The verdict is in! After a fierce competition, the PlayStation 2 (PS2) has been crowned the best retro console of all time by the Retro Dodo community. Over 52,000 players participated in this tournament, featuring 16 iconic consoles from the late 1970s to the 2000s.

The Finalists: PS2 vs N64

Among the consoles in the running were legends such as the NES, SNES, PlayStation 1, Master System, and many more. After several rounds of competition, the final pitted the PlayStation 2 against the Nintendo 64. It was a tough choice for many players, but the PS2 prevailed thanks to its lasting impact on the video game industry.

Why the PS2?

The PlayStation 2 is not only the best-selling console of all time with over 155 million units sold, it also left a mark with a legendary game library, featuring iconic titles such as Grand Theft Auto: San Andreas, Final Fantasy X, Metal Gear Solid 2, Gran Turismo 3, Tekken 5, and many others that are still widely played today.

Another key point: backward compatibility with PlayStation 1 games, widely available in homes, allowing players to enjoy a vast library of games from launch. It also featured a built-in DVD player, offering dual functionality that appealed to many households eager to explore this new medium.

What About the Other Consoles?

While the PS2 took first place, other consoles also left their mark:

• Nintendo 64: known for legendary multiplayer games like Super Mario 64, GoldenEye 007, and The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time.
• Super Nintendo Entertainment System (SNES): a console that laid the foundations for many video game classics.
• NES: the console that revived the video game industry.
• And many more...

Everyone Has Their Favorite Console

The choice of the PlayStation 2 as the "best retro console" is a tribute to its legacy and influence on the video game industry. It continues to inspire new generations of players and remains a symbol of the golden age of video games.

This tournament brought the retro gaming community together around a shared passion. Each round provided opportunities for lively debates and shared memories, strengthening the connection between players and their own gaming history.

Source and images: Retro Dodo