation 2 in the US. [685.56] [693.100] [780.86]
  • Microsoft releases the Halo 2: Multiplayer Map Pack for the Xbox in the US. [672.22] [683.44] [685.56] [729.108] [817.15]
July 12
  • EA Sports releases the NCAA Football 2006 video game for the PlayStation 2 and Xbox in the US. [672.100] [817.26]
  • EA Sports releases the NCAA Football 06 video game for the PlayStation 2 and Xbox in the US. [685.56] [693.96]
  • Vivendi Universal releases the Flat Out video game for the Xbox and PlayStation 2 in the US. [683.44] [685.56] [693.98] [817]
July 15
  • The Disney Channel airs the film Life is Ruff on television in the USA. A Nintendo 64 is played without a game plugged in. [925]
July 20
  • The Entertainment Software Rating Board re-rates the video game Grand Theft Auto: San Andreas from Mature to Adults Only. [597] [1080.8]
  • Shipments to date of the PlayStation 2 video game system worldwide: 91.62 million. [1080.10]
July 25
  • Illinois governor signs a bill into law restricting the sale of violent video games to minors. [597]
  • Video game industry groups file a lawsuit in federal court in Chicago, Illinois, challenging a new Illinois law restricting the sale of violent video games to minors. [597]
  • Microsoft hosts the Xbox 360 Summit in Tokyo, Japan, for 38 3rd party publishers in Japan, to show Xbox 360 games. [1466.68]
  • Tapwave discontinues the Zodiac handheld video game system. [597] [730.40]
July 26
  • Natsume releases the Harvest Moon: Another Wonderful Life video game for the GameCube in the US. [685.56] [703] [730.138]
July 27
  • Sony makes available PlayStation Portable firmware version 2.0 via Internet download in Japan. New features include Web browser, wireless photo sharing, MPEG4 and AAC media format support. [729.29] [1080.10]
July (month)
  • Top selling video game title for the month in the US: NCAA Football 06 for the PlayStation 2 by EA Sports. [730.156] [768.150] [1063.46]
  • Top selling video game title for the month in Japan: Jump! Super Stars for Nintendo DS. [730.156]

    vvv advertisement vvv

    ^^^ advertisement ^^^
(month unknown)
  • Shipments to date of the Nintendo DS in the US: 1.97 million. [730.28]
  • Shipments to date of the Sony PlayStation Portable in North America: 1.95 million. [730.28]
August
  • In Chiba, Japan, Square Enix hosts a Square Enix Party 2005 event. A playable demo of Final Fantasy XII for the PlayStation 2 is available on 200 consoles. Release date of March 16 in Japan is announced. [696.22]
August 8
  • Nintendo releases a Nintendo DS with red top and black bottom. Price is 15,000 yen (US$139). [597]
August 9
  • EA Sports releases the Madden NFL 06 video game for the PlayStation 2, Xbox, and GameCube in the US. (1.7 million copies are sold in the first week.) [693.34,81] [703] [729.92] [772.182] [780.88] [1063.48] [1455.13]
August 16
  • Konami releases the Death Jr. video game for the PlayStation Portable in the US. [693.34] [729.115]
  • Sony CEA releases the EyeToy: Play 2 video game for the PlayStation 2 in the US. [693.34] [729.102]
  • Sega releases the Sonic Gems Collection for the GameCube in the US. [779.41]
August 17
  • At the Hot Chips conference, Microsoft unveils details of the Xbox 360 processor and graphics chip designs. Microsoft also announces pricing for the system in the USA: US$399.99 for the Xbox 360, and US$299.99 for the Xbox 360 core system. Prices in Great Britain are expected to be 279/209 pounds, and 399/299 euros in the rest of Europe. [597] [788.8]
August 18
  • Capcom releases the Darkwatch video game for the Xbox and PlayStation 2 in the US. [693.34] [703] [729.94] [1455.24]
August 22
  • Nintendo releases the Nintendogs: Lab & Friends video game for the Nintendo DS in the US and Canada. Also Dachshund & Friends, and Chihuahua & Friends. (First week sales: 250,000.) [693.34] [703] [729.114] [777.5] [780.88] [1063.24] [1149.59]
August 23
  • Nintendo releases the Advance Wars: Dual Strike video game for the Nintendo DS in the US. [693.34] [729.112] [780.88] (August 22 [1149.59])
