When it comes to video games, some consoles have left an indelible mark on our hearts. These machines weren’t just plastic boxes with circuitry; they were portals to new worlds, gateways to imagination, and the source of countless hours of joy. My favorites included my Sinclair Spectrum, SNES, an GameCube. While technology marches forward, there’s a special kind of magic in the consoles of yesteryear that modern systems sometimes struggle to replicate. From chunky cartridges to wired controllers that never seemed quite long enough, these gaming relics hold a special place in our memories. So, let’s take a nostalgic journey through 15 consoles we’d give our right joystick to see make a triumphant return.
Sega Dreamcast
The Dreamcast was a console ahead of its time. With its built-in modem for online play and the quirky VMU memory card with its own screen, it pushed boundaries. Games like Sonic Adventure and Shenmue showcased its potential. A modern revival could finally give this underdog the success it deserved. The Dreamcast’s library was also home to unique titles like Jet Set Radio and Crazy Taxi, which could benefit from current-gen graphics and expanded gameplay.
Nintendo GameCube
The tiny cube with a handle captured hearts with its charming design and stellar game library. Who could forget the endless hours spent on Super Smash Bros. Melee or Mario Kart: Double Dash? A comeback could bring back those tiny discs and that satisfying startup sound we all know and love. The GameCube’s innovative controller design, with its uniquely arranged buttons, could also make a welcome return, perhaps with modern features like motion control or haptic feedback.
Atari Jaguar
Often overlooked, the Jaguar boasted being the first 64-bit console. While it struggled in its time, imagine what modern technology could do with its ambitious ideas. Games like Alien vs Predator hinted at its potential. A revival could finally deliver on the promise of “doing what Nintendon’t.” A modern Jaguar could also revive the concept of its ProController, which added a numeric keypad and extra buttons, offering more complex control schemes for strategy and simulation games.
SNK Neo Geo
The Neo Geo was the Rolls-Royce of consoles, known for its arcade-perfect home conversions. Its massive cartridges and eye-watering price tag made it a luxury few could afford. A modern version could bring that arcade perfection to a new generation, hopefully without breaking the bank this time. A revived Neo Geo could also tap into the current fighting game renaissance, bringing back classics like King of Fighters and Samurai Shodown with online play and tournament features.
Sega Saturn
The Saturn, with its complex dual-CPU architecture, was a beast to develop for but produced some genuine classics. Imagine Nights into Dreams or Panzer Dragoon Saga with today’s graphics. A comeback could finally give this underappreciated console the library it always deserved. A modern Saturn could also revive Sega’s innovative light gun games, perhaps using technology similar to the Nintendo Wii’s sensor bar for home play.
Amiga CD32
The CD32 was Commodore’s bold step into the console market. It brought the Amiga’s impressive capabilities to the living room. A modern version could tap into that rich Amiga heritage, bringing classics like Alien Breed and Chaos Engine back into the limelight. The CD32’s advanced (for its time) CD-based system could be reimagined with solid-state drives, allowing for the vast worlds and quick loading times that modern gamers expect.
3DO
The 3DO was an ambitious attempt at creating a standardized console format. While it failed commercially, it had some cracking games like Road Rash and Need for Speed. A comeback could realize its vision of a unified gaming standard, backed by modern technology. A new 3DO could revive the console’s focus on full-motion video games, using today’s high-definition video capabilities to create immersive interactive movie experiences.
Philips CD-i
Often ridiculed for its bizarre Mario and Zelda games, the CD-i was ahead of its time in many ways. It aimed to be a multimedia powerhouse. A modern version could finally deliver on that promise, creating a true all-in-one entertainment system. A revived CD-i could leverage current streaming technology and smart home integration, becoming a central hub for gaming, media consumption, and home automation.
Bandai WonderSwan
This handheld console, designed by Game Boy creator Gunpei Yokoi, had innovative features like a vertical orientation option. A revival could bring this uniquely Japanese handheld to a global audience, perhaps with some of its quirky games like Judgment Silversword in tow. A modern WonderSwan could retain its energy-efficient design, offering extended battery life in an age where many handheld devices struggle to last a full day.
NEC TurboGrafx-16
Known as the PC Engine in Japan, this console punched above its weight with great shooters and the first CD-ROM add-on. A comeback could tap into its rich library, bringing classics like Bonk’s Adventure and Gate of Thunder to a new audience. A revived TurboGrafx could also bring back the TurboExpress, a handheld version of the console, offering seamless transition between home and portable play, similar to the Nintendo Switch.
Atari Lynx
The first handheld with a colour LCD screen, the Lynx was a technical marvel. Games like Blue Lightning showcased its power. A modern version could retain its innovative design while leveraging today’s mobile technology. The Lynx’s unique ability to be played left-handed or right-handed could be expanded upon, perhaps with a modular design allowing for customizable button layouts.
Mattel Intellivision
With its unique controller and focus on sports games, the Intellivision carved out its own niche. A revival could bring back classics like Advanced Dungeons & Dragons, perhaps with online multiplayer for its sports titles. The Intellivision’s innovative disc controller could be reimagined with today’s touch-sensitive technology, offering precise control for a wide range of game genres.
Amstrad GX4000
This obscure console was Amstrad’s attempt to break into the market. While it failed commercially, it had potential. A comeback could tap into the rich European computer game heritage, bringing a unique flavour to the console space. A modern GX4000 could revive the concept of easy home computer to console conversion, perhaps offering a platform for indie developers to easily port PC games to a living room setting.
Apple Pippin
Apple’s ill-fated foray into gaming could be ripe for a comeback. With Apple’s current tech prowess and gaming initiatives, a modern Pippin could be the living room gaming device Apple fans have been dreaming of. A revived Pippin could integrate seamlessly with other Apple devices, offering cross-play between Mac, iPhone, and TV, creating a unified Apple gaming ecosystem.
Virtual Boy
Nintendo’s ambitious but flawed attempt at virtual reality gaming was ahead of its time. With VR now a reality, a modern Virtual Boy could finally deliver on the promise of immersive 3D gaming, hopefully without the headaches this time. A new Virtual Boy could combine Nintendo’s innovative game design with current VR technology, perhaps offering a more family-friendly and affordable entry point into virtual reality gaming.
Katy Willis is a writer, master herbalist, master gardener, and certified canine nutritionist who has been writing since 2002. She’s finds joy in learning new and interesting things, and finds history, science, and nature endlessly fascinating.
