Esoteric Devices Wiki

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====== Game Console Revisions Overview ======

This dictation comes in two parts, with the first being the proper dictation, in which I write about the phenomena of revisions in video game consoles, and how they can impact the viability of EOPs. After this part, comes the part in which I list every console and it’s revisions, what’s different between the two, and my personal suggestions on which is best overall (with EOPs in mind, but this overlaps heavily with general user appeal), which is likely the cheapest, and which is the most reliable. This section has been spread across the respective pages for their consoles, and will be available here.



===== Evaluatory Preface =====

 I have noticed that in game consoles, there is a common trend relating to revisions of console ports, and console sizing. Whenever a game console lasts long enough to receive multiple revisions or adjustments, there are typically two types of these. First, there is the "removal/addition of features" revision. This does not change the physical factor of the console at all, but it does alter the featureset or mechanics of the console within the same physical appearance. Such an example would be the SCPH-550x and SCPH-900x of the PlayStation 1. These two revisions maintained the classic "fat grey" appearance of the console, while having removed the Audio Out (550x, 900x) and Parallel I/O ports (900x).



 On the contrary, the other possible type of revision is an "appearance altering" revision. Of course, this also includes the removal/addition of features revision, as I have never seen a console revision that changes it's appearance substantially, without changing the featureset of the original model at all. Thus, it can be taken as the 2nd step in console revising. One good example for this can be the Wii's family edition. This version of the console changed the natural formfactor from vertical to horizontal, whilst also removing the GameCube controller and memory card ports.



 With these two common typologies in mind, it is possible to identify an optimal range for console revisions, in relation to acquisition/procurement, and the creation/usage of EOPs. Almost every console experiences the first type of revision, even if short lived like the Dreamcast. Such consoles may find themselves with 2, 3, or even 5 of these revisions, with some revisions being country-specific, or some being very limited in distribution due to the lifespan of the console.



 The first one (launch) may sometimes have the most features, but usually, they also suffer from poorer hardware quality and a high rate of failure. Following the launch revision, one will see the "peak console life" revision, or sometimes the "now successful" revision. Despite removing a few features, these revisions still maintain the majority of outputs/inputs for the console, removing features that are mere bloat, or very niche and practically useless nowadays. Lastly, there is the "late life pre-physical change" revision for the "slightly late" adopters. These, while usually having better hardware reliability, are almost universally lacking in featureset and capability. Consoles that are still feature-filled at this stage are quite rare, unless the manufacturer has pushed off the feature removal to physical revisions.



 If a console lasts for long enough, however, the manufacturer will often begin changing the physical appearance. Commonly, this results in a set that may actually be the worst of all for EOPers, but best for simple users. At this point, nearly every interesting addition is now unavailable, at times manifesting as the inability to even homebrew the device. However, reliability is often the best in this stage, due to the manufacturers perfecting their process. Alas, this does not make up for the sheer lack of interesting things that can be done with the device. Sadly, there is never seemingly a PERFECT medium between the two, although one can get reliability nearly as perfect as the "new physical revision", with the featureset very similar to the old revisions.



 Now that I have written sufficiently about these concepts, I shall now describe the way this manifests in every game console, to the best of my knowledge, alongside a guide/recommendation on which is best. “Meaningless” variants, such as entirely cosmetic changes, or extremely subtle changes that do not impact the vast majority, are not included. All information is drawn from the NTSC-U versions of a console, except in cases where an entire console family was only for NTSC-J/PAL regions. See the list below....

===== Consoles Documented =====

If a console is not listed here, it doesn't have any extant versions or revisions. The term “revision” is used for internal changes that have no perceptible exterior difference to the user, while the term “version” is used for external changes of relative significance, such as a redesign or remodel.

