10 Video Game Consoles That Had One Iconic Game

Here's a list of 10 video game consoles, each defined by one unforgettable and iconic game.

  • Alyana Aguja
  • 3 min read
10 Video Game Consoles That Had One Iconic Game
Nikita Kostrykin from Unsplash

Video game history is filled with consoles that were remembered most for one game that became inseparable from their identity. From the Nintendo 64’s Ocarina of Time to the Wii’s Wii Sports, these titles not only sold millions of units but also shaped the legacy of the hardware they were on. This list looks back at 10 consoles and the one iconic game that defined them.

1. Nintendo 64 – The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time

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The Nintendo 64 is remembered for many games, but nothing defined it more than Ocarina of Time. This 1998 adventure set the standard for 3D action-adventure titles with its vast world, memorable music, and groundbreaking gameplay. Even today, it is often hailed as one of the greatest games ever made.

2. Sega Dreamcast – Sonic Adventure

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The Sega Dreamcast may have had a short life, but it gave us Sonic Adventure, the first true 3D Sonic game. It showcased the system’s power with fast-paced action, vibrant levels, and multiple character perspectives. For many fans, this game was the last great hurrah for Sega as a console maker.

3. PlayStation 2 – Grand Theft Auto: San Andreas

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The PlayStation 2 had a massive library, yet GTA: San Andreas became its crown jewel. Its sprawling open world, freedom of choice, and controversial storylines captured the attention of millions. This game alone sold millions of PS2 units and remains one of the best-selling games of all time.

4. Xbox 360 – Halo 3

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Microsoft’s Xbox 360 thrived largely due to Halo 3. Its intense multiplayer, cinematic campaign, and online community made it a must-have for gamers during the mid-2000s. It became a cultural phenomenon, cementing Xbox Live as the premier online gaming service.

5. PlayStation – Final Fantasy VII

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The original PlayStation gained legendary status in part because of Final Fantasy VII. This role-playing masterpiece introduced millions to cinematic storytelling in games, with unforgettable characters like Cloud and Sephiroth. It not only defined the console but also brought JRPGs into the global spotlight.

6. Wii – Wii Sports

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Nintendo’s Wii became a household sensation thanks to Wii Sports. The simple yet addictive collection of motion-controlled games introduced video games to families and non-gamers worldwide. Its accessibility made it one of the most iconic pack-in titles in gaming history.

7. Game Boy – Pokémon Red and Blue

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The Game Boy owes much of its enduring success to Pokémon Red and Blue. These games sparked a worldwide craze, letting players catch, train, and battle pocket monsters on the go. They turned the handheld into a cultural icon and started one of the biggest franchises ever.

8. Atari 2600 – Space Invaders

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The Atari 2600 became a best-seller largely because of its port of Space Invaders. This arcade hit found new life at home, driving sales and turning the console into a household name. It was one of the first true “system sellers” in gaming history.

9. PlayStation 3 – The Last of Us

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While the PS3 had many hits, The Last of Us became its defining masterpiece. Its emotional storytelling, cinematic gameplay, and memorable characters pushed the boundaries of what games could be. It closed out the PS3 era with one of the greatest titles in modern gaming.

10. Super Nintendo – Super Mario World

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The Super Nintendo’s defining title was Super Mario World. Launching with the system in 1990, it showcased colorful graphics, tight controls, and imaginative levels that introduced Yoshi to the world. It became the gold standard for 2D platformers and one of the SNES’s most beloved games.

Written by: Alyana Aguja

Alyana is a Creative Writing graduate with a lifelong passion for storytelling, sparked by her father’s love of books. She’s been writing seriously for five years, fueled by encouragement from teachers and peers. Alyana finds inspiration in all forms of art, from films by directors like Yorgos Lanthimos and Quentin Tarantino to her favorite TV shows like Mad Men and Modern Family. When she’s not writing, you’ll find her immersed in books, music, or painting, always chasing her next creative spark.

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