1991Games
Sonic the Hedgehog debuts
Sega launches its speedy mascot to challenge Nintendo, intensifying the 16-bit console war.
Explore by Decade
Gaming in the 1990s
The 16-bit and 32-bit wars, the leap to 3D, and the rise of the PlayStation.
Key Events
1993Games
DOOM redefines the FPS
id Software's DOOM popularizes the first-person shooter, networked multiplayer, and the shareware distribution model.
Milestone: Established the FPS genre and PC gaming as a cultural force.
1994Consoles
Sony PlayStation launches in Japan
Sony enters the console market with a CD-based system that reshapes the industry.
Milestone: Brought 3D, CD media, and mature games to the mainstream.
1996Games
Super Mario 64 defines 3D platforming
The Nintendo 64 launch title sets the template for analog 3D movement and camera control.
1998Games
The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time
Widely regarded as one of the greatest games ever made, pioneering Z-targeting and 3D action-adventure design.
Consoles of the 1990s
Super Nintendo (SNES)
Nintendo
- Released
- 1990
- Units Sold
- 49.1 million
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- CPU
- Ricoh 5A22 @ 3.58 MHz
- Memory
- 128 KB RAM
- Media
- ROM cartridges
- Launch Price
- $199
The 16-bit powerhouse of the console wars with Sega, delivering Mode 7 graphics and era-defining titles like Super Mario World and The Legend of Zelda: A Link to the Past.
Super Mario WorldDonkey Kong CountrySuper Mario Kart
1990s · Discontinued 2003
Sony PlayStation
Sony
- Released
- 1994
- Units Sold
- 102.49 million
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- CPU
- MIPS R3000A @ 33.87 MHz
- Memory
- 2 MB RAM
- Media
- CD-ROM
- Launch Price
- $299
Sony's debut console upended the industry, championing CD media and mature 3D titles and toppling Nintendo's dominance.
Gran TurismoFinal Fantasy VIIMetal Gear Solid
1990s · Discontinued 2006
Nintendo 64
Nintendo
- Released
- 1996
- Units Sold
- 32.93 million
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- CPU
- NEC VR4300 @ 93.75 MHz
- Memory
- 4 MB RDRAM
- Media
- ROM cartridges
- Launch Price
- $199
Brought analog-stick 3D control to the mainstream and redefined the genre with Super Mario 64 and The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time.
Super Mario 64GoldenEye 007Mario Kart 64
1990s · Discontinued 2002