Longest Console Lifespans

brendanvb

brendanvb

New member
IGN posted an interesting article about the 5 consoles with the longest lifespan (from when they release until they are discontinued). As one of the comments on the site say, it's interesting how none of these would really be thought of if posed with the question of which console has been around the longest:

5: Super Nintendo Entertainment System/ Super Famicom (13 years)
4: Nintendo Gameboy (14 years)
3: Atari 2600/ VCS (15 years)
2: Nintendo Entertainment System / Famicom (20 years)
1: Sega Master System (28 years and counting!)

1: Try to wrap your heads around this: the Master System hit shelves in 1986 and it never came off them. That's right, you can buy a 28 year old console brand new.

... In Brazil.

See, the Sega systems got really popular in Brazil, so a local company called Tectoy was licensed to keep on producing them long after Sega discontinued them. It's not just the Master System - Tectoy also produces new Genesis consoles. Turns out they've really tapped a budget/ nostalgia market and both systems get de-makes of recent games like FIFA '08 or SimCity (and a 16 bit Guitar Hero). Granted, these entries are a little debatable because the consoles come pre-loaded with games and they are different from the originals. Because of this ethical cesspit, we're not including the Genesis on the list (which would have been #2 at 26 years).

And while it isn't exactly the same console we know and love, isn't it a little heartwarming to think that you could play Sonic or Phantasy Star on a brand new Sega?
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I, for a fact, still have my my Sega Megarom at my parents place. Custom controller and 21 games of which Streets of Rage 2, Sonic 3 and Michael Jackson Moonwalker were my favourites.
 
Stunt said:
I, for a fact, still have my my Sega Megarom at my parents place. Custom controller and 21 games of which Streets of Rage 2, Sonic 3 and Michael Jackson Moonwalker were my favourites.
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Megarom? or Mega Drive?:P

On topic : One of our local China Shops sell Mega Drive consoles. Looks like the real thing, takes the original cartridges, but also has "built-in" games. Also has un updated rca port for video output (probably to support newer TV's). Wonder if these consoles come from the factory the OP mentioned?
 
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Nemesis said:
Megarom? or Mega Drive?:P

On topic : One of our local China Shops sell Mega Drive consoles. Looks like the real thing, takes the original cartridges, but also has "built-in" games. Also has un updated rca port for video output (probably to support newer TV's). Wonder if these consoles come from the factory the OP mentioned?
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I've seen those at the China shops here too. I think they're most likely bootleg consoles.
 
Nemesis said:
Megarom? or Mega Drive?:P

On topic : One of our local China Shops sell Mega Drive consoles. Looks like the real thing, takes the original cartridges, but also has "built-in" games. Also has un updated rca port for video output (probably to support newer TV's). Wonder if these consoles come from the factory the OP mentioned?
Click to expand...

Mega Drive, apologies. 16-Bit beast! :D
 
I had a genesis back in the day. Wish I kept it gave it to a friend. Had if for around 5 years,also had a famicom :D

Good old days.
 
What's the criteria here? Does the console still have to be in production? Or does it mean that games are still made for it?
 
I know my 16-bit still works! Played some circus charlie just the other day :D

I think the criteria is that they are still being sold, ie still in production...
 
Edelweiss said:
What's the criteria here? Does the console still have to be in production? Or does it mean that games are still made for it?
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I think just probably in production because you can still get games new or secondhand, for it, or maybe I am wrong.
Then correct me.
 
Edelweiss said:
What's the criteria here? Does the console still have to be in production? Or does it mean that games are still made for it?
Click to expand...

The criteria for the article I posted is the time from the day it hits shelves to the day they stop producing the console.
 
Not surprised Nintendo is in the top 5 as they keep their console for quite a long time before introducing a new one compared to other companies.

4: Nintendo Gameboy (14 years)

Still got my Gameboy Colour and my 5 Pokemon Gameboy games which are still working :D.
 
brendanvb said:
They stopped making PS2's already though, so what is in the world now is the most there ever will be.
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Well being know as the best selling console ever (over 155 Million sold), I can only imagine it to reach the 160M margin by end of life.
 
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