This book investigates the burgeoning home video game market of the early 1980s to provide consumers with a framework for evaluating hardware and software quality. Arniwe Katz and Bill Kunkel, both prominent figures in early gaming journalism, utilize their technical expertise to analyze the capabilities of various consoles and the design merits of contemporary game titles. The text serves as a foundational evaluation tool for early adopters navigating the rapid expansion of the home entertainment industry. It establishes criteria for assessing gameplay mechanics, graphics, and overall value in a nascent consumer market.

Experts recognize this work as a significant primary source for understanding the early consumer gaming landscape. Readers frequently note the historical value of the authors' perspectives, which capture the initial excitement and technical limitations of the first generation of home consoles.