1980s Games Consoles - Rated

Ah, the 1980s—a decade where hair wasn't the only thing that was big; so was the world of gaming! Whether you were glued to your favorite game console or dreaming of owning one, there's no denying the impact these chunky boxes had on our lives.

Let's wind up the cassette, plug in that power cord, and take a nostalgic walk down memory lane as we rate the 1980s games consoles that left us all with pixelated hearts and calloused thumbs.

Atari 2600

The Trailblazer

Released in 1977, but undoubtedly thriving in the early '80s, the Atari 2600 was a console that made gamers feel like they were holding the future in their hands. Armed with joystick controllers and a library featuring classics like Pac-Man and Space Invaders, it was easy to start a weekend marathon.

Rating: 9/10 - Though the graphics were a bit like squinting at modern art, the nostalgia factor boosts its score.

Nintendo Entertainment System (NES)

The Game Changer

Hello, Mario! Released in 1985, the NES was the console that transformed living rooms into virtual arcades. With timeless classics like Super Mario Bros. and The Legend of Zelda, it’s no surprise this console crushed its competition.

Rating: 10/10 - It doesn't get much better than world 1-1, folks.

SEGA Master System

The Underdog

In the red corner, wearing signature blue, was the SEGA Master System. Released in 1986, it came swinging with titles like Alex Kidd in Miracle World and Sonic the Hedgehog (who later became iconic in the '90s).

Rating: 8/10 - It was overshadowed by the NES but won the hearts of loyal fans.

ColecoVision

The Arcade Behemoth

Launching in 1982, ColecoVision promised arcade-quality games and delivered with titles like Donkey Kong. The graphics and gameplay set a new standard, even if its sales couldn't set the world on fire.

Rating: 7/10 - A solid system with a shorter lifespan than a mayfly at a frog party.

Intellivision

The Frank Sinatra

You know, doing it their way! With a release in 1980, the Intellivision was ahead of its time. Sporting a unique controller and a strategic library, it was a favorite for those who liked to march to the beat of their own drum.

Rating: 7.5/10 - Great games if you're game enough for the novel controls.

So there you have it! Just like neon leg warmers and synth-pop, these consoles are definitely a blast from the past that's worth revisiting. Which was your gaming console in the 1980s? Drop a comment below! We promise not to judge... too harshly.

Get those emulators ready because our '80s retrospection never goes out of style, unlike your last perm.