GAME Customers Say 1996 Was Gaming ‘Golden’ Year, Names Wii As Best Ever Console

Two thousand GAME customers were surveyed to find out what year they thought was the golden year of gaming and which video game console was the best of all-time. The customers named 1996 as the best year for video games. There were a staggering amount of quality titles released including Resident Evil, Super Mario 64, Tekken 2, Crash Bandicoot, and Tomb Raider. The Wii was voted the best console of all-time by the customers, beating the Xbox 360 and PlayStation 3. Here’s the results:

[Neonridr]

I would say 1996 or 1998 were the best years of gaming.

However the Wii being the best ever console is a huge stretch. I would have to go with the SNES purely based on how many titles it had, and in direct competition, it was better than the Genesis in almost every regard.

Oh minus the fact that Genesis had Blast Processing :\

[jcnba28]

1997 had Goldeneye though :)

[Neonridr]

absolutely, but 1996 gave us games like Duke Nukem 3D, Resident Evil, Super Mario 64, Quake, Tomb Raider, Diablo

[NatureOfLogic]

I'm sure that most Nintendo core fans would even disagree about wii being the best of all time. It's not even the best Nintendo console. Snes and N64 were better, I'll even say the GC was better.

[HammadTheBeast]

PS2 was the best "mainstream" console. GBA best handheld imo. Also, this is why GAME is failing.

[Nick_515]

@KingElixir

"I'll even say the GC was better."

OF COURSE the Gamecube was better. It had some pretty great games on it. Plus, that controller? How can you NOT say it's better than the Wii?

[badz149]

No console trumps everything else like the PS2! It does what it does best and then some.

[BattleAxe]

I think that GAME has some whack customers...

[dedicatedtogamers]

Wii brought gaming back to the masses by making gaming fun and carefree again. I'm not saying it had the best games. I'm not saying it really is the best console ever. However, it was certainly the most "social" console of last gen because people actually played it together. It was something fresh and new, which is what the market wanted (and needed).

[torchic]

I'd say PSone and PS2 brought gaming to the masses as well, and in a better way.

Wii was an "it" product. nothing more nothing less.

[HammadTheBeast]

Wii.... social?

It barely had functioning multiplayer. Dreamcast and PS2 did a better job. Just look at Phantasy Star Online.

[Zhipp]

@Hammad
The meaning of the word "social" sure has changed since the advent of social media.

[Kran]

Not that I'm disagreeing, but how many titles a console has doesn't really make a console brilliant.

The Wii has so many you can't even count because they're all small publishers and small games not many know about. That doesn't make it great itself.

[3-4-5]

1996 was the best year for entertainment.

* Go check the games released that year.

* Go check the movies released that year.

* Go check the music released that year.

We humans had something going on that year...something creatively awesome.

[gillri]

agreed SNES is the best console ever made !

[xHeavYx]

They lost me at "Names Wii As Best Ever Console"

[Fluke_Skywalker]

They lost me at "GAME customers"!

[ElitaStorm]

war changes

[smashcrashbash]

So the Wii was voted best console of ALL time? Where these people on drugs by any chance?

[LOL_WUT]

Its sad isn't it? The Wii might've sold the most and it definitely made retailers tons of money but by no means does it make it the best console ever.

[Root]

No...they were probably just new to gaming this gen or probably casuals who have only really played on that console.

[jcnba28]

Whatever helps you sleep at night.

[Root]

To be honest if it did help I would take it...my sleeping pattern is terrible.

[stuna1]

@Root

You crazy! Lol.

[josephayal]

The WII has left behind a legacy

[RAFFwaff]

Say what you want about the wii (and yes it was as powerful as an empty shoebox) but it changed the way we play or at least conceive of playing games forever. I myself loved the snes, which was probably overall the best ever console, possibly closely followed by the beast that was ps2. But I will ALWAYS have a soft spot for the so-called "doomed" consoles, such as the n64 (first time booting up mario 64 and ocarina) and the Sega dreamcast.

[smashcrashbash]

You have to be kidding. The Wii changed the way we play games forever? You mean the Wiimote that stopped being used for anything useful a long time ago? As opposed to the many contributions games like GTA, Golden Eye, Donkey Kong Country,Power Stone, Virtua Fighter,Tomb Raider,SMB3 and Doom that are practically the structure on most modern games are built on? And you think the Wii did that more then those games on those consoles did? *rolls eyes* Yeah okay whatever.

