Introduction

What was the first video game console you played? Was it your own, or did someone else introduce you to the wonders of gaming through their setup? In this article, I will share my earliest gaming experiences and the consoles that sparked my passion for gaming.

My First Video Game Console: The Sega Master System

My first encounter with a home video game console was through Sure, the Sega Master System, which I played back when I was in kindergarten. This was more than just a console; it marked a significant milestone in my life, a gateway to a whole new world of entertainment.

One sunny Saturday, my friend from school invited me to his house. Little did I know that this invitation would change the course of my life. I remember thinking we would play some baseball or board games, but instead, he guided me to the second floor of his house, where a small furniture set with a 13-inch TV and a Sega Master System awaited us.

At the time, arcades were all I knew about gaming. However, when my friend explained what home consoles were, and I got to see games like Double Dragon, Hang On, Alien Syndrome, Rastan, and Legend of Y's, I nearly lost my mind with excitement. These were entirely new experiences for me, and the RPG elements were mind-blowing.

Other Early Influences

My first gaming experience wasn't just restricted to the Sega Master System. My very first console was even more rudimentary – a Super Pong system. This wasn't just any old Pong game; it offered some slight variations on the classic game, making it more engaging. However, as I outgrew its simplicity, it quickly became boring, and eventually, I moved on to home computers like the Sinclar ZX Spectrum and Amiga.

Super Pong

It's interesting to note that the Super Pong wasn't something I purchased myself. It was the family's system, and I was quite young when it was put into my hands. I suspect the choice to get this console was my father's, as he often made decisions that shaped my early gaming experiences.

Sinclair ZX Spectrum and Amiga

My shift towards more complex gaming experiences happened with the arrival of home computers. The Sinclair ZX Spectrum was my first taste of a more powerful gaming experience. Later, I fell in love with the Amiga, which offered incredible multimedia capabilities, introducing me to a world beyond simple video games.

The Journey Continues

After a long gap, it was 1991 when I finally got my hands on my first dedicated gaming console again. On a visit to my cousin's house, I played Tiger Heli for the very first time on his Turbo Game system. I confess I held the controller incorrectly, as it was upside down, but it didn't matter because the joy of playing a game on a console was unmatched.

Years later, my passion for gaming led me to the original Xbox, which I found in a dumpster. The journey from that Super Pong to the Xbox marks a significant phase in the evolution of gaming consoles and my personal gaming history.

I am now 36, and I often reminisce about those early experiences. Today, I eagerly await the release of Tortured Souls on the Xbox Series X, ready to continue my gaming adventure.

Conclusion

The first video game console I played, whether it was the Sega Master System or any other, played a crucial role in shaping my interests and passion for gaming. These early experiences continue to inspire my love for gaming and the evolution of technology in this domain.