Level Up Your Learning About the Video Game Industry
Each year the UW-Stout Library Gaming & Digital Innovation (GDI) Lab welcomes 10,000+ visitors interested in video games, video game history, and game development. Go beyond the traditional classroom or pop in for free play, hands-on opportunities to play, teach, learn about, and research video games and systems from the last 50 years of gaming history.
- Study. Games can teach us! The Gaming & Digital Innovation (GDI) Lab has applied learning and research opportunities for many academic disciplines.
- Work. Don't just play, create and work! The three high-end computers provide all of the power needed to run a number of computer games through Steam or create the next generation of interactive media.
- Teach. Instructors can reserve the room for occasional special lectures or demonstrations. The room is equipped with large whiteboards suitable for instruction and space for projector use. Access to other library technologies is also available. For more information, see the Game Lab Reservation Policy.
- Play. Enjoy a nostalgic reunion with Donkey Kong or discover a new classic! The Gaming & Digital Innovation (GDI) Lab is a free play lab open to students, faculty and staff for recreational purposes when not being used for instruction.
Degrees That Do More in This Lab
Video Game Collections
Gaming Systems, Computers & Equipment
The GDI Lab features 25 major video game consoles, as well as three high-end PCs loaded with productivity software and a digital games catalog of more than 250 titles. Additionally, the Lab offers the space and systems compatible with VR headsets, which are available at the Library's first floor Circulation Desk.
Note: Peripheral equipment for vintage and contemporary game systems is available at the library Circulation Desk. Equipment includes Duck Hunt Zapper, DDR mats, Donkey Konga bongos, Switch controllers, Guitar Hero controllers, Wii accessories and more.
Atari 2600
Released in 1977, the Atari 2600 revolutionized home entertainment, making it the first widely successful console. Famous for popularizing video games, it featured iconic titles like Space Invaders and Pac-Man, offering 500+ game options. Its role in the early 80s gaming boom cemented its cultural legacy.
Atari Jaguar
The Atari Jaguar, released in 1993, stood out as a 64-bit console—a rarity in its era—promising advanced graphics and gaming experiences. Known for titles like Alien vs. Predator, it gained cult status despite a limited library of around 50 games. It remains iconic in '90s gaming culture.
ColecoVision
Released in 1982, the ColecoVision became famous for its arcade-quality graphics, bringing games like Donkey Kong into homes. With 140+ available titles, it set a new standard for home consoles. Its success helped define the early 80s gaming era before the video game crash of 1983.
Magnavox Odyssey2
Launched in 1978, Magnavox Odyssey2 featured a unique combination of console and keyboard, blending gaming with educational possibilities. Known for its iconic game, K.C. Munchkin!, it was popular in the early '80s arcade boom. With around 50 games, it remains a memorable piece of gaming history and innovation.
Xbox
Released in 2001, the Xbox made waves with cutting-edge graphics and Halo: Combat Evolved, which redefined multiplayer gaming. Famous for introducing Xbox Live, it pioneered online console gaming. More than 900 titles were released for the system, and its influence shaped the gaming industry's move toward connected, immersive experiences in the 2000s.
Xbox 360
Released in 2005, the Xbox 360 revolutionized gaming with HD graphics, Xbox Live integration, and popular titles like Gears of War and Halo 3. Famous for its role in the rise of online multiplayer and downloadable content, it boasted 2,000+ game titles, shaping gaming culture throughout the late 2000s.
Xbox One
Released in 2013, the Xbox One stood out for its powerful multimedia capabilities, seamless online gaming with Xbox Live, and blockbuster titles like Halo 5 and Forza Horizon 4. With 2,500+ games available, it became a key player in the rise of streaming and digital gaming experiences.
Xbox Series X
Released in 2020, the Xbox Series X brought unmatched power and speed to gaming, with 12 teraflops of processing power and seamless load times. Known for Game Pass integration, it became a centerpiece for next-gen gaming amid a global shift to digital entertainment, supporting thousands of titles across generations.
Nintendo Entertainment System (NES)
Released in 1985, the Nintendo Entertainment System (NES) revitalized the video game industry after the 1983 crash. Famous for iconic titles like Super Mario Bros. and The Legend of Zelda, it became a cultural phenomenon, with 700+ games available through multiple game publishers, including Konami, Tecmo, Taito and others. The NES redefined home gaming and cemented Nintendo's legacy.
