Sorry about the dust particles on some of the black consoles. I tried my darndest to dust it off, but it just comes back immediately and it really picks up on camera. Games played: Ghouls n' Ghosts (0:00), Banjo Kazooie (0:36), Contra III (1:06).
Another honorable mention is my TURBOGRAFX-16 North American release it was my first 16 bit system in 1992 when I was 14 years old and when I saw its design I thought wow! It just looked sharp when I held it I'm looking at this console with my eyes real close to it as if I'm looking straight down a 2x4 Longview and it was 16 bit and I was excited because I was playing regular Nintendo all the time but the TG-16 design was a site to behold still to this day.
Try using a microfiber rag you can pick them up cheap and what you do is you wipe the top of the bottom of your console and it collects dust like a magnet that is the magical rag look it up buddy if you don't know what it is I never ever go without that rag!!!
It looked like yesterday's news when the ps2 launched. That thing looked like the future- the first console designed to complement high end av gear. Preferred the dreamcast myself but it wasn't a looker
@@eponymous7910 I had both PS2 and now proudly a white region free modded Dreamcast. The Dreamcast is way cooler than the PS2 in about every way, especially the console itself. Plus, with the LED’s in the controller ports than can be changed to any colour I like via an app, it’s the best looking console, no question. Absolutely Love the thing. It’s what I like to call ‘Retro-Futuristic’. 🐟
For me it’s the Super Famicom (not the American Super NES) and also the PlayStation 2 because of the options to go vertical or horizontal and the sleek look.
Its always simplicity that gets me. The ps2 ls my favorite looker out of the playstations line. It's a box but it has small little details here and there and looks really nice
Europe and Japan had the same design for SNES. Called SNES in Europe (and North America). Super Famicom in Japan. North America had that crazy design which I don't like. A european/japanese SNES in good/new condition looks so good!! But I love the american SNES cartridge design more than the europan/japanese (rounded) version!
My favorite design is probably the Dreamcast. It totally was like a gateway to the new millennium. I really like Genesis model 2, might be bias because it was my first console but I thought it was a really cool design
I don't understand why the North American SNES isn't a popular design, it was ahead of it's time for me, modern, boxy, bright, and i love the purple honestly.
I'm def a huge fan of the funtastic N64 series! Watermelon and Ice Blue are probably my favorite, but they all look great. I really appreciate how colorful they are and I wish more consoles would come in a color other than black and white. I would take a bad looking console in a fun color over a sleek black/white console any day. I also really like the look of the gamecube and that it also came in different colors.
My favorite console design has to be the GameCube. But I must say, I grew up as a SNES and was always jealous about how drop dead sexy the Genesis was. Also, I would love an episode on power cables.
Unfortunately, the GC's console design is one of the main reasons why it wasn't popular at the time of its release. Looks fun & unique in retrospect, but during a time when the industry & audience were trying to distance itself from "kiddie"/"nerd" labels, Nintendo doubled down & kept referring it to it as a "toy" in interviews. Yeah, 2001 me was too proud to not support Nintendo, but damn if all my friends didn't jump ship. And the handful of people I knew who were still interested, well they fully abandoned it when they saw the Wind Waker reveal & the new cartoon visuals for the next Zelda entry. At that point, teens & young adults basically knew Nintendo wasn't going to give them what they wanted. A purple lunchbox (handle & all), no DVD player, mini-discs, selling their 49% ownership in Rare, no interest in supporting online gaming, no Mario game at launch & no serious Zelda (like their Space World 2000 demo showed us)? Ouch. Plenty of fun games that still hold up great, just a huge failure sales-wise (biggest flop home console for Nintendo prior to Wii U) due to Nintendo ignoring their audience & industry, thinking they could dictate what people REALLY wanted... even if those same people already told Nintendo they wanted the exact opposite 😢
Retro bird, I'm glad I found your channel. I always know I'm in for a laugh with one of your videos. Don't loose that humor bro the world needs more of it
The Megadrive has always been my favourite. Nostalgia probably plays into it even though I never owned one. Close second is the PS2. Very simple and yet so much personality. Number three with some distance is a tossup between the PS1, the Dreamcast, and the Atari 2600. all very iconic and with personality.
Obscure take, but the Panasonic 3DO FZ-10 always looked really cool to me. I love the Dreamcast looks, the Genesis looks, and even a bit of the TurboGrafx-16 (although man they messed up the back end with that port and cover that doesn't properly fit), however the 3DO FZ-10 is just so different and futuristic-looking, it's awesome. Also, may just be me but I always thought the Jaguar looked pretty neat. Lastly the Neo Geo AES is pretty cool-looking too.
Gamecube and Dreamcast definitely take the cake but I gotta say I much prefer the angular design of the SNES over the boring lump that is the SFC. Also, SNES still has the best power and reset switches of any console ever. And that eject button- perfection.
I like it when the controllers and consoles share aesthetic design elements that make them "match" to the point even without branding on them, someone who knew nothing about video games could tell they go together. Consoles like the SNES, Genesis Model 1, Dreamcast, and Gamecube all fit this description.
I kind of agree, as in I definitely agree with the premise, but the SNES console and controller had a pretty strong juxtaposition in their design. At least in shape. The colors bring it together but that's any console that matches it's controller color isn't it. I mean if you had an orange spice Gamecube, Orange N64 controller, grey Wavebird controller, and grey N64 and had no branding or previous knowledge of video games, I think it'd be fair to mismatch them on first glance. Actually while hooking up either a PS2 or PS3 to the living room TV my mom helpfully offered the question of whether we had tried hooking the Xbox up to the VCR. I have no doubt she'd not be able to tell which consoles go together. Maybe that's an extreme example. But on the topic of controllers that obviously go with the consoles, the Atari 2600, 5600, and 7800 have really got that nailed. I think the default PS5 does well there too. Many special edition consoles also are really great at this. The harder one is picking out controllers and consoles that don't seem to match. The Atari Jaguar and Sega Saturn disc controller don't look like they go with anything.
