Best looking retro console?

Well, this is subjective to individual taste, but I think it would be a good topic.
What is the best looking console? (in your opinion) and why does it deserve such a lofty claim of industrial design perfection?
For me, it is a tie between the Sega Saturn Model 2 and the Sega Genesis model 2. Both have extremely clean lines, symmetric styling, and a compact size. The Model 1 Genesis is too asymmetric, but I guess it could grow on me. The worst would have to be the US SNES, it turns yellow and has huge purple buttons.

Wow gotta say I 100% agree. The Snes to me is hideous

Sega Saturn Model 2 is the best IMO
Sega Gen Model 2 2nd place

All black never gets old, grey just sticks out like a sore thumb

hmmm, good question. The Saturn is very sexy, but I was pretty impressed with the original ps3, very slick, however....Im obsessed with the Genesis model 1 with a 32x and model 1 Sega cd under it.

The PC Engine DUO-R is a sexy thing... it gets my vote for the nicest looking retro console.

The Dreamcast is pretty damn spiffing too. They should get together and do dirty console things while I watch :twisted:

I like systems that are mostly black with minor color accents, particularly the VCS and Genesis model 1. It's also fun when they use technological descriptions in bold on the console. Gives it a nostalgic feel.

I would agree with most of the posters here saying that the SNES is an eyesore. Just looks like a kids toy. I always somehow felt that if you broke it open there should be candies inside.

Great thread. There're just so many from which to choose. I'd pick my top 5 (in order :D):

No. 1: Sega Genesis - Model 2 (My All-Time favorite system/model)
http://t0.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:T...ga_genesis.jpg

No. 2. Sega CDX: (My dream come true...)
http://t1.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:p...rg/segacdx.jpg

No. 3. Sega Genesis Model 2 - CD - 32x: (It's like the future, but in the past)
http://t3.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:d...ystems/32x.jpg

No. 4. Sega Saturn - Model 1: (the led light makes it for me ;). Make it shiny and black and it screams 2D-sidescroller with style).
http://t0.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:J...ega_saturn.jpg

No. 5. Neo Geo AES: (Just think arcade-perfect, 1990; all in the confort of a tiny, console-sized cab :D)
http://t3.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:m...NeoGeo-AES.jpg

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Originally Posted by cowboyscowboys

Sega Saturn Model 2 is the best IMO

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I don't get why you would prefer the model 2 Saturn. It had the CD access light removed and the round buttons aren't that big of an improvement.

I like the model 2 Genesis, the model 2 NES, SCDX, and the SNES(why do some people not like the SNES design, It's pretty sweet, although the SNES Mini/model 2 is pretty ugly), it turns yellow only if you're a ******* moron, so that's not a real strike against the look, and the color purple that's used for the buttons is a pretty damn good choise from a style point of view.

It's a hard call, but It's either the Model 2 NES or the SCDX, they are both sweet.

1.-Sega wondermega

2.-Sega Master System II

3.-Sega CDX

All of them very stylish looking in body design..

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Originally Posted by InfraMan

The PC Engine DUO-R is a sexy thing... it gets my vote for the nicest looking retro console.

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The PC Engine Duo-R gets my vote as well. Very nice case design.

I have to go with the Genesis 1. Sure its asymmetric but so was the Millennium Falcon. The AES is a close second. The Super Famicom was also pretty awesome.

I gotta be honest and say the Famicom. Sure it isn't black, and it isn't "sleek", but it has the most Japanese, super 80's, "arcadey" design for a system in existence.

http://www.latest-gadgets.info/wp-co...do_famicom.jpg

There's too many great looking systems to choose from, but here are some of my favorites:

sega genesis model 1:

http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_Dmi7Txvz7i...00/genesis.jpg

japan megadrive model 2, the placement of the logo's looks alot better then the us gen2

http://www.gamechoiceclub.com/image/md_mdrive2.gif

japan mega cd model 1, just looks alot better then the us version with the extra leds:

http://www.segagagadomain.com/hardwa...egacd1-md1.jpg

sega wondermega:

http://www.meulij.com/wondermega/sega_wondermega.jpg

sega master system:

http://www.swotti.com/tmp/swotti/cac...%20System2.jpg

neo geo cd top load model:

http://www.rombay.com/images/console...neo_geo_cd.jpg

neo geo cdz:

http://www.estarland.com/images/prod...4106/63107.jpg

hitachi hi-saturn navi:

http://superclassicvideogames.com/saturnhinavi.jpg

sega saturn model 1:

http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_taqT58uKZC...ega-Saturn.jpg

pal super nes (why did us americans get such a shit redesign instead of this?)

http://www.rombay.com/images/console...r_nintendo.jpg

playstation net yaroze:

http://www.multiplayergames.com/wp-c.../netyaroze.jpg

pc engine core grafx:

http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedi..._CoreGrafx.jpg

pc engine duo:

http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedi...Engine_Duo.jpg

On this one I will have to go even more retro, with the Magnavox Odyssey 2. It has that quasi-futuristic look but is still elegant.

After the O2, though, Genesis model 1, Saturn, then Dreamcast.

Sticking with the retro consoles I have, I'd say my favorite is the model 1 Genesis. Second is my Atari 2600. Woodgrain FTW!!!
Going outside of my collection, I must say I'm partial to the Turbo Duo and the Neo Geo CD.

-Rob

Genesis Model 1

the original white pc engine

http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedi...a_Drive_ja.png

I hated the model 2 redesign.

Maybe I'm crazy, but I liked the Goldstar 3Do. The controller was crap, but the system looked good.

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Originally Posted by Zoltor

It's pretty sweet, although the SNES Mini/model 2 is pretty ugly), it turns yellow only if you're a ******* moron, so that's not a real strike against the look.

