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Most Unreliable Console?

Posted: October 27th, 2008, 3:10 pm
by Alienblue
Taking a break from soap operas to talk VIDEOGAMES...

With all the "RED RING OF DEATH" posts, I'd like to know which system bought NEW has given you the most troubles? ANY system from the first Pong units to PS3.

I've READ many horror stories but am having a hard time thinking of one new system I bought MYSELF. 2600, INTV, CV, 5200, 7800, Vectrex,NES, SMS, Genesis...even 8 bit computers!

Thinking back, they all worked PERFECTLY when I bought them new. For USED consoles, it's a tie between toaster NES and Vectrex (Zen: I actually found two before that one that were DEAD, but for a single point of light! But what do you expect with a system that has a VECTOR MONITOR!?)

For those wondering, my Coleco ADAM computer has run flawlessly since 1985!!!!!! As has my Intellivision! For REALLY bad luck of course lets talk VISTA PC!(Y'all remember that laptop? I sold it for fifty bucks as is!)

others?

Most Unreliable Console?

Posted: October 27th, 2008, 3:29 pm
by andrew
[QUOTE=Alienblue]Taking a break from soap operas to talk VIDEOGAMES...

[/QUOTE]

Thanks 'blue, we thought you'd never ask. A "toaster" NES sure us unreliable, but with enough tricks and a lot of swearing, at least the sucker would turn on eventually. One RROD and your toast. Hmm, maybe they should switch casings?

Most Unreliable Console?

Posted: October 27th, 2008, 4:38 pm
by NixonTech2071
I just cant resist this topic.

Colecovision or even the microvision, but the microvision has to be the most unreliable, you cant even expose it to a gust of warm air!

Most Unreliable Console?

Posted: October 27th, 2008, 6:03 pm
by bluemonkey1

Dreamcast for me.  My 360 has died on me once and that was an early model and I play the machine excessively.  But my DC which I played a lot less was way more temperamental.  I have now fixed it three times - mine has the common internal reset problem.  And some of my games (brand new copies) it will randomly refuse to play.


Most Unreliable Console?

Posted: October 27th, 2008, 6:30 pm
by Video Elephant
If you're including handhelds, the audio on Game Gears is prone to failure.

Most Unreliable Console?

Posted: October 27th, 2008, 7:04 pm
by VideoGameCritic
I second bluemonkey on the Dreamcast.  I must have fixed/replaced about 4 or 5 of those things.

Most Unreliable Console?

Posted: October 27th, 2008, 7:35 pm
by Cheesy

I had to get my DC fixed just once, because one of my controllers broke and I tied the wires back together. It shorted out the controller deck when turned on.


Most Unreliable Console?

Posted: October 27th, 2008, 8:04 pm
by Sudz1
Although it's my favorite console system, I have to agree that the DC is a pretty unreliable system.  I think at one time or or another I've owned 4 of them; I only have two now, and while both work fine you just never know when one or the other will suddenly decide it can't see a disk anymore.
Sudz



Most Unreliable Console?

Posted: October 27th, 2008, 8:35 pm
by J_B_Philouza

I must have a magic Dreamcast.  No problems ever, unless the game is taped together.  I'll sell it for $800...


Most Unreliable Console?

Posted: October 27th, 2008, 9:49 pm
by The Sentinel
Good topic, Alien.

The Dreamcast has been a very reliable system for me so far. I bought a MIB back-up quite a few years ago when Dreamcast was on its way out and they could be had very cheaply. I've also picked up a black used Dreamcast as another backup. I haven't had to use either of the back-ups yet. My launch day (9-9-99) system still works like new (knock on wood) despite many, many hours of play time.

For modern systems, I'd have to go with the XBOX 360 as the most unreliable. In my history of buying consoles, I've never had a system die on me within the first 5 or so years of use except the 360 (which has seen the least use and been babied the most of all my consoles in the last 15 years or so). The only other system I've ever had die on me is a Colecovision that I dug out after not playing for 20 years or so and then plugging in the wrong power adapter...frying it. The replacement Colecovision I bought has been very buggy.

Like everyone else, my list of unreliable systems would also include the NES front loader with the cartridge contact problems.

I have a real affinity for cartridge based systems. Without moving parts, they tend to stand up to the most punishment and playtime (excluding the NES). I guess that's one reason I love the DS so much these days. I wonder about the longevity of all the CD and DVD drive based systems 20 or 30 years from now...if I'm still here to try and enjoy them.