Which System is the Last One to be Considered "Classic"?

[onemanfilmcrew]

I'm trying to pinpoint what qualifies a console to be considered "classic". When people say "classic gaming" what comes to mind? Is it when a system goes out of print or does a certain number of years have to pass first? Personally I"m of the belief that "classic" should only be designated when there is a significant change in the way the games are played. Basically at the moment there are three true gaming generations.

The Beginning: When games were simple one or two screen games, no way to save progress, and for the most part the controllers only had 1 Button.

The 8-Bit Revolution: Starting with the NES and including all of the systems in the 8-Bit and 16-Bit era. Aside from graphical upgrades, the games essentially played and looked the same.

The Introduction of the Analog Stick and 3D: Beginning with the N64 and Playstation and still running strong today. Games with 3D worlds and analog stick controls.

In my opinion everything pre N64 should be considered "classic gaming" since the games of the N64 are essentially low res versions of the games that are present today. Is there really much of a different in the way you play Super Mario 64 and Mario Galaxy? What about NFL 2k and Madden 2010?

So what does everyone else think? Should systems like N64 and Saturn be considered "classic"?

[swiftzx]

I'd say that Classic ends with Dreamcast since it was the last system with original titles. Most games you see nowadays are just sequels.

[Pichu]

I'd say that Classic ends with Dreamcast since it was the last system with original titles. Most games you see nowadays are just sequels.

That is a bit of an exaggeration, however, I say classic ended with the Dreamcast as well,
since it was the last system to really have that old school charm.

[Weekend_Warrior]

I would say that at least ten years have to pass before you can call a game or system a "classic." So yeah, the Dreamcast might be the last system that I'd call a classic. The PS2 sits right on the borderline, I think. But when it finally goes out of production, which I'm predicting will happen at the end of this year since there's currently few games in the pipeline (mostly just sports titles) and none so far being announced for next year, then it will be deemed a classic console. It is, after all, the best-selling video game console of all-time.

[Dakinggamer87]

I would say the Sega Dreamcast or PS2 would be last system to be considered classic.

[lisalover1]

"Classic" is a label that can be applied to any system that Gamestop does not sell games for. Think about it.

[Octopod]

For me classic means 8-bit and prior systems.

[GSZX1337]

I don't use Classic as a term synonymous with Retro. I use "Classic" for a game that's a good game 5 years and older. I use "Retro" for games that are SNES on back.

[TehOctoNinja]

According to retrogamer magazine (UK), retro systems were released before 2000, so the dreamcast is, and the ps2 isn't.

I would go for consoles older than and including the N64...

[ZeroAX]

I don't know, personally I'd count the Gamecube as classic. Maybe even the original XBOX. But not PS2 since it's still in production.