The ZX Spectrum created by English entrepreneur Clive Sinclair helped pioneer the home computer way back in 1982 and delivered us such gaming classics as R-Type and Chuckie Egg.

As Google treats the ZX Spectrum to the Doodle treatment we take a look back at some of the less celebrated consoles, that are often overlooked but nontheless should never be forgotten.

Atari 5200, 1982

After hitting paydirt with the 2600, Atari hit only dirt with this more powerful replacement. It was introduced at same time as the Atari 400 and 800 home computers. Alas, Atari's resources couldn't stretch to support them all.
 

Units sold: 1 million, Top game: Centipede

Bandai WonderSwan, 1999

Boasting the second worst bird-themed name for any console ever (keep reading), this Game Boy rival could be played horizontally or vertically. With some high-profile titles and a whopping 12 buttons it was a hit in Japan - an updated model lands there this summer - but not elsewhere.

Units sold: unknown, Top game: Final Fantasy

Coleco ColecoVision, 1982

This launched with 12 very impressive arcade ports and some bizarre-looking peripherals but was then hit hard by the gaming crash. It went under just 18 months after launch.

Units sold: 2 million, Top game: Donkey Kong

Fairchild VES/Channel F, 1976

The Fairchild VES's cartridge-swallowing innards were designed by Intel founder Robert Noyce. Its success influenced the Atari VCS - so much so that Fairchild later changed the name to the Channel F to avoid any misunderstanding.

Units sold: unknown, Top game: Tennis

Mattel Intellivision, 1980

Advertised as "the closest thing to the real thing" by US sports writer George Plimpton, the Intellivision was Mattel's response to the Atari 2600's huge success. A total of 125 games graced its cartridge slot, but increasing competition and the great gaming crash of 1983 sealed its fate.

Units sold: 3 million, Top game: Tron