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[[Early Online Services]] Typically used [[wikipedia:Dial-up Internet access|Dial-up]] or [[wikipedia:Cable television|Cable television providers]], some later services used other [[wikipedia:Internet_access#Technologies|Internet access technologies]]. This page lists and documents pre-2005 online services. It was [[Xbox network|Xbox LIVE]] (2002) that kick -started the modern era of [[Preservation_projects#Private_Platform_Servers|online services]] but it wasn't until a new [[:Category:Seventh-generation video game consoles|generation]] of hardware that the video game industry felt the impact and influence of Xbox LIVE. {| class="mw-collapsible mw-collapsed wikitable" style="text-align:left;"! scope="col"|Before Diving in|-|Due to lack of support of non USD (United States Dollar) inflation calculation on this wiki this page can not calculate the inflation of the Japanese Yen (¥), British pound (£), Dutch guilder (ƒ) or any other non United States currency.|-|This page has heavy use of YouTube videos to preserve content (In this case advertisements for [[Early Online Services]]). if the YouTube links no longer work please check [https://ghostarchive.org Ghost Archive] to see if it was archive|-|This page uses shortened names for selected consoles. NES for the [[NES|Nintendo Entertainment System]]/[[NES|Famicom]], SNES for the [[SNES|Super Nintendo Entertainment System]]/[[SNES|Super Famicom]], N64 for the [[Nintendo 64]], PS1 for the original [[PlayStation]], PS2 for the [[PlayStation 2]].|-|The Sega console "[[Sega Genesis|Genesis]]" is known as the "Mega Drive" outside North America and parts of South America|-|See each Wiki Category [[:Category:Consoles|Consoles]], [[:Category:Computers|Computers]] and [[:Category:Arcade|Arcade]] for individual dedicated system pages to see support for these services for software emulators. Dedicated system pages provide in-depth information on specific aspects like hardware features, peripheral support, and compatibility etc.|}

'''GameLine''' was an service exclusively for the USA, created by Control Video Corporation (now AOL). [[Wikipedia:GameLine#Game_list|Gameline allowed users to download games using dial up]]. Needing a modem and storage cartridge from Control Video Corporation. Launched in 1983 the the Gameline was soon discontinued in ????<ref group=N>Discontinued in 1983 or 1984, due to the [[wikipedia:Video_game_crash_of_1983|Video Game crash of 1983]]. Unable to find reliable answer</ref>.<br>{{Inflation|USD|15|1983}} for the membership fee, with 1 year subscription to the monthly magazine GameLiner, "command module" cartridge (roughly {{Inflation|USD|39.95|1983}}). The service allowed you to download 1 of the 30 monthly games for a rough 40-minute play session for {{Inflation|USD|1|1983}}<ref>Page 10 [https://archive.org/details/ElectronicGames/Electronic%20Games%20Issue%2013%20%28March%201983%29Electronic_Games_Volume_01_Number_13_1983-03_Reese_Communications_US/page/n9/mode/2up?view=theater March 1983 issue (issue 13) of Electronic Games] (1983 prices)</ref>

'''PlayCable''' was an service exclusively for the USA, developed by Mattel and General Instrument, How you got games was an PlayCable adapter. You needed a cable company that supported PlayCable. Launched in 1980, Discontinued in 1984.<ref>Page 16 "Communication News", "PlayCable strikes out" section [https://www.worldradiohistory.com/Archive-C-ED/80s/C-ED-1984-03.pdf March 1984 issue of C-ED]</ref>

CD-online was available in the UK in 1995, The Netherlands in 1996 (for ƒ399<abbr title="Dutch guilder/florin (used in Netherlands until 2002)">ƒ</abbr>399). Placeholder text for additional info

Launched September 1988<ref>[https://glitterberri.com/developing-the-famicom-modem/ How the Famicom Was Born - Part 10 - Developing the Famicom Modem by Masaharu Takano translated by GlitterBerri]</ref>, Discontinued 1991(Everything but the Super Mario Club and the horse racing servers).

