Worst Nintendo Console

[dendawg]

Damn...talk about choices..picking the worst Nintendo console is akin to picking your least favorite offspring, but since it was asked for, here goes:

NES: No way in hell can you call a console that single-handedly resurrected the North American video game market bad.

SNES: This is where the big N got a little cocky, barely beating the Genesis. Other than a slow processor, no complaints.

GC: Nintendo's effort to kiss-and-make-up after the previous console's fiasco, which is none other than:

N64: The ugly red-headed stepchild in the line-up. Not just under-powered, but a botched launch (2 games???), stubbornly (sp?) sticking to an outdated format (I know, no load times were a plus, but it also severely limited the amount of program space), severe sticker-shock on games ($89.99 for Turok, anyone??) led to third-party alienation and developers leaving in droves.

Okay that's the negative...let's also remember that Sony copied virtually every innovation that big N did. Hey, it's true. It's a fact that Sony didn't have an analog controller until the N64 launched, and didn't have rumble until the rumble pak launched, and let's not even get into the six-axis/Wii-Mote comparisons.

So anyway, yeah N64 was their big stinker, next to the virtual boy.

[heybtbm]

N64: The ugly red-headed stepchild in the line-up. Not just under-powered, but a botched launch (2 games???), stubbornly (sp?) sticking to an outdated format (I know, no load times were a plus, but it also severely limited the amount of program space), severe sticker-shock on games ($89.99 for Turok, anyone??) led to third-party alienation and developers leaving in droves.

So anyway, yeah N64 was their big stinker, next to the virtual boy.

I'd agree with everything mentioned above. What killed the initial excitement for me was the absolute lack of new games from January to May 1997. Mario Kart 64 and Doom 64 were the only releases during that time. I ended up buying my first PS in March of 1997 because of this and never looked back...until Zelda OOT and Rogue Squadron towards the end of 1998. Giving up on RPG's and essentially conceding the entire genre to their competition didn't help the 64 either.

Definitely Nintendo's worst system.

[carlcarlson]

as a huge rpg fan, this is such an easy question. the 64 (as far as I can tell) had less than 10 rpgs, and one of those was quest 64. paper mario and ogre battle would arguably be the only good ones out of the lot. on top of that, 80% of the n64 library consists of sports titles and racing games. I hate those. so, yeah, the 64 is absolutely horrible. there are a few great games, but that's not enough to hold a system. it also aged MUCH worse than the psx, IMO.

[heybtbm]

[N64 has] also aged MUCH worse than the psx, IMO.

So true.

[ambientflier]

Right all you are saying is what nintendo does EVERY console, they constantly make FIRST PARTY series games...

The difference between the N64 and the GC is that SNES remakes on the N64 were completely different and unique. Mario, Zelda, f-zero, etc were all transformed into full 3D, with unique features, like nobody has ever seen or played them before. All gamecube does is take the same exact games, and add better graphics to them. At least N64 did something different that will be remembered. What is the gamecube going to be remembered for? Having ONE online game?

[ambientflier]

So true.

Not really. All those pixels and aliasing is even worse to look at today. Meanwhile a game like perfect dark or smash brothers still looks excellent.

[Penguin]

I picked GC, not only because i hate those stupid little discs, but because the system let me down in expectations. Personally I think all systems should stick to carts, no load times, they dont get scratched up like cd's and they are almost impossible to break. But thats just my opinion, I grew up with Atari 2600 and NES, so carts were my thing.

[j_factor]

The difference between the N64 and the GC is that SNES remakes on the N64 were completely different and unique.

Mario Kart 64 and PilotWings 64 sure as hell weren't.

[Wolf]

The difference between the N64 and the GC is that SNES remakes on the N64 were completely different and unique. Mario, Zelda, f-zero, etc were all transformed into full 3D, with unique features, like nobody has ever seen or played them before. All gamecube does is take the same exact games, and add better graphics to them. At least N64 did something different that will be remembered. What is the gamecube going to be remembered for? Having ONE online game?


