Consoles are bizarre when it comes to naming.PlayStationkept it simple, going from the original to 5, even throwing in the aptly titledPlayStation Portable. Easy enough, eh? Then we hadXbox, which was followed by 360, One, One X, and finally, Series X. Good luck explaining that to your parents.
It’s not just Xbox that likes to throw random names out there in no logical order (given the state of Windows' naming, maybe we shouldn’t be surprised - seriously, where’s Windows 9?).Nintendowent from Wii to Wii U, instead of just ‘Wii 2’ - it even rhymes! The DS was followed up by the DS Lite, DSi, 3DS, 2DS, and then New 3DS, which is now old again. 3DS gets a pass though, it’s a neat pun.
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All the while, theSwitchsuccessor is lingering on the horizon, withrumours and leaks year in and year out. Eventually, that constant stream of ‘Switch 2’ and ‘Switch Pro’ speculation will become a reality, and once it does, we’ll find out if it leans into PlayStation’s more understandable naming logic, or doubles down on its own and Xbox’s past. In the meantime, fans are debating the worst console names of all time. Unsurprisingly,the Wii Uand Xbox Series top the list.
“It’s Wii U easily,” KillstealWolf said in response tothe ResetEra thread’s question. “The name and how it was marketed made people think it wasn’t a new console. Just an accessory to the Wiis they already owned.”
“No way it isn’t the Wii U, the name murdered the console damn near,” Milennia added. “Xbox one I at least can get a grasp of what they were going for with the all in one entertainment system. The **** is a Wii U”.
Lari meanwhile takes aim at the name ‘Xbox’ itself. Forget 360, One, and Series, just plain ol' Xbox: “the name Xbox is the most early 00s name. It feels anachronistic in 2023.”
Going further back, giant_frying_pan said, “Wii U wins this, but I can’t accept Genesis as a good name because it wasn’t Sega’s first console (or even their second).”
Others, meanwhile, got stuck on Xbox Series and how it can possibly go forward. Does it drop ‘Series’ and opt for a new naming scheme, like 360 and One, or commit with Series X and Series S 2, or Series 2X and 2S? Maybe we’ll finally get the Xbox 720.
It’ll be a while before we see whatthe next Switch is called, but, currently, two out of the three biggest console manufacturers are known for bizarre names with little connectivity. Maybe that’ll change with a Switch 2, or maybe Nintendo will throw out a curveball and give us the Switch U. Who knows?
