Today, let’s take a nostalgic trip down memory lane with a little “What if…?” scenario. Remember the Sega 32X? It was this ambitious add-on for the Sega Genesis that aimed to catapult the beloved console into next-gen territory. While it didn’t quite hit its mark, it left us wondering: what other classic consoles could have benefited from a similar leap forward?
Let’s imagine—what if the N64 had gotten an “N128” upgrade? Could it have kept up with the PS1 and Saturn in that fierce console war era? Or maybe there’s another platform itching for a second wind, like the SNES or even the beloved Game Boy!
What other consoles do you think should’ve received their own “next-gen” add-ons?
I feel like console add-ons would have been better for everyone. I like the idea of being able to squeeze more life out of an existing console because it means not everyone has to rush to get the new one. Modular upgrading is one of the bigger reasons I’m a PC gamer.
Couldn’t agree more. Consoles not being upgradable is the reason why I exclusively play PC games.
It’s no surprise that the 32X failed; I don’t know what Sega was thinking when they decided to go back to a sound chip after everyone already got used to PCM audio with the Sega/Mega CD. I think if the Sega CD was delayed long enough to add a 3D accelerator, they could have canceled both the 32X and Saturn, dropped the upgraded Mega CD in 1994 for $249, and absolutely dominate the 5th gen before the PlayStation ever got a chance.