I will tabulate the results with new votes. Pick 4 consoles, explain why if you can a bit, and that's it. Any generation.

For me: Nintendo DS, 1st Gen PS3, SNES, N64

Nintendo DS is backward compatible with my favorite system of all time, the GBA. So it's a shoe in for me. Although I miss out on a few GB/GBC games, I still get the Pokemon Remakes, so I'm all good.

A first gen PS3 plays PS1, PS2 and PS3 games, so it's hard to ignore. Those three systems are kind of the mainstream systems for hardcore gamers. Although I prefer 360 over PS3, it just doesn't have the long term BC library.

SNES has some of my favorite games of all time. Games like Chrono Trigger, Super Mario RPG, and Donkey Kong Country. Really awesome system.

N64 is the same story, best multiplayer games ever. I'd much rather play a good ol game of Mario Kart 64 then Halo, CoD, or even Mario Kart Wii.

While GBA SP is my favorite system, DS was a better choice...sucks that my GB/GBC games didn't make it. 

V - NES
X - SNES
VII - N64
I - GCN
XIII - Wii
IV - WiiU
V - GBA
V - NDS
VIII - 3DS
III - Gen
I - SegaCD
I - SDC
III - PS1
IV - PS2
XXI - PS3
II - PSP
IV - Vita
VIII - 360
I - iPhone
I - Android

Grouped per manufacturer

This is a pretty easy list to compile really (for me that is).

PlayStation 3
Well it's backwards compatible with the PS1 at least, and if I was lucky the PS2 as well so that makes this one a no brainer. You get the PS1 and PS3 catilogs, you can't do much better than that.

Super Nintendo Entertainment System
Because if you like RPGs (and I do) than it's probably one of your favorite consoles (and it is).

Sega Dreamcast
It was a toss up between the 64 and the Dreamcast and honestly I prefer the games on the Dreamcast just a little bit more. Aside from Nintendo's offerings there isn't anything here that isn't better on the PS1, which I get with the PS3.

Nintendo Entertainment System
Cause I can't live without Super Mario Bros. 3 on it's original console. Period.

NES, SNES, N64, 360.

Well, with your rationale of backwards compatibility, I'd choose:


The Wii - I can play a veritable smorgasbord of classics via the VC, plus all GCN and Wii games.

The DS Lite - stellar library plus all GBA games.

The first gen PS3 - every Playstation game in existence.  

The NES - my favorite game system of all time, and I'd have access to those few games not yet on the VC that I love (Bionic Commando, Contra, Rygar, etc). While I also love the SNES, the only game I love that's not available on the VC is Yoshi's Island, and I can play the GBA port on my DS.

Except for a few games here and there on other systems, these four would cover pretty much everything that I really care about.

Really? I own a dreamcast and I don't see what the hype is all about. Every great Dreamcast game is playable on Gamecube or PS2 with the exception of Sonic Shuffle and Shenmue. What games in particular are worth putting this system on your list?

Wii - got all my N64, SNES, and NES bases covered. Oh hey, Gamecube is covered here too!

N64 (wait, what?!) - because of fucking Banjo Kazooie. That's why.

Sega Genesis - Sonic. 'Nuff said. (Edit: I forgot I can play these games on the Wii, but I'm going to stick to my guns here. Gotta have love for the cartridges and sexy Genesis controller. I love holding that controller almost as much as my girlfriend's naked body. Almost).

NDS lite - Really, I would say GBA here but by saying NDS lite, I can cover two systems instead. Why GBA/NDS lite? Golden Sun. I also love the original Mario & Luigi RPG game.

Scratch that, I totally forgot you can play GB games on the GBA, but you can't on the NDS. NDS can go to hell, I want my pokemon red, silver, golden sun, and Mario & Luigi RPG.

Answer is pretty obvious I think
ps3
SNES
Vita
WiiU :D

Pokemon FireRed and SoulSilver......

hm....... I guess, even though it's not released yet, Wii U is permitable, but still your 4 are not obvious. Vita over PSP and 3DS/NDS/GBA?

I'm sueing.