G4's Filter: Best Consoles Ever?

[Rogmeister]

I was flipping around various TV channels today during the football game and found an episode of Filter that was doing their list of the top consoles ever. This episode clearly shows why you shouldn't let fans take part...or at least why they shouldn't have the final word. In their top ten, the top 3 spots all went to Nintendo systems. #3 went to the NES and I'm sure few of us would have a problem with that...#2 wound lup going to the SNES and I have no problem with that (though I'm surprised it placed quite that high) but #1 was...the Nintendo 64? I think the PS2 was the only current console to make the top 5 (I think it was #4) and I think the XBox came in at around #6...if I'm right about that (I didn't mark them down), I'm not sure I can remember what came in at #5...I may be wrong but I don't think the GameCube made the top ten. I do remember the Genesis came in at #10...Dreamcast was there and it may have been the #5 console. Maybe this is why I rarely watch Filter anymore.

[gepeto]

Here is the list

Although I disagree with the number 1 I also think the saturn should be in there.

10 genesis
9 gameboy
8 playstation
7 gba sp
6 dreamcast
5 xbox
4 ps2
3 nes
2 snes
1 n64

[Wester]

The polls are based on online voting, correct? If so then it seems thare are a lot of Nintendo fans frequenting G4's website. I don't think that Filter gives a very accurate view of things because there are so many of the same people voting, for each new show. It would be like only polling one state for Presidential Primaries.

[KingCobra]

LOL

N64 above a SNES? Let alone a NES? riiiiight! Plus not even an Atari 5200 nor a Coleco LOL

[Rogmeister]

I hadn't realized there were no Atari consoles listed...of course, it's hard to say what they're basing "best" on here. But the 2600 should certainly be represented as it was so influential...and still darn fun to play.

[Wester]

I hadn't realized there were no Atari consoles listed...of course, it's hard to say what they're basing "best" on here. But the 2600 should certainly be represented as it was so influential...and still darn fun to play.

I highly agree, it would have been nice to see the voters pay a little respect to the systems that got everything going.

[VACRMH]

:puke:

The thought of N64 on top is just disturbing.

[RetroYoungen]

I turned it off after seeing through till number three. Since the XBox beat out the Dreamcast AND the Genesis I lost interest. I expected the SNES to do well, but the N64 on top? And the PS1 down in what, eighth place?

But then, I haven't trusted Filter for a while. Since Shenmue was named one of the 10 worst games ever, then one of the ten BEST Dreamcast games (beating BOTH Chu Chu Rocket and Jet Grind Radio if I remember properly), they have lost me respect completely.

:angry:

[Sothy]

Im surprised Final Fantasy VII didnt make it on there despite the fact is not a system.

[MegaDrive20XX]

N64? Even I need a drink to find out how drunk you must be; to be on the same level of understanding of G4's decision here.


I love the N64, but I would never call it "Number 1"

PSX, PS2, Dreamcast, Saturn, SNES, NES, Atari 2600, yes...but N64 was not all that...

[cityside75]

The poll results clearly show the influence of fanboys, but I'm still surprised...do most Nintendo fanboys really consider the N64 Nintendo's best console?

[RetroYoungen]

The poll results clearly show the influence of fanboys, but I'm still surprised...do most Nintendo fanboys really consider the N64 Nintendo's best console?

I'm a moderate fanboy for the big N, and I have no idea just who was voting for the N64. And don't get me wrong, I've had a lot of fun with mine... but best system? Were those voters addicted to Conker's BFD, Goldeneye and Paper Mario?

[Arcade Antics]

Im surprised Final Fantasy VII didnt make it on there despite the fact is not a system.
Nailed it. :)

Any Top 10 list that puts the N64 at #1 and fails to even mention the 2600 is obviously the product of too much crack.

Granted, my own Top 10 Console list would include the ColecoVision, Vectrex, and Dreamcast (among other choices), but I'm just nutty.

