In the early days of video games, developers had to contend with the small amounts of storage which were possible on game cartridges. The original Nintendo Game Boy had cartridges ranging from just 32 KB up to 8 MB while the Super Nintendo Entertainment System could (in theory) support cartridges of up to 128 MB in size. However, in practice only 117.75 MB was available, and most games could only use around 32-48 MB.
When you compare that to modern games, which can take up dozens or even hundreds of
gigabytes, you can see how little developers used to have to work with.
With so little storage space, video games had to be optimised over and over again, removing any unnecessary code, compressing images, and using other coding tricks to minimise their size. There was no room for anything other than the core game files, extra features, or bonus content.
That was until consoles started supporting optical media like CDs, DVDs, Blu-Ray, and the quirky proprietary GD-ROM that was used in the Sega Dreamcast. CDs came with 700 MB of storage, DVDs had more than 4 GB, and the Blu-Ray could store up to 50 GB.
The extra storage let developers for consoles like the Xbox create larger games and accompany them with minigames - smaller applications that used the same game assets but were separate from the main storyline.
These minigames are a fun way to take a break from the main missions or levels and add variety to the playing experience. Although they’re intended to be a side dish to accompany the game’s main course, some have been so popular that they’ve stolen the show.
Here are some of the best minigames made for Xbox consoles.
Puyo Puyo Tetris 2 Launch Edition, the next game in the world-renowned Tetris franchise, is now available for Xbox One and Xbox Series X|S.
Japan’s beloved puzzle game series Puyo Puyo and the world-renowned Tetris game franchise have teamed up again to deliver even more Puyo-popping and Tetrimino-clearing fun in Puyo Puyo Tetris 2. Playing is easy: match 4 or more same-colored Puyos or complete a line of blocks to clear them from your board and dump Garbage into your opponent’s game. But keep an eye on what’s coming your way too. Play traditional Puyo Puyo and Tetris…or mix them together to level up your game. Offline or online, you’ll have loads of modes that let you play the way you want from single-player Adventure to couch-competition Versus to ranked Online matches, and more.
Puto Puto Tetris 2 is available to purchase on Xbox One and Xbox Series X|S for $39.99, €39.99, £34.99, AU$54.95, with the Microsoft Windows version is scheduled for release in early 2021.
Microsoft has confirmed that 30 optimized games will be available for Xbox Series X and Xbox Series S at launch on November 10. Games Optimized for Xbox Series X|S will showcase unparalleled load-times, visuals, responsiveness and framerates up to 120FPS.
The Xbox Series X and Xbox Series S will launch with 30 new games playable day one, 20 of them with Smart Delivery that are upgraded automatically and thousands of backward compatible titles across four generations.
The list of games available starting on November 10 that look and play best on Xbox Series X and Xbox Series S are:
This list will be regularly updated with new games and any updates to their capabilities, as developers and publishers continue to take advantage of the true power of Xbox Series X|S.
For further detailed information on both consoles, check out our Xbox console specs/comparison page featuring complete info on the Xbox Series X/S, Xbox One X, Xbox One S and the original Xbox One.
Puyo Puyo Tetris 2 Launch Edition is now available for pre-order for Xbox Series X/S and Xbox One.
Two Puzzle Legends Reunite for the Ultimate Crossover Japan’s beloved puzzle game series Puyo Puyo and the world-renowned Tetrisgame franchise have teamed up again to deliver even more Puyo-popping and Tetrimino-clearing fun in Puyo Puyo Tetris 2. Playing is easy: match 4 or more same-colored Puyos or complete a line of blocks to clear them from your board and dump Garbage into your opponent’s game. But keep an eye on what’s coming your way too. Play traditional Puyo Puyo and Tetris…or mix them together to level up your game. Offline or online, you’ll have loads of modes that let you play the way you want from single-player Adventure to couch-competition Versus to ranked Online matches, and more.
Puyo Puyo Tetris 2 will be released for Xbox One, PlayStation 4, Nintendo Switch, Xbox Series X and PlayStation 5 on December 8th 2020, with a Microsoft Windows version scheduled for release in early 2021.
Pre-order the Launch Edition to guarantee exclusive bonus add-on content, the Skill Battle Booster Pack that includes special edition Sonic the Hedgehog item cards. Only available for a limited time.
From now until Monday December 20th, Xbox LIVE Gold members can select from a range of classic arcade games in the latest edition of the Deal of the Week.
Download a range of Xbox LIVE Arcade titles, including classics like Bejeweled 2, Zuma and Feeding Frenzy 2 for a fraction of their normal price.
As an Xbox LIVE Gold member, you get an Exclusive Gold Only Discount on a piece of content each week. It could be your favorite arcade game, a classic Xbox original, or even that map pack or that new song you have been looking to buy. With your favorite content going on sale each week just imagine how much you can save!
Please Note: prices are available for Xbox LIVE GOLD members until Monday December 20th.
Microsoft have just revealed details on all the new content we can expect to find on the marketplace over the 2010 Holidays. The extensive list covers Xbox LIVE Arcade, Xbox LIVE Deal of the Week, Games on Demand, Avatar Marketplace and DLC Game Add-ons.
December 8: Pinball FX 2: Marvel Comic Table Pack, 800 Microsoft Points
December 14: Forza Motorsport 3 Community Choice Classics Pack , 400 Microsoft Points
Starting December 22 through January 5, Microsoft Game Studios will introduce three new downloadable hits, exclusively to Xbox LIVE Arcade and for gamers of every level :
December 22: A World of Keflings 800 Microsoft Points and available worldwide
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