==== Home Game Consoles ====

=== 1st Generation ===

//Excluded: This generation's consoles have no relevant changes to them, or in other words, visual alterations that don't matter for the user, EOPs or not.//

=== 2nd Generation ===

**//No Info/Versions://**

  * APF-M1000

  * Audiosonic 1292 Advanced Programmable Video System (different cart slot shapes)

  * Bally Astrocade

  * Coleco ColecoVision (expansion modules only)

  * Emerson Radio Arcadia 2001

  * Interton Video Computer 4000 (different cart slot shapes)

  * Ultravision Video Arcade System (unreleased)

  * Vtech CreatiVision (expansion modules only)


**//Has Info/Versions://**

[[eop:video_game_consoles-home:1st_and_2nd_generation:atari_2600|Atari 2600]]

[[eop:video_game_consoles-home:1st_and_2nd_generation:atari_5200|Atari 5200]]

[[eop:video_game_consoles-home:1st_and_2nd_generation:magnavox_odyssey_2|Magnavox Odyssey 2]]

[[eop:video_game_consoles-home:1st_and_2nd_generation:mattel_intellivision|Mattel Intellivision]]


=== 3rd Generation ===

**//No Info/Versions://**

  * Amstrad GX4000

  * Atari XEGS

  * BBC Bridge Companion

  * Bit Dina

  * Casio PV-1000

  * Commodore 64 Games System

  * Daewoo Zemmix (“versions” are just new consoles based off new standards)

  * Epoch Super Cassette Vision (one cosmetic version)

  * Hasbro Control-Vision

  * LJN Video Art

  * Nichibutsu My Vision

  * Phillips Videopac+ G7400

  * RDI Halcyon

  * Tomy Pyuuta (2nd version w/ mech keyboard in JP only)

  * VTech Socrates

**//Has Info/Versions://**

[[eop:video_game_consoles-home:3rd_generation:atari_7800|Atari 7800]]

[[eop:video_game_consoles-home:3rd_generation:nintendo_entertainment_system|Nintendo Entertainment System]]

[[eop:video_game_consoles-home:3rd_generation:sega_master_system|Sega Master System]]

[[eop:video_game_consoles-home:3rd_generation:sega_sg-1000|Sega SG-1000]]

=== 4th Generation ===

**//No Info/Versions://**

  * Commodore CDTV (2nd version never released)

  * Funtech Super A’can

  * Sega Pico

  * Tandy/Memorex Video Information System

**//Has Info/Versions://**

[[eop:video_game_consoles-home:4th_generation:nec_turbografx-16|NEC TurboGrafx-16]]

[[eop:video_game_consoles-home:4th_generation:phillips_cd-i|Phillips CD-i]]

[[eop:video_game_consoles-home:4th_generation:sega_genesis_plus_add-ons|Sega 32X]]

[[eop:video_game_consoles-home:4th_generation:sega_genesis_plus_add-ons|Sega CD]]

[[eop:video_game_consoles-home:4th_generation:sega_genesis_plus_add-ons|Sega Genesis]]

[[eop:video_game_consoles-home:4th_generation:snk_neo_geo_aes|SNK Neo Geo AES]]

[[eop:video_game_consoles-home:4th_generation:snk_neo_geo_cd|SNK Neo Geo CD]]

[[eop:video_game_consoles-home:4th_generation:super_nintendo_entertainment_system|Super Nintendo Entertainment System]]

=== 5th Generation ===

**//No Info/Versions://**

  * Amiga CD32

  * Apple/Bandai Pippin

  * Capcom CPS Changer

  * Casio Loopy

  * NEC/Hudson PC-FX

  * Nintendo Virtual Boy

**//Has Info/Versions://**

[[eop:video_game_consoles-home:5th_generation:3do_company_3do_interactive_multiplayer|3DO Company 3DO Interactive Multiplayer]]

[[eop:video_game_consoles-home:5th_generation:atari_jaguar|Atari Jaguar]]

[[eop:video_game_consoles-home:5th_generation:fujitsu_fm_towns_marty|Fujitsu FM Towns Marty]]

[[eop:video_game_consoles-home:5th_generation:nintendo_64|Nintendo 64]]

[[eop:video_game_consoles-home:5th_generation:sega_saturn|Sega Saturn]]

[[eop:video_game_consoles-home:5th_generation:sony_playstation|Sony PlayStation]]

=== 6th Generation ===

**//No Info/Versions://**

  * Atari Flashback (far too many irrelevant variants w/ no important changes)

  * DISCover Technology

  * Indrema L600

  * Infinium Labs Phantom

  * Panasonic 3DO M2

  * Sega PICO Advanced

  * SSD Company XaviXPORT

  * VTech V.Smile (https://vtech.fandom.com/wiki/V.Smile has variants, but no EOPs = no end impact)

**//Has Info/Versions://**

[[eop:video_game_consoles-home:6th_generation:microsoft_xbox|Microsoft Xbox]]

[[eop:video_game_consoles-home:6th_generation:nintendo_gamecube|Nintendo GameCube]]

