3 Consoles That Got a Second-Chance Thanks to the Internet

Last Updated on June 3, 2023

The internet is perhaps the greatest thing that could happen to human civilization. Without it we can’t call people in other countries, buy stuff online, stream TV and movies, build huge communities, and much more.

While it has its problems too, one of the positive contributions is that it has given some old consoles (considered failures first time around) to now be viewed favourably. Instead of relying on magazine reviews and the words of the kid in the year above at school, gamers have the internet to learn more about these old consoles

These 3 consoles now enjoy far more popularity than when they were released.

1. TurboGrafx-16/PC-Engine

When the TurboGrafx-16 was launched in America, many thought that it could potentially dominate the market. Instead, it was crub-stomped by the SEGA Genesis and the Super Nintendo. The console was just a big boy version of the PC-Engine which was popular in Japan. The games that were released on the West weren’t interesting, while its key titles were sadly overlooked due to a perceived cultural difference. Back then, anime and manga were a niche market in the US.

In the years since, the TurboGrafx-16/PC-Engine has amassed quite the fanbase and thanks to the internet, importing PC-Engine games even the console itself has become possible. The console has large shoot-em-up library like Super Star Soldier, Air Zonk, etc., and has also benefitted from the rise of popularity in anime and manga in the US. One YouTuber explained as to why the TurboGrafx-16 is popular now, while another made a massive documentary about why the PC-Engine has become popular (watch part one and part two).

The TurboGrafx-16 has come a long way ever since its first appearance and many people still talk about it today.

Konami has released a TurboGrafx-16 Mini since then. There is also a PC-Engine box art book coming up from Bitmap Books, a book that will surely showcase why PC-Engine and TurboGrafx-16 are well worth buying while highlighting the great games on the platform.

2. SEGA Saturn

When the SEGA Saturn came along, it was competing against the Nintendo 64 and original Playstation.

And it was a massive failure.

Various reasons have been given for this, with the console’s complexity, meddling between SEGA America and SEGA Japan, being beaten to the punch by the PlayStation’s launch price, and the poor launch library. Consequently, many have assumed that Sega Saturn was weaker in the 3D gaming department and so avoided the console.

In the years since, the Saturn has gained a better reputation. Thanks to the internet, people began importing Japanese Saturn games and discovered some games were better than even the PlayStation versions. Saturn is also now well known for its amazing shoot em up games and its beautiful 2D sprites. Some 3D games are also gaining recognition, such as Virtua Fighter 2, Bulk Slash, and Panzer Dragoon among others.

Now thanks to the internet, many YouTubers have been recommending which Saturn games to play. There is even demand for a Saturn mini console which shows how Saturn’s popularity has come and well deserved. Time has indeed been kind to the Sega Saturn.

Oh! And many people have adored Segato Sanshiro as well.

3. Nintendo GameCube

When the Nintendo GameCube was launched, it faced tough competition from the Sony PlayStation 2 and Microsoft Xbox. People went hard against the GameCube, possibly because the console looked like a kid’s lunchbox, and the controller was pretty awkward to use.

Not only that, the GameCube did not have online play, and it also couldn’t play DVDs. Meanwhile, the PS2 and Xbox. As a result, it was outclassed by PlayStation 2 and Xbox, selling poorly. Sadly, third party publishers tended to avoid the GameCube, with a few exceptions such as Capcom who made a popular port of Resident Evil 4.

But in the years since, the Nintendo GameCube has received a more positive reputation. Thanks to the internet, people have discovered games which showcased the power of the console despite its appearance. One such example is F-Zero GX. With its fast racing and beautiful settings, this is something that highlights what the GameCube can pull off.

Other great games include Metroid Prime and Mario Kart Double Dash, and then there are games which cater to the anime fans such as Dragon Ball, Bleach, etc. All these have contributed to GameCube’s popularity of today. There are now even people asking for GameCube games to be released on the Switch. From one of the most hated console in terms of appearance to one of the most beloved ones, we can thank the internet for the GameCube’s popularity of today.

And who can forget Super Smash Bros. Melee?

Don’t miss the chance to own one of these classic game consoles

Some video game consoles will always remained popular such as the PlayStation 2 while some consoles will remain derided (such as Nintendo Virtual Boy). Then there are some consoles, like those mentioned above, that deserved popularity but could never achieve it.

It’s not only the video game consoles. The internet has also been looking at the arcade games that the West never got to play. I really hope that the GameCube, SEGA Saturn, and TurboGrafx-16/PC-Engine finally get the recognition that they deserve. It’s one of the few reasons that I am grateful for the Internet because without it, these consoles would forever have been looked down upon.