[RAFFwaff]

Ask kinect and Sony move. **rolls eyes...** the control scheme was another innovation in gaming, like nintendo's dual analogies sticks and rumble pack, you know? Whether you like nintendo or not, they are known for innovation which sticks more often than not. Skyward sword and wii motion plus was one of the most immersive games I've ever played, but it's all subjective opinions, isn't it? Clearly your cage has been rattled. Chill out, and speak to your counselor, Kid.

[BrianC6234]

It sure didn't change it for the better. We don't need those crappy controllers.

[KwietStorm_BLM]

The Wii has not changed the way I do anything. In fact, it probably re-established my desire to keep the integrity of core gaming intact.

[GenericNameHere]

Microsoft copied the Eyetoy, and PS Move the Wiimote. but look at them today. Microsft is forcing Kinect to Xbox gamers, but there are no signs of them dropping the controller. Sony has announced the PS4, and its going to be using the DS4, and also letting us use the PS Move for some PS4 games. MS and Sony still prioritize traditional controllers.

The Wii did nothing to change the way we play. Tell me, would the majority of gamers rather use motion control than controllers? Now, I don't have any statistics to prove this, but I'm willing to bet a million dollars over half of the millions of gamers around the world would rather use controllers than the Kinect, Wiimote, and PS Move. Skyward Sword with Motion+ was done really well, but it didnt feel special. It could have easily worked with normal controllers (look up MGR:R), and there were times when it disnt respond perfectly. It was a fine novelty, but I'm glad the Wii U is done with Wiimotes. The controller is just a tablet with buttons, but at least no more waggling.

PS Nintendo innovates, but Sony improves (which is just as important)

[nolifeking]

@Raff
Actually Sony was the first with dual analog sticks. The 64 had only one.

[wishingW3L]

Wii best console, what a joke. XD

[pr0t0typeknuckles]

wii the best console of all time, C'MON SON!!!, seriously what about n64,PSX,PS2,genesis,super nintendo,but the wii,ill say it again, C'MON SON!!!

[BrianC6234]

I think the Wii must be the first console those people ever owned. That's the only way anyone would call it the best ever.

[Bumpmapping]

HAHA casual gamers are funny.

[jcnba28]

HAHA playstation fanboys are even funnier.

[TongkatAli]

I know! keeping it real is a special form of "comedy".

[BlmThug]

Their stupidity is quite hilarious xD

[PopRocks359]

Casual gamers are stupid now? Really?

[Nick_515]

@PopRocks

A lot of times, yes, however, I don't agree with his comment.

[smashcrashbash]

@ RAFFwaff.Oh yeah those were such leaps in gaming. Move which Sony barely used and Microsoft's Kinect which has a bunch of games that barely work or get low scores.And as usual like most Nintendo people you make sure and leave out the clumsy and/or pointless 'innovations' of Nintendo.

May I remind you of the Power Glove, R.O.B the robot, big ugly designs for memory cards and rumble pack that other people had to streamline for them, Wii mote that ran out of ideas for and useful uses early,Virtua Boy, Game boy camera,Zapper. News flash .You aren't innovative if you make things and barely know what to do with them.That is Nintendo's MO.Make stuff then barely use it for anything useful.Nintendo's dual analogs were inefficient until Sony put them in a better more comfortable place and their rumble pack and memory cards were ugly and bulky until Sony streamlined them.

Sick and tired of listening to how 'innovative' Nintendo is when they use whatever it is for a few things then ignore it later until their next gimmick.How many games used the Zapper,Power Pad or Power Glove? Was it hundred of games? No it wasn't. A leopard can't change it's spots and neither can Nintendo. Still kings of the gimmicks.Nintendo makes good games but they have taken from others the same as anyone else.SSB was not an original idea, or 3D spaces for Super 64 or spherical worlds for SMG. Skyward Sword wasn't more immerse because you waved a controller around. If you think that then you are more brainwashed then i thought.

[RAFFwaff]

Can't you read kid? I said that in my opinion the snes was the greatest ever console. I can't control other people's beliefs and so was only giving a constructive OPINION on why many gamers may have chosen the wii. Just like your ranting is not going to change others opinions. Peace x

[danitanzo]

at least they tried something different... And if you just "waved" around the controller in skyward sword you just might not be good at it... ;)

[Zhipp]

Super Mario 64's approach to 3D was pretty original. Correct me if I'm wrong, but wasn't it the first 3D game to feature dynamic camera controls? SSB was the first game of it's kind, and where do you get off saying that the spherical worlds in SMG were unoriginal? How do you expect anyone to believe what you're saying when give no names nor sources for your claims.

Also, you seem a little confused, so here's Merriam Webster's definition for innovation.

