PS2/Xbox/GameCube praised as 'golden era' of gaming by fans

It was only recently that my PlayStation 2 was finally laid to rest. She was a good companion but after 23 long and glorious years, she gave up the ghost. If you could hear me now, I just let out a sad sigh.

We spend so much time wrapped up in what’s new. PlayStation 5 sales are skyrocketing thanks to the fact that the console shortage is finally over, but it’s nice to look back every now and then. Indulge in some nostalgia. I often think about The Simpsons: Hit & Run fondly, and Bratz: Forever Diamondz - although that’s a bit more niche. As you can probably tell, I was a PlayStation kid but gamers are in agreement that the PS2, Xbox, GameCube, and Dreamcast era was indeed the golden era of gaming.

Who remembers this nostalgic gem?

Users gathered on Reddit to discuss the era. USAIsAUcountry wrote, “The good ol’ days of setting up a cardboard box frame in front of the TV so you couldn’t peek when playing against each other,” while Okan_Zokamee simply said, “So many good memories from this era.” Wikadood put, “PS2 and GameCube games were built different.” Let’s take a moment to shout out The Legend of Zelda: The Wind Waker and Resident Evil 4.

TheOKComputerGuy added, “Demo discs were the s**t! Used to love buying game magazines for the tutorials and upcoming game demons. Kung Fu Chaos was definitely one of my favourite games from the era.” Oh man, core memory unlocked. I had a demo disc with a Bugs Bunny game that I used to play all the time. Arnoxthe1 said, “The good old days of owning your games and not getting f**ked by microtransactions.” Another solid point.

Imgrandojjo joked, “When the four nations lived in harmony.” It’s true. It was the time just before the console wars, but I’d like to think that we’re there again. My consoles happily sit next to one another now just as their predecessors did back in the early 00s. What a lovely thought.