Nvidia launched the GeForce 256, described as the first graphics processing unit, in 1999.
Nvidia introduced the GeForce 256 in August 1999. Its name reflected Nvidia’s effort to distinguish a complete graphics processor from earlier graphics accelerators that handled only selected parts of the rendering pipeline. The chip included hardware support for transforming and lighting 3D scenes.
The GeForce 256 helped establish Nvidia’s GeForce brand, which became central to the company’s consumer graphics business. Nvidia later expanded from PC graphics into professional visualization, gaming consoles, data-center computing, and artificial intelligence.
A frequent mix-up is treating the GeForce 256 as the first ever 3D graphics chip. Earlier products from Nvidia and competitors performed 3D acceleration; the significant distinction was Nvidia’s use of the broader GPU designation and integrated capabilities.