The N64 and the controller are both images that scream "FUN HERE" to me. The colors were great but the shapes were just soooooo fun. The GameCube controller alone is the only thing I absolutely LOVE from a looks standpoint. Best controller Nintendo ever made.
I always loved my first Sega Saturn that had the oval buttons, it felt so sleek and well made, it was an amazing system,it was my first cd console that wasn't an add on
Although I've never owned one, there's something about the Super Famicom design that just resonates with me. I imagine myself playing the system in my own quarters on a futuristic spaceship. Even the console box art and the box art for games are absolutely stunning
I think it is the console's design that best encapsulates feelings of fun and comfort. The color's of the controller are so pure (other's have copied but never had the same impact) and the rounded design accentuates comfort of play. It is also something about the combination of the light grey and the bright colours that just pops.
My personal favorite design is the original Xbox, including the infamously huge Duke controller. When I first got mine, it felt like alien technology, especially with the sounds and visuals of the startup menu. The Game Boy Advance SP and the NES top loader would be my 2nd and 3rd choice.
i might be biased since i grew up with it but my favorite looking console has always been the dreamcast. its so sleek but unassuming, to me it looks like its saying "oh you wanna play some games? its the future of course we're gonna play some games." such a timeless look
Personally I like the game cube the best design wise. I like that comes in a lot of color variance and also how it looks A smart lunchbox if that makes any sense. Such a iconic design.
I’ve always been a huge fan of the white pc engine duo design, it has that minimalist quality you also find in the dreamcast and white 360 slim. All 3 look pretty futuristic because of this imho
Pc-fx!! Sure it looks like a pc, but that's the point.they were aiming it at their biggest user base and it looked the business! We stuck with their pcs in the end, but it was a looker. The marty was pretty sexy too.
Thanks for a great video about an unexpected topic!! My favourite looking Sega console is the Sega Master System (love the buttons on the system, and I thought the red rectangle looked like a futuristic audio cassette - young me fell in love with it, and old me never stopped loving it), followed by the Dreamcast (off-white). I had no idea how different the Model 1 Mega Drive was vs. the Genesis... I like the look of the Genesis so much more than the Mega Drive. For Nintendo, I hate the look of the Famicom. For the NES, I NEVER had issues with it running games. I love the look of the SNES, despite some mild color changing from age. Fun fact - my N64 was not used too much and always stored properly, and it's the only Nintendo system I have that doesn't work (NES and SNES still working fine)... I'm always finding new ways to be disappointed by the N64. To me, the Gamecube looks like an ugly lunch bucket. Wii and WiiU are pretty nondescript - which is fine, but not winning any awards. *sees the Switch and screams* - THAT'S NOT A RETRO SYSTEM!! Burn it! Burn it!! I thought the PS2 design reminds me of the Tron aesthetic... in a good way. I don't like the original PS3 design but I do think that the PS3 Mark 2 is really cool looking. *sees PS4 and PS5 - more screaming* To me, the original XBox is the most attractive-looking game system that I have never owned... it's very distinct looking and cool. I'm in Canada and still can't readily get a PS5 or X-Box Series X. I just give up. Retro gaming for life!!
At the grocery store, I recently picked up a Super Mario birthday card that had an NES controller on it that you can press the buttons and lights will light up and you get the original Mario music and sound effects. I bought it to keep for a young person's birthday in the future who apparently likes Mario games. You might want to look it up to buy some to keep for future birthdays of people who are Nintendo and Super Mario fans.
As far as the Sega aesthetic.. The first time I played one was at a friends house because he had an older brother that was in his early 20's and a total nerd that spent tons on home entertainment. We were in his room playing Altered Beast and discussing how awesome the Genesis was when he said "just look at it... i looks like it belongs while the nintendo looks like a toy." And he was right. That sleek black console fit right in with his laserdisc player, dual cassette deck, cd player, audio receiver, tuner etc... then there was this light grey box that stuck out like a sore thumb.
Oh I'm glad you mentioned the mighty ColecoVision it was a cut above the competition in graphics and it's futuristic console design!!! Stunningly beautiful!!!
No one ever talks about it so I will. The OG Panasonic 3DO is a very pretty and professional-looking console...yup, I said it. P.S. I do prefer the look of the Model 2 Genesis. It's sleek, sexy, and compact...even with both the Sega CD and 32X attached.
The Neo Geo AES and Dreamcast still have a very modern look to them. Very true about the Genesis looking like stereo equipment. I'm sure that's what they were going for. I believe the SNES was designed so you couldn't put drinks on it. Even though you can.
The gold N64 is the coolest looking console. Fight me. 🤣 tbh, when my wife bought me the Halo 5 edition XBOX One, I thought it was kind of ugly lol! (I'm also the boring guy who likes the grey N64 controller the best 🤦). It grew on me though, and now, I think it's one of the sexiest consoles I've ever seen! 😍 This is my favorite video of yours btw. The intro was hilariously witty, and some of your best work yet! 😀 Thanks for doing what you love, because we love it too!
