There’s something special about being welcomed by a console’s startup sound when you’re getting ready to play some video games. A good one can feel like a friend saying “hello.” It’s like all the troubles in the real world go away while you immerse yourself in your favorite games.
Some console startup sounds are more memorable or welcoming than others. Because of this, it’s worth looking at the ten best video game console startup sounds.
10) Nintendo 3DS
This one is short and simple, like the handheld console itself, but the rippling and overlaying of sounds makes it sound three-dimensional, making it perfect for the Nintendo 3DS. This was always a delight to hear when getting ready to StreetPass.
9) Neo-Geo Max 330 Mega
Neo-Geo Startup Bios Screen All Music Sound Variants
The Neo-Geo Max 330 Mega was a commercial failure and isn’t especially well-known, so its startup sound loses nostalgia value for most people despite it being an older console. That being said, this is an incredibly fun tune. It sounds like something out of the future.
8) NES/Famicom
Nintendo Entertainment System (NES) Startup Screen
This one is a charming little tune that sounds similar to amazing video game soundtracks like that of the classic Kid Icarus. It’s got an old school charm, and overall sounds happy in tone, preparing gamers for a joyful experience with the console.
7) XBox 360
The XBox 360 startup sound is like being sucked into a vortex that leads into the world of gaming. Even for those who didn’t have an XBox 360, it’s instantly recognizable and shockingly nostalgic. It’s easily the best startup sound of any XBox, which speaks volumes.
6) Sega Dreamcast
The echoes, droplets, and reverb of the Sega Dreamcast startup sound all sound incredible while also showcasing what is possible with sound on the console. The visuals match the sound more than most other console startups. It also has a mysterious feel to it, as if to make one wonder what sort of magic awaits them when they play games on the system.
5) PlayStation 3
The PlayStation 3’s start up sound resembles an orchestra of string instruments getting ready for the performance of a lifetime. It’s as if it’s there to advertise the “orchestra” of games that one can expect on the console. It doesn’t stand out as a unique melody like most of the other startup sounds on this list, but it still feels special. There’s an almost mystical feel to it.
4) Game Boy Advance
original game boy advance startup
This one is quick, but it’s extremely satisfying and nostalgic to hear. With just a couple of chiptune beeps, Nintendo was able to create a welcoming noise that sounds simply magical. There’s nothing quite like flicking the switch on a Game Boy Advance in the back of your parents’ car on a long trip filled with gaming and hearing those two precious notes.
3) PlayStation 2
The startup sound on the PlayStation 2 is what it must sound like to fall into another dimension. There’s no other real way to describe these heavenly noises. There was also the added suspense of waiting for the second sound to occur, which meant the game actually worked and didn’t need to be reset. Because of that, this one now brings nothing but joy when it’s heard.
2) Nintendo GameCube
The startup sound of the Nintendo GameCube is so iconic and popular that it’s easily the most memed console startup sound ever. It’s definitely a fun one, which plays nicely into preparing the player for a fun time playing video games on the system. This one also has the added bonus of the wacky alternates one could get, plus the sound goes so well with the visuals when the console is powered on.
1) PlayStation 1
From the reverb to the chimes and the echoey sound, the original Sony PlayStation’s startup simply feels magical. It showcases the console’s audio power while advertising that gaming on the console will be an experience that will forever be special. Whatever this sound is made of needs to be pumped into my veins from time to time.
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