What is the best video game console of the 2000s?

Three companies fought over one decade, and the machine that sold the most is not the one people got attached to. Handhelds are in the mix too, which muddies it further.

1

PlayStation 2

Sony's 2000 console, the best-selling home system ever at more than 160 million units.

2

Xbox 360

Microsoft's 2005 console that made online multiplayer and achievements standard.

3

Nintendo Wii

Nintendo's 2006 motion-control console that sold over 101 million units to a brand-new audience.

4

Nintendo DS

The dual-screen 2004 handheld that went on to sell more than 154 million units.

5

PlayStation 3

Sony's 2006 machine, launched at a punishing price and rescued by its later years.

6

Nintendo GameCube

Nintendo's compact 2001 purple cube with a carrying handle and a devoted following.

7

Original Xbox

Microsoft's blunt 2001 debut, the console that launched Halo and Xbox Live.

8

PlayStation Portable

Sony's 2004 handheld that put near-console visuals in a pocket.

9

Game Boy Advance

Nintendo's 2001 handheld and the last great home for 2D sprite games.

10

Sega Dreamcast

Sega's 1999 final console, ahead of its time and gone by 2001.

11

Game Boy Micro

Nintendo's tiny 2005 curiosity, the smallest console it ever sold.