I love the designs of classic gaming consoles more than their modern versions. I have a few looking cool gaming console designs. I love my Japanese Pokémon Pikachu Nintendo 64. Cool video. ^_^
Hard to say, I had many of them and loved them all. The NES is iconic. The Model 1 Genesis was sexy. The original PlayStation looked fantastic and might be the best looking of all. The Dreamcast was a very good-looking console.
Call me an oddball but I personally loved how simple the Model 3 Genesis looked and the font used on the front of it. I like the streamlined slimmed down look
I actually do prefer the look of the Genesis Model 2. I suspect since it's technically inferior to the Model 1, gamers tend to downright dismiss it, even if it has sleeker, symmetrical lines.
I think it depends on the console model you had when you were younger. Like me i much prefer de Genesis model one because thats what i had and nostalgia is a big part of why i love it. :0) i bought one a couple of years ago exactly like the one i had and i love playing and looking at it :0)
I grew up around both and while the model 2 is nice, there's this show-offy-ness quality to the model 1 that makes it feel like it's the showcase, vs the simple model 2. It's like the sports car vs the luxury car look, both are nice but something just makes me like the sports car look more.
Oh man that clip of you heading down the sidewalk with your GameCube was priceless lol. But I got to say, the 64 and original genesis are the best looking consoles ever made. They just look like they would win in a console brawl.
I had no idea the the symbol on the PS2 disc tray could be turned like that lol wow. And also...maybe I'm just not seeing it right but are you sure that's a PS5 at 13:55 because it looks like I'm looking at a stand up air purifier lol
This is my favorite episode so far, I’m super lazy and super nostalgic nowadays, and I spend more time reminiscing about the consoles themselves rather than actually playing them. My personal favorites are the Snes 2, the European Super famicom, and my favorite, the N64. There’s just something about those lines, so sexy and so sleek. I’ll always remember seeing the early reveals in EGM of the Ultra 64, and being pleasantly surprised that it was the same final design of the console. The N64 cartridges and controller are also works of industrial design art. I was always jealous of snes owners during g the 16 bit era, so when I finally got a current gen Nintendo console (the 64), it was anbig deal to me. I really cherished that red 64 controller. The Genesis model 2 and Japanese white/multicolor Saturn also grab my heart too. Oh, and good choice for the Super Soaker CPS 2000, that’s a great one.
I know it's basically just a TV, but I've always found the Vectrex so interesting. Ever since I learned about it I've wanted one, it's a shame that it's so expensive. But If I couldn't choose the Vectrex I think I'd have to say the Sega Genesis and Dreamcast are a tie for me.
Cool vid, there are a lot of really interesting looking consoles that have been released. I'm going to say the TurboDuo. It was a very cool and sleek looking console imo. Honorable mentions would be the Genesis (especially the MK1 w/Model 1 Sega CD), Neo Geo, SNES, "This is Cool" Saturn, and Funtastic N64s.
Man, thanks to This Week in Retro for pointing to this channel. :-) It's like a lower-rent Scott the Woz with better writing, and less random destruction of things that aren't made anymore. 👍 I'm really enjoying it!
N64 and Dreamcast are awesome! I like to get the Slim versions of consoles now, because then some more games are out for it, maybe on sale. And any big performance issues will likely have been ironed out.
personally i love the N64. the console and controllers are so alein and unapologetic. it looks like a magic toy and your game sticks up proud above a futuristic silent curvy beast. the console looks sleek and smooth. lots of colors to choose from too
If we're only counting home consoles, I would say the best looking to me are the N64 and GameCube. I like colors. Also, I have a blue Wii which I think looks a lot prettier than the original white color. But I think if we include handhelds as well, the best looking are the DS and 3DS. They came in so many different colors and patterns with some even having logos/game characters on them.
My favorite is the Gamecube but the best one I ever seen and owned is the N64 translucent colors consoles with their controllers! See thru consoles and controllers are the best ever! I owned two of the n64, the watermelon red and orange and I love them!
This channel is way way to Wholesome for me to be anywhere near this comment section on that note you do very good work sir and you help me with my anger problem
@@RetroBirdGaming you are way too wholesome to be replying to me but I would like to say does your gamerage try to slip into your real life when you're angry at video games or angry at your controller you still try to beat your do you try to beat your children or your friends but for children if they beat you in a video game tell me about your hatred
I am going to say the favorite-looking console that I own is the Xbox 360. I really liked the curves and the lighted quadrants. I also liked that it looked great vertically or horizontally.
The N64 is the best looking console to me. It had a vibe of being a powerful beast, so powerful it needed two columns on its side to support the 64-bit mightiness, haha. It's a really cool design.
The colors of the N64 really stuck out to me. So much so to this day I still yell out "Nintendo64" randomly out loud for not apparent reason. Also at home before I play video games I ask my family: "Guess What?" & my kids quietly mumble in a dull voice, "Nintendo64." The console was so bright & cool to me I just love saying, Nintendo 64! Also i place the number 64 at the end of cool stuff. For example, "That's not just a Banana, it's a Banana64!" That console just hit my WOW factor to the 64th power & the N64 is forever going to be in my life.
@@RetroBirdGaming thought I was going nuts. BTW I love your videos. You have such a fun spirit in them. Need ore to the core. Informative and quite funny. Thank you for all your hard work.
Absolutely agree. Sega Genesis model 1 is so gorgeous. Model 2 is a pretty console too. If you were talking handhelds the Game Gear was so nice to look at. The Gameboy Advance model 1 is so nice looking.
A lot of 2nd gen consoles get real badly overlooked in this regard IMO. The Colecovision, Intellivision II, and Odyssey 2 are some of the coolest looking consoles out there!
