The familiar sound of an Xbox starting up may never be the same again.
With millions owning either an Xbox or a PlayStation, there’s a fierce rivalry between the two gaming giants, with loyalists swearing by their chosen console. The main point of contention usually lies in the exclusive titles each offers. For instance, Xbox users miss out on franchises like God of War, The Last of Us, and Horizon, while PlayStation enthusiasts can’t access Halo and Gears of War.
However, a new difference has emerged that’s got gamers talking – the peculiar sound an Xbox makes when switched on. A viral TikTok video revealed this odd detail, with one woman claiming it sounded eerily similar to the opening of a well-known song.
Inspired by another TikTok user who likened the MacBook startup sound to the intro of Sinead O’Connor‘s Nothing Compares 2 U, Haley decided to “speak her truth”. She boldly stated that the Xbox startup sound was reminiscent of the beginning of ABBA’s Gimme, Gimme, Gimme or Madonna‘s Hung Up, which samples the ABBA hit.
She proved her point by switching on her console and playing the sound, and even humouring viewers by humming along to further prove the similarity. Opinions in the comment section were divided – while many sided with Haley’s assessment, some argued the chime was more reminiscent of Apple by Charli XCX.
A quick-witted user observed: “To me, it sounds like a faster version of the intro to Apple by Charli XCX.” Another, agreeing with Haley, shared: “Yes! I sing the opening line every time, and my boyfriend doesn’t get it.” Meanwhile, a third confessed: “Nah, the moment you said the song I got it and can’t believe I never thought of it!”
However, not everyone was convinced by Haley’s vocal representation, as some mockingly suggested her attempt sounded closer to the main theme from The Legend of Zelda franchise than an ABBA tune.
The quirky revelation led others to share their own experiences with fleeting sounds triggering memories of specific songs, stretching from aeroplane call bells to household appliances. One person stated: “The call bell on a plane sounds like the start of the Home Alone theme song, and I’ll die on that hill!”
Another shared: “Nespresso machine is like Stronger by Britney Spears.” And a third asserted: “My Ninja air fryer’s finishing sound makes me think of the James Bond theme.”
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