Our Top 5 Game Console Start-Ups

5 – Nintendo Entertainment System (NES)

I’m a bit too young to have played the NES when it first came out. I have one in my collection now and it’s one of my favourites. It was the first home console for a massive amount of people and I’m sure the way that the PS1 start-up makes me feel is the same for them with the NES. I find the start-up sound very rousing; you can’t help but nod your head along. A bit like a national anthem or a superhero about to fly off. It just makes you feel good!

4 – Sega Dreamcast

The Dreamcast was the first sixth generation video game console to be released and ultimately ended Sega’s place in the home console market. While the console itself wasn’t a success the start-up is brilliant. It was simple and modern with the little ball introducing the letters then the Dreamcast squiggle and the echoey sound topped it all off.

3 – Nintendo GameCube

Another great sixth generation console start-up this time from Nintendo. The GameCube’s frenetic, orchestral music and animated cube logo was a winning combination. My dog on the other hand is not a fan. Everytime he hears it, he gets very suspicious and starts barking. Another cool feature of the GameCube start-up was the alternative music when holding the Z button on one controller or holding the Z button on all four controllers if playing with friends.

2 – Sega Genesis/Mega Drive

The Sega Mega Drive was the first console I received as a Christmas present. I still remember opening the wrapping paper and being full of elation. The Sega Mega Drive didn’t officially come with a start-up. However, the SEGAAAAA call at the start of the Sonic the Hedgehog game is synonymous with the console, truly iconic and deserves to be on the list.

1 – PlayStation One (PS1)

The Sega Mega Drive was the first console I had but the PS1 is the console I have most memories of as a kid. That’s the main reason it’s at the top of our list because it brings back all the feels for me. A side from that, it really is a brilliant start-up. The visuals aren’t the best when compared to other start-ups, but the music makes up for that with those mesmerising wind chimes that brought about a sense of anticipation with the ascending scale at the end.

Honourable mention

Xbox

I feel the original Xbox start-up deserves a mention. It does seem to be like marmite, you either love it or hate it. I love it. It might not have aged well but it was different and there’s no other start up like it. Nintendo’s offerings have always been upbeat, and PlayStation was slick and cool. Whereas the Xbox start-up had that green blob and machinery that looked like it came from the future. Not forgetting the sounds which were quite scary as a kid.