Which system had the most problems for you?

[sickdrummer420]

Im just kind of curious on what systems gave people a problem. I've had a regular XBOX since launch and it has worked ever since. I also went through 4 PS2 systems at the time and finally gave up on Sony because of there faulty hardware. Am I just getting real unlucky with Sony products or is it just me. Any other systems give people problems and you have to keep fixing/replacing them? Im gonna sitck with my 360 for now to see how the PS3 hardware holds up. Even though I've read many problems with 360's as well.

[jajaja]

None actually. The only problem i've had console wise was when i played PSX. When i played the screen suddently started to drop/scroll. It was random when the problem accured. I thought it was the PSX's fault, but it turned out it was the TV lol :\ Tried it on another TV later and it worked perfectly :)

I have had the blinking issue with NES, but its not really a problem. Very easy to fix.

[RCM]

My original NES would mess up. I went through two Xbox consoles too. For now on I make sure to buy a warranty with each new system I pick up.

[Kid Ice]

I've been through five Atari 5200s with not a single one working correctly (or even a mash up of working parts from different machines).

I've never had a problem with any other system I've ever had...I may have had a few broken 2600s but I've had more than a dozen since I started collecting....oh and I bought a DOA Gamecube at Goodwill.

[playgeneration]

My original Xbox died, i opened it up to try and see any obvious fault, didnt see anything, and got a really big electric shock for my trouble. It was switched off, but still plugged into the mains, bloody hurt that, needless to say i kicked the bloody thing and it was definitly broken then!

Other experiences:
Dreamcast - the lens packs up
Atari 7800 - the video output is rubbish
Gameboy original - Lines of pixels dissapear forever
Game gear - the sound stops working


While PS1 and PS2 are widely known to have lots of problems, i have had no problems. I think the fact that their the biggest selling consoles has a fair bit to do with the large number of poor experiences. I think Xbox is just as bad as PS2, its just that since they sold less their bound to have less faulty units.

[YoshiM]

For a modern console the only system I had a problem with was my Xbox. I bought it as a refurb and it ran great for about three years. Then I started having problems reading discs and such. Replaced the drive but it too started having problems so I splurged on a Samsung drive and now it works.

My Gamecube works fine except for the rumble. I think static electricity blew out the fuse for the rumble-one winter I grabbed the controller and got a nice zap. From that point on no rumble.

[jcalder8]

If you want to count the flashing NES I've had that but the only other problem I've had with a console is the PS. I bought it used and it was one of the first ones made so it was prone to over heating but turning it upside down fixed that.

[gepeto]

My original psx It worked for awhile then it couldn't do full motion video without being turned upside down. Everyone of my friend that bought the launch psx experianced the same problem. I payed 129.99 to have sony fix it. The system was returned and worked for 73 days then started doing the same thing.

The dual schock faired much better but the psx with the av outs were flawed. Nintendo reigns supreme in the hardware dept.

[SarKenobi]

I think the slim ps2 is giving me issues. It's lacking stuff from the original ps2 like memory card copying. But mostly, all my consoles work fine. Except the PSone I bought, but its just broke cause it was used.

[Hep038]

NES by far. Until I got a top loader. :D

I have a launch day PS2 and it has never given me 1 DRE. I must be one of the lucky ones.

[diskoboy]

Only problem I've ever had with a console is my Dreamcast's system battery being dead. And Sega made it very hard to replace.

I hate having to set the clock and date everytime I power it up.

[AMG]

The only console to ever give me problems is the NES toaster. The blinking screen of death is an inevitable disease they all catch.

[Half Japanese]

I don't think I've ever had a non-standard problem with any console I've owned. I think anyone who ever owned an NES experienced the blink. My unusual problems were with the Xbox, and neither were Microsoft's fault:

- Xbox was hit by lightning and lost s-video/component capabilities (I was playing Panzer Dragoon Orta at the time and got a small shock through the controller)

- A different Xbox that I traded away from a friend had a freeze problem in one game: THUG. This was due to the guy not completely 'unmodding' his console. There was a song stuck in the memory that couldn't be erased except by a complete wipe (which MS provided me the code for). As it stands, I believe I am the only person on Earth whose Xbox was incapacitated by the Scorpion's "Rock You Like a Hurricane."

