What do you think is the best looking console?
from M600@lemmy.world to retrogaming@lemmy.world on 09 Nov 2024 04:37
https://lemmy.world/post/21806729

I was thinking about this lately, but I always loved the look of the PS2. I I think the black and blue color scheme works really well. And I like the two levels like the top and the bottom part of it.

Second to this, I think the Dreamcast looks really great. The angles on it make the console look so compact. The orange light on the console is placed really well too.

What do you like?

#retrogaming

threaded - newest

ptz@dubvee.org on 09 Nov 2024 04:42 next collapse

SNES.

The NES was a box, and the SNES had lines.

metaStatic@kbin.earth on 09 Nov 2024 05:32 collapse

but the American SNES was also a soulless box.

ptz@dubvee.org on 09 Nov 2024 05:34 collapse

Are we talking about the same SNES?

<img alt="" src="https://dubvee.org/pictrs/image/62bb9dec-5eb6-45b9-bdca-73fca5fed7eb.webp">

krazzyk@lemmy.world on 09 Nov 2024 05:41 next collapse

The European snes is beautiful, more likely what he’s referring to:

Sorry I see you’re OP, Id have to agree the states snes version is not very attractive in my view, I’m sure I’d feel differently if I’d grown up with one though…

<img alt="" src="https://i.redd.it/intp7nm5i3hd1.jpeg">

Pooptimist@lemmy.world on 09 Nov 2024 06:53 next collapse

I always loved those rainbow colors!

ilovededyoupiggy@sh.itjust.works on 09 Nov 2024 12:56 collapse

I grew up with the US one. Yours looks better. Classier maybe, more grown up or something. Ours looks like Fisher Price.

Omegamanthethird@lemmy.world on 09 Nov 2024 16:01 collapse

I feel the opposite. The rainbows give me a fisherprice vibe on a fake PC. The purple looks classy and it looks like a first party console

bigb@lemmy.world on 09 Nov 2024 16:49 collapse

I’ve always said that the PAL/JP hardware with the US purple would look awesome.

ilovededyoupiggy@sh.itjust.works on 10 Nov 2024 00:01 collapse

Absolutely, that would have been perfect.

metaStatic@kbin.earth on 09 Nov 2024 05:44 collapse

yeah, gross, check other reply.

so strange the Americans didn't also redesign the controller to be less sexy too.

edit: gotta say I am a fan of the purple though

smokebuddy@lemmy.today on 09 Nov 2024 04:50 next collapse

I always liked the translucent purple N64 and the controller that came with it. If they made a GameCube that way it would probably be my favourite.

otter@lemmy.ca on 09 Nov 2024 06:19 collapse

I loved the translucent things (or even pure transparent)

Found an article with a few more

wired.com/…/remember-when-you-could-see-inside-ga…

otp@sh.itjust.works on 09 Nov 2024 04:56 next collapse

The 3DO FZ-10 looks much cooler than one would think the console deserves based on its reputation

LIFEFORM@lemmy.world on 09 Nov 2024 06:32 next collapse

Definitely a looker. Picked one up a year ago and have not been disappointed, bearing in mind the limited game library.

Similarly the 1st version PC-Engine Duo is top class. Just a great sleek look

smokebuddy@lemmy.today on 10 Nov 2024 08:29 collapse

Rented this a few times from Blockbuster and played it at the demo that was always set up at Costco, it was a really solid system with actual potential. Blockbuster had a program back in the day where for $40 or something like that you could rent a system with 2 controllers and 2 games for 7 days. Did the same with the Sega Saturn with similar feelings, eventually ended up owning a N64 and that was not a disappointment in the end.

The ballistic hard shell cases with foam inserts Blockbuster rented out consoles in were seriously cool I wonder if any exist still

imPastaSyndrome@lemm.ee on 09 Nov 2024 04:58 next collapse

Nintendo GameCube

Purple, had a handle for carrying and the gray perfectly offset the purple

IlIllIIIllIlIlIIlI@lemmy.world on 09 Nov 2024 13:57 collapse

For me all colors are cool. This machine is gorgeous.

cybervseas@lemmy.world on 09 Nov 2024 05:01 next collapse

The GameCube in a cool color (like Spice Orange). Not just because I like orange. It has great contrast with the grey and black parts of the console. And the whole thing is wrapped up in a tidy, aptly-named package!

comfyquaker@lemmy.world on 09 Nov 2024 05:02 next collapse

Super Famicom or ‘this is cool’ Saturn

TheTechnician27@lemmy.world on 09 Nov 2024 05:02 next collapse

Weirdly the 3DS XL for me, I think.

edgemaster72@lemmy.world on 09 Nov 2024 05:06 next collapse

Even though I had the model 2 growing up, I really like the model 1 Genesis/Megadrive. Had a kind of futuristic/sci-fi vibe to me.

