Podcast Summary: "The Besties - Best Console (Not Including the Games)"

Podcast Information:

• Title: The Besties
• Hosts/Authors: Chris Plante, Griffin McElroy, Justin McElroy, Russ Frushtick
• Episode: Best Console (Not Including the Games) (Patreon Bonus)
• Release Date: December 27, 2024

Introduction

In this special Patreon bonus episode, "The Besties" hosts Chris Plante, Griffin McElroy, Justin McElroy, and Russ Frushtick embark on a unique journey to determine the Best Video Game Console, deliberately excluding any discussion about the games themselves. This departure from their usual format focuses solely on console design, features, controllers, user interface, and portability. Utilizing a detailed six-point rubric, the hosts engage in spirited debates, humorous exchanges, and insightful analyses to crown the ultimate console.

Notable Quotes:

• [00:00] Russ Russell: "Hey everyone. We have a very special gift for y'all. You're about to hear an episode we had a lot of fun recording."

Establishing the Bracket and Rules

To manage the extensive array of video game consoles, the hosts agree to limit their competition to:

• PlayStations 1 through 5
• Xbox Original, Xbox 360, Xbox One, Xbox Series X, Xbox Series S

They decide to include two PlayStations and two Xbox consoles in the bracket, ensuring a balanced and focused competition.

Notable Quotes:

• [07:03] Christopher Thomas Plant: "We have to cut all but two PlayStations and two Xbox."
• [07:20] Justin McElroy: "Yes, I like that."

The Six-Point Rubric

The decision-making process revolves around the following criteria:

1. Which Console Looks Cooler?
2. Which Has More Innovative Features?
3. Which Has the More Comfortable Controller?
4. Which Has the Cooler Looking Controller?
5. Which Has the Better System UI?
6. Which Is More Portable?

A tiebreaker is established: Which Name Is Cooler?

Notable Quotes:

• [04:19] Griffin McElroy: "You mention the title of a game, I'm gonna lose my fucking mind."
• [05:00] Russ Russell: "If it's tough to decide, we should do an up and down."

Console Matchups

1. Sega Master System vs. TurboGrafx 16

The discussion begins with a comparison of the Sega Master System and the TurboGrafx 16. The hosts evaluate the aesthetics, innovative features, and controller designs of both consoles.

Result: Sega Master System wins due to its superior box design and versatile hardware features.

Notable Quotes:

• [16:37] Christopher Thomas Plant: "I think the Sega Master System wins because the box is absolutely sick."
• [16:47] Russ Russell: "Well done. Congratulations, Sega Master System..."

2. Sega Saturn vs. Nintendo GameCube

Next, the Sega Saturn is pitted against the Nintendo GameCube. The Saturn's advanced hardware and commercial challenges are compared against the GameCube's robust design and controller ergonomics.

Result: Nintendo GameCube triumphs, praised for its appealing color options and comfortable controller.

Notable Quotes:

• [19:09] Griffin McElroy: "I prefer the Master System."
• [25:17] Griffin McElroy: "The Sega Saturn controller is an abomination."

3. Super Nintendo vs. Sega Genesis

A classic rivalry resurfaces as the Super Nintendo and Sega Genesis face off. The hosts debate based on design, controller comfort, and innovative features like the Super FX chip in SNES cartridges.

Result: Sega Genesis emerges victorious for its sleeker design and innovative features.

Notable Quotes:

• [35:08] Russ Russell: "Which looks cooler? The Super Nintendo takes this Genesis is dead forever."
• [37:13] Griffin McElroy: "Nintendo's the kids one. Sega is pretty raw and pretty cool."

4. Nintendo Entertainment System (NES) vs. Nintendo Switch

The NES is juxtaposed with the modern Nintendo Switch, focusing on design evolution, portability, system UI, and controller innovations. The nostalgic appeal of the NES is weighed against the Switch's versatility.

Result: Nintendo Switch wins, credited for revolutionizing portability and maintaining a robust design.

Notable Quotes:

• [51:18] Griffin McElroy: "I play it more than any other."
• [51:37] Russ Russell: "The Nintendo Switch, I would agree."

5. Original Xbox vs. Xbox 360

The Original Xbox is compared with its successor, the Xbox 360. The discussion highlights controller design, interface improvements, features like Xbox Live, and overall aesthetics.

Result: Xbox 360 takes the lead for its advanced features and enhanced controller comfort.

Notable Quotes:

• [53:37] Griffin McElroy: "Look, if this conversation is, I think largely spearheaded by aesthetics, I think that the Xbox doesn't look very good."
• [55:19] Justin McElroy: "But it's nice."

6. PlayStation 1 vs. PlayStation 2

The final matchup examines the transition from PlayStation 1 to PlayStation 2, considering design improvements, multimedia functionalities like DVD playback, system UI enhancements, and portability.

Result: PlayStation 1 wins, celebrated for its iconic design and foundational impact on gaming consoles.

Notable Quotes:

• [63:21] Griffin McElroy: "I love stories about video games our entire lives. It was the forever fantasy."
• [65:58] Justin McElroy: "...if we're giving it the benefit of the doubt for its innovation, then the reliability of those has to be taken into account."

Dreamcast's Special Mention

Throughout the episode, the Sega Dreamcast is passionately advocated by Griffin McElroy as "da best," despite not being part of the main bracket. The Dreamcast's innovative features, such as the Virtual Memory Unit (VMU) and pioneering online capabilities, are lauded for setting industry standards ahead of its time.

Notable Quotes:

• [41:32] Griffin McElroy: "Dreamcast, da Best by Spike."
• [86:55] Griffin McElroy: "Dreamcast, da Best by Spike."

Final Rankings

Based on the discussions and rubric evaluations, the final console rankings are as follows:

1. Dreamcast (Special Mention)
2. Xbox 360
3. Nintendo GameCube
4. Nintendo Switch
5. Sega Genesis
6. Super Nintendo
7. Nintendo Wii
8. PlayStation 1
9. PlayStation 2
10. Original Xbox
11. TurboGrafx 16
12. Sega Saturn
13. Sega Master System
14. Nintendo Wii U

Conclusion

The episode wraps up with the hosts reflecting on the intense and humorous debates surrounding console design and innovation. While the Dreamcast is humorously crowned as the best console, the genuine appreciation for each console's unique contributions to gaming history is evident. The hosts thank their listeners for supporting the episode and invite them to join future discussions to continue celebrating the rich legacy of video game consoles.

Notable Quotes:

• [91:37] Justin McElroy: "Congratulations to Dreamcast. Thanks to you for listening."
• [92:32] Christopher Thomas Plant: "Sa."

This episode of "The Besties" offers a blend of nostalgia, critical analysis, and comedic banter, providing listeners with a comprehensive and entertaining exploration of video game console history and innovation.