As the twilight of the current generation of consoles starts to fade, I thought I would reflect on gaming’s past. Specifically, what is the best console that has ever been released? My criteria is based on the quantity and quality of software support received, installed consumer base, and additional functionality brought to the gaming experience.

Saying that, the best console ever is:

Sony PS2

The amount of software available, in all global markets, for the PS2 is staggering. Its library has a breadth of options that has never been matched by any console before it. And before anyone brings up the PSX, or PSOne, I’ve factored those titles into the PS2 repertoire because of its backwards compatibility functionality. There will undoubtedly be arguers that quantity does not surpass quality, but in fact the PS2 has more system-selling titles than its competitors combined, and even listing the top-tier developers from around the globe would be a longer list than I care to begin. People might have their favorites titles on competing consoles, but one would struggle to avoid naming any triple-A PS2 games.

In addition, the PS2 brought several ancillary functions, some of which have been done on competitor consoles, and sometimes better executed. For instance, the external hard drive, progressive scan capability, and online functionality were all better used on the Microsoft Xbox, but they still existed on the PS2. Peripheral support on the PS2 was superior thanks to the USB interface. First-party support, with the EyeToy, was revolutionary. And as mentioned, backwards compatibility sealed the deal for most consumers.

As long as Sony receives the software support from developers as it has in the previous generations, it will keep getting better. That said, SpotAnime gives the current crown to the PS2.

Honorable Mention: Nintendo Super Nintendo (Famicon)

Nintendo was nearly three years late to the 16-bit console wars, and faced an uphill battle against Sega’s Genesis (Mega Drive). But it used it’s most powerful arsenal of weapons against to eventually surpass and outlive its competitor: software. Just as the PS2 was made powerful because of unimaginable developer support, Nintendo used it’s strong first-party development along with its third-party alliances to create a game force that couldn’t be resisted by consumers.

Many of Super Nintendo’s software titles are celebrated as classics in gaming, even to this day. Zelda, Mario, and Metroid ruled the first-party titles, where Final Fantasy and other Squaresoft franchises had followings large enough to eventually unseat Sega as the top video game console manufacturer. These titles are still enjoyed today through ports to Nintendo’s handheld consoles, and it can even be said they have influenced and driven the emulation scene, so that gamers can still enjoy these classics.

Nearly fifteen years later, the Super Nintendo is as relevant today as it was when it was first released. It’s longevity solidifies it as one of the best consoles ever.