[shoes23]

Only problem that I have had so far has been with the Dreamcast and the Gamecube.

The Dreamcast would (and still does rarely) reset itself right in the middle of play. Fortunatly, the problem is caused by the pins from the power source getting bent back, and the solution is an easy one.

The Gamecube however is dead until I can either find a replacement lens/spindle or a brand new 'Cube. I can't even begin to imagine the amount of time that was played on this machine however, so I shouldn't be too surprised. (If anyone has a broken 'Cube laying around, but the laser unit is still fine PM me and we can work out a deal.)

[Push Upstairs]

I dunno if its just my system or what but my old NES would sometimes blink random colors when you put game in it.

I'd have to take out the game and blow into the cartridge or system and sometimes that would help the game work.

Anyone else have this problem? I think my system was defective.

[Mianrtcv]

I have had my original xbox have audio problems after it is played for an hour or so (audio dies or gets garbled). Wires were changed, tried a diffferent tv and contacted microsoft. Unfortunately no solution to that issue.

My original intellivision died. I will chalk that up to what seemed to be a serious overheat.

I had an atari 2600 jr. go up in smoke. My better half was rocking a game of Halloween... and poof. A puff of smoke, a burning odor. A dive to the outlet to unplug the system.

I had a colecovision that had power switch issues. It must have become loose. So it became flaky. One minute your smurf is happily walking down the lane, the next I'd be watching crappy late night tv because the power went out.

An old nes system I had could not be cleaned enough. Any cart you put in... just a flip screen or a blank screen.

With all the use the systems have had, I'm ok with the ratio. Most hardware has lasted and performed well.

[kai123]

I have only had a problem with my 360 it keeps freezing and I can't play gears for more than 10 minutes. I have had it since launch I guess it was just time for it to go. MS is fixing it for free though. X_x

[kai123]

I have only had a problem with my 360 it keeps freezing and I can't play gears for more than 10 minutes. I have had it since launch I guess it was just time for it to go. MS is fixing it for free though. X_x

[Alucard79]

Other than controllers being easy to break when I'm being powered by adrenaline-fed Hell-fire rage, I have never had a problem with any of my systems. Does dust count as a problem? :?

[Retsudo]

For me it was the PS1. The first one started skipping and I went to Funcoland and traded it in and got another one. After a day, the new one started skipping so I took it back. When I got to the store, all they had were the newer Redbox PS1, so I got that. About a month later I got it modded and I still have it to this day. Still works perfectly.

I never had the bad luck people have with the PS2. I had it since April of 2001 and no problems. Then again, I dont play it much.

[swlovinist]

Just counting the ones that are in my collection, I only have a few over the years with issues. All have been replaced

Blinking NES

Genesis 2(power button stuck)

Super Nes(broken AC plug port)

PS1(bought used, had to put on side to read discs. I had the system and played it for four more years before it died)

PS2(bought new from day one of launch, started to have disc read errors four years later)

Xbox(bought used, disc error issues, replaced at Walmart)

[6502]

Here's systems I have had issues with:

Genesis - had a video problem where there was noise/garbage on the very last scanline. Just an annoyance, not a critical issue.

Saturn - will sometimes reset or go to system menu screen. Cleaning the lens doesn't help with this.

Dreamcast - first one I bought had a screeching laser mechanism. Worked, but the noise annoyed me and I figured it was only a matter of time before it died. Returned it.

Super NES - eject lever broke (not from misuse). Not a critical issue since the system still worked.

Gamecube - first one I bought died within the first week. Would not spin a disc up. The replacement has an odd issue where the video output is misaligned (the image is tilted to one side slightly). This is the only system that does this, so I don't think it's my TV.

GBA SPs - first one I bought had three stuck pixels. Exchanged it and the second had one stuck pixel, but I didn't feel like going through the hassle of another replacement.

