Nintendo Switch! My first time ever getting a console on launch-- usually I get them years later. My boyfriend and I went to the midnight launch at Best Buy and proceeded to get severe ear infections due to the cold, but it was so worth it.
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What console launch do you have the fondest memories of?
- Thread starter Deleted member 10629
- Start date
as funny as it may sound, probably the wii. my first system was an NES and by then it was already on its last legs, and somehow the snes was already released before i knew it existed. i paid attention to the n64 and gc launches, but i wasn't "that hyped" for them. the n64 cause mario 64 seemed too intimidating for me at the time and gc cause luigi's mansion was shockingly NOT exciting and not a proper mario platformer (though i WAS stoked for ssbm). but wii was the first system that i followed every bit of detail up until release. and while things like its specs were massively disappointing, and that i wasn't sold on motion controls, the system had zelda: tp at launch and soon to be mario galaxy and ssbb. it was also the first console (well, along with the ps3 and 360 to a lesser extent) whose hype i shared with people on a messageboard. it was the very first console i EVER camped out for (never doing that again) and the first console i bought with my own money.
it was also incidentally, the last time i was truly hyped up for a console.
it was also incidentally, the last time i was truly hyped up for a console.
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The earliest Nintendo console I can remember is the Nintendo 64. The GameCube just kind of came out and I knew nothing of the launch. Kind of the same for the Wii. The only one I really followed was the Wii U. Since the Project Cafe days. I was happy with it. I didn't pay much attention to the Switch launch because I didn't feel ready for it. But I did follow it a bit more than other console launches in the past.I bought my Switch about a year an a half after the launch.
Nothing comes close to excitement of the Dreamcast for me.
After that, it is N64, Saturn, and Xbox 360
After that, it is N64, Saturn, and Xbox 360
N64.
Took so long after first seeing Mario 64 in magazines and stuff i was dying for it. Also the release in Australia was a bit behind a few other countries. So i had a preorder at a local game shop, the day came and by the time i got there they said they had already sold them all.
We snatched all our preorder money back and somehow bought one from KMart instead.
Took so long after first seeing Mario 64 in magazines and stuff i was dying for it. Also the release in Australia was a bit behind a few other countries. So i had a preorder at a local game shop, the day came and by the time i got there they said they had already sold them all.
We snatched all our preorder money back and somehow bought one from KMart instead.
Had them all, SNES, N64, Mega drive, but the launch that really got me was the PS1 way back in 96. I had a 3DO at that point and was really enjoying it, but the PS1 was on another level, the games, the graphics were a joy to behold.. I traded my 3DO in to part fund the PS1. I've been a Sony fan ever since (and in my defence am also an Xbox fan and ninty fan..i just prefer Sony). I think the closest I've ever got to a similar launch was the PS4.
for me it was the ps3, after seeing that price there ws no way in hell id get one by xmas, it might aswell been a billion dollars, but lo and behold i ended up getting one on xmas morning. it was the most ive been genuinely surprised!!! the funny part was everyone knew i was getting one, even my damn friends knew and figured id have guessed.
I voted Xbox but I have two distinct memories with launches
I was working at a Zellers (Canada) prior to the Gamecube. I got to set up the display unit and "test it" for a chunk of one of my shifts. I had the electronics section put one aside for me (I worked launch day) and walked out with one. I can't recall if GBA was the same day/time, but I got that pretty early as well.
The other was Xbox One. I did the launch event at a Microsoft Store - got some swag, met some people, and had a pretty good time.
I was working at a Zellers (Canada) prior to the Gamecube. I got to set up the display unit and "test it" for a chunk of one of my shifts. I had the electronics section put one aside for me (I worked launch day) and walked out with one. I can't recall if GBA was the same day/time, but I got that pretty early as well.
The other was Xbox One. I did the launch event at a Microsoft Store - got some swag, met some people, and had a pretty good time.
Sony's PS4. It was the first launch I actually paid attention to as all I remember from the early X360/PS3 launches were commercials and it was the first console I bought with my own money.
gamecube launch was amazing and i was just the right age to have my mind blown by it - smash bros melee, pikmin, luigi's mansion, and super monkey ball were and still are totally iconic for me.
in recent memory though, the switch was actually a really great launch with breath of the wild - i remember going to a small local bar the first day or two and seeing a group of people with a switch and we all ended up playing 1-2-switch together. 1-2 switch isn't really the best game, but in that context it was pretty cool. there was a bit of a drought for me for a while until splatoon 2 came out, but breath of the wild was definitely enough to hold up that launch.
in recent memory though, the switch was actually a really great launch with breath of the wild - i remember going to a small local bar the first day or two and seeing a group of people with a switch and we all ended up playing 1-2-switch together. 1-2 switch isn't really the best game, but in that context it was pretty cool. there was a bit of a drought for me for a while until splatoon 2 came out, but breath of the wild was definitely enough to hold up that launch.
How did this work, then? You lined up but joined and left the queue as and when you needed?