Agreed. With so many companies experimenting with what even was a video game console at the time, there was a lot more variety in terms of console and controller design.
It’s all about the funtastic N64’s. Ever see a shelf with all the variants lined up next to each other? A true thing of beauty 👌 P.S.- my OCD appreciates how clean you keep your consoles and controllers (apart from the sparse dust on the black ones, understandably tough to keep them pristine) I can’t tell you how upsetting it is to me seeing dusty, cruddy game consoles and controllers full of finger cheese 🤢
Thank you. Yeah, I tried dusting my black consoles immediately before each shot but they are just magnets for dust. Also, my PS2 looks kind of weird in the shot of it because it is actually a Japanese see-through one. It's subtle, and I always worry people will think something is wrong with it haha.
Mine is the Atari 7800. I like its wedge shape, the brushed metal panel and that rainbow stripe. Plus, the orange buttons on the joy sticks are pretty smart looking.
Great video by the way! Liked your input on a lot of these consoles. There is definitely a difference between they way a console looks and its function.
You finally got me. I've watched about 20 videos and finally subbed. I figured why the hell am i not subbed if im just gonna watch everything you're putting out anyways.
Atari 2600 - Good design, the wood material is unique. Nintendo 64 - Sleek and colorful. The see-through variants are cool too! I have a couple Rock Candy Xbox 360 controllers that are see-through too, it’s neat! Nintendo Switch - Super sleek, portable, light weight, nice screen! SNES - Well designed and the color scheme works well.
Hot take : the PS3 super slim is the sexiest of all PS3's. The PS3 slim (non-super) gets all the love but it's too long in the depth dimension, and the super slim has that awesome disc door that you can whip open real fast, throw the disc in, and slam it closed. So fun.
I’ll limit myself to consoles I currently own. My green Halo OG Xbox is my favorite design variant. The OG black Xbox with the Duke controller makes a great doorstop but give it a transparent green shell, a Halo logo and model s green controller and the whole console gets elevated to legendary status. Honorable mention goes to the OG PS3 which would look nice installed in a Tesla. Clean and sexy but a bit overweight. :) I’m breaking the rules but my Halo Reach 360 slim also needs some love. Good stuff! It’s why I collect!
Cool video, as always. Genesis!! I know it's a major nostalgia factor but at the time it felt like the future of gaming. Seeing all the sleek black modern console designs makes ya wonder 🤔
Sorry about the dust particles on some of the black consoles. I tried my darndest to dust it off, but it just comes back immediately and it really picks up on camera. Games played: Ghouls n' Ghosts (0:00), Banjo Kazooie (0:36), Contra III (1:06).
Another honorable mention is my
TURBOGRAFX-16 North American release it was my first 16 bit system in 1992 when I was 14 years old and when I saw its design I thought wow! It just looked sharp when I held it I'm looking at this console with my eyes real close to it as if I'm looking straight down a 2x4 Longview and it was 16 bit and I was excited because I was playing regular Nintendo all the time but the TG-16 design was a site to behold still to this day.
Try using a microfiber rag you can pick them up cheap and what you do is you wipe the top of the bottom of your console and it collects dust like a magnet that is the magical rag look it up buddy if you don't know what it is I never ever go without that rag!!!
It's okay bud, we still love ya.
I wanted to get a toothpick and clean out the top of the sides of the consoles :P
I think I speak for us all when I say, sorrys not good enough!
I always thought the Dreamcast looked fantastic. It packed so much power for how small and sleek it is.
Too bad the Dreamcast was about as reliable as a fall down friend
It looked like yesterday's news when the ps2 launched. That thing looked like the future- the first console designed to complement high end av gear. Preferred the dreamcast myself but it wasn't a looker
It looked good but just needed a new paint job. Slick black like the genesis and it would have been fire.
it did
@@eponymous7910 I had both PS2 and now proudly a white region free modded Dreamcast. The Dreamcast is way cooler than the PS2 in about every way, especially the console itself. Plus, with the LED’s in the controller ports than can be changed to any colour I like via an app, it’s the best looking console, no question. Absolutely Love the thing. It’s what I like to call ‘Retro-Futuristic’. 🐟
For me it’s the Super Famicom (not the American Super NES) and also the PlayStation 2 because of the options to go vertical or horizontal and the sleek look.
Its always simplicity that gets me. The ps2 ls my favorite looker out of the playstations line. It's a box but it has small little details here and there and looks really nice
Europe and Japan had the same design for SNES. Called SNES in Europe (and North America). Super Famicom in Japan. North America had that crazy design which I don't like.
A european/japanese SNES in good/new condition looks so good!!
But I love the american SNES cartridge design more than the europan/japanese (rounded) version!
And besides looks, those are arguably the two greatest consoles of all time.
@@cringedefender5264The PS2 Slim especially charms me; there's something special about playing Jak & Daxter on a sheet of cardboard.
My favorite design is probably the Dreamcast. It totally was like a gateway to the new millennium. I really like Genesis model 2, might be bias because it was my first console but I thought it was a really cool design
You should’ve told us you had the PS5 slim. Love the new rounded design! Definitely the best looking console in the video.
I don't understand why the North American SNES isn't a popular design, it was ahead of it's time for me, modern, boxy, bright, and i love the purple honestly.
I have a Panasonic Q. It has a very shiny reflective silver front, it’s quite pretty to look at.
It’s a beautiful console.. I had one years ago and I regret selling it on eBay 😢
I'm def a huge fan of the funtastic N64 series! Watermelon and Ice Blue are probably my favorite, but they all look great. I really appreciate how colorful they are and I wish more consoles would come in a color other than black and white. I would take a bad looking console in a fun color over a sleek black/white console any day. I also really like the look of the gamecube and that it also came in different colors.