[Promophile]

I wanna see it now just to see their justification of making the N64 best console evar.

[Rogmeister]

The thing to remember is G4 didn't make the N64 the #1 console...that was done by online votes. Of course, I think G4 may have been the one to choose what consoles were available to vote for. It may have been that they didn't make any of the Atari systems available...I'm not sure exactly how that's set up.

[milhouseOFpain]

without getting into the debate over #1 (N64 would not be in my top 20) why is the PSX and PS2 listed, you can play "all" the PSX games on the PS2

[Rogmeister]

It's listed because of what it gave us before the PS2. It's based on its games and those games' innovation. It's about its history and the PS2's being able to play those games don't factor into all this...at least that's the way it should be.

[Jean-Luc Picard]

I think it's a matter of perspective.

One reason may be that the N64 probably has the highest proportion of great games, as far as "modern" (="since the NES") mainstream consoles are concerned.

Not many games but many classics among them. Everyone remembers Mario 64, Ocarina of Time and GoldenEye. The PlayStation didn't have many more of them, but much, much more crap. When you bought an N64 game, the chances of it being above average quality were much higher than with an PS game.

Maybe that's why people remember the N64 as a great console. I do.

[punkoffgirl]

:puke:

The thought of N64 on top is just disturbing.

I'm right there with you. I thought N64 was more of a doggy-style kinda console.

[Whiskers the Wonder Cat]

Dreamcast should be number 1. Screw all the rest!:rocker:

[PentiumMMX]

Here is the list

Although I disagree with the number 1 I also think the saturn should be in there.

10 genesis
9 gameboy
8 playstation
7 gba sp
6 dreamcast
5 xbox
4 ps2
3 nes
2 snes
1 n64

Sure, I love the N64, but the controler is what keeps me from calling it "Best System Ever". The Best System should be SNES, next to Gamecube.

BTW, Why is Game Boy listed if Game Boy Advance SP is also listed? You can play all the Game Boy Games in exstance on GBASP (Everything from Tetris to Pokemon Emerald).

[Rogmeister]

I believe each system is based on its own merits and not on older games that work with it. The GBA is more advanced (and has color games) and is just overall a different machine than the more primitive original Game Boy. By a similar logic, the PS1 and PS2 both made the list as well, even though you can play the PS1 games on the newer machine.

[sabre2922]

Here is MY list using only the systems that they voted for;

#1.NES
#2.DREAMCAST
#3.Snes
#4.Genesis
#5.PS2
#6.Gameboy
#7.Playstation
#8.Xbox
#9.N64
#10.GBA sp

Now for MY list of the top 10 game systems OF ALL TIME X_x

#1.Dreamcast
#2.Sega SATURN
#3.NES
#4.Snes
#5.Genesis
#6.PS2 (includes PSX also)
#7.Atari 2600
#8.Turbographix-16
#9.Gameboy
#10.N64

------------------------------------------------------------

Now as far as G4s list; the N64 as the #1 console ?

RANT WARNING RED ALERT! :angry: LOL

reasons why the N64 IS FAAAR FROM BEING THE BEST CONSOLE EVA:

#1. released with OUTDATED TECHNOLOGY AS ITS GAME FORMAT- freaking CARTRIDGE wich in turn limited the capabilities of the system SEVERELY

#2. Sure the first and second party games on the system were outstanding for the most part but most 3rd party developers failed miserably in an attempt to make a GOOD N64 game because of both the hardware and limited storage of the game format wich =many 3rd party games looking like actual brown CRAP

#3. (probably should be #1) THE CONTROLLER SUCKS ASS! I dont care how anyone tries to explain it away that controller was the worst controller that ANY Nintendo made system ever thought about having and one of the worst pack-in controllers EVER

#4. incredible LACK OF 2-D power hell even the Snes version of Killer Instinct was better than the hack job port that is KI GOLD NO GREAT CAPCOM 2-D fighters etc.