Peffse@lemmy.world on 09 Nov 2024 05:12 next collapse

I appreciate how sleek the Mega Drive model 2 looks. Without any of the life support modules, of course.

metaStatic@kbin.earth on 09 Nov 2024 05:29 collapse

mega CD is the best add on ever made, and the best looking too. I will happily be slightly inconvenienced on this hill.

RightHandOfIkaros@lemmy.world on 09 Nov 2024 05:18 next collapse

Physical console design? Atari 2600. The black slots and wood grain front with the sleek angular design is still peak console styling IMO.

User interface design? Xbox 360 Blades. Hands down. Easy to navigate, easy to understand, and good potential for minimal advertising abuse.

ilovededyoupiggy@sh.itjust.works on 09 Nov 2024 12:53 collapse

Were blades the original UI for Xbox 360 or were they the update? I remember getting a beta invite to try the new UI, I can’t remember whether it was going to or away from blades. But yeah, I liked that one too.

bigb@lemmy.world on 09 Nov 2024 16:48 collapse

Yes the original dashboard used blades

_NetNomad@fedia.io on 09 Nov 2024 05:56 next collapse

the 2600 and the coleco telstar are the first that come to mind. it's a shame wood grain fell out of fashion right as game consoles fell into fashion! i also love the the grey variant of the Saturn. Panasonic got two hits in a row with the 3DO and their GameCube-compatible DVD player thing.

honorable mention goes to the Daewoo CPG-120 which I only just learned about today. it's a consolized MSX2 that looks like a cross between the Enterprise and a Roomba. i can't decide if it looks magnificent or awful and it's arguably not a console to begin with but hey

edit: oh, and sharp's twin famicom! in general companies that made other kinds of electronic appliances had a way of bringing a certain class to console design without eliminating the fun

HakFoo@lemmy.sdf.org on 09 Nov 2024 06:43 next collapse

If we can pick home computers that lean into cartridges, the Atari 800XL is a real winner. Nice two-tone finish, classy silver buttons with a plexi trim oiece covering the power light.

TexasDrunk@lemmy.world on 09 Nov 2024 09:11 collapse

I prefer the TI-99/4a, but I like your pick too.

WhiskyTangoFoxtrot@lemmy.world on 09 Nov 2024 13:17 collapse

honorable mention goes to the Daewoo CPG-120 which I only just learned about today. it’s a consolized MSX2 that looks like a cross between the Enterprise and a Roomba. i can’t decide if it looks magnificent or awful and it’s arguably not a console to begin with but hey

Dude, spoilers.

SatyrSack@feddit.org on 09 Nov 2024 05:59 next collapse

Not sure if it counts (given this community), but the original PS4 immediately became my favorite console design. I am generally a fan of simple, elegant, soulless aesthetics.

3aqn5k6ryk@lemmy.world on 09 Nov 2024 06:33 next collapse

New nintendo 3DS for me. Small compact boxy look. True handheld. Pocketable. Just perfect.

snowfalldreamland@lemmy.ml on 09 Nov 2024 08:36 collapse

I always loved the design of the DSi but tge 3DS is up there too! The DSi is just a bit sleeker

3aqn5k6ryk@lemmy.world on 09 Nov 2024 08:44 collapse

Oh damn. I forgot all about DSi. Sleek black matte is my go to.

ivanafterall@lemmy.world on 09 Nov 2024 06:34 next collapse

Black Dreamcast is pretty sexy.

<img alt="" src="https://lemmy.world/pictrs/image/0167ee28-5978-4a46-9744-d010be59965f.jpeg">

ThoGot@lemm.ee on 09 Nov 2024 06:43 next collapse

The original Wii

I liked the way it would just swallow the discs whole

empireOfLove2@lemmy.dbzer0.com on 09 Nov 2024 07:08 collapse

And the blue LED ring 'round the disk slot that doubled as an activity indicator. So cool.

Pooptimist@lemmy.world on 09 Nov 2024 06:54 next collapse

I’d choose either the PSP or the dreamcast

mrfriki@lemmy.world on 09 Nov 2024 08:04 next collapse

I always loved the look of the Super Nintendo, for some reason it looked like a piece of decoration straight out of a Super Mario game.

BlueSquid0741@lemmy.sdf.org on 09 Nov 2024 08:47 next collapse

It’s a toss up; Mega Drive or Mega Drive II

M600@lemmy.world on 09 Nov 2024 23:18 collapse

I forgot about that. I love how the MD1 looks.

kaboom36@ani.social on 09 Nov 2024 08:50 next collapse

The slim ps3, that rounded shape, the black chrome front panel, and those nice tactile buttons

Console design peaked with that console and everything newer lives in its shadow for me

Endmaker@ani.social on 09 Nov 2024 08:53 next collapse

For me, it’s the PS5 for having such a slick and futuristic look.

Honourable mention goes to Nintendo Switch for being so cute.

kratoz29@lemm.ee on 09 Nov 2024 09:33 next collapse

Console: Nintendo Wii, it is small, and has a sleek vertical design.

Handheld: PSP 2000 and 3000, it is just a beauty at any angle.