PC-FX - video skips in FMV heavy games (which is most of them). Laying the system on its side fixes this.

Other than that the systems I've owned have all been fine. In particular, I have not had any problems with either the PS1 or PS2. But I also didn't buy the very first models of either, I waited until several hardware revisions before getting one.

[AdamAnt316]

Other than the standard NES problems (nothing major, of course), most of the problems I've had with video game systems have been with modern ones.

Our first PS2 developed DRE problems, but fortunately, before the extended warranty ran out, so we were able to get it replaced for free. Unfortunately, it's replacement started making noises one day, and died the next; of course, the extended warranty had run out by then... :angry:

The only other system we've had an issue with is Xbox. Bought it off a friend, whose relative had gotten it in a contest. Not a month later, while trying to watch a DVD, I heard some lovely clicking noises from the hard drive, followed by an error message... :angry:

A shame that the advancement of systems meant that moving parts had to be introduced; those always seem to be the most troublesome, IMO...
-Adam

[sabre2922]

the most problematic game systems I have experienced;

First and foremost the beloved Dreamcast. Ive had 3 of these and two of them started the damn reset itself for no freaking reason habit.

Second would be the PS1. the very first launch model I got the same week of its original U.S. release just basically wore out and started overheating but in its defense it had LOTS of playtime on it and I mean 100s of hours of games like Resident Evil 1,Wipeout XL,Metal Gear Solid and my friend borrowing it to play Tomb Raider 1.

Also found a Saturn at a thrift shop that had a dead disk
drive but looked brand new.

Ive NEVER had a Nintendo system give me any problems unless you include the obvious blinking issues that plauged every NES made.

[NEOFREAK9189]

the only systems I have problem

x-box die powersupple die
the saturn the cd rom die
dreamcast GD rom die
neogeo cd cd rom die

[sickdrummer420]

well i think everyone and there mother had the NES blinking problem. Growing up, all my buddies including myself had this problem. Very normal for NES systems.

[bangtango]

It could be worse, I haven't seen any stories about people giving these consoles as a gift. I gave an Atari 7800 as a gift, only to later find out from the recipient that the console produces a poor picture and makes a frying sound.

[TurboGenesis]

I have had problems with a few consoles:

Typical NES blinking syndrom

Launch PS2 has DRE - this started about 2 years ago so I got 4 years out of it. It will still read some games once in a while when its in a good mood but I ended up getting a free system and that is still good today.

Launch Xbox - DVD drive (Thompson) is junk. I can spend up to 20 minutes just to get a game to load. Once loaded sometimes it will get to a point where it has to access data and will never load and the game is pretty much stuck. Other times everything is fine.

JVC X'eye - Door pin switch was faulty, would not play CD games though cart games played fine. Did maintenance to it and works flawlessly. Only paid $10 for it.

My launch PS1 is still in good working order with no issues and had seen heavy play time during its first 5 years. It now is packed away in its box as it has been for some time. I had it at my parents home for some time and still ran well last year.

[Hwj_Chim]

every xbox I have dealt with has had drive problems. I also have a dead gamecube. My Ps2 has had heavy use and I have never had a problem with it.

[Snapple]

The NES and the blinking screen of death has to take the cake.

[mailman187666]

I've had horrible luck with a lot of my game systems. Some were bought brand new, and others i bought while collecting.

32x (bought new) - contacts corroded and would display black screens but be able to play sounds. Bought another one when they gave the system the axe and all the stores had them for $25 brand new.

Goldstar 3DO (bought new) - years down the line, i was unable to use the controllers for more than 2 minutes without it thinking i was holding the upper left on the d-pad. Opened it up and dropped it on the floor. RIP, bought a panasonic FZ1 last year.

XBOX 360 (bought new) - 3 ring of red death, everybody knows this one.

PS2 (bought new) - years later after purchasing, it had trouble reading blue bottom disks and PS1 games. I can get them to work with a little bit of McGuyver action.

virtual boy (given used) - one of the screens cuts out.