Having the different color options is always a nice feature. So long as it's not too expensive :)
My favorite console design has to be the GameCube. But I must say, I grew up as a SNES and was always jealous about how drop dead sexy the Genesis was. Also, I would love an episode on power cables.
Power cables got pretty standardized at one point recently, but oh man did they used to be a grab bag of crazy!
Unfortunately, the GC's console design is one of the main reasons why it wasn't popular at the time of its release. Looks fun & unique in retrospect, but during a time when the industry & audience were trying to distance itself from "kiddie"/"nerd" labels, Nintendo doubled down & kept referring it to it as a "toy" in interviews.
Yeah, 2001 me was too proud to not support Nintendo, but damn if all my friends didn't jump ship. And the handful of people I knew who were still interested, well they fully abandoned it when they saw the Wind Waker reveal & the new cartoon visuals for the next Zelda entry.
At that point, teens & young adults basically knew Nintendo wasn't going to give them what they wanted. A purple lunchbox (handle & all), no DVD player, mini-discs, selling their 49% ownership in Rare, no interest in supporting online gaming, no Mario game at launch & no serious Zelda (like their Space World 2000 demo showed us)?
Ouch. Plenty of fun games that still hold up great, just a huge failure sales-wise (biggest flop home console for Nintendo prior to Wii U) due to Nintendo ignoring their audience & industry, thinking they could dictate what people REALLY wanted... even if those same people already told Nintendo they wanted the exact opposite 😢
@@YourChannel-r4v this response is what an 8th grader would have said in 2002.
Definitely a take there. I too like to learn my shapes.
I love how consoles look. I have to admit that I am often just staring at my collection and taking some pictures.
Retro bird, I'm glad I found your channel. I always know I'm in for a laugh with one of your videos. Don't loose that humor bro the world needs more of it
The Megadrive has always been my favourite. Nostalgia probably plays into it even though I never owned one.
Close second is the PS2. Very simple and yet so much personality.
Number three with some distance is a tossup between the PS1, the Dreamcast, and the Atari 2600. all very iconic and with personality.
Obscure take, but the Panasonic 3DO FZ-10 always looked really cool to me. I love the Dreamcast looks, the Genesis looks, and even a bit of the TurboGrafx-16 (although man they messed up the back end with that port and cover that doesn't properly fit), however the 3DO FZ-10 is just so different and futuristic-looking, it's awesome. Also, may just be me but I always thought the Jaguar looked pretty neat. Lastly the Neo Geo AES is pretty cool-looking too.
Gamecube and Dreamcast definitely take the cake but I gotta say I much prefer the angular design of the SNES over the boring lump that is the SFC. Also, SNES still has the best power and reset switches of any console ever. And that eject button- perfection.
And our snes cartridges actually got end labels too. The SFC games got screwed with no spine labels.
After the 4th of July I have way too many bread bags and nothing to close them with. Retro Bird, I need you desperately
Man this channel should have more subs with how professional it looks
I like it when the controllers and consoles share aesthetic design elements that make them "match" to the point even without branding on them, someone who knew nothing about video games could tell they go together. Consoles like the SNES, Genesis Model 1, Dreamcast, and Gamecube all fit this description.
I kind of agree, as in I definitely agree with the premise, but the SNES console and controller had a pretty strong juxtaposition in their design. At least in shape. The colors bring it together but that's any console that matches it's controller color isn't it. I mean if you had an orange spice Gamecube, Orange N64 controller, grey Wavebird controller, and grey N64 and had no branding or previous knowledge of video games, I think it'd be fair to mismatch them on first glance. Actually while hooking up either a PS2 or PS3 to the living room TV my mom helpfully offered the question of whether we had tried hooking the Xbox up to the VCR. I have no doubt she'd not be able to tell which consoles go together. Maybe that's an extreme example.
But on the topic of controllers that obviously go with the consoles, the Atari 2600, 5600, and 7800 have really got that nailed. I think the default PS5 does well there too. Many special edition consoles also are really great at this. The harder one is picking out controllers and consoles that don't seem to match. The Atari Jaguar and Sega Saturn disc controller don't look like they go with anything.
The Sega Dreamcast is my favorite game console and my most favorite looking game console. The design is so sleek and compact.
The N64 and the controller are both images that scream "FUN HERE" to me. The colors were great but the shapes were just soooooo fun.
The GameCube controller alone is the only thing I absolutely LOVE from a looks standpoint. Best controller Nintendo ever made.
I always loved my first Sega Saturn that had the oval buttons, it felt so sleek and well made, it was an amazing system,it was my first cd console that wasn't an add on
Yes, Saturn model 1 in NA looks really sleek for sure.
Yeah. I agree. I have the Model 1 Saturn with the Oval buttons and it is a really nice looking system. I much prefer it over the round button model.
Yeah, I really like how it looks, it maybe has something to do with the proportions and symmetry, it just looks pleasing.
Although I've never owned one, there's something about the Super Famicom design that just resonates with me. I imagine myself playing the system in my own quarters on a futuristic spaceship. Even the console box art and the box art for games are absolutely stunning
I think it is the console's design that best encapsulates feelings of fun and comfort. The color's of the controller are so pure (other's have copied but never had the same impact) and the rounded design accentuates comfort of play. It is also something about the combination of the light grey and the bright colours that just pops.
My personal favorite design is the original Xbox, including the infamously huge Duke controller. When I first got mine, it felt like alien technology, especially with the sounds and visuals of the startup menu.
