Console Build Quality

[Limewater]

Given all of the problems of consoles this generation, I thought it might be a good idea to gather general console build quality information on one thread. This may already exist, but I did not find it easily by checking the archives. If it doesn't already exist, this might turn into a good article for the site, if enough information can be collected.

Build quality really wasn't much of an issue up through the 16-bit era. My current regular-play NES is one I found in a gutter ten years ago while out for a run, though I did put in a new 72-pin adapter earlier this year. You have to worry about yellowing for some models of SNES, though if they're going to yellow, they've already done it. All versions of the Atari 5200 are crippled by the fall-apart controllers.

But once you get to CD-based systems, with all of their moving parts and whatnot, things start to go terribly wrong. Certain models of Playstation are notorious for having problems. I'm really not sure if there was a model of PS2 that one can expect to still be working in five years. I know some models of Sega CD are more durable than others.

Though it's not CD-based, the translucent N64s don't hold up as well as other models.

So, I guess the general idea is to answer the questions "What model of a particular console should I buy? Which models should I avoid?"

I realize there are certain aesthetic considerations, but I'd like this thread to focus more on the considerations to help people actually play.

[noiseredux]

There is one model of PS2 that was built like a tank. Um the 5001 maybe? i forget which one exactly. And I don't feel like checking right now. Some Facty McFacterson will back me up.

[kgcarini]

Limewater this is an excellent idea! Racketboy what do you think? It could be a great podcast to get an electronics professional to explain why the newer system fail compared to the older ones and what can be done about the tin based soldering.

[wilsona26]

I thnk the Turbo Graphics 16 is the T-34 of the videogame world. Those things last for a long time. and the games are pretty resillient also. The cd rom for it on the other hand is iffy. Thats why I got a japanese duo system to play my japanese games and both regions cds. Those things were a dime a dozen over there.

[Mod_Man_Extreme]

There is one model of PS2 that was built like a tank. Um the 5001 maybe? i forget which one exactly. And I don't feel like checking right now. Some Facty McFacterson will back me up.

Yup, any of the 5000 series PS2's are built to an incredibly high standard that surpasses that of any other PS2 including the slim models.

[Hatta]

I have encountered a few dead Sega Master Systems, do these things break a lot for anyone else?

[winds]

Facty McFacterson

I actually love that name, I think I will name my firstborn this .

On topic: Generally i've found it's a good rule of thumb that if you're buying a CD based console, and there are more than one version of it. Always go with the version that DOESNT have the opening disc tray, but instead the lid that opens up. The motor that opens the disc tray is usually the first thing in need of a repair.

For example the Sega CD model 2 instead of model 1, or the Panasonic 3DO FZ-10 instead of the FZ-1 or the other 3DO's.

Another rule of thumb I could think of, mainly with CD based consoles again, is that if there was an original model and a smaller more cost efficient model released later in the consoles life, go with the earlier model. Reason being is the smaller version usually has heating problems with not enough airflow.

Example is the PS2 fat model vs the slim.

[Jrecee]

I think the Sega Genesis and SNES are probably the best built systems, yellowing aside.

On the portable end, you have to give it to the gameboy:

[Mod_Man_Extreme]

I think the Sega Genesis and SNES are probably the best built systems, yellowing aside.

On the portable end, you have to give it to the gameboy:

I love that GameBoy, it looks like a brick of electronic gold bullion.

[AmishSamurai]

My PS2 broke a while back, I don't know what model it was.

But Gameboy= hardest substance known to man.