One console to rule them all

[HydrogLox]

This thread is all fantasy anyways... I own 17 consoles, I'm not giving 16 of them up.

... but do you buy a console before you know that there is/will be a game that you will probably play more than once?
For me the consoles really don't matter - it is the games I value that make each of them worthwhile at which point I want the hardware to work indefinitely; but it seems that they are becoming more and more short lived.

I read some would display artifacts after as while, of the sort that on PC indicates corrupted GPU.

As I understand it that is a result of the GPU going nuclear after the thermal compound fails - preventive action is to replace the thermal compound (regularly). RoHS (lead-free) solder used in today's electronics doesn't help longevity either especially for devices that tend to run hot.

[Obiwanshinobi]

Actually I'm changing my vote to one of the early PS3's that could do PS1 via software, and PS2 via hardware, and have the signal split so I could run PS1/PS2 games on a CRT and PS3 on my Plasma.

That way I could have access to all 3 libraries, and PS1/PS2 games wouldn't be laggy like they are when the system has to de-interlace them.

Wouldn't you be limitied to only one region this way? All the more reason to keep a modded PS2 instead (especially if you intend to play on a CRT).

[broken harbour]

Actually I'm changing my vote to one of the early PS3's that could do PS1 via software, and PS2 via hardware, and have the signal split so I could run PS1/PS2 games on a CRT and PS3 on my Plasma.

That way I could have access to all 3 libraries, and PS1/PS2 games wouldn't be laggy like they are when the system has to de-interlace them.

Wouldn't you be limitied to only one region this way? All the more reason to keep a modded PS2 instead (especially if you intend to play on a CRT).

One region yes... Until someone cracks the system OS, which will probably happen once PS3 support on PSN is dropped, I'm guessing within 2 years. The only reason this is t happening currently is because they don't want to get sued, once official support is dropped the risk of that goes way down.

[Obiwanshinobi]

"PS3 support on PSN dropped" would mean no more downloading games you paid for. Not likely to happen for as long as new PS3s are being produced.

[broken harbour]

"PS3 support on PSN dropped" would mean no more downloading games you paid for. Not likely to happen for as long as new PS3s are being produced.

Yes I agree, but I honestly can't see the PS3 being produced past 2017.

[Obiwanshinobi]

So you're stuck for like two years with your hopes alone in the real thing's stead. The only console known to me that delivered on promise of full 2 gen backwards compatibility remains the mighty GBA [I know of like two GB(C) games not quite working on it, one of which might be somewhat uncompatible with just SP rather than every GBA out there].

[Immryr]

Two years when we're talking about the rest of your life is not long to wait. I'm sure he could survive with the domestic ps1/ps2 and any region PS3 library till then...........................................

[Obiwanshinobi]

And whose word do you have for full region freedom in the future? Sony's, by any chance? I for one have been waiting for the full 'Cube-games-on-the-Wii-piracy for quite a while, all up to the hackers I might add.

[city41]

For those listing Super Famicom, what would be 5 of the game you would have.

I'm shocked anyone listed that one to be honest.

Sounds like you haven't played much SFC, it is oozing with good games.

Top five for me...

Super R-Type (this is one of my all time favorite shooters)
Super Metroid (one of the greatest games ever)
Yoshi's Island
Demon's Crest
Jikkyou Oshaberi Parodius (aka Chatting Parodius)


But ultimately I would pick the PS2 if I could only have one. It's not my emotional choice, but logically it's hard to beat.
Also love that it has late 90s/early 2000s Cave covered nicely.

[ZellSF]

From OP: "if...emulation wasn't an option"

To begin with, I believe many official "ports" since 32-bit consoles onwards have essentially been emulation, so it's a rather artificial distinction.

it's a pretty clear cut distinction actually. if you have to modify your console to play the games in question through a piece of software then it's off the table for this discussion.

That doesn't make the distinction between emulated games or not clear cut. By that definition, Wii's virtual console is not emulation. Vita's PSP/PSX compatibility is not emulation. Standalone releases like Fantasy Zone Complete Collection, Mega Man Anniversary Collection and Taito Legends aren't emulation. Bleemcast is not emulation.

That's a rather flawed way to distinguish between emulation or not if you ask me. And those are just the things that are easy to tell are emulation, there's lots of games where you can't tell if it's emulation or a port or even games where part of it is emulated and part of it is not.

Also by that definition you are leaving lots of non-emulated games off the table, like fan translated stuff, out of region games (1 console = 1 region) and homebrew games.

