Biggest console generation leap?

[V4NT0M]

This came up in another thread, just wondering (would love a poll) what console generation leap in graphics/technical ability has been the most in your opinion? Which new console made you think 'wow X console is going to be (or is) amazing' the most?

Dont want to go too far back so we go for the following

Master System / NES -> Mega Drive / SNES
Megadrive / SNES -> Playstation / Nintendo 64
Playstation / Nintendo 64 -> Playstation 2 / Gamecube / Xbox / Dreamcast
Playstation 2 / Gamecube / Xbox -> Playstation 3 / Wii / Xbox 360

(put in the main contenders, not going to bother with neo-geos, 3DOs etc lol)

Personally I think my fondest memories and complete wow factor have to have been from playing Mario in 3D for the first time on the N64 and then later Banjo Kazooie, not only because it was a massive leap over the SNES and now in 3D, but because of better Mario/Banjo looked than any PS game. The games only got better from then...

I was tempted to say the current gen, 360 etc, but mainly I've not been mega impressed by the visuals in most games, GoW obviously was wow and playing them in HD is also very, very nice. Also the Wii is very innovative. Everything lokos nice, just not in general wow. 3D was a big revolution.

 

[V4NT0M]

I knew someone would mention the CDI, and I cant believe I forgot about the Amiga.... Some of my best gaming days on the A600 And yea, xcopy one of my most played games

I remember having my old CD32 aswell, but that was really part of the megadrive/SNES generation.

Now i'm thinking of all those niche consoles...
3DO
Neo-Geo
CD-I
Amiga CD 32
Atari Jaguar
Mega-CD
32-X
PC-Engine (at least in the UK)

 

[V4NT0M]

The only time I have been literally gobsmacked with graphics was the first time I saw Sonic Adventure on the dreamcast. Was such a graphical cut above everything before.

Sonic Adventure > Any other sonic game after it