The '''Sega Meganet''' was a commercial failure in Japan, When released in Brazil the focus was on the Meganet's main focus which was email, the service was also capable of online multiplayer and chat. Launch Launched November 3rd 1990 in Japan, <ref>[https://www.ign.com/articles/2012/05/20/sega-a-soothsayer-of-the-games-industry] SEGA A Soothsayer of the Games Industry by Adam Redsell (IGN article)</ref> and 1995 in Brazil,

The '''Sega Channel''' was an online service exclusively for the USA and Canada, through cable television services. Launched 1994 in the USA, 1995 in Canada, discontinued 1998.<br>Fees varied by location. Released in the United States of America and Canada. Fees Varied by location,<ref group=N>Fees Varied by location. The Sega Channel section uses [https://www.ign.com/articles/2008/06/11/the-sega-channel IGN's approximations]</ref> Sega Channel had a {{Inflation|USD|25|1994}} activation fee (includes necessary hardware), and approximately {{Inflation|USD|15|1994}} for a monthly fee.<ref>[https://www.ign.com/articles/2008/06/11/the-sega-channel The SEGA Channel by By Levi Buchanan] (1994 prices for the USA)</ref>

[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PIBmBy9APaU TBCtj39oxJw #1], [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Zal2PntZbpY #2], [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rTcIqsFEQNk #3], [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WsRhBWLgCE8 #4], [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AO4CZ8aCql8 #5], [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AZQwzKnlMRA #6] (compilationpromo), [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4BHkU9z59xQ #7] (promo), [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-qVNt2o3Nhw #7], [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9APF7F_GsME #8]

Launched late December 13 1999, Discontinued February 28 2001<ref>[https://www.ign.com/articles/2001/02/24/64dd-broken-promises 64DD: Broken Promises]</ref>

'''SharkWire Online''' was an service exclusively for the USA, SharkWire was a GameShark device with a serial port and modem added, developed by Interact and Spyglass inc.

SharkWire online is unlicensed hardware, and the United States' equivalent of [[#Randnet_.28N64.29|Randnet]]. Launched January 2000<ref>[https://tedium.co/2022/07/22/sharkwire-nintendo-64-online-service/ Surf Like A Shark By Ernie Smith (Tedium. Article)]</ref>, discontinued 2003.<br>The hardware <abbr title="Manufacturer's suggested retail price">MSRP</abbr> was {{Inflation|USD|79.99|1999}}, with a monthly subscription fee of {{Inflation|USD|9.95|1999}}<ref>[https://web.archive.org/web/20171201151423/https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/sharkwire-onlinetm-by-interact-allows-gamers-to-get-online-in-touch-and-out-ahead-74514522.html Press release from InterAct Accessories, Inc.]</ref>

[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hMBu3Rd4kBw #1], [hhttpshttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=h1gBjvSpqlQ #2] ===[[wikipedia:SegaNet|SegaNet]] (Dreamcast)===----'''SegaNet''' was United States exclusive service created by Sega in collaboration with GTE Internetworking<ref>[https://segaretro.org/Press_release:_2000-04-04:_Sega_Announces_Formation_of_New_Company,_Sega.com,_Inc. Sega.com Press release]</ref>, Sega also partnered with AT&T as the service's preferred ISP.<ref>[https://web.archive.org/web/20220625222945/https://apnews.com/article/36ab6479c2c42cdf5b50d584e50add6d Sega, AT&T Unveil Dreamcast Pact (Associated Press article)]</ref><br> Launched 7 September 2000, discontinued 20 July 2001 (online service) 30 September 2003 (online game servers). The initial monthly subscription fee was {{Inflation|USD|21.95|2000}}, The subscription fee was removed for a short period then reinstated with a lower price of {{Inflation|USD|9.95|2001}} 1 November 2001, The monthly fee was permanently eliminated August 2002.<ref>[https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-2001-oct-25-tt-61360-story.html Sega to Charge for SegaNet Access By Alex Pham (Los Angeles Times article)] (Prices)</ref><br>----'''[[wikipedia:Dreamcast_online_functionality#Dricas_(Japan)|Dricas]]''' was a Japan exclusive service. Placeholder text.----'''[[wikipedia:Dreamcast_online_functionality#Comma_(Australia)|Comma]]''' was a Australia exclusive service. Placeholder text.----'''[[wikipedia:Dreamcast_online_functionality#Dreamarena_(Europe)|Dreamarena]]''' was a Europe exlusive service. Placeholder text.* [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_Dreamcast_online_games List of Dreamcast Online games];Advertisements[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=spErnbpCoIw #1](SegaNet) , [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hMBu3Rd4kBw #2] (SegaNet), [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OZDZpOyi1mg #3] (Dreamarena), [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1lOgUa-nbBU #4] (Dreamarena),====[[wikipedia:Dreamcast online functionality#Broadband_Adapter|Broadband Adapter]]====The Dreamcast came out of the box equipped with a 56k dial-up modem that was supported by every DC game with online functionality. However, some of those games had additional support for the Broadband Adapter (BBA) accessory, which replaced the 56k modem and used Ethernet networking to deliver much higher internet speeds.<ref>[https://consolemods.org/wiki/Dreamcast:Flycast_Emulator#Broadband_(BBA)_Mode_(optional) ConsoleMods: Broadband (BBA) Mode for Dreamcast]</ref> Many games have been brought back due to private servers run and operated by fans such as:* [https://dreamcastlive.net/connection-guide/ DreamcastLive]* [https://dreamcast-talk.com/forum/viewtopic.php?style=20&f=3&t=1343 dreamcast-talk]* [https://dreamcast.online/now/ Dreamcast Now]:For more information about other revive projects see [[Preservation_projects|Preservation projects]] page.