  • Sierra releases The Incredible Hulk: Ultimate Destruction video game for the PlayStation 2, Xbox, and GameCube in the US. [693.34] [703] [729.97] [780.90] [1455.24]
August 24
  • Sony releases a PlayStation Portable firmware 2.0 upgrade in the USA, available via wireless Internet connection, or through a USB connection to a PC. The upgrade features Wi-Fi security, tools for photo sharing, enhanced video and audio playback with support for MP4 and WAV (LPCM) formats, and allows Internet browsing from hotspots using the device's built-in Wi-Fi functions. [597] [788.11]
August
  • Near Seattle, Washington, the 2nd annual Penny Arcade Expo is held. Over 10,000 attend. [1063.56]
August 29
  • Microsoft and Pepsi launch the "Every 10 Minutes" promotion, in which purchasers of Pepsi, Mountain Dew, and Sierra Mist can enter a code on a Web site to be entered in drawings for an Xbox 360 system or a free video game. Up to 9222 Xbox 360 systems are available to be won in the contest. [597]
August 30
  • Nintendo releases the Mario Superstar Baseball video game for the GameCube in the US. [693.34] [708.B8] [729.104] [871.38]
  • Namco releases the Namco Museum: 50th Anniversary Arcade Collection for the PlayStation 2, Xbox, and GameCube in the US. Included games are Ms. Pac-Man, Xevious, Galaga, Sky Kid, and Bosconian. [708.B8] [730.128]
August (month)
  • Top selling video game for the month in the USA: Madden NFL 06 for the PlayStation 2. [772.184] [1076.58]
  • Top selling video game title for the month in Japan: Tales of Legendia for the PlayStation 2. [772.184]
(month unknown)
  • Unit sales of video game systems worldwide to date: PlayStation 2 91 million, Xbox 21.9 million, GameCube 18.8 million. [704.C2]
  • Unit sales of PlayStation 2 video game systems worldwide to date: 91 million. [704.C2]
  • Unit sales of Xbox video game systems worldwide to date: 21.9 million. [704.C2]
  • Unit sales of video game systems in Asia to date: PlayStation 2 21 million, Xbox 1.8 million. [704.C2]
  • Nintendo releases a GameCube bundle with Super Smash Bros. Melee in the USA. Price is US$99. [1063.56]
  • Sony recalls 3.5 million PlayStation 2 AC adaptors for the new slimline system, shipped between August and December 2004, due to overheating problems. [772.44]
  • Sony receives a patent in the US for a "magic wand" for gamers to wave, with a camera in the console to recognize motion and clicks. [853.25]
September 1
  • The 8th Circuit Court of Appeals in St. Louis, Missouri, rules that the Digital Millennium Copyright Act disallows altering video games published by Blizzard to link with servers other than the company's official Battle.net site. [597]
September 2
  • Sega releases the Spartan: Total Warrior video game for the PlayStation 2, Xbox, and GameCube in the US. [729.40] [730.54,119]
September 6
  • Square Enix releases the Radiata Stories video game for the PlayStation 2 in the US. [693.34] [708.B8] [709.D8] [729.40] [730.132] [780.90]
  • Ubisoft releases the Tom Clancy's Rainbow Six: Lockdown video game for the PlayStation 2, Xbox, and GameCube in the US. [683.44] [708.B8] [709.D8] [729.78] [772.141,166]
  • Namco releases the Rebelstar Tactical Command video game for the Game Boy Advance in the US. [729.40] [730.152] [780.90]
September 8
  • Microsoft announces prices for its Xbox Live online service for the upcoming Xbox 360 system. Gold membership will cost US$50 per year ($8 for a month, or $20 for three months), and silver membership will be free to all Xbox 360 owners. Those paying for at least three months will also receive a free Xbox 360 headset and points to spend in the Xbox Live marketplace. [597]
September 11
  • The Fox Broadcasting Company airs The Simpsons TV show in the US. A child complains that Santa Claus gave him a PlayStation box with nothing inside but a coloring book. [1054]
September 13
  • Electronic Arts releases the Burnout: Revenge video game for the PlayStation 2 and Xbox in the US. [708.B8] [729.40] [730.118] [733.63] [780.91] [1442.50] [1466.27]