The Game Boy Advance SP and the NES top loader would be my 2nd and 3rd choice.
I liked this one too but with the see through green or blue.
The woodgrain Atari 2600 is S tier and the joystick controller is arguably more iconic than the NES.
Fun fact: on Roku TVs, if you go to change the icon of a port to one relating to videogames, the only option is a silhouette of an Atari 2600.
Best looking console: Sega Genesis model 1. Still looks sharp and stylish to this day
i might be biased since i grew up with it but my favorite looking console has always been the dreamcast. its so sleek but unassuming, to me it looks like its saying "oh you wanna play some games? its the future of course we're gonna play some games." such a timeless look
Nothing beats the 2600 heavy sixer.
"My god, am I even qualified to operate this?" 🤣🤣🤣
Yeah... that Mega Drive text is definitely some techy word salad if I've ever seen it.
Personally I like the game cube the best design wise. I like that comes in a lot of color variance and also how it looks A smart lunchbox if that makes any sense. Such a iconic design.
Dreamcast and GameCube are standouts but I think Jaguar and Saturn have underrated designs. Xbox 360 S, OG PS4, and PS5 are also quite nice.
I’ve always been a huge fan of the white pc engine duo design, it has that minimalist quality you also find in the dreamcast and white 360 slim. All 3 look pretty futuristic because of this imho
Pc-fx!! Sure it looks like a pc, but that's the point.they were aiming it at their biggest user base and it looked the business! We stuck with their pcs in the end, but it was a looker.
The marty was pretty sexy too.
Love the GameCube design. And the controllers are so cute.
Heresy. The American SNES is a thing of beauty.
I'm personally a fan of it :)
Atari 2600, Genesis, Xbox and Gamecube are my favorite designs. Dunno if I could pick a favorite though
I liked the look of the launch Xbox 360 in white and grey. Wish that model was more reliable.
Thanks for a great video about an unexpected topic!!
My favourite looking Sega console is the Sega Master System (love the buttons on the system, and I thought the red rectangle looked like a futuristic audio cassette - young me fell in love with it, and old me never stopped loving it), followed by the Dreamcast (off-white). I had no idea how different the Model 1 Mega Drive was vs. the Genesis... I like the look of the Genesis so much more than the Mega Drive.
For Nintendo, I hate the look of the Famicom. For the NES, I NEVER had issues with it running games. I love the look of the SNES, despite some mild color changing from age. Fun fact - my N64 was not used too much and always stored properly, and it's the only Nintendo system I have that doesn't work (NES and SNES still working fine)... I'm always finding new ways to be disappointed by the N64. To me, the Gamecube looks like an ugly lunch bucket. Wii and WiiU are pretty nondescript - which is fine, but not winning any awards.
*sees the Switch and screams* - THAT'S NOT A RETRO SYSTEM!! Burn it! Burn it!!
I thought the PS2 design reminds me of the Tron aesthetic... in a good way. I don't like the original PS3 design but I do think that the PS3 Mark 2 is really cool looking. *sees PS4 and PS5 - more screaming*
To me, the original XBox is the most attractive-looking game system that I have never owned... it's very distinct looking and cool.
I'm in Canada and still can't readily get a PS5 or X-Box Series X. I just give up. Retro gaming for life!!
At the grocery store, I recently picked up a Super Mario birthday card that had an NES controller on it that you can press the buttons and lights will light up and you get the original Mario music and sound effects. I bought it to keep for a young person's birthday in the future who apparently likes Mario games. You might want to look it up to buy some to keep for future birthdays of people who are Nintendo and Super Mario fans.
For me its got to be the Sega Genesis and original Xbox. Both looked really 👍
I loved the Mountain Dew Xbox. It was loud and proud!
As far as the Sega aesthetic.. The first time I played one was at a friends house because he had an older brother that was in his early 20's and a total nerd that spent tons on home entertainment. We were in his room playing Altered Beast and discussing how awesome the Genesis was when he said "just look at it... i looks like it belongs while the nintendo looks like a toy." And he was right. That sleek black console fit right in with his laserdisc player, dual cassette deck, cd player, audio receiver, tuner etc... then there was this light grey box that stuck out like a sore thumb.
Oh I'm glad you mentioned the mighty ColecoVision it was a cut above the competition in graphics and it's futuristic console design!!! Stunningly beautiful!!!
No one ever talks about it so I will. The OG Panasonic 3DO is a very pretty and professional-looking console...yup, I said it.
P.S. I do prefer the look of the Model 2 Genesis. It's sleek, sexy, and compact...even with both the Sega CD and 32X attached.
Years ago, I had the model 1 Sega Genesis with the model 2 Sega CD. It was pretty awesome. 🙂
@@marccaselle8108 That's the set-up the Bird has.
Great looking machines!
The Neo Geo AES and Dreamcast still have a very modern look to them. Very true about the Genesis looking like stereo equipment. I'm sure that's what they were going for. I believe the SNES was designed so you couldn't put drinks on it. Even though you can.
I love how the Aes looks. Such a sleek and beast look all at once. That Cartridge slot scream, you ready for a real game?
The gold N64 is the coolest looking console. Fight me. 🤣 tbh, when my wife bought me the Halo 5 edition XBOX One, I thought it was kind of ugly lol! (I'm also the boring guy who likes the grey N64 controller the best 🤦). It grew on me though, and now, I think it's one of the sexiest consoles I've ever seen! 😍
This is my favorite video of yours btw. The intro was hilariously witty, and some of your best work yet! 😀 Thanks for doing what you love, because we love it too!
Thank you for that!