Not really, all consoles were going 3d at the time, nothing that was done on the n64 or psx was not done before on PC. I mean how many console games prior to psx were doing 3d models with pre rendered backgrounds ? PC was but not on console, you could say the exact same thing.

The only thing Zelda really brought on to the series was riding a horse and whoopee but sure at the time that was not in other zelda games, but just because it was 3d does not mean very much. Not saying it is a bad game I own the master quest disk but I never had to pick my jaw up off the floor when I bought it on original 64 release, but then I only bought my 64 thinking it would be the "classic" castlvania style releases for it, that sure was a kick in the nuts after I bought cv64...I also figured it would have, you know...REAL rpg's, not children's adventure games, got kicked in the nuts there too, lastly I figured it would have had 2d fighters or some shmups...but again, I got my nuts crushed even more.

Yea the n64 really was a kickass console with all genres and tried to do something lmao.

I can think of WAY more cube titles ( including remakes from psx games lmao ) which beat living fucking shit out n64 garbage, I still love my cube and ps2 but cmon man the 64 really was the final nail in the coffin for big n keeping its original place on the charts...and quality titles.



"Herro I am Shigeru Miyamoto, hea at nintendo we rike to bring you game that made fur chirdren and fur adurts who stir rike kids game, we not make arr genres because we onry make first party nintendo quarity games"

"hey miyamoto the n64 games are not selling that much, what should we do ?"

"INCLEASE CALTRIDGE CARST!"

"but sir sony has squaresoft, capcom and konami and are making all the original series they did on the snes on the psx now"

"Or Kay we make new wam chirp and new zarda!"

[Pantechnicon]

@Wolf: Let's back off the Asian stereotyping, shall we? We just had enough of this racist nonsense in Off-Topic with Fighter17. We really don't need it here either.

[Wolf]

LMAO it is not racist, it is called engrish you never heard of engrish ? Racist would be saying "I hate so and so because of the color of their skin", you gonna call me a racist too for making fun of english or french accents also ?

Get serious now

[Pantechnicon]

Yes, I've heard of "Engrish". "Engrish" is the term that commonly refers to poor or abstract translations from Japanese to English of written material. The key differentiations, other than the fact that is is written material are that a) The mistakes are unintended, and b) they are initiated by Japanese language speakers. Therefore, what you're doing is not "Engrish". You're just making fun of Asian accents. Not the same thing.

And I never accused you of being a racist. Your behavior is inconsiderate, your attitude is unpleasant, and you're creating a needless distraction in a thread about Nintendo consoles. You are clearly demonstrating poor judgment and not representing yourself as an enjoyable person. But none of that makes you a racist.

[Wolf]

http://blog.mediacatalyst.com/images/seriousbusiness.jpg

[heybtbm]

LMAO it is not racist, it is called engrish you never heard of engrish

"Engrish" is something like,

"A winner is you"

or

"All your bases are belong to us".

...stuff like that.

[Gabriel]

I voted N64 as the worst. And it's an easy vote because it's just bad hardware completely unsuited for it's time in the first place, not to mention the fact that there's really nothing worth playing in it's library.

They're off to a running start with the Wii, since it's a generation behind the other two current systems (X360 and PS3) in terms of it's capabilities. Plus, it's going to be hampered with lots of gimmick games due to the default controller. But, only time will tell if they can top their old record.

[kataboom]

They're off to a running start with the Wii, since it's a generation behind the other two current systems (X360 and PS3) in terms of it's capabilities. Plus, it's going to be hampered with lots of gimmick games due to the default controller. But, only time will tell if they can top their old record.yeah since this morning on the news it was mentioned that the wii is outselling ps3 7 to 1 in japan. SEVEN TO ONE! amazing. they didnt mention the 360 though but im assuming its killing that too since it is japan.

damn i really cant believe there is so much hate for the N64. i guess im in the minority for liking it but oh well that just means all you haters have to sell me your 64 games for cheap! lol

[ashmeister]

i voted gamecube. i loved mine. ive had 4 since they came out. but they just died of death and so many of the only on gamecube games went onto ps2 :(. plus i think the n64 is the greatest. it may not have so many games but its got a great controller and some amazing games.