  • EA Games releases the Burnout Legends video game for the PlayStation Portable in the USA. [693.34] [729.40] [730.152]
  • Tecmo releases the Tecmo Classic Arcade video game for the Xbox in the US. Included games are: Solomon's Key, Bomb Jack, Star Force, Rygar, Tecmo Bowl. [729.40] [730.140]
September 14
  • Microsoft announces the price for the upcoming Xbox 360 in Japan: 37,900 yen (about US$345). Dates of release are November 22 in North America, December 2 in Europe, and December 10 in Japan. [597] [704.C2] [772.28]
September 15
  • In Chiba, Japan, the Tokyo Game Show is held, over four days. Nintendo shows a prototype wireless controller for its next console video game system. It is shaped like a television remote controller, interacting with sensors attached to the television to detect movement. An expansion slot allows for add-on devices. [704.C2] [729.40] [772.23] [797.16] [826.12] [1090.52] [1202.14]
September
  • In the US, the National Academy of Television Arts & Sciences awards Microsoft a citation in the Video Game Technology category for its Xbox Live service. [792.30]
September 19
  • Nintendo releases the Game Boy Micro handheld video game system in the US. Availble in silver or black, with three different face plates. The system can play at Game Boy Advance cartridges, but not earlier Game Boy cartridges or the e-Reader. Size is 4 x 2 x 0.7 inches; price is US$99.99. [730.40] [826.30]
September 20
  • Nintendo releases the Donkey Kong: King of Swing video game for the Game Boy Advance in the US. [729.40] [772.182]
  • Midway releases the Mortal Kombat: Shaolin Monks video game for the PlayStation 2 and Xbox in the US. [729.40] [730.122,162] [780.91]
  • Activision releases the X-Men Legends II: Rise of Apocalypse for the PlayStation 2, Xbox, and GameCube in the US. [729.40] [772.138] [780.91]
September 22
  • Atari releases the Indigo Prophecy video game for the PlayStation 2 and Xbox in the US. [708.B8] [709.D8] [729.40] [730.124] [780.91]
September 25
  • The Fox Broadcasting Company airs The Simpsons TV show in the US. A mom says to her son "... I'm going to erase all the saved games on your PlayStation". [1055]
September 26
  • EA Sports releases the NBA Live 06 video game for the PlayStation 2, Xbox, and GameCube in the US. [729.40] [772.145] [1466.36]
September 27
  • Midway releases The Suffering: Ties That Bind video game for the PlayStation 2 and Xbox in the US. [693.82] [729.40] [730.123]
  • EA Sports releases the FIFA Soccer 06 video game for the PlayStation 2, Xbox, and GameCube in the US. [729.40] [730.128] [772.182]
  • Midway releases the Midway Arcade Treasures 3 video game for the PlayStation 2, Xbox, and GameCube in the US. Games included: Badlands, Hydro Thunder, Super Off Road, S.T.U.N Runner, Off Road Thunder, Race Drivin'. [729.40] [730.128]
  • Capcom releases the Capcom Classic Collection video game for the PlayStation 2 and Xbox in the US. Games included: Super Ghouls 'n Ghosts, 1942, 1943, Bionic Commando, Commando, Final Fight, Forgotten Realms, Ghosts 'n Goblins, Ghouls 'n Ghosts, Gun.Smoke, Legendary Wings, Mercs, Section Z, Street Fighter II. [772.149]
September 28
  • Eidos releases the Total Overdose: A Gunslinger's Tale video game for the PlayStation 2 and Xbox in the US. [730.31] [771.7] [780.138]
September (month)
  • Top selling video game in the US for the month: Madden MFL 06 for the PlayStation 2. [767.36] [773.192] [827.108]
  • Top selling video game title in Japan for the month: Famicom Mini-Super Mario Bros for the Game Boy Advance. [773.192]
October 1
  • Electronic Arts releases the Marvel Nemesis: Rise of the Imperfects video game for the PlayStation 2, PlayStation Portable, Xbox, and GameCube in the US. [729.40] [730.126] [772.180] [1080.28]
October 3
  • Nintendo releases the Pokémon XD: Gale of Darkness video game for the GameCube in the US. [730.54] [772.162]
  • 2K Games releases the Conflict: Global Terror video game for the PlayStation 2 and Xbox in the US. [730.54] [772.148] [1080.28] [1466.36]
