Atari Lynx vs Nintendo Entertainment System (NES)
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The Atari Lynx and Nintendo Entertainment System (NES) are both iconic gaming consoles from the 1980s. The Lynx was known for its color graphics and portable design, while the NES revolutionized home gaming with its library of classic titles.
General information
Atari Lynx
Nintendo Entertainment System (NES)
Introduction :
The Atari Lynx was released in 1989 as one of the first handheld gaming consoles with a color LCD screen. It was popular in North America and Europe, offering a wide range of games and innovative features such as multiplayer capabilities. While not as well-known as other consoles of its time, the Atari Lynx has gained a cult following among retro gaming enthusiasts and is considered a classic collectible item.
The Atari Lynx was released in 1989 as one of the first handheld gaming consoles with a color LCD screen. It was popular in North America and Europe, offering a wide range of games and innovative features such as multiplayer capabilities. While not as well-known as other consoles of its time, the Atari Lynx has gained a cult following among retro gaming enthusiasts and is considered a classic collectible item.
Introduction :
The Nintendo Entertainment System (NES) was released in 1985 and quickly became a classic in the gaming world. It was popular in markets worldwide and is considered a collectible item for many retro gaming enthusiasts. The NES introduced iconic games such as Super Mario Bros. and The Legend of Zelda, setting the standard for future gaming consoles. Its impact on the gaming industry is undeniable, making it a must-have for any gaming collection.
The Nintendo Entertainment System (NES) was released in 1985 and quickly became a classic in the gaming world. It was popular in markets worldwide and is considered a collectible item for many retro gaming enthusiasts. The NES introduced iconic games such as Super Mario Bros. and The Legend of Zelda, setting the standard for future gaming consoles. Its impact on the gaming industry is undeniable, making it a must-have for any gaming collection.
Advantages :
- Portable design allows for gaming on the go
- Color LCD screen provides vibrant graphics
- Multiplayer capabilities for shared gaming experiences
- Wide variety of game genres available
- Long battery life for extended gameplay sessions
Advantages :
- Extensive library of classic games
- Iconic design that is nostalgic for many gamers
- Simple and intuitive controller
- Affordable price point for retro gaming enthusiasts
- Easy to set up and start playing games
Disadvantages :
- Bulky design may not appeal to modern gamers.
- Limited game library compared to newer consoles.
- Short battery life hinders portability.
- Lack of backlight makes it difficult to play in low light.
- Limited availability of accessories and replacement parts.
Disadvantages :
- Limited graphics capabilities compared to modern consoles.
- Lack of online multiplayer functionality for connected gaming experiences.
- Limited storage capacity for game downloads and saves.
- Outdated technology may not be compatible with newer TVs.
- Limited game library compared to newer consoles.
Year launched : 1989
The Atari Lynx was launched in 1989, offering gamers a color handheld gaming experience ahead of its time. Despite facing tough competition, it remains a beloved classic among retro gaming enthusiasts.
The Atari Lynx was launched in 1989, offering gamers a color handheld gaming experience ahead of its time. Despite facing tough competition, it remains a beloved classic among retro gaming enthusiasts.
Year launched : 1985
The Nintendo Entertainment System (NES) was launched in 1985, revolutionizing the gaming industry with iconic titles and introducing many to the world of video games.
The Nintendo Entertainment System (NES) was launched in 1985, revolutionizing the gaming industry with iconic titles and introducing many to the world of video games.
Manufacturer : Atari
Atari manufactured the Atari Lynx, a handheld game console released in 1989. It was the world's first handheld electronic game with a color LCD screen, offering innovative gaming experiences for its time.
Atari manufactured the Atari Lynx, a handheld game console released in 1989. It was the world's first handheld electronic game with a color LCD screen, offering innovative gaming experiences for its time.
Manufacturer : Nintendo
The Nintendo Entertainment System (NES) was manufactured by Nintendo, a renowned Japanese gaming company known for creating iconic consoles and games that have shaped the gaming industry for decades.
The Nintendo Entertainment System (NES) was manufactured by Nintendo, a renowned Japanese gaming company known for creating iconic consoles and games that have shaped the gaming industry for decades.
🔴 Popularity : Low.
The Atari Lynx had limited commercial success compared to other consoles of its time. It struggled to compete with the dominant Game Boy and lacked a strong library of popular games, resulting in lower sales and market share.