I love the designs of classic gaming consoles more than their modern versions. I have a few looking cool gaming console designs. I love my Japanese Pokémon Pikachu Nintendo 64. Cool video. ^_^
Hard to say, I had many of them and loved them all. The NES is iconic. The Model 1 Genesis was sexy. The original PlayStation looked fantastic and might be the best looking of all. The Dreamcast was a very good-looking console.
Call me an oddball but I personally loved how simple the Model 3 Genesis looked and the font used on the front of it. I like the streamlined slimmed down look
Love watching your videos , super under rated . Will keep watching your video!
I actually do prefer the look of the Genesis Model 2. I suspect since it's technically inferior to the Model 1, gamers tend to downright dismiss it, even if it has sleeker, symmetrical lines.
I’ve got a new model 2 in the box. Forgot I had it until I opened it a few weeks ago. I agree with you. It small and sleek. Good looking to me!
I owned a model 2 growing up, so I wonder if the model 1 just seems more novel to me since I didn't have it back then.
I think it depends on the console model you had when you were younger. Like me i much prefer de Genesis model one because thats what i had and nostalgia is a big part of why i love it. :0) i bought one a couple of years ago exactly like the one i had and i love playing and looking at it :0)
I grew up around both and while the model 2 is nice, there's this show-offy-ness quality to the model 1 that makes it feel like it's the showcase, vs the simple model 2. It's like the sports car vs the luxury car look, both are nice but something just makes me like the sports car look more.
Oh man that clip of you heading down the sidewalk with your GameCube was priceless lol. But I got to say, the 64 and original genesis are the best looking consoles ever made. They just look like they would win in a console brawl.
I had no idea the the symbol on the PS2 disc tray could be turned like that lol wow. And also...maybe I'm just not seeing it right but are you sure that's a PS5 at 13:55 because it looks like I'm looking at a stand up air purifier lol
Your humor is so up my alley these videos are hilarious
This is my favorite episode so far, I’m super lazy and super nostalgic nowadays, and I spend more time reminiscing about the consoles themselves rather than actually playing them. My personal favorites are the Snes 2, the European Super famicom, and my favorite, the N64. There’s just something about those lines, so sexy and so sleek. I’ll always remember seeing the early reveals in EGM of the Ultra 64, and being pleasantly surprised that it was the same final design of the console. The N64 cartridges and controller are also works of industrial design art. I was always jealous of snes owners during g the 16 bit era, so when I finally got a current gen Nintendo console (the 64), it was anbig deal to me. I really cherished that red 64 controller.
The Genesis model 2 and Japanese white/multicolor Saturn also grab my heart too.
Oh, and good choice for the Super Soaker CPS 2000, that’s a great one.
I know it's basically just a TV, but I've always found the Vectrex so interesting. Ever since I learned about it I've wanted one, it's a shame that it's so expensive. But If I couldn't choose the Vectrex I think I'd have to say the Sega Genesis and Dreamcast are a tie for me.
I used to have a Vectrex and hate that I sold it. The display was so unique and the controller was one of the best!
That's a pretty solid choice. I had a feeling it would get some love in this topic :)
Retro Bird.... You're so awesome !!
Love older consoles, still play my Atari Jaguar weekly . In the lookout for a Dreamcast 👍👍
Cool vid, there are a lot of really interesting looking consoles that have been released. I'm going to say the TurboDuo. It was a very cool and sleek looking console imo. Honorable mentions would be the Genesis (especially the MK1 w/Model 1 Sega CD), Neo Geo, SNES, "This is Cool" Saturn, and Funtastic N64s.
Man, thanks to This Week in Retro for pointing to this channel. :-) It's like a lower-rent Scott the Woz with better writing, and less random destruction of things that aren't made anymore. 👍 I'm really enjoying it!
Hi Nick! Glad you're enjoying the channel and welcome aboard!
N64 and Dreamcast are awesome! I like to get the Slim versions of consoles now, because then some more games are out for it, maybe on sale. And any big performance issues will likely have been ironed out.
personally i love the N64. the console and controllers are so alein and unapologetic. it looks like a magic toy and your game sticks up proud above a futuristic silent curvy beast. the console looks sleek and smooth. lots of colors to choose from too
If we're only counting home consoles, I would say the best looking to me are the N64 and GameCube. I like colors. Also, I have a blue Wii which I think looks a lot prettier than the original white color.
But I think if we include handhelds as well, the best looking are the DS and 3DS. They came in so many different colors and patterns with some even having logos/game characters on them.
My favorite is the Gamecube but the best one I ever seen and owned is the N64 translucent colors consoles with their controllers! See thru consoles and controllers are the best ever! I owned two of the n64, the watermelon red and orange and I love them!
Love to binge your videos, really appreciate how you keep things fairly PG!
This channel is way way to Wholesome for me to be anywhere near this comment section on that note you do very good work sir and you help me with my anger problem
Glad to hear. Anger can be a tricky thing to manage!
@@RetroBirdGaming you are way too wholesome to be replying to me but I would like to say does your gamerage try to slip into your real life when you're angry at video games or angry at your controller you still try to beat your do you try to beat your children or your friends but for children if they beat you in a video game tell me about your hatred
Super Famicom and Neo Geo AES is where its at!
I am going to say the favorite-looking console that I own is the Xbox 360. I really liked the curves and the lighted quadrants. I also liked that it looked great vertically or horizontally.
The N64 is the best looking console to me. It had a vibe of being a powerful beast, so powerful it needed two columns on its side to support the 64-bit mightiness, haha. It's a really cool design.