October 4
  • The Fox Broadcasting Company airs The Fairly Oddparents TV show in the US. One character asks another what to do the rest of the day. The other replies "...play video games?". [869]
  • Ubisoft releases the Brothers in Arms: Earned in Blood video game for the PlayStation 2 and Xbox in the US. [730.54] [772.166] [780.91] [1080.28] [1466.36]
  • Capcom releases the Mega Man Zero 4 video game for the Game Boy Advance in the US. [772.182]
  • Konami releases the Castlevania: Dawn of Sorrow video game for the Nintendo DS in the USA. [730.28,54,105] [772.176] [780.91] [1149.59]
  • Atlus releases the Trauma Center: Under the Knife video game for the Nintendo DS in the USA. [730.28,54,154] [1149.59]
October 6
  • In Australia, the High Court of Australia rules that it is legal to install modification chips in a PlayStation 2 that allow the console to play imported or copied games. Sony Computer Entertainment originally filed a lawsuit against Sydney retailer Eddy Stevens in 2001 for selling unauthorized copies of games, and selling and installing modification chips for the PlayStation 2. [597]
October 7
  • California Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger signs into law Assembly Bill 1179. The Violent Video Game Bill prohibits the sale of violent video games to those under 18. (In 2011 the US Supreme Court strikes down the law as unconstitutional.) [827.32] [1433.45]
  • The Fox Broadcasting Company airs The Fairly Oddparents TV show in the US. A child tries to get his grandfather to play video games with him. [1066]
October 10
  • In San Francisco, California, Microsoft hosts an unveiling of the Xbox 360 for invited journalists, demonstrating twelve software titles. [597]
October 11
  • Midway releases the L.A. Rush video game for the PlayStation 2 and Xbox in the US. [729.80] [730.54] [773.156] [1080.28] [1466.36]
  • Sony Computer Entertainment releases the SOCOM 3: US Navy SEALS video game for the PlayStation 2 in the USA. [685.94] [729.40] [730.54] [773.166]
October 17
  • Namco releases the Mario Kart Arcade GP arcade game in the US and UK. The game was developed with Nintendo. Players can choose among eleven characters, including Mario, Luigi, Wario, Donkey Kong, Bowser, Pac-Man, Ms. Pac-Man, and Blinky. 24 courses over six worlds can be played, with 57 choices of weapons. [797.26] [827.32] [1340.15]
  • Midway releases the Blitz: The League video game for the PlayStation 2 and Xbox in the US. [730.54] [772.149] [1080.28] [1466.36]
  • Capcom releases the Phoenix Wright: Ace Attorney video game for the Nintendo DS in the USA. [730.54,154] [1149.59]
October 18
  • Rockstar Games releases The Warriors video game for the PlayStation 2 and Xbox in the US. [730.54] [772.144] [780.94] [1080.28] [1466.36]
  • Nintendo releases the Fire Emblem: Path of Radiance video game for the GameCube in the US. [730.54] [772.162] [780.94]
  • Sony releases the Shadow of the Colossus video game for the PlayStation 2 in the US. [730.54,130] [780.94]
October 21
  • Universal Pictures releases the film Doom to theaters in the USA, based on the computer/video game. The film cost US$100 million to make and market. (Gross theater receipts: about US$42 million worldwide.) [683.30] [730.38,54] [828.24] [952.34] [1234.46]
October 22
  • Tiger Telematics releases the Gizmondo handheld video game system in the US. It features Microsoft Windows CE operating system, MP3 audio and MPEG 4 video support, email and instant messaging, USB port, Global Positioning Sensor, digital camera, Bluetooth wireless, SecureDigital card slot, 2.8-inch TFT color screen, ARM 9 400 MHz processor, GeForce 3D 4500 Nvidia graphics accelerator. Price is US$399, or US$229 with daily downloaded advertisements. [912.46] [1340.15] (August 11 [770.46])
October 24
  • Nintendo releases the Metroid Prime Pinball video game for the Nintendo DS in the US. [730.54] [772.176] [779.25] [797.22]
October 25