1 : the introduction of something new
2 : a new idea, method, or device : novelty

INNOVATIVE
Adjective
(of a product, idea, etc.) Featuring new methods; advanced and original.
(of a person) Introducing new ideas; original and creative in thinking: "an innovative thinker".

[kirbyu]

Sweet! The year I was born was the best year of gaming.

[HarryMasonHerpderp]

I thought the Wii was the weakest console Nintendo have ever released. Loved the NES, SNES, N64 and Gamecube.....the wii though? ugh I'm really not a fan.

[Eyeco]

I'm a huge fan of the NES and SNES i've owned every single Nintendo console, but the WII is my least favourite console of there's mainly because I despise motion control, whether it's move, kinect, or the Wii mote, mainly because it didn't really add anything to the core gaming experience

[HarryMasonHerpderp]

Yeah the focus on motion controls was a huge turn off for me too. I also wasn't too impressed with the games, I thought the Zelda, Mario Kart, 3D Mario, Metroid and smash bro's games were all better on the Gamecube personally.

[thebudgetgamer]

No!

[khowat]

No lie though the wii was pretty awesome

[Soldierone]

I'd go with the PS2. So many games in so many genre's it was simply fun. I think I owned over 100 games at one point, and I was trading in games all the time lol

[BrianC6234]

Is this a joke? The Wii the best console ever? Good grief. It pales in comparison to the original Playstation and the PS2. Hardly any good games on the Wii besides Nintendo games.

[stragomccloud]

Wii was great... don't get me wrong. I loved the Wii, it had some of the best games last gen.
Whatever constitutes as best really is subjective.
As for me, my favourite console was probably the Super Nintendo.

Donkey Kong Country
Super Metroid
Legend of Zelda: A Link to the Past
Lufia/Lufia II
Final Fantasies IV-VI
Chrono Trigger
Super Street Fighter IV
Mortal Kombat 3
Seiken Densetsu 3
Secret of Mana(2)

I could go on.

Though... Wii did have virtual console and backwards compatibility, so I suppose it was a Wii, Gamecube, NES, SNES, Arcade box, Sega Master System, Sega Genesis, N64, Turbo Grafx 16, and more rolled into one.

[stragomccloud]

Why all the disagrees?

Oh wait... I remember. This is a Sony fanboy website.

...used to be an xbox fanboy site.

Needless to say... lots of fanboys who defy reason and refuse to acknowledge an awesome system because of their blindness.

[InTheLab]

The Wii wasn't even the best Nintendo console.

The only acceptable best console ever is either the NES,Genesis,PS2, or Dreamcast(for it's innovations).

[Nick_515]

I'd say, almost anything BUT the Wii could be considered the best console to some people. N64, GC, PS1, PS2, PS3, NES, SNES, Genesis, Dreamcast, Xbox (almost forgot, not trolling ;) I'm probably forgetting more, though), even handhelds. The gameboy series was great. Hell, I still play games from almost all of those consoles, but to say the Wii is the best console OF ALL TIME??? I just don't understand that. Almost all the games are the same thing that was started on the N64 and Gamecube. Most are worse than those versions.

[TongkatAli]

Best system ever made is the PS2

METAL GEAR SOLID 2 and 3
DEVIL MAY CRY 1 and 3
KINGDOM HEARTS 1 and 2
FINAL FANTASY X, XI and XII
GOD HAND
MANHUNT
GRAND THEFT AUTO
BULLY
DARK CLOUD
SLY COOPER
JAK series
ICO
SHADOW OF THE COLOSSUS

Last but not least

PORN

No! Game : D

[AWBrawler]

Anyone who lived through the 90's as a teen knows that SNES or else Genesis has to be the best console ever. Just like you grew up with PS2 (i assume) people who grew up with Wii probably feel it is the best. My nephews have the most casual crap ever on his Wii, like just dance and celebrity sports party but i can see now that if he continues to game he will see wii as the golden days

[HarryB]

Only game I missed playing was from ps1 was g-police. That game was awesome.

[TongkatAli]

Name me two RPGs on the Wii that was Persona 3 and 4 level in storytelling and voice acting, you can't, don't even try.

EDIT: Saying people are "freaking out" over this is deflecting the real question which is, IS IT REALLY ? No and I'm pretty calm and have all the hair on my head answering that question : D

Last Story got a 6/10 from GameInformer and Xenoblade voice acting was GARBAGE and the story I doubt was better then Xenogears. It was pretty much agrees by every critic Persona 3 and 4 rocked!