The Atari Lynx had limited commercial success compared to other consoles of its time. It struggled to compete with the dominant Game Boy and lacked a strong library of popular games, resulting in lower sales and market share.
🟢 Popularity : High.
The Nintendo Entertainment System (NES) is considered a classic and iconic console that revolutionized the gaming industry. It sold over 60 million units worldwide and had a significant market share during its prime.
The Nintendo Entertainment System (NES) is considered a classic and iconic console that revolutionized the gaming industry. It sold over 60 million units worldwide and had a significant market share during its prime.
Form factor : Handheld console.
The Atari Lynx is a portable console, designed for gaming on the go. Its compact size and built-in screen make it easy to take your games anywhere you go.
The Atari Lynx is a portable console, designed for gaming on the go. Its compact size and built-in screen make it easy to take your games anywhere you go.
Form factor : Home console.
The Nintendo Entertainment System (NES) is designed as a home console, meant to be connected to a TV for gaming in the comfort of your living room. It is not a portable unit.
The Nintendo Entertainment System (NES) is designed as a home console, meant to be connected to a TV for gaming in the comfort of your living room. It is not a portable unit.
Official website :
https://www.atari.com/
Official website :
https://www.nintendo.com/nes/
Market and availability
Atari Lynx
Nintendo Entertainment System (NES)
Console markets :
The Atari Lynx was available in North America, Europe, and Japan, making it a global release. It was not limited to a specific country or region, allowing gamers worldwide to enjoy its features.
The Atari Lynx was available in North America, Europe, and Japan, making it a global release. It was not limited to a specific country or region, allowing gamers worldwide to enjoy its features.
Console markets :
The Nintendo Entertainment System (NES) was available in various markets worldwide, including North America, Europe, and Japan. It was one of the most popular gaming consoles of its time.
The Nintendo Entertainment System (NES) was available in various markets worldwide, including North America, Europe, and Japan. It was one of the most popular gaming consoles of its time.
🟢 Collectible : Yes.
The Atari Lynx is now considered retro and collectible, with a growing market for vintage gaming consoles. Its unique features and library of games have sparked nostalgia among collectors.
The Atari Lynx is now considered retro and collectible, with a growing market for vintage gaming consoles. Its unique features and library of games have sparked nostalgia among collectors.
🟢 Collectible : Yes.
The NES is considered retro and highly collectible due to its iconic status in gaming history. Its classic games and nostalgic appeal drive up demand and value in the market.
The NES is considered retro and highly collectible due to its iconic status in gaming history. Its classic games and nostalgic appeal drive up demand and value in the market.
🟡 Console availability : Average.
The Atari Lynx can be found on the secondhand market fairly easily, but availability of new units is limited. It is considered a collectible item among retro gaming enthusiasts.
The Atari Lynx can be found on the secondhand market fairly easily, but availability of new units is limited. It is considered a collectible item among retro gaming enthusiasts.
🟡 Console availability : Average.
The NES is readily available in the secondhand market, with a variety of options for consoles and games. However, finding new units can be challenging due to its age and discontinuation.
The NES is readily available in the secondhand market, with a variety of options for consoles and games. However, finding new units can be challenging due to its age and discontinuation.
🟡 Console cost : Average.
The relative cost of the Atari Lynx is average. It can vary depending on the condition and availability in the second-hand market. Prices may be reasonable for collectors or retro gaming enthusiasts.
The relative cost of the Atari Lynx is average. It can vary depending on the condition and availability in the second-hand market. Prices may be reasonable for collectors or retro gaming enthusiasts.
🟢 Console cost : Low.
The relative cost of the Nintendo Entertainment System (NES) is low due to its age and availability on the second-hand market. It is considered an affordable option for retro gaming enthusiasts.
The relative cost of the Nintendo Entertainment System (NES) is low due to its age and availability on the second-hand market. It is considered an affordable option for retro gaming enthusiasts.
🟡 Game availability : Average.
Games for the Atari Lynx can still be found through online marketplaces and retro gaming stores. However, some titles may be harder to come by compared to more popular consoles.
Games for the Atari Lynx can still be found through online marketplaces and retro gaming stores. However, some titles may be harder to come by compared to more popular consoles.
🟡 Game availability : Average.
While some NES games are readily available through online retailers and secondhand markets, others may be harder to find or more expensive due to their collectible nature. Overall, the availability of games for the NES is decent.
