Which company is the most essential for console gaming? And why? Perhaps some people don't like any of the sitting console builders. Maybe you wish one of the old ones returned?

Oh...crap.

Voted Nintendo because Sony and Microsoft could come and go and someone would replace them with 99% of the same stuff.

It's been what, 30 years, and I've yet to see anyone really capture that Nintendo 'feel'. It's not for everyone, but a great Mario or Zelda game is just not replaceable with any other maker. It's why I think licensing the IP would be a bad idea (as proven to the limit with the Philips Nintendo games, LOL).

I was aiming at the current generation, but if you wish one of the old ones would returned. Please tell me who and why? :)

Nintendo used to be, but they certainly are not anymore. Their new Wii U console has not mde a dent in the console market.

PlayStation and Xbox are interchangeable. But for the sake of having a complete answer, I say PlayStation because it is the more popular brand.

That's why I chose Nintendo, as I think the gaming world would be a lesser place without them in it.

I like Sony, and prefer the PS4 to the WiiU for sure, but honestly if Sony and Microsoft closed their doors today, next year we'd have Amazon and Apple or Samsung and Google with consoles approximately doing the same things as Sony/MS, with the same exact kinds of games (hello Madden, COD, etc).

Why Microsoft is writen "Microsoft?"?

Nintendo cause without them, gaming wouldn't exist

Also, y isn't ouya on the list?

I agree, but if we're looking for the most "essential" console. Nintendo hasn't been the most essential console since the SNES. If Sony and Microsoft both decided to stop making their consoles, the industry would collapse. If Nintendo decided to stop making consoles -- it would have minimal impact.

Where is Square Enix?