There are a lot of video games out there and in this era of mobile and home-based gaming, the choices have never been greater. So how do you cut through the noise and find the “Best of” for any chosen topic?
Well, we’re here to help celebrate and shine a spotlight on some of the latest, greatest, and unforgettable games through the years. For our ongoing series of articles depicting the best video games, we’d like to steer your direction elsewhere in this article and highlight the best gaming systems of all time.
Whether you grew up with the Nintendo Entertainment System or abandoned consoles in favor of handheld gaming systems, you’re likely to have developed a fondness for one of the devices below.
Of course, if we’ve missed any of your favorites, feel free to comment below!
PlayStation 2
The PlayStation 2 is widely considered one of the best video game systems of all time. Released in 2002 by Sony, the PS2 revolutionized the gaming industry with its powerful hardware, diverse game library, and long-lasting impact. With over 2,000 games released for the console, the PS2 delivered a variety of gaming experiences, catering to various genres and player preferences.
From iconic hits like Grand Theft Auto: San Andreas to the innovative Katamari Damacy, the PS2 had something for everyone, showcasing the system’s versatility and appeal.
With the system’s impressive sales, backward compatibility, and introduction of the PlayStation Network, the PS2 is an incredible gaming system that holds a special place in many gamers’ hearts.
Nintendo Switch
The Nintendo Switch was an important device for Nintendo. After the Nintendo Wii U’s failure, they needed to develop and sell a device that could bring them back into the public’s eye again. Enter the Nintendo Switch, Nintendo’s answer to handheld and console gaming. This device not only delivers a unique concept but it has an impressive gaming library that continues to expand.
With popular hits like The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild and quirky titles like Nintendo Labo, the Nintendo Switch has given fans creative and heavy-hitting products to purchase and cherish. The system’s on-the-go playstyle helped it capture many gamers’ attention, especially players who have to work countless hours or attend college.
While it’s not as powerful as Sony and Microsoft’s recent offerings, the Nintendo Switch successfully pulled Nintendo out of its dire situation.
Super Nintendo Entertainment System
The Super Nintendo Entertain System is a retro yet popular gaming system. This system was launched in 1990 and introduced impressive technological advancements, a strong gaming library, and genre-defining titles. Its 16-bit graphics and sound capabilities provided an important leap in visual and audio quality compared to the NES.
However, its gaming library is one of its best aspects. It boasted numerous influential titles from Super Mario World to Super Metroid. Many cherished these games for their engaging premises, tight gameplay mechanics, and memorable characters. This system also introduced innovative gameplay features like the Super FX chip in Star Fox.
On top of having strong third-party support from studios like Capcom, Konami, and Squaresoft, this system is definitely worth acknowledging here.
Xbox 360
While the original Xbox holds a special place in fans’ hearts, the Xbox 360 felt like Microsoft’s magnum opus. This was a powerful system with great online capabilities and an extensive gaming library. It showcases a significant leap in graphical capabilities and processing power compared to its competitors. With its impressive performance, the Xbox 360 provided players with great games.
Games like Halo 3 and Gears of War showcase the system’s capabilities, delivering compelling storylines, groundbreaking visuals, and engrossing gameplay mechanics. During this era, you can tell Microsoft invested heavily in obtaining exclusive titles and nurturing relationships with third-party developers, resulting in many games becoming available on the device.
Together with its Xbox Live service, the Xbox 360 has earned its spot in being declared one of gaming’s best systems today.
Sega Genesis
Sega used to be one of Nintendo’s greatest competitors in the gaming market. They’d release many exclusive titles and fascinating systems to overthrow Nintendo. While that didn’t work out for them, systems like the Sega Genesis are worth acknowledging here. With its 16-bit architecture and great gaming library, the Sega Genesis served as worthy competition for Nintendo’s systems.