I forgot to name Xenogears on the PS2 list, lol, the PS2 had too many games to name : D

[PopRocks359]

Xenoblade Chronicles and The Last Story. Played 'em, loved 'em, thought the voice acting was superb.

@EDIT: Evidently in some peoples' opinions it is the best console ever. It certainly isn't mine, but even if it was something like the Genesis I wouldn't mind. Why? Because it's an opinion.

So yeah, maybe you should stop freaking out.

[PopRocks359]

You're basing your assessment on reviews? Typical.

The very topic of liking something is subjective. I thought the British actors in both of those games did a great job and the Last Story getting one 6/10 from Game Informer really does not change much for me or the 80/100 it has on Metacritic.

You seriously need help. You seem virtually unable to grasp the concept that people can have a different opinion from your own.

[danitanzo]

yes you are freaking out, fanboy.

[kirbyu]

Have you forgotten that RPG isn't the only game genre?

[danitanzo]

Its just an opinion, why is everyone freaking out... I enjoyed the wii, but anytime anyone says "best console" someone is going to disagree... as in its subjective.

[Coach_McGuirk]

did anybody else play on the Total Entertainment Network back in '96? I've been hooked on online gaming ever since.

[StraightedgeSES]

I liked the Wii but that Is not the best console of all time.

[Hicken]

Doesn't it have to be the best console of its generation first?

[SAYGUH]

I didn't really like the Wii all that much, although I did enjoy usin it for No More Heroes, Naruto game jutsus, saves batteries with DJ Hero & Guitar Hero. The online was atrocious & it was just too casual, worst Nintendo console I ever purchased. However I do love my Wii U... LOL!! Everytime I turn it on, my eyes light up & I can't help but smile. Haha! The best console for Nintendo would have to SNES hands down, although NES was iconic & set the very foundation for gaming. Dreamcast was totally underated.. :'(

[e-p-ayeaH]

98-99 are still my favorite years of gaming.

soo many good games that offer so much still today.

[CoryHG]

Who are these people? and the original nintendo isn't even in the list?

[Max-Zorin]

It feels good to be a 90's baby.

[BootHammer]

Apparently the nursing homes and retirement communities voted in on the Wii being the best console ever. Not sure who else would vote for it with so many other more legendary systems out there (SNES, PS1,Sega Genesis,NES, PS2, N64...)

[madjedi]

If the wii was a better console than the nes or snes, someone has horrible tastes.

If it's a nintendo system nes/snes, a sony system ps1/ps2, but the wii hell no.

[madjedi]

So 3 nintendo fans arguing that your wrong and yet none bothered to correct you about xenogears is a ps1 game.

Xenosaga is the ps2 series, funny pops and other nintendo defenders complaining about people having different opinions from them.

This coming from a rabid defender that posted, laughable articles from nintendo 1st party devs, going on about how powerful the wii u was. When everything was saying otherwise.

Only 2 things look remotely appealing on the wiiu the vaporware zelda tech demo and xenoblades successor and that primarily because it looks like a current gen xenogears.

As for persona 3 and 4, they were one of the best jrpgs of it's gen.

I wouldn't harp the respecting other peoples different opinions, when your just as bad when it comes to nintendo pops.

"yes you are freaking out, fanboy." Love the irony.

This was meant as a reply to tong but i am too lazy to retype it.

[PopRocks359]

"I wouldn't harp the respecting other peoples different opinions, when your just as bad when it comes to nintendo pops."

Not really. As far as fanboyism goes, all I've done is defend Nintendo in the past. I'd like for you to find an occasions where I've outright called someone "wrong" or "stupid" for liking a Sega, Sony or Microsoft product.

But hey, it's not like it's the first time someone argued with a baseless assumption or accusation.

[Nada Nuff]

"Names Wii As Best Ever Console"

...didn't read article. (LOL)

[breakpad]

Best cosole ever is Playstation 1 ...by far changed the term "we play videogames' to "we play playstation"

[o-Sunny-o]

My favorite Zelda wind waker was on Gamcube also my favorite 3D Mario was Mario Sunshine. Wii was good for short time, its good for catching flies now.

[arbitor365]

this is a survey of only 2000 people from one UK retailer. I dont think you should be counting this as "gospel." this really means absolutely nothing.

http://www.mcvuk.com/news/r...

on a side note, the wii doesn't even belong in the top 10 best consoles ever. every single other nintendo and sony console is leaps and bounds better than the wii in terms of game libraries, graphics, and innovative titles. there is no debating that. the wii its not a good console by any stretch of the imagination.

[DwightOwen]

I consider the PS2 to be the best console ever made.