While some NES games are readily available through online retailers and secondhand markets, others may be harder to find or more expensive due to their collectible nature. Overall, the availability of games for the NES is decent.
🟡 Game costs : Average.
Atari Lynx games can vary in price depending on rarity and condition. While some titles can be expensive due to their collectibility, there are also many affordable options available in the second-hand market.
Atari Lynx games can vary in price depending on rarity and condition. While some titles can be expensive due to their collectibility, there are also many affordable options available in the second-hand market.
🟢 Game costs : Low.
Games for the Nintendo Entertainment System (NES) are relatively inexpensive due to the console's age and the abundance of second-hand copies available. Collectors may drive up prices for rare titles.
Games for the Nintendo Entertainment System (NES) are relatively inexpensive due to the console's age and the abundance of second-hand copies available. Collectors may drive up prices for rare titles.
Technology
Atari Lynx
Nintendo Entertainment System (NES)
Architecture : 16-bit.
The Atari Lynx uses a 16-bit architecture, providing advanced graphics and gameplay capabilities for its time. This architecture allowed for more complex and visually impressive games to be developed.
The Atari Lynx uses a 16-bit architecture, providing advanced graphics and gameplay capabilities for its time. This architecture allowed for more complex and visually impressive games to be developed.
Architecture : 8-bit.
The Nintendo Entertainment System (NES) uses an 8-bit architecture, which was common for consoles of its era. This architecture allowed for iconic games like Super Mario Bros. and The Legend of Zelda.
The Nintendo Entertainment System (NES) uses an 8-bit architecture, which was common for consoles of its era. This architecture allowed for iconic games like Super Mario Bros. and The Legend of Zelda.
CPU : 65C02
The Atari Lynx uses a 65C02 CPU, which is a modified version of the MOS Technology 6502 processor. It is a popular choice for many retro gaming consoles due to its efficiency.
The Atari Lynx uses a 65C02 CPU, which is a modified version of the MOS Technology 6502 processor. It is a popular choice for many retro gaming consoles due to its efficiency.
CPU : Ricoh 2A03
The Nintendo Entertainment System (NES) uses the Ricoh 2A03 CPU, which is a modified 6502 processor. It has a clock speed of 1.79 MHz and is known for its simplicity and efficiency.
The Nintendo Entertainment System (NES) uses the Ricoh 2A03 CPU, which is a modified 6502 processor. It has a clock speed of 1.79 MHz and is known for its simplicity and efficiency.
Memory : 64 Kb
The Atari Lynx has 64 Kb of memory, which was considered impressive for a handheld console in the late 1980s. This allowed for more advanced graphics and gameplay compared to its competitors.
The Atari Lynx has 64 Kb of memory, which was considered impressive for a handheld console in the late 1980s. This allowed for more advanced graphics and gameplay compared to its competitors.
Memory : 2 Kb
The Nintendo Entertainment System (NES) has a memory capacity of 2 Kb, which was sufficient for storing game data and code during its time in the 1980s.
The Nintendo Entertainment System (NES) has a memory capacity of 2 Kb, which was sufficient for storing game data and code during its time in the 1980s.
Video output : Composite
The Atari Lynx has composite video output connections, which can be used to connect to older TVs or modern TVs with the use of a composite to HDMI converter.
The Atari Lynx has composite video output connections, which can be used to connect to older TVs or modern TVs with the use of a composite to HDMI converter.
Video output : Composite
The NES has composite video output connections, which may require an adapter to connect to modern TVs that typically use HDMI inputs.
The NES has composite video output connections, which may require an adapter to connect to modern TVs that typically use HDMI inputs.
🟢 Graphics Processing : Yes.
The Atari Lynx features a dedicated GPU, providing enhanced graphics performance for its time. This allowed for smoother gameplay and more detailed visuals compared to other handheld consoles of its era.
The Atari Lynx features a dedicated GPU, providing enhanced graphics performance for its time. This allowed for smoother gameplay and more detailed visuals compared to other handheld consoles of its era.
⚪ Graphics Processing : Unknown.
The Nintendo Entertainment System (NES) does not have a dedicated GPU as modern consoles do. Its graphics processing is integrated into the main processor, which limits its graphical capabilities compared to newer systems.
The Nintendo Entertainment System (NES) does not have a dedicated GPU as modern consoles do. Its graphics processing is integrated into the main processor, which limits its graphical capabilities compared to newer systems.
⚪ Internet connected : Unknown.
