Ultimate 2D console

[Monster Bonce]

Anybody else wish a new, souped-up PCE would be released just for 2D games, given how retro gaming has got so big?

Anyway, mindless dreaming aside, what is the ultimate 2D console? PCE Arcade Duo? Neo Geo? Saturn?

Edit: Genuine question and I mean in terms of game quality, not tech specs. I suppose breadth of library could be an issue, but not necessarily.

[Tatsujin]

the problem is less the hardware, more the qualified people which will program on it.

[FM-77]

Nintendo DS. No contest.

[Monster Bonce]

Nintendo DS. No contest.

Never played it but it seems pretty nice. What about home systems rather than portables?

[Monster Bonce]

the problem is less the hardware, more the qualified people which will program on it.

I know. 'Tis but a dream. I still think it could be a money maker if it was done properly: go for the retro market as well as casual gamers and sell it cheap €50 – 80 and €20 a game. Still, it ain't gonna happen and the devs wouldn't be interested anyway.

That said, old computers do pop up in unusual forms. One of the kiddy toy computers about eight years ago was actually an Apple II in drag and then there's this: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mensch_Computer

More here: http://www.westerndesigncenter.com/wdc/mensch_computer.cfm

($995 if you're interested)

[Necromancer]

It's an interesting idea, but not really feasible.  A Gamecube or PS2 has far, far more horsepower than any of the 2D consoles had, and they can be bought brand new for $100 and $130, respectively.  Just because they can do 3D graphics, doesn't mean that their games have to be in 3D.  I can't see anyone being able to design, produce, and sell a new console that could undercut these two systems.

Genuine question and I mean in terms of game quality, not tech specs.

If technical specifications aren't important, than all of the consoles are pretty much equal.  For any particular genre, there are damn good games on the NES, SNES, TG-16, NeoGeo, Genesis, etc.  Some may look better than others, but that doesn't make the game any more entertaining or of higher quality.  If you equate game quality to scaling, rotation, color count, parallax, or similar things, then you are actually talking about hardware capabilities.  Based on objective abilities, the Saturn is the best 2D console as it is easily the most powerful (not surprising, considering it's also the newest).

[FM-77]

Nintendo DS. No contest.

Never played it but it seems pretty nice. What about home systems rather than portables?

I'd say SNES and Saturn.

[Monster Bonce]

It's an interesting idea, but not really feasible.  A Gamecube or PS2 has far, far more horsepower than any of the 2D consoles had, and they can be bought brand new for $100 and $130, respectively.  Just because they can do 3D graphics, doesn't mean that their games have to be in 3D.  I can't see anyone being able to design, produce, and sell a new console that could undercut these two systems.

Actually, that's a really good point. Not only that but the economies of scale would make the fantasy console more expensive again, not only in terms of a manufacturer purchasing chips but also the overall level of sales of components. For example, the level of sales of a PowerPC core (as used in all three current gen consoles to one degree or another) might actually make them no more expensive on the open market than the modern descendant of an ageing and now specialist chip like the eZ80 (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/EZ80), Coldfire (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Coldfire) or 65816/65802 (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/65816).

If technical specifications aren't important, than all of the consoles are pretty much equal.  For any particular genre, there are damn good games on the NES, SNES, TG-16, NeoGeo, Genesis, etc.  Some may look better than others, but that doesn't make the game any more entertaining or of higher quality.  If you equate game quality to scaling, rotation, color count, parallax, or similar things, then you are actually talking about hardware capabilities.  Based on objective abilities, the Saturn is the best 2D console as it is easily the most powerful (not surprising, considering it's also the newest).

More good points. I think I want at least PCE quality graphics and sound. Going back more than that they just seem too crude to my eyes now.

In the end I suppose it comes down to which has the best library plus the ever nebulous nostalgia factor.

I was never interested in the Neo Geo but am beginning to be. Bad sign. I'll probably buy one within a month.

[Monster Bonce]

I suppose lurking beneath the surface of my question is another question.

Should I buy a Neo Geo? Should I buy a Saturn?

I shouldn't be spending money right now so it'll be a while before I do, but, on balance, which is better (broad question, I know)? I already have a PC Engine, a PC Engine Duo, an N64 and a Wii. The Neo Geo is famed for its beat-'em-ups. I can't see me buying a lot of those—they're fun and all, but... I don't know.

Or should I just stick to the PCE/Duo? After all, I only have 15 PCE games (11 Hucard, 4 CD), about 6 N64 games, 2 Wii games and 5 VC games. There's still tonnes to find and play on the PCE.

[FM-77]

Do NOT buy a Neo-Geo. I repeat, do NOT! The system is madly expensive, the games are madly expensive, and the library consists of 99% beat-em-ups.

A Saturn is most certainly a good thing to have. Highly recommended. In addition, you really need to have a SNES and a Mega Drive. Obviously.

[Monster Bonce]

I had a SNES back in the day. I might buy one again someday. I never liked the MD, though I did want to play Magical Flying Hat Turbo Adventure. When it became Decapattack I wasn't so interested, which probably says more about me than the game.

I was a SMS. I threw one out about 8 months ago, like the idiot I am.

Has the Neo Geo not come down in price? Even for older B and C grade ones?

[Joe Redifer]

The Neo Geo system itself isn't THAT expensive.  I paid $125 for my current AES and that included a Universe BIOS (you want one) and an RGB bypass.  Many games aren't expensive at all.  You can find great games like Nam 1975, Magician Lord and similar for $30 and under, sometimes even brand new.  Those aren't fighting games/beat 'em ups.  There are other great AES games that go for a bit more, obviously, and some that might actually be considered somewhat expensive, like Neo Turf Masters (around $1800 or so).  But seriously, the only ones who can't afford the Neo Geo are dirt poor and/or homeless people.  And as we all know, homeless people do not deserve to be considered real human beings.

[td741]

You can just go the MVS (arcade board) route with a Neo-Geo as well.  The games tend to be dirt cheap, and you've got the chance to purchase games that never officially made it to home format (i.e. Blazing Star).

There are a few consolized systems and superguns available.  If you get yourself an MVS 2 slot, you only really need to wire a supergun for Video and power, the rest can be done on the board (stereo headphone out, and neo-geo stick connectors on the board).

[Kitsunexus]

Powerwise: Commodore CD32 (it's a f*cking AMIGA!!!) and the Neo·Geo.

Gamewise: The SNES, no contest.

[TR0N]

You can just go the MVS (arcade board) route with a Neo-Geo as well.  The games tend to be dirt cheap, and you've got the chance to purchase games that never officially made it to home format (i.e. Blazing Star).

There are a few consolized systems and superguns available.  If you get yourself an MVS 2 slot, you only really need to wire a supergun for Video and power, the rest can be done on the board (stereo headphone out, and neo-geo stick connectors on the board).

Agreed man it's funny when people think there only option is a AES.

Given there are many ways to play MVS at home either by cab,consolized or running the mvs board through a supergun.

Collecting for the neo isn't that expensive.. if you pick the MVS route jmwalsh.

While the system is know for it's fighters it does has it's "share of sports,action platformers and shooters as well.

My setup is a cmvs 2-slot and so far i have 30+ games and i'm satisfy of 'what i got for it right now.

Not to put the saturn down either since i have one too.

Since the saturn is great for shooters and all.