  • Rockstar Games releases the Grand Theft Auto: Liberty City Stories for the PlayStation Portable in the US. [730.28,54] [773.188] [780.95] [1080.28] [1149.60]
  • Sega releases the Taito Legends video game collection for the PlayStation 2, Xbox, and GameCube in the US. This arcade collection includes: Super Qix, Tube-It, Volfied, Rastan, Operation Wolf, Exzisus, Rainbow Islands, Plump Pop, Ninja Kids, Thunderfox, Space Invaders. [780.138]
  • Namco releases the Soul Calibur III video game for the PlayStation 2 in the US. [730.54] [772.117] [773.170] [780.95] [1080.28]
  • Activision releases the X-Men Legends II: Rise of Apocalypse video game for the PlayStation Portable in the US. [730.54] [773.190] [780.91] [1080.28]
October 26
  • Capcom releases the Resident Evil 4 video game for the PlayStation 2 in the US. [730.54,94] [772.158] [780.81] [1080.28]
October
  • Zi announces it has licensed its handwriting-recognition software to Nintendo for use in the Nintendo DS. [790.84]
October 30
  • Ubisoft releases the Heroes of the Pacific video game for the PlayStation 2 and Xbox in the US. [730.124] [780.91]
October (month)
  • Top selling video game in the US for the month: SOCOM 3: U.S. Navy SEALs by Sony for the PlayStation 2. [780.158] [834.96] [988.38]
  • Top selling video game in Japan for the month: Mario Party 7 for the GameCube. [780.158]
(month unknown)
  • Sony announces it has shipped 100 million PlayStation 2 systems worldwide. [988.38]
November 1
  • Electronic Arts releases The Sims 2 video game for the PlayStation 2, Xbox, Game Cube, Game Boy Advance, and Nintendo DS in the US. [730.54] [772.150] [781.112] [797.22] [1080.28] [1456.36]
  • Activision releases the Call of Duty 2: Big Red One video game for the Xbox, PlayStation 2, and GameCube in the US. [780.137] [1080.28] [1456.36]
  • Electronic Arts releases the James Bond 007: From Russia With Love video game for the Xbox, PlayStation 2, and GameCube in the US. [727] [772.62] [773.160] [1063.33] [1080.28] [1456.36]
  • Capcom releases the Without Warning video game for the PlayStation 2 and Xbox in the US. [772.62,148] [1080.28]
  • Electronic Arts releases the Battlefield 2: Modern Combat video game for the PlayStation 2 and Xbox in the US. [730.54] [772.62] [773.158] [1080.28]
  • LucasArts releases the Star Wars Battlefront II video game for the PlayStation 2, PlayStation Portable, and Xbox in the USA. [727] [772.62,90] [773.152] [780.157] [1080.28] [1456.36]
November 7
  • Nintendo releases the Mario Party 7 video game for the GameCube in the US. [772.62] [773.178] [797.22]
  • Nintendo releases the Donkey Kong Country 3 video game for the Game Boy Advance in the US. [772.182]
November 8
  • Konami releases the Castlevania: Curse of Darkness video game for the PlayStation 2 and Xbox in the US. [772.150] [1080.28] [1456.36]
  • Sony CE Europe releases the EyeToy: Kinetic video game for the PlayStation 2 in the US. [729.40] [772.159]
  • Konami releases the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles 3: Mutant Nightmare video game for the PlayStation 2, Xbox, GameCube, and Nintendo DS in the US. [772.62,180] [1080.28]
  • Capcom releases the Viewtiful Joe: Red Hot Rumble video game for the GameCube in the US. [730.54] [772.62] [773.178]
  • Activision releases the Gun video game for the PlayStation 2, Xbox, and GameCube in the US. [727] [772.62] [773.150] [780.95] [1080.28] [1456.36]
  • Red Octane releases the Guitar Hero video game for the PlayStation 2 in the US. [772.62] [773.171] [780.95] [1080.28]
  • Konami releases the Karaoke Revolution Party video game for the PlayStation 2, Xbox, and GameCube in the US. [772.62] [773.161] [1080.28]
November 11
  • France issues ten postage stamps depicting video game characters. On 20-cent stamps: Link, Pac-Man, Prince of Persia, Spyro, and Donkey Kong. On 33-cent stamps: Mario, Adibou, Rayman, Lara Croft, and The Sims. [1113.77] [1184.1222]
  • Atari releases The Matrix: Path of Neo video game for the PlayStation 2 and Xbox in the US. [727] [772.106] [773.161] [826.69] [1202.46]