Super Nintendo Entertainment System (SNES)
Released in 1991, the Super Nintendo Entertainment System (SNES) became famous for its groundbreaking 16-bit graphics and legendary games like Super Mario World and The Legend of Zelda: A Link to the Past. With 700+ titles, the SNES defined 90s gaming and fueled the classic console wars with Sega.
Nintendo 64
Launched in 1996, the Nintendo 64 made waves with its revolutionary 3D gameplay and joystick controller. Known for defining multiplayer experiences with hits like GoldenEye 007 and Super Smash Bros., its catalog included 380+ games. The system’s innovative controller design helped shape the future of immersive gaming experiences.
Nintendo Game Cube
Debuting in 2001, the Nintendo GameCube stood out with its compact design and mini-disc format. Known for beloved titles like Super Smash Bros. Melee and Metroid Prime, it offered 650+ games. Its local multiplayer focus and unique style cemented it as a favorite during the early 2000s gaming era.
Nintendo Wii
In 2006, the Nintendo Wii redefined gaming with motion-sensing controls, inviting players of all ages into interactive experiences like Wii Sports. Its unique approach to gameplay made it a cultural phenomenon, gathering families and friends for active fun. Over 1,500 games were released, cementing the Wii as a household icon.
Nintendo Wii U
Released in 2012, the Nintendo Wii U introduced a touchscreen GamePad, blending console and handheld gaming. Though less commercially successful than the Wii, it became known for titles like Super Mario 3D World and Mario Kart 8. With nearly 800 games, the Wii U paved the way for the Nintendo Switch’s innovations.
Nintendo Switch
Available for checkout at the Circulation Desk.
Launched in 2017, the Nintendo Switch revolutionized gaming with its hybrid design, allowing for both handheld and console play. Celebrated for new iterations of hit titles like The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild and Animal Crossing: New Horizons, it features 4,000+ games, uniting players in an innovative experience.
Sega Genesis
Released in 1989, the Sega Genesis became famous for its fast-paced gameplay, iconic titles like Sonic the Hedgehog, and edgy marketing against Nintendo. Featuring 900+ games over the course of its public offering, it helped fuel the '90s console wars and established Sega as a major player in the home gaming revolution of the era.
Sega Genesis 32X
Released in 1994, the Sega Genesis 32X was an add-on that boosted the Genesis' graphics and sound capabilities, affordably bringing 32-bit gaming to U.S. households. Known for titles like Virtua Fighter, it arrived during the 16-bit console wars. With 40+ games, it marked a bold but brief step in gaming evolution.
Sega Dreamcast
Launched in 1999, the Sega Dreamcast was ahead of its time, pioneering online console gaming and boasting innovative titles like Shenmue and Sonic Adventure. With its memorable VMU (Visual Memory Unit) and groundbreaking graphics, the Dreamcast became a cult favorite, offering a library of 600+ games before its untimely discontinuation in 2001.
Playstation
Released in 1994, the Sony PlayStation became a trailblazer in gaming with its CD-based format, bringing immersive 3D worlds and cinematic experiences. Known for iconic franchises like Final Fantasy and Resident Evil, it offered 2,400+ games, reshaping entertainment and launching the modern era of console gaming.
Playstation 2
Launched in 2000, the Sony PlayStation 2 improved upon its predecessor with enhanced graphics, DVD playback, and backward compatibility. Known for titles like Grand Theft Auto: San Andreas and Metal Gear Solid 2, it featured 4,000+ games. Its multimedia capabilities and vast library made it the best-selling console ever.
Playstation 3
Released in 2006, the Sony PlayStation 3 advanced gaming with HD graphics, Blu-ray support, and online connectivity through PlayStation Network. Notable for Uncharted and The Last of Us, it introduced social gaming and streaming. With 2,500+ titles, its robust multimedia features marked a leap from previous generations.
Playstation 4
Launched in 2013, the Sony PlayStation 4 set new standards with its powerful hardware, social sharing features, and seamless online integration. Known for blockbuster exclusives like Horizon Zero Dawn and Spider-Man, it became a cultural icon, boasting 3,000+ games. Its emphasis on streaming and community engagement reshaped gaming interactions.
- Playstation VR (PSVR) is compatible with the Playstation 4 and available for checkout at the Circulation Desk.