[kataboom]

i voted gamecube. i loved mine. ive had 4 since they came out. but they just died of death and so many of the only on gamecube games went onto ps2 :(. plus i think the n64 is the greatest. it may not have so many games but its got a great controller and some amazing games.amen! preach on brotha!

i doubt the cube games on discs will be as collectible in the future as carts. never.

[ashmeister]

I voted N64 as the worst. And it's an easy vote because it's just bad hardware completely unsuited for it's time in the first place, not to mention the fact that there's really nothing worth playing in it's library.

They're off to a running start with the Wii, since it's a generation behind the other two current systems (X360 and PS3) in terms of it's capabilities. Plus, it's going to be hampered with lots of gimmick games due to the default controller. But, only time will tell if they can top their old record.

well siince nintendos profits have soared and the wii are selling better than 360 i think its safe to say its going to be fine :) why does everyone judge a console on its graphics etc? its how fun the games are that count! N64 forever

[ashmeister]

the n64 is great look at some of the games. evangelion, goldeneye, the much improved resi 2! such great games. and plus you will have a hard time scratchin a cart!

[kataboom]

no kiding i mean there are like 5 N64 games listed on this very site as possibly being the best ever made. no other system can come close to that. goldeneye, mario 64, zelda ocarina, paper mario, super smash bros, mario kart...i think in gaming there is always that system thats fallen out of favor with current gamers & hasnt caught on too hard with the retro gamers yet. look on ebay & those n64 consoles go for cheaper than most anything including the atari 2600. 5 years from now those carts will be sought after & since its only less than a 300 game list more people will want to have a complete collection of something & they will be harder to find. like the stock market - pick up as many paper marios & gold zelda's as soon as you can right now!

[ashmeister]

True true. got 7 more n64 games today 3 boxed 4 just carts £18 carnt be had!

[otaku]

Technically I think its the 64 due to the graphics/sound sucking a bit and the cart prices. games weren't that plentiful either. But at the same time for me its the GC. I played even fewer games on it than I did my 64 as nice a machine as it was the GC sort of sucked for me.

Not impressed by wii and think it could work out for better or worse time will tell

[mnbren05]

The obvious choice is the cube. Like so many others I thought, "Easy one the Virtual Boy".

[G-Boobie]

I'm afraid I have to go with the N64. It was the worst move Nintendo ever made, crazy with hubris and blind to Sony stealing the lead right out from under them. In a single console generation Nintendo managed to destroy ten years of market dominance in North America.

And hey; I like the Gamecube. ;) I think the Gamecube is an under appreciated machine that will eventually earn a place next to the Dreamcast and PSOne in the hearts of the hardcore.

[Cinder6]

Out of Nintendo's first four consoles, the N64 is the one I play the least, so it gets the "prize". I would have voted the Wii, but honestly, it's too early to tell whether it will actually be any good or not.

[Icarus Moonsight]

I voted awhile ago and it was for N64. Not a bad system, just worst of Nintendo consoles. All the reasons have been discussed ad nauseum. I personally only find a dozen or so N64 games worth owning, especially since OoT (Master Quest super bonus!) and Mask I prefer on the cube. Then there is Wii's VC and they are slowly chipping away at those dozen gems by making them available for dl and better IMO by playing through the Classic Controller or a GC pad. The N64 controller was tripe... never liked it, probably never will.

Not that surprised GC took the 2nd spot and I agree with it's place though I really lubs my lunchbox. :D Still need to finish my GC library... I better get a crackin'.