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I'd like to hear an explanation for this, since it seems apparent that you don't understand why the systems yellow...

My vote goes to the model 1 Genesis. Back in the day it looked so advanced and next-gen next to my NES. I think the model 2 looks horrible.

Chris

Tie between Genesis model 2, PCE Duo-R, and clear case GB Pocket

The Neo is hot. I wish I hadn't sold mine, even though I didn't need it anymore.

My vote will have to go to the Neo CD top loader. Just the right curves and vents. The styling reminds me of something Ferrari would do.

heres my favorites:

HD Model 1 Genesis
Neo Geo AES
PCE Engine Duo
WonderMega

My favorite would probably be the Genesis 1 on top of a Sega Cd 1. It just reeks of 90's awesomeness. A X'eye and a PC Engine Duo-r sitting next to each other is pretty great too.

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Originally Posted by Christuserloeser

http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedi...a_Drive_ja.png

I hated the model 2 redesign.

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This has my vote as well..

1. Atari 5200 - big and sleek

2. NES front loader - nice and boxey

3. Intellivision I - lots of woodgrain goodness

4. Genesis model I - black and techno

5. Atari VCS heavy sixer console - again, lots of woodgrain goodness, along with six switches, nice!

i agree on the 5200 it only has one button and the trapdoor in the back for controllers works (contrary to critics) atari wanted you to roll up the cord on the stick to put them away but you should just run the cord out the opposite rear notch and they fit in there just fine and its massive size and weight really made you thing you bought something



the cdx was a marvel being so compact compared to the other genesis sega cd combinations

I'd say it would be a tie between a Genesis Model 1 High Definition Graphics version and a 3DO. The 3DO has a very chiseled marble look and has very high quality plastic. It also doesn't have small vents and grooves to get dust caked in like the Gen 1 did.

Still, it's a tough call for me. If I could add a Sega CD Model 1 to the Genesis Model 1 that set would win by a landslide.

The original Turbo DUO would also be right up there on my list, it's just too bad about the shoddy CD-ROM drives.

Everything else just looks like a box to me.

Funny how no one has mentioned the N64. I'll throw in the Dreamcast (very "Amiga"-like look) followed by the N64. Both are powerful, compact, and stylish.

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Originally Posted by sheath

The original Turbo DUO would also be right up there on my list, it's just too bad about the shoddy CD-ROM drives.

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Little note: the shoddy CD-ROM drive is more on the TurboGrafx CD/PC Engine CD-ROM add-on rather than the TurboDuo. The TurboDuo's problem is leaky capacitors like the Game Gear and TurboExpress. And if that thing has a problem with the CD-ROM drive, it's usually the laser that runs off its track and gets stuck. The TurboGrafx CD, on the other hand, has a gear that like the shatter due to NEC using really cheap plastic that's like the plastic on the original-model Super NES: it discolors, becomes fragile, and breaks.

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Originally Posted by Chilly Willy

Funny how no one has mentioned the N64. I'll throw in the Dreamcast (very "Amiga"-like look) followed by the N64. Both are powerful, compact, and stylish.

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I rather like the N64's styling, probably my favorite Nintendo console in that respect.

Anyway, I'm goign to have to go with the North American Genesis model 1:
http://www-unix.ecs.umass.edu/~dhowl...ges/model1.jpg

Perfect balance IMO, nothing too over the top like the Japanese MD's gold block letters, but still sleek and cool with an interesting style.

North American model 2 is OK looking, better than the SNES or SNES2, or SFC for sure, but a bit bland compared to the model 1. (also rather gaudy for JP and PAL versions)

I have to agree, the jap and eu MDII is ugly, the US Gen II is much nicer looking. For genesis combos, a Model 1 HD with a Sega CD Model 1, and a Model 2 with Model 2 CD and 32x.

Okay, I'm just going to go ahead and say what nobody else here would probably dare to vote for but...

Either the Dreamcast or the GameCube.

Honestly, I don't find too many game consoles to be aesthetically pleasing, but if I had to pick one that didn't just look like some jagged, misshapen, oddball piece of technology that stuck out like a sore thumb on an entertainment center, it would be either Dreamcast or GameCube... maybe PS One (the small one).

I can see I'm not the only one who likes the Master System's look. I also like the Model 1 and Model 2 genesis systems.

I'd say all 3 models of the Genesis are really nice looking.

The model 1's design is timeless and easily recognizable, and is overall a product of its time. Not that that's bad. I love it.

The model 2 is pretty sleek looking, and has a few throwbacks here and there in its design.

The model 3 is just flat out NEAT looking. Small, sexy, compact.

Also, the SNES Jr. is neat as hell looking too. Again, very sleek and sexy.

It's really hard to pick a "best" - most consoles are really good looking. It's MUCH easier to pick a "worst" - the US SNES is by far the worst ever made... unless someone can find an even worse one. ;)

http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedi...eoGeoAlpha.png

/Topic. This console not only looks badass, but it has that amazing '90s aesthetic and the sky high launch price made it elusive to boot. This console is the definition of "good looks".

I forgot to mention THIS baby. Does it count if it didn't actually come out?

http://videogame2play.com/wp-content...egaNeptune.png

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Originally Posted by WarmSignal

Okay, I'm just going to go ahead and say what nobody else here would probably dare to vote for but...

Either the Dreamcast or the GameCube.

Honestly, I don't find too many game consoles to be aesthetically pleasing, but if I had to pick one that didn't just look like some jagged, misshapen, oddball piece of technology that stuck out like a sore thumb on an entertainment center, it would be either Dreamcast or GameCube... maybe PS One (the small one).

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The Dreamcast Isn't bad, but wth is wrong with you to think the GC looks good, there's a reason no one has picked the GC.

The onlything really worse then the GC, is that poster child of bad case design, the Famicon.