The N64 WAS A 2-D GAMERS NIGHTMARE :P

[Arcade Antics]

One reason may be that the N64 probably has the highest proportion of great games, as far as "modern" (="since the NES") mainstream consoles are concerned.
LOL The SNES, Genesis, GB, GBA, GBC, Game Gear, Saturn, PS2, PSX, DC, Cube and XBox all have a higher ratio of great games / crap games than the N64. Even those crappy Fami-clone-controller things at flea markets have higher ratios than the N64.

[sabre2922]

One reason may be that the N64 probably has the highest proportion of great games, as far as "modern" (="since the NES") mainstream consoles are concerned.
LOL The SNES, Genesis, GB, GBA, GBC, Game Gear, Saturn, PS2, PSX, DC, Cube and XBox all have a higher ratio of great games / crap games than the N64. Even those crappy Fami-clone-controller things at flea markets have higher ratios than the N64.

can I add that as my #5 reason that the N64 IS FAR FROM BEING #1 LOL

[googlefest1]

i think as long as you include the whole population in these kind of polls the result will be the same

there are more fan boys than "informed total" fans in gameing

[Jean-Luc Picard]

One reason may be that the N64 probably has the highest proportion of great games, as far as "modern" (="since the NES") mainstream consoles are concerned.
LOL The SNES, Genesis, GB, GBA, GBC, Game Gear, Saturn, PS2, PSX, DC, Cube and XBox all have a higher ratio of great games / crap games than the N64. Even those crappy Fami-clone-controller things at flea markets have higher ratios than the N64.

OK.

[klausien]

Having read this thread through, I think we are all missing something. Most of us (well, all of us) are of the "hardcore" and/or "retrogamer" contingent of gaming. We make up a large minority, but still, we are the minority here.

The N64 was voted #1 because of the average age/initiation of G4 viewers who are interested enough to vote in their online polls. I would bet that most of those who frequent the Filter site are in their early to mid-teens. They probably had an N64 as their first personally-owned system and cut their teeth on their older siblings' or even parents' SNES consoles. Outside the "hardcore" contingent who were also playing the frenzied, arcade stylings of Sega, most people at that time had Nintendo consoles and games. Even the success of the Genesis couldn't change the fact that when you said "video game" at that time, the majority of people would think "Nintendo". Add to this the casual college gamer from the early to mid-90's who almost failed out of school because of Goldeneye and Ocarina of Time, and you have a winner. You also cannot deny the WOW factor of Mario 64. That game is still a missionary to the mainstream.

I was aghast and surprised with the top 2 as well, but chalked it up to the above. I was sure that it was going to be the Playstation, which would have been right. Even though it isn't my personal favorite, the astounding success and virtual ubiquity of the Sony Playstation probably makes it the greatest system ever when you try to be objective. The Atari era machines were the pioneers, the NES acted as the redeemer, and the Playstation the ascendant in the video game industry. Think about it. How many PS2's have been sold BY the Playstation, in name and content?

The only other system that holds a candle to that reputation is the Game Boy, if only because it is the main reason we still have a Nintendo to talk about.

[blissfulnoise]

One reason why the N64 was number one: The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time.

For me? No, it wouldn't make a top 10 list. Top twenty, maaaaybe.

1) Nintendo Entertainment System
2) Sony Playstation 2
3) Sega Genesis / Sega Nomad
4) Super Nintendo
5) Atari 2600
6) Sony Playstation
7) Gameboy Advance / SP
8) Sega Saturn
9) Sega Dreamcast
10) Nintendo DS
11) SNK Neo-Geo AES/MVS
12) Turbo-Duo / TG-16
13) Nintendo Gameboy / Gameboy Color
14) Sega Master System
15) Microsoft X-Box
16) Nintendo Gamecube
17) Mattel Intellivision
18) Neo-Geo Pocket Color
19) Final Fantasy VII
20) Nintendo 64

PSP doesn't make the top 20. Despite the awesomeness of Lumines and the wow factor at emulation and movies, it doesn't have the chops to make a killer game system yet.