We got numbered tickets as soon as we lined up so places in line were reserved. We thought about just going home as soon as we got the tickets but thought better of it. A couple people did leave and we're hassled by others when they came back. And I definitely remember people, it's always the moms, losing their shit about it as soon as they found out the last console went to the people right in front.
Anyway, back to us. Day 2 my buddy had to work out some stuff with his financial aid at school and something else at work. It was a very cold November in Chicago so we made a sleeping bag run one of the nights. And we all alternated going home to shower the morning of launch day.
I feel like your poll should list the console names not the specific company that released it.
For me, it's either the Dreamcast or Xbox 360 launch. Dreamcast was forward thinking.
Xbox 360 changed the gaming scene in a ton of ways. Can't really beat the vibe they put out with that console's release.
For me, it's either the Dreamcast or Xbox 360 launch. Dreamcast was forward thinking.
Xbox 360 changed the gaming scene in a ton of ways. Can't really beat the vibe they put out with that console's release.
Damn. More power to you, I guess. I personally would never queue up for an electronic item. If I'm starving and It's for food, then maybe. But phones, games/consoles etc...no thanks. And yes, I appreciate I'm saying this on a gaming forum.
Probably the Dreamcast for me.
Opening the box, setting it up, playing Sonic Adventure and Soul Calibur for the first time...those visuals floored me.
Opening the box, setting it up, playing Sonic Adventure and Soul Calibur for the first time...those visuals floored me.
Dreamcast launch was the craziest thing. Those games, Sonic Adventure looking like nothing I've ever seen before, Soul Calibur seriously blowing me away, and Marvel vs Capcom were my 3 launch titles. That was fucking epic.
I remember talking about the SNES to my father constantly, every time I got a new edition of Nintendo Power that had more information about it and upcoming games. I don't remember exactly when I got it, it wasn't a launch things when I was that young, more of "when I got it" thing.
I think the best was the PS3. I was 27, money was no object and I got the box home, had a friend over and we played Resistance split screen while hammering back a case of beer. It was awesome.
I think the best was the PS3. I was 27, money was no object and I got the box home, had a friend over and we played Resistance split screen while hammering back a case of beer. It was awesome.
Maybe the Wii? The only consoles I've ever got at launch are the Dreamcast, the DS, PSP and the Wii.
The Wii Launch.
My first Midnight Launch
First 3D Zelda game for me.
Launch date was my Birthday and I had a day off.
And because I was smart enough to order one a few month I'd advance I got funneld through the Express line so I just took my Console and games, payed with Debit and was on my way home 10 minutes later.
Good times.
My first Midnight Launch
First 3D Zelda game for me.
Launch date was my Birthday and I had a day off.
And because I was smart enough to order one a few month I'd advance I got funneld through the Express line so I just took my Console and games, payed with Debit and was on my way home 10 minutes later.
Good times.
The N64 launch was pretty hype. Bad thing was, that i had 2 games (Mario and Pilotwings) but my console was on backorder and i had to wait 2weeks. But hey, i knew every word in theinstruction mauals when my console arrived ;)
Opening up that Super Nintendo on Christmas morning is a high point of nostalgia for me that is hard to top.
The only other one that comes close was the Xbox and Gamecube launch. I had gotten an Xbox as a gift to myself on my 20th birthday which was the day it launched. Hung out a friend's house Thurs/Fri/Sat and then Saturday night camped at a Target and they all pitched in and got a Gamecube for me.
The only other one that comes close was the Xbox and Gamecube launch. I had gotten an Xbox as a gift to myself on my 20th birthday which was the day it launched. Hung out a friend's house Thurs/Fri/Sat and then Saturday night camped at a Target and they all pitched in and got a Gamecube for me.
Xbox 360 because I bought Kameo with it and thought is was incredible. Massive leap in graphics, fantastic music and gameplay.
I really want to replay it someday but I don't have an Xbox.
I really want to replay it someday but I don't have an Xbox.
SEGA Dreamcast
9/9/99
i was working my first job and this would be the first console i bought myself.
i had games before the console even launched. sonic. powerstone. ready 2 rumble.
i was super ready and the console did not disappoint!!
9/9/99
i was working my first job and this would be the first console i bought myself.
i had games before the console even launched. sonic. powerstone. ready 2 rumble.
i was super ready and the console did not disappoint!!
Switch. Launch day My friend and I got up at around 5 am and went to different stores To wait in line. We were texting back and forth waiting. The feeling of finally getting a switch and being able to play Breath of the Wild for the first time ever was crazy.
PS4.
It was actually the only one I got at launch. I was living in the UK at the time. So cool to pay the official price for the console instead of 1.5 to 2x the price (in addition to disfavorable dollar exchange). And being able to pre-order.
I was sucked into the hype at the time.
I wasn't on PC at the time, so getting games at 1080p was peter-parker-removing-glasses.gif
It was actually the only one I got at launch. I was living in the UK at the time. So cool to pay the official price for the console instead of 1.5 to 2x the price (in addition to disfavorable dollar exchange). And being able to pre-order.
