Tell us your favourite games console of all time - have your say & take our poll

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We'd love to know your favourite gaming console of all time! (Image: Getty)

The great gaming console wars have been raging for decades now - fuelling the industry's evolution to greater and greater heights.

Bitter rivalries have emerged and fallen over the years, with battlegrounds witnessing iconic clashes between giants such as Nintendo, Sega, Sony and Microsoft. Each new generation of consoles brings with it a heightened expectation, as companies strive to outdo one another in terms of technological prowess, exclusive titles, and user experience.

From the infamous head-to-head clashes between Nintendo and Sega in the 1990s to the modern-day showdowns between Sony's PlayStation and Microsoft's Xbox, the console wars have provoked excitement, fan loyalty, and really pushed the boundaries of gaming innovation.

The hostilities ignited in the late '70s with the advent of consoles such as the Atari 2600 and Intellivision, each vying for dominance in the burgeoning home gaming market. But it was the introduction of the Nintendo Entertainment System (NES) in the mid-'80s that reshaped the landscape, establishing the Japanese juggernaut as a force to be reckoned with.

However, Sega emerged as a formidable competitor with the Mega Drive in the early '90s, sparking the iconic console wars with Nintendo's SNES. This era witnessed an intense battle for market share, fuelled by groundbreaking technologies, iconic franchises, and aggressive marketing tactics. Sony disrupted the scene in the mid-'90s with the PlayStation, shifting the dynamics with its CD-based gaming and expansive library. The rivalry intensified with the release of the PlayStation 2, Xbox, and GameCube in the early 2000s.

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If you can't see the poll, click here

The gaming console rivalry in the noughties and beyond has been marked by intense competition and technological innovation. In the early 2000s, the battle between Sony's PlayStation 2, Microsoft's Xbox, and Nintendo's GameCube captivated gamers worldwide. Each platform offered unique features and exclusive titles, instilling a fierce loyalty among fans.

As the decade progressed, Microsoft entered the fray with the Xbox 360, setting the stage for a new era of online gaming and multimedia entertainment. Meanwhile, Sony countered with the PlayStation 3, boasting powerful hardware and a robust line-up of first-party franchises. Nintendo, known for its innovation, introduced the motion-controlled Wii, capturing a broad audience beyond traditional gamers.

By the 2010s, the rivalry intensified with the launch of the PlayStation 4, Xbox One, and Nintendo Switch. Sony focused on delivering high-quality exclusives and immersive experiences, while Microsoft emphasised backward compatibility and ecosystem integration with its Xbox Live service. Nintendo's Switch, a hybrid console, redefined gaming on the go, offering versatility and a diverse library of games.

The competition between these industry titans continues to drive advancements in gaming technology and shape the future of interactive entertainment, with current gen Playstation 5 and Xbox Series X the frontrunners.

So what's YOUR favourite?

After that little trip down memory lane, why not tell us what your favourite gaming console of all time is? We'd love to know!

Perhaps you were a diehard Sega fan, smashing the baddies in Streets of Rage 2, zipping around at breakneck speed with Sonic the Hedgehog or throwing for a touchdown in John Madden's Football. Or maybe you preferred the Super Nintendo with its platform perfection of Super Mario Land, exploring a fantasy realm in the Secret of Mana or beating your mate in Streetfighter II?

Sony's five eras of PlayStation may hold a special place in your heart, whether it's Wipeout, GTA Vice City, Skyrim, God of War or Ghost of Tsushima. But which console iteration speaks to you the most?

Perhaps your loyalties lie with Microsoft and the Xbox? Games such as the Halo franchise, Forza or Starfield all featuring in many gamers' top ten.

Whether it's the simple graphics of Pong on an old Atari or the frankly stunning graphics on the forthcoming GTA VI, we all know there's more to gaming than just looks. It's all about how it makes you feel.

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So come on, tell us your favourite console by answering our poll above!

Paul Speed

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