Playstation 5
Sony’s PlayStation 5, launched in 2020, brought lightning-fast SSD technology and ray-tracing graphics to gaming, elevating realism and load times. Its DualSense controller, with adaptive triggers and haptic feedback, redefined immersion. Known for titles like Demon’s Souls and Spider-Man: Miles Morales, it quickly amassed a library of hundreds of games.
- Playstation VR 2 (PSVR2) is compatible with the Playstation 5 and available for checkout at the Circulation Desk.
The Raspberry Pi, released in 2012, revolutionized gaming by enabling a compact, affordable emulator system, letting users relive retro games. Unlike traditional consoles, it supports thousands of titles across various platforms, making it famous among DIY enthusiasts and retro gaming communities. The Pi celebrates gaming history in a versatile, compact setup that features preloaded vintage games without use of cartridges or discs.
The GDI Lab offers the following Raspberry Pi emulators:
- NES Emulator
- SNES Emulator
- Sega Genesis Emulator
- PlayStation (original) Emulator
Note: PCs are preloaded with a collection of digital games through Steam, Epic, Battle.net, and Riot Games.
HP Omen Gaming Computer (Gaming PC & VR Station 1)
HP’s Omen Gaming Computers, emerging prominently in the 2010s, set a new standard for high-performance gaming with customizable RGB lighting, powerful processors, and advanced cooling. Known for handling demanding AAA titles, it became a favorite in esports and streaming communities, supporting thousands of games and delivering an edge in competitive play.
- AMD Ryzen 7 5700G with Radeon Graphics
- 16 GB RAM (DDR3-1600)
- NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3060 Ti
- ViewSonic 27" Widescreen LED
- Logitech Webcam, Keyboard, Mouse
- Audio-Technica ATH-M30 Studio Headphones
HP Z4 Workstation (Gaming PC & VR Station 2)
Released in 2017, the HP Z4 gaming computer gained recognition for its exceptional performance and versatility in handling demanding tasks. Known for its robust build and high-quality graphics, it caters to gamers and professionals alike. Capable of running thousands of titles, it excels in immersive experiences and creative workflows.
- Intel Xeon(R) (4.10GHz)
- 64 GB RAM
- Quadro RTX 4000
- ViewSonic 27" Widescreen LED
- Logitech Webcam, Keyboard, Mouse
- Audio-Technica ATH-M30 Studio Headphones
HP Z4 Workstation (Gaming & Workstation)
Released in 2017, the HP Z4 gaming computer gained recognition for its exceptional performance and versatility in handling demanding tasks. Known for its robust build and high-quality graphics, it caters to gamers and professionals alike. Capable of running thousands of titles, it excels in immersive experiences and creative workflows.
- Intel Xeon(R) (4.10GHz)
- 64 GB RAM
- Quadro RTX 4000
- ViewSonic 27" Widescreen LED
- Logitech Webcam, Keyboard, Mouse
- Audio-Technica ATH-M30 Studio Headphones
Oculus Quest 2
Available for checkout at the Circulation Desk.
Released in 2020, the Oculus Quest 2 transformed VR gaming with its wireless freedom, high-resolution display, and affordable price, making it a standout among VR headsets. Celebrated for accessible virtual experiences, it gained fame during the remote, digital boom. With over 200 games, it’s a gateway to immersive worlds and interactive adventures.
- Oculus Quest 2 headsets are compatible with Gaming PC & VR Station 1 and Gaming PC & VR Station 2.
Playstation VR
Available for checkout at the Circulation Desk.
Released in 2016, Sony PlayStation VR stood out for its accessibility and seamless integration with the PlayStation ecosystem. Known for delivering immersive virtual reality experiences at an affordable price, it offered 500+ compatible games. Its focus on titles like Resident Evil 7 popularized VR gaming for a broader audience.
- Playstation VR (PSVR) is compatible with the Playstation 4.
Playstation VR 2
Available for checkout at the Circulation Desk.
Released in 2023, the PSVR2 is a next-gen VR headset designed for the PS5, boasting 4K HDR visuals, advanced eye tracking, and haptic feedback for unmatched immersion. Known for redefining console VR experiences, it debuted during the VR technology boom. With over 50 titles, it delivers cutting-edge interactive adventures.
- Playstation VR 2 (PSVR2) is compatible with the Playstation 5.