  • Columbia Pictures releases the film Zathura: A Space Adventure to theaters in the USA. A character holds up PlayStation 2 controllers and asks to play "Smash Brothers". [929]
November 13
  • The Fox Broadcasting Company airs The Simpsons TV show in the US. A character plays a handheld video game system. [1056]
November 14
  • 2K Sports releases the NBA 2K6 video game for the PlayStation 2 and Xbox in the US. [730.54] [772.143] [1080.28] [1466.36]
  • EA Sports releases the NCAA March Madness 06 video game for the PlayStation 2 and Xbox in the US. [730.54] [772.148] [1080.28]
  • EA Sports BIG releases the SSX On Tour video game for the PlayStation Portable, PlayStation 2, Xbox, and GameCube in the US. [730.28,54] [772.140] [773.190] [1080.28]
  • Nintendo releases the Mario Kart DS video game for the Nintendo DS in the US. (112,000 copies are sold in the first week.) [730.28] [772.62] [773.46,187] [797.22] [798.14] [1149.59] [1442.50]
  • Sony CEA releases the NBA 06 video game for the PlayStation 2 and PlayStation Portable in the US. [730.54] [773.190] [780.139] [1080.28]
  • McDonald's and Nintendo launch a free Wi-Fi service for Nintendo DS users in thousands of McDonald's restaurants in the US. The service is provided by Wayport, and paid for by Nintendo. [773.46] [790.84]
November 15
  • Electronic Arts releases the Half-Life 2 video game for the Xbox in the US. [727] [729.40] [772.62] [773.182] [1466.36]
  • Buena Vista releases The Chronicles of Narnia: The Lion, The Witch, and The Wardrobe video game for the PlayStation 2, Xbox, and GameCube in the US. [772.62] [773.159] [780.15] [1456.36]
  • Electronic Arts releases the Need for Speed: Most Wanted video game for the PlayStation 2, Xbox, and GameCube in the US. [772.110] [773.148] [780.95] [1080.28] [1456.36]
  • Agetec releases the Wild Arms: Alter Code F video game for the PlayStation 2 in the US. [619.44] [645.36] [667.54] [672.41] [730.54] [780.139] [1080.28]
  • Namco releases the Pac-Man World 3 video game for the PlayStation 2, Xbox, and GameCube in the US. [772.62] [780.138] [1080.28]
  • Sega releases the Sonic Rush video game for the Nintendo DS in the US. [772.62] [779.41] [780.157] [797.22]
  • Sega releases the Shadow the Hedgehog video game for the PlayStation 2, Xbox, and GameCube in the US. [772.62] [779.41,138] [1080.28] [1456.36]
  • Square Enix releases the Dragon Quest VIII: Journey of the Cursed King for the PlayStation 2 in the US. [727] [768.79] [772.62] [773.4,168] [780.95] [826.6] [1080.28]
  • Majesco releases the Aeon Flux video game for the Xbox and PlayStation 2 in the US. [772.62] [780.138] [1456.36]
  • Activision releases the True Crime: New York City video game for the PlayStation 2, Xbox, and GameCube in the US. [772.62] [780.96,135] [826.69] [1080.28] [1456.36]
November
  • Nintendo releases the Animal Crossing: Wild World video game for the Nintendo DS in Japan. (200,000 copies are sold in the first day.) [798.14]
  • The December issue of Electronics Gaming Monthly includes an article on Top Ten Videogame characters, with Nintendo's Super Mario in the top spot. [1076.93]
November 16
  • Koei releases the Dynasty Warriors 5 video game for the PlayStation 2 in the US. [672.116] [772.62] [773.176] [780.151]
November 20
  • Microsoft hosts a 30-hour "Zero Hour" launch party for the Xbox 360 in Palmdale, California. 500 Xbox 360 systems are available for the over 2000 invited fans to try the eighteen launch titles. [597]
November 22