NES - common problems

Sega CD (used) - makes a wierd loud noise sometimes when loading, sound like its breaking the disk but actually isnt.

original gameboy - sat in a box for years and when i took it out the screen looked all fxcked up.

snes (bought used) - power cord needs to be fxcked with to use.

so as you can see, even though i am a collector and take great care of my stuff, this type of thing happens.

[Xexyz]

I've been fortunate so far. None of my disc based systems (PS1, PS2 (x2), GCN, DC) have given me problems yet. I think it's because I don't play them too frequently or play them for more than one hour continuously. Still, it's only a matter of time with wear and tear before DRE's and dead motors appear on disc based consoles...

I've been fortunate with handhelds as well. GBA, SP, NGPC, GG, and DS are all first time purchases without any stuck/dead pixels.

The only two systems to give me any notible problems are my NES and GG. The NES of course, was the blinking issue, but since that's an easy fix (I bent the pins back into place last year) I guess it doesn't count. The GG has the infamous blown speaker problem. Unfortunately, the earphone jack doesn't produce sound either... I don't know how to fix this, and most likely won't bother.

[lendelin]

For the PS2, GC and Xbox there was a rather interesting poll about the Q how many people encountered serious hardware probs with their systems around two years ago which allowed a straightforward comparison between the three systems.

http://www.digitpress.com/forum/showthread.php?t=18926&highlight=Hardware+reliability

Personally I never had a serious prob with my systems since I bought my first NES in 1989. I hope it stays that way.

One thing is for sure: the more the game sytems are able to handle and the more they go in the direction multi-media center, the more unreliable they become. I still prefer simple and starightforward game systems like the GC. Unfortunately, those times seem to be over.

[TurboGenesis]

Sega CD (used) - makes a wierd loud noise sometimes when loading, sound like its breaking the disk but actually isnt.


Is this the model 2? I have a model 2 that makes the same noise though it runs and loads with out a hitch. It is kind of like a squeaking sound like something needs some lubrication.

[Slate]

Current Gen Systems:

Dreamcast: Wouldn't read the disc, But I fixed that by resetting the power supply.

DS: Sometimes you get a ghost effect with the speakers. I don't know if this is a flaw in the system or in the games, Becaudse I experienced it only with Mario 64 DS. My DS and copy of Mario 64 are launch units.

Game Boy Advance: Wouldn't read games, Because some pins were bent. I fixed that though, It works great now.

Game Boy Micro: No Problems. I've had this for a couple of weeks now.

Gamecube: No problems with this. Always worked flawless.

PS2: This is a software flaw, But what the heck? If I eject a game, THEN turn the system off (Or reset it) When I have that certain game inserted I can't reset the PS2, It just turns off. (?) Also my PS2 does some clicking with the laser sometimes, But that hasn't turned into a problem.

PSP: Other than the dead pixels I have had no problems with it. (Except that sony does not like emulators, But that is a different story)

Xbox: I used this thing too much (800, 1000 or 1200 hours?) And it takes several attempts to open the DVD drive. Also the games lock up after the system has been on for awhile, Because it is in a badly ventilated space. (I have had this xbox for nearly 3 years now with no warranty)

Xbox 360: I may hesitate in saying it, But If the system does not receive power all the time you have to turn the system on and off several times before you get a picture. Also if the system does not receive power all the time you may get a red light and a screen telling you to call microsoft, But you don't have any problem, really, Because if you turn the system off then back on that'll go away, And the 360 works 100% then.

Classic Systems:

Atari 2600 6 Switch Heavy Sixer: Wouldn't read games at all.

NES: Blinky.

Genesis, Model 2: I have had several that won't read games, Four that have bad reset switches, And two that had LEDs that went bad. I have only had two that worked 100% without tinkering with them.

SNES: One of my SNES systems has the power plug holder ripped out and two of the four SNES' (Model 1) That I bought were yellowed. I painted one of the yellowed ones.

And yes I consider the dreamcast to be a current gen system, But I also consider it to not be supported in the masses.