[[eop:video_game_consoles-home:6th_generation:nuon_platform|Nuon Platform]]

[[eop:video_game_consoles-home:6th_generation:sega_dreamcast|Sega Dreamcast]]

[[eop:video_game_consoles-home:6th_generation:sony_playstation_2|Sony PlayStation 2]]

=== 7th Generation ===

**//No Info/Versions://**

  * EVO Smart Console

  * KenSingTon Vii (1 redesign cosmetically)

  * LeapFrog ClickStart

  * Mattel HyperScan

  * Tectoy Zeebo (included accessories change, system doesn’t)

  * VTech V.Flash (https://vtech.fandom.com/wiki/V.Flash just interesting info)

  * ZAPiT Game Wave

**//Has Info/Versions://**

[[eop:video_game_consoles-home:7th_generation:microsoft_xbox_360|Microsoft Xbox 360]]

[[eop:video_game_consoles-home:7th_generation:nintendo_wii|Nintendo Wii]]

[[eop:video_game_consoles-home:7th_generation:sony_playstation_3|Sony PlayStation 3]]


=== 8th Generation ===

**//No Info/Versions://**

  * Sega/M2 Genesis Mini

  * Sony PlayStation Classic

**//Has Info/Versions://**

[[eop:video_game_consoles-home:8th_generation:microsoft_xbox_one|Microsoft Xbox One]]

[[eop:video_game_consoles-home:8th_generation:nintendo_classic_editions_nes-snes|Nintendo Classic Editions (NES/SNES)]]

[[eop:video_game_consoles-home:9th_generation:nintendo_switch|Nintendo Switch]]

[[eop:video_game_consoles-home:8th_generation:nintendo_wii_u|Nintendo Wii U]]

[[eop:video_game_consoles-home:8th_generation:ouya_inc._ouya|Ouya Inc. OUYA]]

[[eop:video_game_consoles-home:8th_generation:sony_playstation_4|Sony PlayStation 4]]

=== 9th Generation ===

**//No Info/Versions://**

  * Konami TurboGrafx-16 Mini

**//Has Info/Versions://**

[[eop:video_game_consoles-home:9th_generation:microsoft_xbox_series_x_and_s|Microsoft Xbox Series X and S]]

[[eop:video_game_consoles-home:9th_generation:nintendo_switch|Nintendo Switch]]

[[eop:video_game_consoles-home:9th_generation:sony_playstation_5|Sony PlayStation 5]]

==== Portable Game Consoles ====

=== 1st Generation ===

//Excluded: This generation's consoles have no relevant changes to them, or in other words, visual alterations that don't matter for the user, EOPs or not.//

=== 2nd Generation ===

**//No Info/Versions://**

  * Bandai Digi Casse

  * Bandai LCD Solarpower

  * Entex Adventure Vision

  * Entex Industries Select-A-Game

  * Epoch Game Pocket Computer

  * Mattel Children’s Discovery System

  * Milton Bradley Microvision (two versions, one uses less batteries)

  * Nintendo Computer Mah-jong Yakuman

  * Nintendo Game & Watch (many variants, all are discrete logic)

  * Palmtex Super Micro

  * Romtec ColorVision

  * VTech 3D Gamate

  * VTech Proscreen

  * VTech Variety

=== 3rd Generation ===

**//No Info/Versions://**

  * Elektronika IM-26

  * Ohio Arts Etch-a-Sketch Animator 1000/2000

  * Playtime Light Games

  * VTech PreComputer 1000/2000

=== 4th Generation ===

**//No Info/Versions://**

  * Bit/UMC Gamate

  * Epoch Barcode Battler (has a II, but the I never released in USA; the II was the only one there)

  * MGA Game Wizard

  * NEC TurboExpress

  * Sega Nomad

  * Wellback Mega Duck

**//Has Info/Versions://**

[[eop:video_game_consoles-portable:4th_generation:atari_lynx|Atari Lynx]]

[[eop:video_game_consoles-portable:4th_generation:hartung_game_master|Hartung Game Master]]

[[eop:video_game_consoles-portable:4th_generation:nintendo_game_boy|Nintendo Game Boy]]

[[eop:video_game_consoles-portable:4th_generation:sega_game_gear|Sega Game Gear]]

[[eop:video_game_consoles-portable:4th_generation:watara_supervision|Watara Supervision]]

