New consoles release all the time, with most releases going under the radar of mainstream gamers. But, just because a console isn't released by Nintendo, Microsoft, or Sony doesn't mean it isn't good. Some third-party consoles turned out great but lacked the attention they deserved.
Others, however, end up so bad that people who both into them almost instantly regret it. What makes these consoles good or bad? Well, almost anything could ruin a console's chances of succeeding, and even the mightiest names in the industry aren't immune to failure.
10 Best: Nintendo Switch
After the disaster of the Wii U, Nintendo switched things up (literally) with the Nintendo Switch. This handheld/console hybrid was a welcome sight for gamers that had some major upgrades. The Joycon controllers could easily be detached and used separately or in a controller dock.
The system itself could go from playing on the TV to a handheld console in mere seconds. There is no doubt that fans still love their Switch consoles, especially since more games are finally releasing.
9 Worst: The Ouya
The Ouya was a Kickstarter-funded console that received more than 8 million dollars in funding. Upon release, fans weren't very happy with the final product. The console quickly turned into a disaster, with hardly any games to play on it.
Included with the Ouya were serious issues with the wifi connectivity and controller which hindered the console's chances of success from the get-go. The video for the Kickstarter campaign also featured Minecraft, which never actually made it to the console. At least it had an okay -ish design.
8 Best: PS4
Aside from their being a few problems at launch, the PS4 has continued to dominate the console space over the last decade. Sony has sold more than 100 million PS4s, and that number continues to rise as fans await the PS5. It is no surprise that the PS4 has been so popular since it was crafted by one of the biggest console titans in the world. The PS5 is sure to be wildly loved by fans upon its release in November.
7 Worst: Wii U
The Wii U had a few benefits. Some games allowed you to use the handheld console instead of using the TV. It also came with some upgrades to its predecessor, but not enough to really wow Nintendo fans.
Unfortunately for fans, game developers weren't too happy about making games compatible with the system, so fans who owned the console had to wait for badly designed games or miss out on them altogether. Luckily, Nintendo was able to rectify their mistake with the Nintendo Switch.
6 Best: Xbox One
Another console titan, Microsoft, created the Xbox One and attracted many fans to upgrade from the previous generation of consoles. Microsoft also released refined versions of the console that offer more power in the form of the Xbox One X, or more value in a smaller package in the Xbox One S.
Just like the PS4, it's no surprise to consider this console one of the best of the decade. Fans are now awaiting the Xbox Series X that will release around the same time as the PS5.
5 Worst: PS Vita
The PS Vita was made to look good. Its sleek, elegant design was a reminder to fans of the PSP—too bad it didn't perform as well. Sony promised home console-quality gaming, which they delivered on, but they didn't deliver on the games. If Sony had pushed more games for the Vita, then it might have been more popular.
One thing that made the PSP as loved as it was was the amount of quirky, new games that Sony tried out on it. Unfortunately, almost every game that got pushed to the PS Vita ended up being a poor take on other games that released on standard consoles.
4 Best: Nintendo 3DS
Nintendo knows how to make innovative changes to their consoles. The 3DS was a beloved upgrade to the original DS systems with more power and the capability to play games in 3D. Later in the decade, Nintendo released the 2DS to go alongside it. This one, thankfully, didn't include the nausea-inducing 3D. Nintendo also released the New Nintendo 3DS that further increased the power of the console so that it could maintain its relevancy for a few extra years.
3 Worst: M.O.J.O Micro Console
We are certain that every here can remember Mad Catz, the controller, keyboard, mouse, and headset developer. They made controllers for both Sony and Microsoft's consoles back in the day. In 2013, they decided it would be fun to make their own console that they called the M.O.J.O Microconsole.
Unfortunately for them, the console quickly died off and barely made a splash in the gaming market. It quickly dropped in price before disappearing from their store altogether.
2 Best: Oculus Rift
The Oculus Rift released back in 2012 and has since been upgraded multiple times. Originally, the system required a beefy gaming PC to operate, but now a version of it can be used without a PC. Virtual reality gaming has been on the rise and is more popular than ever.
It's been so popular, in fact, that Sony tried to cash in on it as well with the PSVR. Nothing will be the same as a VR system attached to a gaming PC. Plus, getting access to all those Steam games really helps increase the popularity.
1 Worst: Monon Color
The Monon Color is one of those gaming consoles that gamers have probably heard of. Why? Because it barely made a blip on the radar when it was released. It looks like a spiky version of the Gameboy Advance and even played GBA-syle cartridges.
It had a few games of its own that look decent, but hardly anybody got notified of its existence, and so it fell out of the market in no time at all. The worst part about this console is the fact that it uses batteries like back in the olden days of Nintendo's handhelds.