The colors of the N64 really stuck out to me. So much so to this day I still yell out "Nintendo64" randomly out loud for not apparent reason. Also at home before I play video games I ask my family: "Guess What?" & my kids quietly mumble in a dull voice, "Nintendo64." The console was so bright & cool to me I just love saying, Nintendo 64! Also i place the number 64 at the end of cool stuff. For example, "That's not just a Banana, it's a Banana64!" That console just hit my WOW factor to the 64th power & the N64 is forever going to be in my life.
Um, what the hell was I looking at when he was talking about the PS5? That looked like some kind of air filter/heater thing.
Haha. You are correct. Twas a joke :)
@@RetroBirdGaming thought I was going nuts.
BTW I love your videos. You have such a fun spirit in them. Need ore to the core. Informative and quite funny. Thank you for all your hard work.
For me, the tie for first in console design goes to the SEGA Genesis and Super Famicom.
Absolutely agree. Sega Genesis model 1 is so gorgeous. Model 2 is a pretty console too. If you were talking handhelds the Game Gear was so nice to look at. The Gameboy Advance model 1 is so nice looking.
That 64 with the clear green shell is awesome I only just have the regular standard gray one
The "funtastic" N64s are pretty sweet:)
I have to say I like the look of the TG16 with the CD drive..
Gamecube looks so good on a shelf!
I've always liked the look of the Panasonic FZ-1 3DO. And i think the North American snes is one of the best looking consoles ever.
That FZ1 is a great looking machine for sure.
If you ask me, it would be the SNES/SFC altogether.
A lot of 2nd gen consoles get real badly overlooked in this regard IMO. The Colecovision, Intellivision II, and Odyssey 2 are some of the coolest looking consoles out there!
Agreed. With so many companies experimenting with what even was a video game console at the time, there was a lot more variety in terms of console and controller design.
The Turbo Duo is my favorite looking console. It is just sleek and timeless.
It is a nice looking machine for sure.
Colecovision all the way baby!! That thing looks so good!! Glad it got a little mention there at the end :)
It’s all about the funtastic N64’s. Ever see a shelf with all the variants lined up next to each other? A true thing of beauty 👌
P.S.- my OCD appreciates how clean you keep your consoles and controllers (apart from the sparse dust on the black ones, understandably tough to keep them pristine) I can’t tell you how upsetting it is to me seeing dusty, cruddy game consoles and controllers full of finger cheese 🤢
Thank you. Yeah, I tried dusting my black consoles immediately before each shot but they are just magnets for dust. Also, my PS2 looks kind of weird in the shot of it because it is actually a Japanese see-through one. It's subtle, and I always worry people will think something is wrong with it haha.
@@RetroBirdGaming lol yeah it threw me off at first until I realized it was the transparent one
man this channel is underrated
I still can't find a PS5 at retail price. lol... Love your videos and this was a great one! Always an interesting topic!
I like the Model 2 Genesis and Model 2 Sega CD mixture. It's just really bold and striking to look at.
Blew my mind rotating the PS2 logo. It's been 20+ years and I didn't know that until today.
Mine is the Atari 7800. I like its wedge shape, the brushed metal panel and that rainbow stripe. Plus, the orange buttons on the joy sticks are pretty smart looking.
Great video by the way! Liked your input on a lot of these consoles. There is definitely a difference between they way a console looks and its function.
Glad you liked it! Yes, big difference between aesthetics and function :)
Whatever neighbor saw you skipping around the sidewalk with a GameCube, three controllers and an A/V cable sure had a good laugh. 🤣
You finally got me. I've watched about 20 videos and finally subbed. I figured why the hell am i not subbed if im just gonna watch everything you're putting out anyways.
Welcome to the channel! Glad to have you here :)
The FF13 PS3 Slim with the pink artwork looks pretty neat.
Atari 2600 - Good design, the wood material is unique.
Nintendo 64 - Sleek and colorful. The see-through variants are cool too! I have a couple Rock Candy Xbox 360 controllers that are see-through too, it’s neat!
Nintendo Switch - Super sleek, portable, light weight, nice screen!
SNES - Well designed and the color scheme works well.
Hot take : the PS3 super slim is the sexiest of all PS3's. The PS3 slim (non-super) gets all the love but it's too long in the depth dimension, and the super slim has that awesome disc door that you can whip open real fast, throw the disc in, and slam it closed. So fun.
ps2 and wii looks amazing
N64 and Original Xbox with that 90s translucent shells!
Awesome bro I made a similar video not long ago. It's great to hear your perspective on all these designs
I obsessed with PS2 designs both slim and phat and just look at its classy looking controller gorgeous Sony you nailed it!✨❤️
The Vectrex is my favorite console design. The arcade brought into your home.
I’ll limit myself to consoles I currently own. My green Halo OG Xbox is my favorite design variant. The OG black Xbox with the Duke controller makes a great doorstop but give it a transparent green shell, a Halo logo and model s green controller and the whole console gets elevated to legendary status. Honorable mention goes to the OG PS3 which would look nice installed in a Tesla. Clean and sexy but a bit overweight. :) I’m breaking the rules but my Halo Reach 360 slim also needs some love. Good stuff! It’s why I collect!
I think the og Xbox looks amazing with the black silver and green
@15:45 yeah, I dont buy that for a second. Thats something a Model 3 Genesis would say not a Model 1 (Especially not the HDG version).
Cool video, as always. Genesis!! I know it's a major nostalgia factor but at the time it felt like the future of gaming. Seeing all the sleek black modern console designs makes ya wonder 🤔
My favorite consoles are often the redesigns, like the NES toploader, and the redesigned SNES.