The Atari Lynx does not have built-in internet connectivity capabilities, such as Ethernet or Wi-Fi. Online features were not a part of its design during its release in the early 1990s.
The Atari Lynx does not have built-in internet connectivity capabilities, such as Ethernet or Wi-Fi. Online features were not a part of its design during its release in the early 1990s.
🔴 Internet connected : No.
The Nintendo Entertainment System (NES) is not internet connected. Released in the 1980s, it predates widespread internet use in gaming consoles, relying solely on physical game cartridges for gameplay.
The Nintendo Entertainment System (NES) is not internet connected. Released in the 1980s, it predates widespread internet use in gaming consoles, relying solely on physical game cartridges for gameplay.
Game media format : Cartridge.
The primary game format for the Atari Lynx is cartridges. Players insert game cartridges into the console to play different games, offering a convenient and portable gaming experience.
The primary game format for the Atari Lynx is cartridges. Players insert game cartridges into the console to play different games, offering a convenient and portable gaming experience.
Game media format : Cartridge.
The primary game format for the Nintendo Entertainment System (NES) is cartridge-based. Games are inserted into the console via cartridges, which contain the game data for play.
The primary game format for the Nintendo Entertainment System (NES) is cartridge-based. Games are inserted into the console via cartridges, which contain the game data for play.
Gaming
Atari Lynx
Nintendo Entertainment System (NES)
Controllers : Up to 8 controllers / players
The Atari Lynx supports multiplayer gaming with up to 8 players using the ComLynx cable, allowing for exciting multiplayer experiences on a single console.
The Atari Lynx supports multiplayer gaming with up to 8 players using the ComLynx cable, allowing for exciting multiplayer experiences on a single console.
Controllers : 2
The NES supports 2 controllers for multiplayer gaming. Players can enjoy classic titles like Super Mario Bros. and Duck Hunt together on the same console.
The NES supports 2 controllers for multiplayer gaming. Players can enjoy classic titles like Super Mario Bros. and Duck Hunt together on the same console.
⚪ Online multiplayer : Unknown.
The Atari Lynx did not have built-in online multiplayer capabilities. Some games may have supported local multiplayer using a Comlynx cable, but online multiplayer as we know it today was not possible.
The Atari Lynx did not have built-in online multiplayer capabilities. Some games may have supported local multiplayer using a Comlynx cable, but online multiplayer as we know it today was not possible.
⚪ Online multiplayer : Unknown.
The NES was not originally designed for online multiplayer capabilities. However, there may be unofficial methods or modifications available to enable online multiplayer, but this is not a standard feature.
The NES was not originally designed for online multiplayer capabilities. However, there may be unofficial methods or modifications available to enable online multiplayer, but this is not a standard feature.
🟡 Number of titles : Average.
Game titles for the Atari Lynx were released in an average manner, with a decent selection available. Some titles may be harder to find due to the console's age, but overall, there are options for players to enjoy.
Game titles for the Atari Lynx were released in an average manner, with a decent selection available. Some titles may be harder to find due to the console's age, but overall, there are options for players to enjoy.
🟢 Number of titles : Good.
Game titles for the Nintendo Entertainment System (NES) were released in abundance, with a wide variety of genres and popular franchises. Many titles are still highly sought after by collectors, making the secondhand market active.
Game titles for the Nintendo Entertainment System (NES) were released in abundance, with a wide variety of genres and popular franchises. Many titles are still highly sought after by collectors, making the secondhand market active.
🟢 Featured games : Yes.
The Atari Lynx has notable exclusive games such as 'Blue Lightning' and 'Ninja Gaiden'. These games helped define the console's library and are still remembered by fans today.
The Atari Lynx has notable exclusive games such as 'Blue Lightning' and 'Ninja Gaiden'. These games helped define the console's library and are still remembered by fans today.
🟢 Featured games : Yes.
The NES has many exclusive and iconic games such as Super Mario Bros., The Legend of Zelda, and Metroid. These games are considered classics and helped define the console's legacy.
The NES has many exclusive and iconic games such as Super Mario Bros., The Legend of Zelda, and Metroid. These games are considered classics and helped define the console's legacy.
Ultimately, choosing between the Atari Lynx and NES comes down to your preference for portable gaming on the go or classic home gaming experiences. Both consoles have their own unique appeal and offer a nostalgic trip down memory lane for retro gaming enthusiasts.