[GarrettCRW]

19) Final Fantasy VII


You know the PSP is hurting when it gets beat by a single PlayStation game. :D

[Avatard]

Its an odd question to begin with. Undoubtedly the NES was the top for getting video games in the mainstream (and making it cool) but what are we basing the title "best console" on?

Whatever the criteria, the N64 should never be at the top, heh.

[kevin_psx]

1 - super nes - i love 16-bit

2 - genesis - ditto

3 - atari 2600 - i love classic arcade games

4 - PS1 - beautiful intro to 3D & artistic hand-drawn backgrounds

5 - N64 - inferior but has great masterpieces



PS2, cube, box, - yeah right - inferior versions of earlier games - all T&A but no brains

Dreamcast, jaguar, saturn, colecovision, 5200 - I have no respect for 3rd place finishers aka flops - prefer to pretend they never existed

[sabre2922]

1 - super nes - i love 16-bit

2 - genesis - ditto

3 - atari 2600 - i love classic arcade games

4 - PS1 - beautiful intro to 3D & artistic hand-drawn backgrounds

5 - N64 - inferior but has great masterpieces



PS2, cube, box, - yeah right - inferior versions of earlier games - all T&A but no brains

DREAMCAST, jaguar, SATURN, colecovision, 5200 - I have no respect for 3rd place finishers aka flops - prefer to pretend they never existed

Now kevin we already have ONE Xizer on this board no need for another LOL

cmon man DREAMCAST and Saturn ? you cant be serious and if you are I doubt youve ever actually spent much time with either of those systems and if you have then I just dont know what to say ;)

Also how the hell is the PS2 INFERIOR to the original Playstation system OR games? when it has the ORIGINAL PSX PROCESSOR BUILT INTO THE PS2s IO port? and can play over 90% of the originals games.
It actually contains the Playstation ONE chipset man it DOES NOT EMULATE IT so how the heck can it be inferior?

and why down on the Gamecube ? or even Xbox? shit man the Gamecube is a faaaaar better designed system than the N64 EVER THOUGHT ABOUT BEING.

Once again if I only comment on this becuase you have put up more than a few posts that I agree with but this certainly isnt one of them :D

[Famidrive-16]

But then, I haven't trusted Filter for a while. Since Shenmue was named one of the 10 worst games ever, then one of the ten BEST Dreamcast games (beating BOTH Chu Chu Rocket and Jet Grind Radio if I remember properly), they have lost me respect completely.

:angry:

From what I remember, it wasn't worst games, but 'most dissapointing' or something like that.

That episode had Sonic Shuffle listed and everyone hated it, so I liked that episode.

[Frica89]

Filter sucks. They said wwe here comes the pain (ps2) was better than wwf no mercy (n64). The n64 should be on the list, but not #1. SNES deserves the top spot because it had such an incredible amount of great games. I think the you were able to vote for Atari 2600 but it didnt make the list...what the hell are people thinking??

[BHvrd]

#1 Atari 2600/5200
#2 Playstation (1 and 2)
#3 Nes
#4 Snes
#5 Genesis
#6 Gameboy (all versions)
#7 Gamecube
#8 Xbox
#9 N64
#10 Sega Dreamcast

I hate that I had to leave Sega Saturn out, but when all is said and done, it's the one that had to be cut.

[segagamer4life]

LOL

N64 above a SNES? Let alone a NES? riiiiight! Plus not even an Atari 5200 nor a Coleco LOL

man I saw this show earlier this week, but didn't get a chance to post my thoughts. First off WTF, no atari!!!!!! Come on and the dreamcast was 5th above the genny.... come on now, this list is crap and had to be voted on by either retarded monkeys, or people. take your pick.. sheeesh

[hbkprm]

genisis does
you can't do that with a nintindo
genisis does
genisis
does!!
GENISIS
DOES!!!

geinsis does what nintendon't


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