Your Favorite Console...in Terms of Hardware Only

[Snowman Death Droid]

I asked the same question over at the Escapist a few months ago, but didn't get a ton of replies, and I'd like to see how a different community responds.

Sometimes your favorite in terms of games isn't your favorite in terms of hardware, at least that's how it is with me... So, ignoring the console's game library completely and just focusing on the console itself, it's controllers, add-ons, design, etc., what's your favorite?

Like I said the first time I made this thread, I pick the SNES. I think it's a sturdy console with a nice eject button and decent controllers. It's number one for me because I can't find anything to really complain about, it's an all around good console that never seems to have technical or design problems.

[AppleQueso]

Design wise favorite is undoubtedly the standard japanese PC-Engine.



Just so sleek and tiny!

Genesis model 2 definitely deserves a mention as well I think, along with the white japanese Saturn and the Dreamcast.

[noiseredux]

that's tough. Hardware only though I'm very impressed with the Saturn's controller and the fact that it's probably the quietest disc-based system ever.

[AppleQueso]

that's tough. Hardware only though I'm very impressed with the Saturn's controller and the fact that it's probably the quietest disc-based system ever.

Compare its noise level to the Dreamcast... yikes! What happened Sega?

[RyaNtheSlayA]

For me, it's a tie between the 3DO FZ-1 and the Genesis. Followed by the Saturn.

The FZ-1 isn't a great looking console, mind you. It looks a bit dated. But seriously, it felt like a seriously high end piece of home theater equipment. Super solid, no rattles, and quiet. Nice textures on the plastics.

The Genesis, the original, feels so sturdy. I feel like I could chuck it at this brick wall to my left. I also like the styling quite a bit.

The Saturn, I like for the same reason I like the Genesis. It feels very high quality, and has nicely textured plastic. It's a bit less neat looking though.

My least favorite is a toss between the original SNES and the PS1. Both of them feel cheap and have awful colour schemes.

I feel like the 7800 needs a mention, in the right light, like in this photo I took, it can be a sexy beast:

[ExedExes]

that's tough. Hardware only though I'm very impressed with the Saturn's controller and the fact that it's probably the quietest disc-based system ever.

Compare its noise level to the Dreamcast... yikes! What happened Sega?

Let's ask it!

REEEEORRRRWW REEEEE REEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEE!!!!!!!!!!!
ree ree ree REEE REE REEEEEEEEEEEEE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

It really kills the "random" encounters in D2, that's for sure

[bryan_65]

I just love the look of the Sega Master System 2. I think it is the best looking Sega cart system.

[o.pwuaioc]

http://www.racketboy.com/forum/viewtopi ... 44&t=27249

[Snowman Death Droid]

My least favorite is a toss between the original SNES and the PS1. Both of them feel cheap and have awful colour schemes.

I didn't mention it in my OP because I didn't consider it a large complaint, but I agree with you on the SNES's color scheme. The purple and light gray just don't work.

The FZ-1 isn't a great looking console, mind you. It looks a bit dated. But seriously, it felt like a seriously high end piece of home theater equipment. Super solid, no rattles, and quiet. Nice textures on the plastics.

Somebody in the thread I made previously also mentioned that model of 3DO. I don't know much about the console, other than a lot of people disliking it. The controllers aren't much of a negative in comparison to the console itself for you? I've heard that they were pretty bad.

The controller was why I didn't put the Nintendo 64 as my number one. The console's still great, but the controller is a serious flaw.

[Snowman Death Droid]

http://www.racketboy.com/forum/viewtopi ... 44&t=27249

Oh, sorry. I ran a search but I guess I should have checked more than 10 pages.