There’s nothing like the sound of a retro console starting up. Before the game even began, those few seconds of sound and animation set the stage. It was the moment that told you—you were about to have fun.

The Sega Genesis hit you right away with that loud “Seeegaaaaa!” It was bold and unforgettable. The PlayStation 2 had a more mysterious vibe, with floating towers and that deep echoing gong. It felt like you were entering another world. And the GameCube? That playful jingle always made us smile—and if you held certain buttons on the controller, you’d unlock secret sounds most people never even knew about.

These startup sounds weren’t just background noise. They were the intro to our favorite memories.

Check out this video to revisit some of these classic sounds, and leave a comment below sharing your favorite.