Top 10 Documentaries About Video Game Consoles

Description: Although centered around arcade games, this documentary highlights the competitive spirit that consoles would later embrace, showing the cultural impact of gaming.

Fact: The film was a surprise hit at Sundance and has since become a cult classic among gamers.

Description: While not exclusively about consoles, this film delves into the indie game development scene, showcasing how consoles like Xbox Live Arcade have been instrumental in indie game success.

Fact: The film was funded through a Kickstarter campaign, one of the first documentaries to do so, raising over $90,

Description: This film explores the history and cultural impact of video games, with a significant portion dedicated to the evolution of consoles.

Fact: It includes interviews with industry icons like Hideo Kojima and Cliff Bleszinski, offering a broad perspective on gaming's influence.

Description: Explore the infamous story of Atari's E.T. game, often cited as one of the worst games ever made, and the urban legend of Atari burying thousands of unsold cartridges in the New Mexico desert.

Fact: The documentary team actually excavated the site in Alamogordo, New Mexico, to find the buried cartridges, providing a real-life treasure hunt.

Description: While focusing on the impact of video games on society, this documentary touches on the role of consoles in shaping perceptions of gaming culture.

Fact: It features interviews with game developers and psychologists discussing the effects of violent video games.

Description: This documentary chronicles the UK's contribution to the video game industry, focusing on the rise of home computers and consoles like the ZX Spectrum and Amiga.

Fact: It includes interviews with key figures like Peter Molyneux and David Braben, providing firsthand accounts of the industry's growth.

Description: This documentary traces the history of video games from their humble beginnings to their status as a cultural phenomenon, focusing on the pivotal role of consoles in this evolution.

Fact: It features interviews with industry legends like Nolan Bushnell, the founder of Atari, and includes rare footage of early gaming events.

Description: A detailed look at Nintendo's journey from a playing card company to a video game giant, focusing on the creation and impact of the NES and subsequent consoles.

Fact: It was one of the first documentaries to explore Nintendo's history in depth, featuring interviews with key figures like Shigeru Miyamoto.

Description: This documentary examines Sega's rise as a major player in the console wars with the Genesis/Mega Drive, and its eventual decline in the hardware market.

Fact: It includes interviews with former Sega executives and developers, providing insider insights into the company's strategies.

Description: A comprehensive look at Nintendo's history, this documentary covers the company's transformation into a video game powerhouse, with a focus on its console innovations.

Fact: It provides a detailed analysis of Nintendo's business strategies and the development of iconic franchises like Mario and Zelda.