  • Microsoft launches the Xbox 360 video game system in North America. The system features IBM PowerPC with 3 cores, 3.2 GHz each with simultaneous multi-threading, 500 MHz ATI graphics with 10 MB cache, and 512 MB RAM. Code name during development was "Xenon". The Xbox 360 Core System costs US$299.99, and includes Composite AV Cable, and Controller. The full Xbox 360 costs US$399.99, and includes Universal Media Remote, Ethernet Connectivity Cable, Headset, Wireless Controller, Component HD AV Cable, and Hard Drive 20 GB. Eighteen game titles are immediately available. Availble accessories are: Xbox 360 Controller US$39.99, Xbox 360 Universal Media Remote US$29.99, Xbox 360 Headset US$19.99, Xbox 360 Wireless Controller US$49.99, Xbox 360 Component HD AV Cable US$39.99, Xbox 360 Hard Drive 20 GB US$99.99, Xbox 360 Wireless Networking Adapter US$99.99, Xbox 360 VGA HD AV Cable US$39.99, Xbox 360 Memory Unit 64 MB US$39.99, Xbox 360 S-Video AV Cable US$29.99, Xbox 360 Faceplate US$19.99, Xbox 360 Rechargeable Battery Pack US$11.99, Xbox 360 Play and Charge kit US$19.99. (Sales in the first five days in the US: 325,902.) [597] [704.C2] [772.62] [780.60] [781.22] [817.18] [826.16] [1471.1]
  • Activision releases the Call of Duty 2 video game for the Xbox 360 in the US. [730.76] [772.62] [773.146] [780.96] [854.30] [1471.7]
  • Electronic Arts releases the Need for Speed: Most Wanted video game for the Xbox 360 in the US. [727] [772.110] [780.95] [854.30]
  • Microsoft Game Studios releases the Project Gotham Racing 3 video game for the Xbox 360 in the US. [780.140] [854.30]
  • Microsoft Game Studios releases the Perfect Dark Zero video game for the Xbox 360 in the USA and Canada. [727] [772.98] [780.141]
  • Vivendi Universal Games releases the 50 Cent: Bulletproof video game for the Xbox and PlayStation 2 in the US. [727] [772.62,106] [781.104] [1456.36]
  • Ubisoft releases the Peter Jackson's King Kong video game for the Xbox, Xbox 360, PlayStation 2, PlayStation Portable, Game Boy Advance, Nintendo DS, and GameCube in the US. [727] [772.62,112] [780.96,136] [797.22] [1080.28] [1471.10]
November 29
  • Nintendo releases the Mario & Luigi: Partners in Time video game for the Nintendo DS in the US. [730.28] [772.62] [773.187] [780.96]
  • Sony releases an update for the PlayStation Portable in the U.S., via Internet connection or installed from a Memory Stick or UMD disc. The update allows Really Simple Syndication version 2.0 for audio streams, and Windows Media Audio file playback. [597]
  • The National Institute on Media and the Family release a report calling the video game industry-operated rating system "beyond repair." [597]
November (month)
  • Top selling video game in the US for the month: Star Wars Battlefront II for the Xbox. [778.51] [779.108] [781.114]
(month unknown)
  • Nintendo releases the Mario Kart DS Bundle, for US$149.99. The package includes Hot Rod Red Nintendo DS, game, wrist strap, and decals. [780.34]
  • The postal service in France issues a series of stamps commemorating The Sims video game. [778.34]
  • The west wing of the airport at Long Island, New York, is evacuated when X-ray inspectors flag a suspicious device in baggage. It turns out to be an Xbox 360 system. [778.48]
December 1
  • Ubisoft releases the Prince of Persia: The Two Thrones video game for the PlayStation 2, Xbox, Nintendo DS, and GameCube in the US. [729.82] [773.76] [780.96,134] [1080.28]
December 2
  • Microsoft launches the Xbox 360 video game system in Europe. [597] [704.C2] [826.26]
December 5
  • Nintendo releases the Super Mario Strikers video game for the GameCube in the US. [773.76,178] [871.38]
  • Nintendo releases the Animal Crossing: Wild World video game for the Nintendo DS in the US. [730.28] [773.76,186] [798.15]
December 10
  • Microsoft launches the Xbox 360 video game system in Japan. (Total sales in the first two days: 41,817.) [597] [704.C2] [781.22] [826.26]
  • The Spike TV network airs Spike TV's Video Game Awards 2005 show.
    • Best Action Game: God of War by Sony CEA.
    • Best Cast: Peter Jackson's King Kong: The Official Game of the Movie.
    • Best Driving Game: Burnout Revenge.
    • Best Game Based on a Movie: Peter Jackson's King Kong: The Official Game of the Movie.
    • Best Handheld Game: Lumines by Ubisoft.
    • Best Individual Sports Game: Tony Hawk's American Wasteland, by Activision Publishing.
    • Best Military Game: Call of Duty 2 by Activision.
    • Best Multiplayer Game: World of Warcraft by Blizzard Entertainment.