Kolanaki@yiffit.net on 09 Nov 2024 09:37 next collapse

The Dreamcast still looks futuristic in 2024.

dch82@lemmy.zip on 09 Nov 2024 10:06 next collapse

DS Lite: the most timeless handheld imo

<img alt="" src="https://lemmy.zip/pictrs/image/75264928-84b7-4e76-83d3-603e30512e41.webp">

dditty@lemm.ee on 09 Nov 2024 13:38 next collapse

I had that exact DS Lite. It was such a huge improvement over the original DS. Such a clean design

M600@lemmy.world on 09 Nov 2024 23:16 collapse

I wasn’t even considering handhelds when I wrote this, but you are right. That looks so good. I guess I also love the gameboy pocket.

B0NK3RS@lemmy.world on 09 Nov 2024 10:23 next collapse

Ita between the Dreamcast and GameCube for me. Especially all the coloured shells for the DC that look great.

Small shout to the Xbox One S with the vertical stand for looking slick too.

ClassifiedPancake@discuss.tchncs.de on 09 Nov 2024 11:41 next collapse

I still think the PS2 had the best looking and at the time most radical design. 1 was cool and iconic. 3 was just ugly. 4 ok, The current design looks cool but is extremely impractical.

Of Nintendo I liked the European SNES, Gameboy Color and DS Lite. N64 is dear to my heart but it was not good looking and the controller was horrendous.

callouscomic@lemm.ee on 09 Nov 2024 12:21 next collapse

Gamecube.

2nd would be PS Vita (original OLED version).

The PS5 is probably my most hated look and shape. Just an idiotic and clunky design, and moronic decisions to go white.

M600@lemmy.world on 09 Nov 2024 23:15 collapse

I considered the GameCube too. I probably played that the most out of that generation of consoles.

Num10ck@lemmy.world on 09 Nov 2024 13:42 next collapse

www.ebay.com/itm/225202887876

Peasley@lemmy.world on 09 Nov 2024 15:32 next collapse

Japanese Sega Saturn is my all-time favorite design

Dreamcast and Japanese/PAL SNES are also up there.

vgnmnky@lemmy.world on 09 Nov 2024 16:17 next collapse

Amstrad GX4000! Fantastic looking machine, sold mine a few years ago, which is a bit of a regret. en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Amstrad_GX4000 <img alt="" src="https://lemmy.world/pictrs/image/01fdcee5-46f8-4eaf-97d4-e5b8e8a097e1.jpeg">

Peffse@lemmy.world on 09 Nov 2024 20:19 collapse

That looks like it would give me at least 25 hp when I pick it up.

Father_Redbeard@lemmy.ml on 09 Nov 2024 20:50 next collapse

<img alt="" src="https://lemmy.ml/pictrs/image/cc041a12-1b77-4ec1-a7f0-1f6c5fbaa38d.webp">

For actually released consoles, I think the Famicom is just neat looking

<img alt="" src="https://lemmy.ml/pictrs/image/1d120d1f-d0d7-4de1-bc41-30fc0788b440.jpeg">

M600@lemmy.world on 09 Nov 2024 23:14 collapse

I also like the Famicom. I almost put it in the post.

Kelly@lemmy.world on 09 Nov 2024 23:59 next collapse

My fist general purpose console was the Sega Master System. It had a flowchart displayed on the top telling you how to use it.

<img alt="" src="https://lemmy.world/pictrs/image/cfb4de9f-36ab-4bea-96da-532b06efa617.jpeg">

It might not have been pretty in the traditional sense but I loved it.

Looking back on it the chart was somewhat misleading, the console had two built in games that were only accessible if you didn’t insert a cartridge or card (Hang On, and Safari Hunt), and a third that also needed a controller connected and a few buttons held down when you turned the system on (snail maze).

M600@lemmy.world on 10 Nov 2024 01:09 collapse

I have one of these. I got it at a yard sale as a kid. I don’t think I knew about the built in games.

reddig33@lemmy.world on 10 Nov 2024 01:10 next collapse

Atari 5200.

LunarLoony@lemmy.sdf.org on 10 Nov 2024 22:51 next collapse

<img alt="1512416859173-pc-engine" src="https://lemmy.sdf.org/pictrs/image/e1f433b0-eed3-44b2-8e40-5a729f2ab52b.png">

The PC Engine is definitely a contender. Looks like something from the set of Star Trek TNG, takes unique little cards, and is extremely tiny* and compact. (particularly for a system that was ahead of its time) I think it’s neat!

*roughly the size of a sandwich

finkrat@lemmy.world on 12 Nov 2024 01:29 collapse

Loved this lil guy, small, sleek, simple and played great

<img alt="PSone console with controller and memory card connected" src="https://lemmy.world/pictrs/image/813bf272-e1a8-4660-b989-668b655c5d03.jpeg">

M600@lemmy.world on 12 Nov 2024 23:32 collapse

I completely forgot about this one. It was so cute!