Video games continue to become a larger part of our culture as technology improves, but to most, this multi-billion dollar industry is ruled by three companies. What do you know about systems that never experienced success? FYI researched the history of video game consoles and found some of the biggest disappointments in the industry.

“I don’t really feel that it’s too bad that they aren’t there,” said Joseph Barthel, sophomore in engineering. “Mainly three companies control the console market right now, and they are all massive companies, but that mainly is because of their success in providing the consumer with what they want.”

Fairchild Channel F

In August 1976, the Fairchild Channel F (below) was well-received by gamers eager for the “next big thing,” and carried a price tag of $169.95. Fairchild featured a four-direction joystick and a fire button. The system utilized $20 tapes, similar to an 8-track, known as “Videocart Game Cartridges.” The system forced gamers to face an overabundance of cheap, single-gamed schemes. Because of the lack of diverse games, “Channel F” was seen as a major disappointment among gamers.

Atari Jaguar

In 1993 the Atari Corporation produced the Atari Jaguar (right.) When the Jaguar was first created overseas it was known as Flare 1. Atari soon decided to change the name to Flare 2 when it entered the United States, and then again to “Jaguar” in late 1993. The Jaguar was considered the “first 64-bit gaming system,” referring to quality of the images viewed. It had high-resolution polygonal graphics, CD-quality stereo sound and a modem port, which obviously wasn’t the cause of the system’s downfall, and neither was the $200 price tag. The system failed because of poor marketing and a lack of interesting games.

3DO Interactive Multiplayer

Released in 1993, the 3DO Interactive Multiplayer (right) was produced by the following companies: Panasonic, Sanyo and Goldstar – just to name a few. The 3DO was conjured up by EA Games founder Trip Hawkins. The system had a highly promoted launch and offered a plethora of cutting edge technologies that included 2 megabytes of DRAM, 1 megabyte of VRAM and a double-speed CD-ROM drive for main storage. However, despite the six million units sold – an oversaturated console market and a price tag of $699.95 led to the system’s failure.

Coleco Telstar

Coleco decided to dive into the gaming scene as well, and in 1976, released Telstar (left.) The system was made famous by the use of a chip that allowed games like PONG to be played. The system sold for $125 and only came out with four games for $25 each, one of which was sold with the system. Despite the ability to play PONG, the original Telstar system also failed because of the lack of games.

Magnavox Odyssey

This odyssey of ‘dead’ consoles begins with the 1972 release of the Magnavox Odyssey (right.) The Odyssey utilized simple black-and-white graphics and was enhanced by plastic overlays for the TV screen. Magnavox hoped the $100 price tag of the Odyssey would increase television sales. Magnavox sold 200,000 units over the Odyssey’s three-year life span, but failed because of false marketing that tricked customers into thinking the console only worked on Magnavox televisions.