    • Best Original Song: "Maybe We Crazy" by 50 Cent, in 50 Cent Bulletproof.
    • Best Performance by a Human Female: Charlize Theron in Aeon Flux.
    • Best Performance by a Human Male: Jack Black in Peter Jackson's King Kong: The Official Game of the Movie.
    • Best Team Sports Game: Madden NFL 06.
    • Best Wireless Game: Marc Echo Getting Up: Contents Under Pressure.
    • Cybervixen of the Year: Maria Menounosa Eve in James Bond 007 From Russia With Love.
    • Designer of the Year: David Jaffe, for God of War.
    • Game of the Year: Resident Evil 4.
    • Most Addictive Game: World of Warcraft by Blizzard Entertainment.
    [766]
December 11
  • The Fox Broadcasting Company airs The Simpsons TV show in the US. Someone says "... played a lot of Tetris". [1057]
December 12
  • US Senators Hillary Clinton and Joseph Lieberman introduce a bill, tentatively titled the Family Entertainment Protection Act, in the Senate. The bill proposes to prohibit the sale of "mature" video games to anyone younger than 18 years old, to order the Federal Trade Commission to "investigate misleading ratings" on video games, to solicit public complaints about video games, and to require an "annual, independent analysis of game ratings". [597]
  • Square Enix releases the Final Fantasy Advance video game for the Game Boy Advance in the US. This is a port of Final Fantasy IV. [767.58] [797.23] [869.19]
December 13
  • Midway releases the Gauntlet: Seven Sorrows video game for the Xbox and PlayStation 2 in the US. [767.58] [772.62] [773.76,110] [780.41] [781.102] [1080.28]
December 18
  • The History Channel airs two one-hour documentatries: Brothers in Arms: The Road to Hill 30, using simulations created with Ubisoft's Brothers in Arms video game. [827.31]
December 21
  • U.S. District Judge Ronald Whyte rules that a California law restricting minors from buying a "violent video game" unconstitutionally restricts minors' rights to information. The judge grants the Entertainment Software Association's request for a preliminary injunction. [597]
December 31
  • Total sales of Game Boy Advance series worldwide to date: 74 million. [1114]
December (month)
  • Top selling video game in the US for the month: Madden NFL 06 by EA Sports for the PlayStation 2. [828.96] [829.66] [865.122]
  • Top selling video game in Japan for the month: DS Training for Adults: Work Your Brain 2 for the Nintendo DS. [865.122]
Year
  • Total sales of video game hardware and software in the USA during the year: US$10.5 billion. [1027.28] [1114]
  • Top selling video game in the US for the year: Madden NFL 06 for the PlayStation 2. [865.30]
  • Top selling Xbox video game in the US for the year: Madden NFL 06. [865.30]
  • Top selling Game Boy Advance video game in the US for the year: Pokémon Emerald. [865.30]
  • Total spending on video game in-game advertising for the year: US$56 million. [1036.27]

End of 2005. Next: 2006.

vvv advertisement vvv

^^^ advertisement ^^^

1947-1975 1976-1980 1981 1982 1983 1984-1986 1987-1988 1989 1990 1991
1992 1993 1994 1995 1996 1997 1998 1999 2000 2001
2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011-2012
2013-end


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.

vvv advertisement vvv

^^^ advertisement ^^^
History Timelines Postage Stamps Today in History
PCs Video Games Timeline Today
Amiga World Silly This Day
Apple Space Coins Sports
Commodore 64 Impacts Corvettes Disney
Processors Sports Cruise Ships USA
Corvettes Gambling Disney Music
World War II Weather Errors PC and Game
Sweden Earthquakes Novelties TV and Movies
A&W USA Births Finder Anniversaries
A&W Canada Deaths
Postage Stamps Dow Jones Coins Chevrolet Corvettes
Walt Disney Co. Television Timeline: Canada Timeline
Disneyland Cruise Ships Timeline: USA Racing Success
Walt Disney World Oak Island Timeline: World On Stamps
Disney Cruise Line Killing JFK Novelties Pop Culture
Canada coins On Stamps
USA coins Other
World coins Mug Shots(A&W)
Stuff For Sale

Privacy Policy

kpolsson.com does not collect or share personal information. I have better things to do. There are links to advertiser sites that are beyond my control, from which I may receive a placement fee or a sale commission. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.