[grolt]

I'm voting based on the quality of the system itself rather than the actual library. I think Nintendo has generally made very strong consoles, but the NES is the one system that sticks out as being poorly made. There are so many problems with that push-lock cartridge system, always having to fiddle with it just to get the game to boot. The graphics left much to be desired compared to rival consoles like the SMS. When you compare it to the SMS, it's graphically lacking, the peripherals aren't nearly as good (Rob the NObot) and the BIOS leaves much to be desired (no pre-loaded games or startup prompt). The SNES was a very nice system, and graphically superior to the Genesis. Nintendo finally mastered peripherals with all the fun additions to extend the life of the N64. For the money there's never been a better deal than the GameCube (I paid $80 brand new for a system with two controllers and Mario Kart, and that's before the system was even up against the 360). The Wii, eh, it's a gimmick console, but they've definitely pushed gaming in a fresh direction, and the system itself is compact and full of programming power.

The NES though, it smells of death.

[tritium]

Virtual boy wasn't handheld. would've won if it was added ^.-

I haven't had a lot of n64 experience, but I don't think it was really that bad. Hard to pick a bad from a list of very good consoles.

[Bojay1997]

I hate to say it, but I've gotta go with the Wii. It's the only Nintendo console (well, unless you count Virtual Boy and DS which I dislike for the same reasons) that really forced you to play in a way which is innovative, but doesn't necessarily give the player or developers much flexibility. You either love it or you hate it, there's no real middle ground in the control scheme. There's also little room for porting current generation games from the other two consoles which is good for Nintendo I suppose, but bad for third party developers, especially when it's better to put your resources into a system that has a higher software attach rate like the 360 or even the PS2 currently.

Sure, I love playing the Wii at parties, but as a day in and day out system, it frankly is not great. Just taking a look at the upcoming release lists on EBGames makes me sad. Almost without exception, the third party stuff is junk, just like most of the stuff that comes out on the DS. Sure, the N64 and Gamecube had their problems, but at the end of the day they were at least as powerful or more powerful than the other systems of their generation. They also allowed for innovation in game play and control (albeit through peripherals like a microphone, dance mat, etc...) without forcing all developers to go a certain way. So, that's how I feel about it and you know what, I also don't agree that the Wii is necessarily going to alter the course of the industry. Sony and Microsoft will continue to use the same alternate control schemes they have been working with since the last generation (motion sensing cameras, dance mats, light guns) in a minority of their games this generation and probably on to the next generation. Most gamers, hardcore or casual will still seek out traditionally controlled games for their daily playing.

[Icarus Moonsight]

The Virtual Boy wasn't a console either. It's a portable system... in the same hardware type as the Vectrex. It doesn't belong on a console list, good call by boatofcar.

[ReaXan]

I think we can all agree the N64 sucked, but I think we all had the following reaction when we first got ours ..........

http://youtube.com/watch?v=pFlcqWQVVuU

[Famidrive-16]

I think the Gamecube suffered the worst in the end. Nintendo experimented with the console way too much and didn't really have too much to offer in the library (not even the Mario game was memorable to me)

[Cinder6]

I think the Gamecube suffered the worst in the end. Nintendo experimented with the console way too much and didn't really have too much to offer in the library (not even the Mario game was memorable to me)

Experimented in what way? The Gamecube was actually one of Nintendo's less risky consoles, as far as actual hardware goes, besides maybe the SNES. If you're talking about starting up new IPs, then I can kind of agree. Though, it still doesn't stop the fact that the Gamecube has way more games that I like than the N64 does.

[Juskin]

The Virtual Boy wasn't a console either. It's a portable system... in the same hardware type as the Vectrex. It doesn't belong on a console list, good call by boatofcar.

Portable systems aren't consoles now?

I always thought they were just portable consoles, and consoles like the NES were home consoles?

Correct me if I'm wrong...