'''Nintendo Power''' ('''ニンテンドウパワー''') was a Online Japan-exclusive service online video game distribution service for the Super Famicom and Gameboy. Launched 19961997 for the Super Famicom<ref>[https://www.nintendo.co.jp/corporate/release/1997-99/970926.html Nintendo of Japan press release]</ref>, November 1st 1999 for the Game Boy<ref>[https://web.archive.org/web/20221026124019/https://www.nintendo.co.jp/nom/9910/gameboy/index.html "平成11年11月１日、ゲームボーイ書き換えサービススタート！！" (Nintendo Online Magazine)]</ref>, Discontinued 2007. Japanese Exclusive service.

The '''i-mode''' adaptor cable (SCPH-10180) is a japan-exlusive exclusive device<ref>[https://www.ign.com/articles/2001/03/22/playstation-i-mode-connection-in-may PlayStation i-mode Connection in May (IGN article)]</ref> developed by Sony and NTT DoCoMo. The i-mode adaptor allows users to connect an compatible mobile phone<ref>[https://www.archyde.com/why-did-the-japanese-connect-a-cell-phone-to-the-first-playstation-and-what-did-it-allow-them-to-do-present/ Why did the Japanese connect a cell phone to the first PlayStation and what did it allow them to do? (archyde.com article)]</ref> to the PlayStation's controller port; granting a mobile internet connection to Japanese games, web browsing and email on the PlayStation.<ref>[https://www.gamespot.com/articles/sony-outlines-its-2001-business-plans/1100-2688415/ Sony outlines its 2001 business plans (GameSpot article)]</ref> Released in 2001.

::MAWK3: ''[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KnVOnRefBpw ''Most Active PlayStation 2 Online Games in 2023''], [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=minpPVKq3pM ''How to Connect and Play Online on PlayStation 2 in 2023], [https://youtu.be/vja8uoOy5XE Exploring DEAD PS2 Online Games in 2024]'']

The '''XBAND''' was the very first console modem to allow online multiplayer using a dial-up connection. It was released on the SNES for a range of games in the mid-nineties - as well as the [[Sega_Genesis_emulators#Hardware_features_and_accessories|Genesis]] and [[Sega_Saturn_emulators#Hardware_features_and_accessories|Saturn]].<ref>[https://old.reddit.com/r/snes/comments/f4jvg7/the_xband_was_the_very_first_console_modem_to/ XBAND: Wonders of the Retro Gaming World]</ref> Launched in late November 1994-June 1995, December 2nd-8th 1995 nationwide (USA) for the [[Sega_Genesis_emulators|Genesis/Mega Drive]], 1995 for the [[Super Nintendo]] and 1996 for the Super Famicom(Japan), Discontinued in April 30th 1997<ref>[https://archive.org/details/GamePro_Issue_106_Volume_09_Number_07_1997-07_IDG_Publishing_US/page/n19/mode/2up?q=sega&view=theater GamePro Issue 106 (USA)]</ref>.