Firstly, this device had games like Streets of Rage and Sonic the Hedgehog appeal to audiences. These games helped showcase the hardware’s limits and gave gamers fast-paced and visually stunning experiences. Furthermore, the console left a lasting cultural impact. Sega’s marketing campaigns, led by the famous “Genesis Does What Nintedon’t” slogan, sparked intense competition between Sega and Nintendo. This rivalry led to great innovation and creativity amid the gaming sphere.
PlayStation 4 Pro
While the original PlayStation 4 system is great in its own right, the PlayStation 4 Pro provides gamers with a better and more enhanced experience. With its powerful hardware and enhanced graphics capabilities, the PS4 Pro delivers stunning visuals and smooth gameplay.
Games like God of War and Horizon Zero Dawn showcase the system’s capabilities. These offer breathtaking landscapes, detailed character models, and seamless gameplay. This console’s enhanced performance and visual fidelity elevate one’s gaming experience to greater heights.
While this system opened the door for swifter console refreshes, which tend to annoy certain gamers, the console gave players options to enhance their PS4 experiences for the best.
Steam Deck
Many folks will scratch their heads at this device appearing on this list. However, when you look at what it’s capable of doing, you’ll realize how significant it is as a gaming device. With its powerful processor and custom Steam OS, the Steam Deck offers an exceptional gaming performance and graphics quality that rivals traditional gaming PCs, home consoles, and gaming handhelds.
For instance, this console allows you to adore your PC games on the go. Whether you’re playing demanding titles like Halo Infinite or indie gems like Hades, the Steam Deck provides a versatile and high-quality gaming experience wherever you go.
With its built-in controls, high-resolution touchscreen, and docking capabilities, players will enjoy playing their PC titles portably without having to sit in front of their computer monitors all day long.
Nintendo Wii
The Nintendo Wii, released in 2006, is widely regarded as one of the most innovative gaming systems of all time. With its Wii Remote and Nunchuck controllers, the Wii introduced a groundbreaking approach to gaming, allowing players to physically interact with games through motion controls. This innovative experience was showcased in titles like Wii Sports. This game had you play numerous sports like tennis and bowling.
The Wii’s motion controls brought a new level of accessibility. This made gaming feel more enjoyable for people of all ages and skill levels. The system’s family-friendly focus led to many interactive and addictive titles like Mario Kart Wii and Wii Fit. Sony and Microsoft would catch wind of Wii’s tight pull on the industry and attempt to create peripherals of their own to compete with Nintendo.
Regardless of one’s thoughts of the system in present times, there’s no denying the hold the Nintendo Wii had on gamers a couple of decades ago.
Game Boy Advance SP
The Game Boy Advance SP was a great handheld device with an innovative design, extensive game library, and fine portability. With its sleek and compact form factor, the Game Boy Advance SP introduced a great clamshell design. This helped the device maintain high durability, making it pleasing to carry around.
This gaming system provided players with satisfying games to play. From Pokemon to Metroid fusion, the GBA SP had great graphical capabilities. It provided fans with enough captivating gameplay experiences to keep them hooked. Moreover, this system had backward compatibility with the Game Boy and Game Boy Color.
With its rechargeable battery, the Game Boy Advance SP is a great gaming handheld that’s worth picking up.
Nintendo 64
The Nintendo 64 is a gaming system that defined a generation of gamers when it was released in 1996. With its groundbreaking features, memorable games, and multiplayer capabilities, the Nintendo 64 remains a standout system.
The Nintendo 64 revolutionized gaming by introducing 3D graphics and analog controls. Games like Super Mario 64 and The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time were groundbreaking titles. These games delivered their immersive worlds with expansive gameplay.
The analog stick on the Nintendo 64’s controller allowed for precise and intuitive control, enhancing one’s gaming experience. Its gaming library got better over time with titles like Perfect Dark and GoldenEye 007 showcasing the system’s capability for tackling darker and diverse genres.
Although this system made it difficult for Nintendo to reach out to third-party developers, the Nintendo 64 is a great device that’ll remain a fan favorite for decades.
So, there we have it, our pick for the best video game systems through the years!
What do you think of our picks? Do you agree? Are there any notable omissions? Let us know in the comments below!
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