Regardless of what weird definition you do end up with, I'm going to go with PS3. It has ports of many of the PS2's best games and a fantastic library of it's own. If hardware compatibility is allowed then it also gets the entire US PSX+PS2 library. Or is PS3 PSX BC software even on the early models? Still, entire US PS2 library.

I for one have been waiting for the full 'Cube-games-on-the-Wii-piracy for quite a while, all up to the hackers I might add.

Huh? You can play like 99% of Gamecube games on a Wii (or Wii U) without problems. Without buying them, if that stuff really bothers you.

[LEGENOARYNINLIA]

Guys, it's time to pull out those replica swords and fight to the death. This is serious business.

[Obiwanshinobi]

You can play like 99% of Gamecube games on a Wii (or Wii U) without problems. Without buying them, if that stuff really bothers you.

Last time I checked most HDD loaders had problems with audio streaming, savestates and such in about every (!) 'Cube game I'd be interested in, and the most reliable loader would require a disk check.

[kaicooper]

MASTER RACE

u can play whatever u want with it..emulators..new games
movies..everything..

[ZellSF]

You can play like 99% of Gamecube games on a Wii (or Wii U) without problems. Without buying them, if that stuff really bothers you.

Last time I checked most HDD loaders had problems with audio streaming, savestates and such in about every (!) 'Cube game I'd be interested in, and the most reliable loader would require a disk check.

Last time you checked was very long ago. Nintendont compatibility list (works on Wii U), DIOS MIOS compatibility list (Wii only, does not work on Wii U).

Audio streaming isn't really used in many good Gamecube games, but works perfectly in Nintendont. Save games have always worked perfectly if you actually used a real memory card. That said, virtual memory card seems to be pretty perfect in Nintendont now. Only loader that requires a disc check is devolution and today you would only need that if you want to emulate the Gamecube modem. Still obviously a nice fallback if you find the very rare game that does not work in either of the other two.

[Specineff]

MASTER RACE

u can play whatever u want with it..emulators..new games
movies..everything..

And buyer's remorse.

[Obiwanshinobi]

DIOS MIOS compatibility list

As of August 23 A.D. 2015, I read:

Kururin Squash! - Doesn’t save. If you save on a memory card, game will format it.*)
Burnout 2: Point of Impact - the game freezes after completing the tutorial and choosing a single race right after.**)
1080° Avalanche - Audio streaming
Lost Kingdoms - No music on map screen or stages, battle music works though
Spartan Total Warrior - No audiostreaming, cutscenes have no voice, no music
Super Monkey Ball - Audio Streaming.
X-Men Legends 2 - Black Screen
Kirby Air Ride - Music on main menu screen is glitchy and some things take just a tad longer to load than usual.When starting a new game fantasy meadows will not load.

...and so on, that's without even mentioning games flat out not working (Rayman 3).

*) Here's hoping it saves on a memory card uesd exclusively for Japanese versions.
**) Has anyone completed it having worked around the issue?

[kaicooper]

MASTER RACE

u can play whatever u want with it..emulators..new games
movies..everything..

And buyer's remorse.

Anything

[ZellSF]

DIOS MIOS compatibility list

As of August 23 A.D. 2015, I read:

Kururin Squash! - Doesn’t save. If you save on a memory card, game will format it.*)
Burnout 2: Point of Impact - the game freezes after completing the tutorial and choosing a single race right after.**)
1080° Avalanche - Audio streaming
Lost Kingdoms - No music on map screen or stages, battle music works though
Spartan Total Warrior - No audiostreaming, cutscenes have no voice, no music
Super Monkey Ball - Audio Streaming.
X-Men Legends 2 - Black Screen
Kirby Air Ride - Music on main menu screen is glitchy and some things take just a tad longer to load than usual.When starting a new game fantasy meadows will not load.

...and so on, that's without even mentioning games flat out not working (Rayman 3).

*) Here's hoping it saves on a memory card uesd exclusively for Japanese versions.
**) Has anyone completed it having worked around the issue?

I gave you the compatibility list for two different loaders, why are you only reading one of them?

Maybe you got confused by the "works on Wii U" part. I did not mean that Nintendont works only on Wii U, I meant that it also works on Wii U.

[Obiwanshinobi]

Didn't know WiiU is that exploitable. Shame about the lack of GBA connectivity, but this comes with the turf.

[JBC]

If emulation was a go the Wii could be a contender, but as is I'd have to go with PS2 as well.

Mine's only soft & case modded and it's still unbelievable. My most played system & now that I have OPL it's no contest.