=== 5th Generation ===

**//No Info/Versions://**

  * Bandai Design Master Senshi Mangajukuu

  * Koei PasoGo

  * Nintendo Pokémon Pikachu

  * SNK Neo Geo Pocket + Color

  * Sony PocketStation

  * Tiger R-Zone (multiple versions but primarily irrelevant or unworthy of listing)

**//Has Info/Versions://**

[[eop:video_game_consoles-portable:5th_generation:bandai_wonderswan_with_color|Bandai Wonderswan (+Color)]]

[[eop:video_game_consoles-portable:5th_generation:nintendo_game_boy_color|Nintendo Game Boy Color]]

[[eop:video_game_consoles-portable:5th_generation:tiger_game.com|Tiger Game.com]]

=== 6th Generation ===

**//No Info/Versions://**

  * Fisher Price/Mattel Pixter (irrelevant children’s console revisions)

  * LeapFrog iQuest

  * Leapfrog Leapster series (irrelevant children’s console revisions)

  * Nintendo Pokémon Mini

  * Timetop GameKing (extant versions are equivalent to “POPStation” versions ie. irrelevant)

**//Has Info/Versions://**

[[eop:video_game_consoles-portable:6th_generation:game_park_gp32|Game Park GP32]]

[[eop:video_game_consoles-portable:6th_generation:nintendo_game_boy_advance|Nintendo Game Boy Advance]]

[[eop:video_game_consoles-portable:6th_generation:nokia_n-gage|Nokia N-Gage]]

[[eop:video_game_consoles-portable:6th_generation:tapwave_zodiac|Tapwave Zodiac]]

=== 7th Generation ===

**//No Info/Versions://**

  * Blaze Europe Game Gadget

  * GamePark Hld. Caanoo

  * GamePark Hld. GP2X Wiz

  * Giochi Preziosi My Life

  * Hasbro VideoNow XP

  * K’s Kids K-Magic

  * Leapfrog Didj

  * Mattel iXL

  * Nikko DigiBLAST

  * OpenPandora Pandora (revisions are akin to different parts in your PC)

  * Tiger Tel. Gizmondo (only difference between versions has zero impact to user)

  * VTech InnoTab

  * VTech MobiGo

  * VTech V.Smile Pocket

**//Has Info/Versions://**

[[eop:video_game_consoles-portable:7th_generation:dingoo_digital_dingoo_series|Dingoo Digital Dingoo series]]

[[eop:video_game_consoles-portable:7th_generation:gamepark_holdings_gp2x|GamePark Holdings GP2X]]

[[eop:video_game_consoles-portable:7th_generation:leapfrog_leapster_explorer|Leapfrog Leapster Explorer]]

[[eop:video_game_consoles-portable:7th_generation:nintendo_ds|Nintendo DS]]

[[eop:video_game_consoles-portable:7th_generation:sony_playstation_portable|Sony PlayStation Portable]]

=== 8th Generation ===

**//No Info/Versions://**

  * CircuitMess MAKERbuino

  * Facebook Oculus “Meta” Quest

  * GamePad Digital GPD Win (revisions are akin to different parts in your PC)

  * GamePad Digital GPD Win 2 (revisions are akin to different parts in your PC)

  * GamePad Digital GPD XD (revisions are akin to different parts in your PC)

  * GC Worldwide GCW Zero

  * Kevin Bates’ Arduboy

  * LG Kids Pad

  * M&D Monon Color

  * Nvidia Shield Portable

  * SNK/Tommo Neo Geo X

**//Has Info/Versions://**

[[eop:video_game_consoles-portable:8th_generation:nintendo_3ds|Nintendo 3DS]]

[[eop:video_game_consoles-home:9th_generation:nintendo_switch|Nintendo Switch]]

[[eop:video_game_consoles-portable:8th_generation:sony_playstation_vita|Sony PlayStation Vita]]

=== 9th Generation ===

**//No Info/Versions://**

  * Blaze Evercade

  * GamePad Digital GPD Win Max

  * OpenPandora DragonBox Pyra

  * Panic Playdate

  * Valve Steam Deck

**//Has Info/Versions://**

[[eop:video_game_consoles-portable:9th_generation:nintendo_game_and_watch_2020s|Nintendo Game and Watch (2020s)]]

[[eop:video_game_consoles-home:9th_generation:nintendo_switch|Nintendo Switch]]