I was sucked into the hype at the time.
I wasn't on PC at the time, so getting games at 1080p was peter-parker-removing-glasses.gif
As far as launches go Dreamcast Is the most vivid and fond memory for me. I think it's the only console I actually got day of release as well.
I remember cutting out articles in magazines months before, playing Sonic Adventure and NFL 2k pre release at media play a few days before release and being blown away. Then getting a ride to pick up my Dreamcast and going home with the box on my lap.
I also vividly remember driving home with my PS2 (that beautiful bright blue box) and Metal Gear Solid 2, making my mom listen to Daft Punk and DMX. lol
I remember cutting out articles in magazines months before, playing Sonic Adventure and NFL 2k pre release at media play a few days before release and being blown away. Then getting a ride to pick up my Dreamcast and going home with the box on my lap.
I also vividly remember driving home with my PS2 (that beautiful bright blue box) and Metal Gear Solid 2, making my mom listen to Daft Punk and DMX. lol
This thread made me realize that I've never got any console on lunch day. From the NES to the PS4PRO/XBOX1 I've always got them with at least 1 year after release.
I guess the closest I got one on release date was the Dreamcast since I got it on October 2000 (console was released on Sept 1999) and it was amazing, it had tons of games and it was a period when the library was growing with amazing titles.
I guess the closest I got one on release date was the Dreamcast since I got it on October 2000 (console was released on Sept 1999) and it was amazing, it had tons of games and it was a period when the library was growing with amazing titles.
snes was really something else. i feel sooo bad for my parents crunching numbers with bills and checkbooks justify a "new nintendo"
i never got that new console high again. i thought n64 would be joyous re creation of that but in spite of how amazing mario 64 was it was kind of depressing
i never got that new console high again. i thought n64 would be joyous re creation of that but in spite of how amazing mario 64 was it was kind of depressing
It wasn't that dire but it sure helped with bills and spending for the next couple of months. You have to remember that those 60gb ps3 ended up fetching $1900-2100 right after release and continued to sell for ~$1400 til about Christmas.
I haven't done it before nor would I do it again. It wasn't a great experience but it was an experience.
I have very fond memories of the Famicom and the NES followed by the Genesis and Super Nintendo and also the Neo-Geo. 8bit and 16 bit eras were crazy fun times.
I got a ps4 on launch, and I will always remember it because it was my first year in a new country. The city I lived in didn't really sell video games, so my girlfriend (now wife) traveled a couple of hours to wait in line in a bigger city to buy one for me.
I was pretty amazed and it remains a special memory to me. We had only been dating a couple of months at that point and it was literally the nicest thing anyone had ever done for me.
I was pretty amazed and it remains a special memory to me. We had only been dating a couple of months at that point and it was literally the nicest thing anyone had ever done for me.
Nintendo 64. i was eagerly awaiting it for months and months. I actually traded in my then-fairly new PS1 for the N64 (biggest mistake I made re: videogames looking back), as I couldn't afford it otherwise. I regret that to this day.
Would have to be the Saturn launch because it came out of nowhere. It was the first console that I bought on launch day. I played an absolute ton of Virtua Fighter and the demo disk.
Randomly deciding to go to Walmart for the Gamecube launch was pretty fun too. I got the memory card, Luigi's Mansion and Rogue Squadron with it. In retrospect, those might have been the most solid launch games in my my memory.
Randomly deciding to go to Walmart for the Gamecube launch was pretty fun too. I got the memory card, Luigi's Mansion and Rogue Squadron with it. In retrospect, those might have been the most solid launch games in my my memory.
The Wii. I was the only one in my group of friends to get one and having everybody come round to play it was a blast.
Yup. It's the only one I remember by date.
Soul Calibur and NFL2K were mind blowing.
Odd poll. Kind of wish it listed the consoles, instead of the console manufacturer. Anyways, the best console launch for me was the Dreamcast. So much excitement, long ass lines on the night of release, tons of great day 1 titles. It was incredible and the most exciting launch.
Probably Dreamcast, because it was the first console launch I lined up for. That 9-9-99 marketing campaign had me SO HYPED
GameCube is my fondest, although that was at Christmas and not on launch day. Got SSBM, THPS3, SSXT and Madden.
Strictly launch day, it's a tough call between the Wii and Switch, and the magic of a new Zelda game. I'll say Wii, simply because I had to jump through more hoops to get one at launch, and that made it a bit more special.
Strictly launch day, it's a tough call between the Wii and Switch, and the magic of a new Zelda game. I'll say Wii, simply because I had to jump through more hoops to get one at launch, and that made it a bit more special.
I only started following gaming news when the ps360 launched. Before that I didn't pay much attention to launches and the like, when I realized there was a new toy at the supermarkets.
That said this generation was probably my favorite because of all the memes and gifs it created lol.
That said this generation was probably my favorite because of all the memes and gifs it created lol.