[esquire]

Here are the systems I've had problems with, in order by amount of frustation:

1. Nintendo Wii: Only wireless connection out of the box without wired LAN support until January 2007, two months after release? You got to be kidding me. Anyways, I break down and get a wireless router. Run Wii update, and system crashes. Discs are no longer readable. Can't access VC. Nothing works except set up screens. Thankfully, Nintendo overnighted a new console, but having a new console break down immediately was very frustating.

2. Nintendo NES - original version: The flashing screens. Everyone has experienced this. It was a pain in the ass.

3. Sega Dreamcast: Had two issues here. First Dreamcast, the laser died. Stopped spinning. Luckily it was in the first 30 days so I simply returned it and got a new one. Second Dreamcast, the lid locking mechanism broke, so the cd drive wouldn't spin.

4. Sega Saturn: Similar to Dreamcast problems.

5. Atari Jaguar CD: First unit wouldn't work half the time. Jaguar base console wouldn't recognize CD. Returned for replacement.

[Flack]

I dunno if its just my system or what but my old NES would sometimes blink random colors when you put game in it. I'd have to take out the game and blow into the cartridge or system and sometimes that would help the game work. Anyone else have this problem?

Oh, just about 20 million people, give or take.

In fact, I'd have to list the NES as my most problematic console ever. I have four or five toasters and all of them blink. When I see something like an Atari 2600 or a SNES in a thrift store I have no doubt they'll work, but I always know if I stumble across an NES in the wild that'll blink like crazy. I even have a Yobo, and it blinks half the time too.

I do all the stuff that supposedly wears out the laser consoles (like playing CD-Rs on them) and my launch PS2, two Xboxes, and Dreamcasts are all still working fine.

[VG_Maniac]

Overall, my NES has given me the most problems (obviously) with games blinking when trying to start them, and crashing during gameplay. I've probably gone through 3 pin connectors in just the last 5 years.

My PS2 started giving me the famous "Disc Read Error" and wouldn't read any discs, so I had to send it in to get it fixed.

My SNES I got for Christmas 1992 stopped playing games, and nothing would come up on the TV except for a black screen, so I had to get a new SNES.

My first Playstation, which I bought used, totally died on me only a few months after getting it, so I had to buy a new one.

Other then that, none of my other systems have ever given me any problems....yet.

[bangtango]

Oh, just about 20 million people, give or take.

In fact, I'd have to list the NES as my most problematic console ever. I have four or five toasters and all of them blink. When I see something like an Atari 2600 or a SNES in a thrift store I have no doubt they'll work, but I always know if I stumble across an NES in the wild that'll blink like crazy. I even have a Yobo, and it blinks half the time too.

I do all the stuff that supposedly wears out the laser consoles (like playing CD-Rs on them) and my launch PS2, two Xboxes, and Dreamcasts are all still working fine.

That is right. Because if that NES were functioning like new and playing games problem-free, it wouldn't be in a thrift store to begin with. It'd still be in the owner's home, on Ebay or sold in a yard sale. Funny how people find one problem with a system (sometimes it is just dirty), write it off as "broken" and take it to a thrift store. That's how I got my Game Cube (caked with dust inside but otherwise it plays like new).

The toaster NES and Sega Genesis model 2 consoles are about the only cart based systems that you always have to approach with caution in a thrift store. In contrast to the blinking NES problem, I regularly find Genesis 2 systems in thrift stores with a power button that is worn out or no longer working (even if it might be a fairly easy fix, on some occasions, it is still an annoyance).

In reply to another post above, I've had 4 Game Gear systems pass through my hands over the years and receive regular use. All over the internet, I read about units with no sound or the "blown speaker problem." I can't say I've ever had that happened to me. I've had more trouble with Game Boy's than I have with Game Gear's. The only problem I ever had with Game Gear is that there were hardly any good games for it, IMO.

[kainemaxwell]

The NES with its blinking screen of death for me. Outside of that was my PS2 DRE issue at this time last year, resulting in me having to buy a slim-line PS2 a week before Christmas.