[Icarus Moonsight]

Consider yourself corrected then. :p A portable system has it's own display method included and built-in to the unit, but it's also not a handheld because you don't play it, solely, in your hands. You have to rest it on some sort of surface whether it be a table or even your lap. Comparing game systems to computers - it breaks down like this;

Desktop Computer = Console
Laptop Computer = Portable
Palm Computer = Handheld

Seriously though, calling the distinctions "portable consoles" and "home consoles" is exactly the same thing. Just different terms.

[Zap!]

Wii (the demise of Nintendo is almost upon us!!!!) Hahaha, boy was he wrong, seeing how the date was 2006. Guess lots of people predicted it would fail then.

Anyway, I'm not voting, because IMO, there was never a bad Nintendo system.

[The 1 2 P]

I'd say the the N64 had the least amount of desirable games among all mentioned systems. It had some good games but they paled in comparison to the rest, except for the Wii that just barely managed to edge it out.

[SpaceHarrier]

Voted N64. It is the only system I've ever sold along with all the games. I miss Mario, and Starfox.

Zelda: OoT gave me such bad eyestrain that I simply could not bring myself to play it after I beat it (red-eyed and in pain). I've never heard of anyone else having that sort of problem, though.

[Joe West]

I say it was Virtual boy

[Zap!]

I say it was Virtual boy

That's not an option in this poll.

[Misto]

This is a hard one, as I've been a Nintendo fan since I was very young with the NES. However, the Wii just doesn't stand up to the other four in my opinion. I mean, it is very nice and has some good games, but I think Nintendo went overboard with the motion controls. Let's face it, not all games should be played with an awkward remote and moving your arms around. I just think most games would have been better off with an option for standard controls (gamecube controller/classic controller) or motion controls, similar to SSBB. Personally I don't want to be playing FPS or adventure style games with motion controls, doesn't feel right. That's one of the main reasons I play my SNES/N64/Gamecube over the Wii.

[fastlane250]

Ummmmmmm... where's Virtual Boy?

Anyways, I choose the Wii because...

A: I don't have one. (I have NES, SNES, N64, and GC though!)
2: I almost broke a window with the remote (WAS wearing the wriststrap)
and Q: Because the Virtual Boy isn't on the list.

I seriously am 50/50/ on the Wii, but I hate the Virtual Boy. That thing made kids go blind! (and why isn't it on the list??? >:-( )

[Zap!]

Ummmmmmm... where's Virtual Boy?

Anyways, I choose the Wii because...

A: I don't have one. (I have NES, SNES, N64, and GC though!)
2: I almost broke a window with the remote (WAS wearing the wriststrap)
and Q: Because the Virtual Boy isn't on the list.

I seriously am 50/50/ on the Wii, but I hate the Virtual Boy. That thing made kids go blind! (and why isn't it on the list??? >:-( )

Because it's not a true console system, at least not in the same sence as the NES, SNES, N64, GC, and Wii are.

[retro junkie]

Hmmm.... this is a very hard one indeed. I have all of these consoles except the Wii. And surprisingly I still play the N64. I play it more than any of the others listed here, at this time. But I would have to vote the N64 in this poll. The N64 was a victim to the obsession of "we need to have a 3D game" mentality craze that was so prevalent in the gaming industry at the time. It was as if, no one thought that the N64 could have a 2D game with hand drawn graphics. (I always wanted to see a Marvel vs. Capcom on this system) There was such a lack of third party support due to the transition of video games going to the CD medium, which resulted in bigger money for game makers. It was the most powerful system of its day and yet had the weakest game library. It has a lot of great games, but it was very limited on what it had to offer. I always wanted an RPG from one of the major game makers on this console. Cell shaded graphics would have worked well on the N64. I have always preferred carts over CDs. Just a personal preference.

[kandied91z]

game cube because i've never touched it or wanted to... 64 because it caused me to jump over to sony..