5 Things That Every Gamer From the 2000s Remembers

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The 2000s were a unique era for video games. Technology was rapidly improving, with graphics becoming significantly more realistic after the pixelated look of the 90s. Arcades were disappearing, freeing developers from the limitations of needing games to appeal to players with only a few quarters. This encouraged experimentation and innovation as console and game creators explored new possibilities. While the 2000s can sometimes feel similar to the 2010s – because graphics improvements became less dramatic – there are certain experiences from that decade that really stand out for those who lived through them.

Here are five things gamers of the 2000s will instantly recognize.

5) When the WaveBird Changed the Game

Wireless controllers existed before Nintendo’s WaveBird for the GameCube, but none worked as well. The WaveBird was a game-changer, and other console manufacturers soon tried to create similar controllers.

Today, most game controllers connect wirelessly, letting you play comfortably from anywhere in the room and avoiding tangled cords when you have multiple controllers. The popular WaveBird controller really paved the way for this convenience – without it, we might still be stuck playing very close to the TV!

I used to joke with my mom that the WaveBird controller saved us money on eye exams. She was always telling me I sat too close to the TV when I played, and I’d say the controller fixed that!

4) HD Becomes Standard

Man, the 2000s were amazing for graphics! It wasn’t just games looking better, though. TVs were finally switching over to HD, and I totally remember being blown away the first time I saw an NFL game in HD. Seriously, you could actually see every single blade of grass on the field – it was a huge deal!

Video games really benefited from the move to higher resolutions. A great example is comparing Super Mario 64 to Super Mario Galaxy. Although only about ten years apart, the difference in graphics is significant. While it’s hard to say Galaxy looks definitively ‘better’ than 64, it’s much clearer and more detailed.

The Xbox 360 was a pioneer, bringing high-definition gaming to consoles. Microsoft capitalized on this with popular titles like Halo and Gears of War. Soon after, the PlayStation 3 and Wii entered the market, and high-definition gaming quickly became a massive hit.

3) The Rock Showing Up at the Xbox Reveal

Before the Xbox 360, Microsoft launched its first gaming console, the original Xbox. This happened around the time Sega stopped making consoles, creating an opportunity for Microsoft to enter the market.

Microsoft knew exactly how to make an impact. While Bill Gates led the main event at CES in Las Vegas, everyone remembers when Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson – just starting his career shift from professional wrestling to acting – unexpectedly joined him on stage. It was a memorable pairing of tech and celebrity.

Seeing the Xbox really boosted its appeal. When we saw Halo, it became obvious Microsoft was serious about gaming. They didn’t have a lot of games at the time, but that first announcement event felt like being part of something special with huge potential.

2) The Wii Craze

While the Xbox was well-received, the Nintendo Wii became a massive phenomenon. Its unique motion controls offered a gaming experience unlike anything else available, though this different approach didn’t always appeal to traditional gamers.

The Wii’s simple and natural motion controls made it a massive success when it launched in 2006, quickly becoming a must-have item. Initially, though, Nintendo couldn’t make enough consoles to meet the high demand, which actually increased its popularity due to limited availability.

The Wii was a huge success, selling over 100 million units throughout its lifetime. As of 2025, it ranks fifth best-selling home console of all time. Only the PlayStation 2, Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 4, and the original PlayStation have sold more. This is especially impressive considering many people initially knew the Wii for its bowling game.

1) So Many Guitar Hero Peripherals

Few games exploded onto the scene and faded as quickly as Guitar Hero. The first installment, created by Harmonix, was an immediate success, letting players feel like rock stars with its unique guitar-shaped controller. The sequel, released just a year later, was just as popular.

After its initial success, the Guitar Hero franchise was bought by Activision, and the game’s development shifted from Harmonix to Neversoft, the team behind Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater. Unfortunately, Activision has a reputation for overdoing things, and that’s what happened here. Between 2007 and 2010, they released four main Guitar Hero titles, plus eleven spin-off games.

I remember when Guitar Hero was huge, but things cooled off pretty quickly, especially with Rock Band coming out. For almost ten years, all our guitar controllers just sat there gathering dust! Then, out of nowhere, Epic Games announced Fortnite Festival in 2023. It’s awesome because you can actually use your old Guitar Hero controllers with it – you might need to do a little tweaking to get it working, but it’s so cool to finally be able to play again!

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2025-11-08 01:41