:<small>[https://web.archive.org/web/19961128020345/https://genie.com/ Official site] (archived)</small>'''GEnie''' ('''<u>G</u>eneral <u>E</u>lectric <u>n</u>etwork <u>i</u>nformation <u>e</u>xchange''') was created by General Electric Information Services (GEIS, now GXS Inc.). Placeholder TextGEnie launched with support for Apple II<ref>[https://www.apple2history.org/history/ah22/#06 Telecommunications - Apple II history]</ref>, also had Apple Macintosh, Tandy, DOS, OS/2<ref>[http://www.os2ezine.com/v1n4/genie.html OS e-zine! GEnie review]</ref>, Windows, Commodore Amiga, Commodore 64/128<ref>[https://cbmfiles.com/genie/index.php GEnie Commodore files]</ref>Atari ST, Atari 8-Bit support.<ref>[https://www.krsaborio.net/internet/research/1986/0204.htm Microsoft Corp. Chooses GEnie - The General Electric Network for Information Exchange - On Which to Provide a Microsoft Windows Developers Roundtable (PRNewswire article)]</ref><ref>[https://web.archive.org/web/19990507171911/http://www.genie.com/WORLD/list.html GEnie RoundTable index]</ref>

GEnie had a monthly fee in 1996 Genie reported to have a monthly fee of {{Inflation|USD|23.95|1996}} (included 9 hours of "standard connect time") (if subscribed before 2/1/96 fee was {{Inflation|USD|18.95|1996}}), a hourly connection charge of {{Inflation|USD|2.75|1996}}, "Prime time surcharge" of {{Inflation|USD|1|1996}} an hour. "Prime-time" was 8 AM to 6 PM local time on weekdays<ref>[https://web.archive.org/web/19980425145102/http://genie.com/about.html About GEnie]</ref>. Launched 1985, discontinued 1999. ===[[wikipedia:CompuetCompunet|Compunet]]===

Placeholder Text'''DWANGO''' ('''<u>D</u>ial-up <u>W</u>ide-A</u>rea <u>N</u>etwork <u>G</u>ame <u>O</u>peration''') was a online gaming service developed by Interactive Visual Systems.DWANGO was dial-up, while being a United States company people as far as Europe and the Pacific were allegedly connecting<ref>[[wikipedia:DWANGO#History|DWANGO History wikipedia article]]</ref>, DWANGO also expanded to Japan, Singapore and South Korea. Best known for support for id Software's: DOOM, DOOM 2 and Heretic and 3D Realms: Duke Nukem 3D, Blood, and Shadow Warrior. Initial prices were {{Inflation|USD|1.95|1994}} an hour, in 1995 the prices were changed to {{Inflation|USD|8.95|1995}} a month. Launched 1994<ref>[https://web.archive.org/web/19980207042237/http://www.dwango.com/html/about_us.html DWANGO about us page]</ref>, discontinued 1998:[[wikipedia:DWANGO#Software_and_games_supported|List of supported games]]

'''GameRanger''' is an online Server-matching service created by Scott kevill, that also provides chat rooms and voice chat. Launched 1999 for classic Macintosh<ref>[https://www.gameranger.com/about/press/1/ Scott Kevill Launches Macintosh Internet Gaming Service]</ref>, 2001 for mac OS X<ref>[https://www.gameranger.com/about/press/29/ IRC application (similar to Xfire)Scott Kevill Announces GameRanger Online Gaming For Mac OS X]<br/ref>and 2008 for Windows.<ref>[https://www.gameranger.com/about/press/64/ New GameRanger online gaming service available for PC]</ref>:See the [https://www.gameranger.com/games/pc/ official list] of supported games It's possible to use [[Preservation_projects#Private_Game_Servers|supported games with this application for multiplayer]].

Placeholder Text'''GameStorm''' was an online gaming service created by kesmai, featuring games developed by kesmai. Launched 1997, discontinued 2001. GameStorm had a monthly fee of {{Inflation|USD|10|1998}}<ref>[https://archive.org/details/NextGeneration40Apr1998/page/n31/mode/2up?view=theater Next Generation (issue 40)] (1998 prices)</ref>

===[[Preservation_projects#Private_Platform_Serverswikipedia:Wireplay|Wireplay]]===

The '''Wireplay''' was an online multiplayer gaming service, Wireplay's service endured for a time but was finally shut down in Europe, Australia and the United States<ref>[https://web.archive.org/web/20200206180138/http://home.bt.com/tech-gadgets/computing/gaming/what-is-wireplay-online-gaming-pc-computer-bt-11364279311272 Do you remember Wireplay? How BT helped to pioneer online gaming around the world]</ref>Launched 1996, discontinued 2014.;Advertisement[https://youtu.be/4fioksBRanI #1]