Magnavox Odyssey vs Super Nintendo Entertainment System (SNES)

The Magnavox Odyssey was one of the first home video game consoles, released in 1972, while the Super Nintendo Entertainment System (SNES) came out in 1990, offering more advanced graphics and gameplay. The Odyssey featured simple games with basic graphics, while the SNES had a wide range of popular titles and improved hardware capabilities.

General information

Magnavox Odyssey
Super Nintendo Entertainment System (SNES)
Introduction :
The Magnavox Odyssey, released in 1972, is considered the first commercial home video game console. Despite its limited graphics and gameplay, it laid the foundation for the future of gaming. The Odyssey was not a commercial success but is now a sought-after collectible for gaming enthusiasts and historians. Its innovative technology and place in gaming history make it a classic and important piece of gaming hardware.
Introduction :
The Super Nintendo Entertainment System (SNES) was released in 1990 and quickly became a beloved console in the gaming community. Known for its iconic games like Super Mario World, The Legend of Zelda: A Link to the Past, and Super Metroid, the SNES has become a classic and collectible item for many gamers. It was popular in markets worldwide and is still highly sought after by retro gaming enthusiasts.
Advantages :
  • The Magnavox Odyssey was the first home video game console.
  • It offered unique and innovative gameplay experiences for its time.
  • The console was affordable and accessible to a wide audience.
  • The Odyssey had a variety of game cartridges available for purchase.
  • It paved the way for future advancements in the gaming industry.
Advantages :
  • Classic library of games
  • Iconic controller design
  • Retro gaming nostalgia
  • Easy to set up and play
  • Affordable price point
Disadvantages :
  • Limited graphics capabilities
  • Lack of color display
  • Primitive controller design
  • Limited game library
  • Lack of sound effects
Disadvantages :
  • Limited graphics capabilities compared to modern consoles.
  • Lack of online multiplayer functionality.
  • Limited storage capacity for game saves.
  • Limited availability of new games and accessories.
  • Lack of backward compatibility with newer game formats.
Year launched : 1972
The Magnavox Odyssey was launched in 1972, making it one of the earliest home video game consoles. It paved the way for the future of gaming technology and entertainment in households.
Year launched : 1991
The Super Nintendo Entertainment System (SNES) was launched in 1991, captivating gamers with its advanced graphics and iconic game titles, solidifying its place in gaming history.
Manufacturer : Magnavox
Magnavox, an American electronics company, manufactured the Magnavox Odyssey, the first commercial home video game console. Released in 1972, it laid the foundation for the gaming industry we know today.
Manufacturer : Nintendo
The Super Nintendo Entertainment System (SNES) was manufactured by Nintendo, a renowned gaming company known for creating iconic consoles and games that have shaped the gaming industry.
🔴 Popularity : Low.
The Magnavox Odyssey is considered to have low relative popularity compared to newer consoles. It had limited sales and market penetration during its release, making it less well-known among modern gamers.
🟡 Popularity : Average.
The Super Nintendo Entertainment System (SNES) had solid sales during its time, but was overshadowed by competitors like the Sega Genesis. It still holds a nostalgic place in the hearts of many gamers.
Form factor : Home console.
The Magnavox Odyssey is a home console, designed to be connected to a TV for gameplay. It is not meant to be easily portable and is best suited for use in a living room or entertainment area.
Form factor : Home console.
The Super Nintendo Entertainment System (SNES) 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.magnavox.com/


Market and availability

Magnavox Odyssey
Super Nintendo Entertainment System (SNES)
Console markets :
The Magnavox Odyssey was available in the United States and Canada upon its release in 1972. It was not widely available in other international markets due to limited distribution and marketing efforts.
Console markets :
The Super Nintendo Entertainment System (SNES) was available in multiple markets worldwide, including North America, Europe, and Japan. It was not available in all countries, but had a wide distribution in major gaming markets.
🟢 Collectible : Yes.
The Magnavox Odyssey is considered retro and collectible due to its historical significance as the first home video game console. Its limited availability and unique design make it highly sought after by collectors.
🟢 Collectible : Yes.
The SNES is highly sought after by collectors and retro gaming enthusiasts, driving up its value in the market. Its iconic games and nostalgic appeal make it a valuable and collectible console.
🟡 Console availability : Average.
The Magnavox Odyssey can be found in the secondhand market fairly easily, but availability may vary depending on location. It is considered a collectible item for retro gaming enthusiasts.
🟡 Console availability : Average.
The Super Nintendo Entertainment System (SNES) is moderately available in the secondhand market. While some popular titles may be harder to find, there are still plenty of consoles and games available for purchase.
⚪ Console cost : Unknown.
The relative cost of the Magnavox Odyssey is unknown due to its rarity and limited availability in the second-hand market. Prices can vary significantly depending on the condition and included accessories.
🟢 Console cost : Low.
The relative cost of the Super Nintendo Entertainment System (SNES) is low due to its age and availability in the second-hand market. It is considered an affordable option for retro gaming enthusiasts.
🟡 Game availability : Average.
Games for the Magnavox Odyssey are somewhat available through the secondhand market and online auctions. However, due to its age and limited popularity, finding specific titles may require some effort.
🟢 Game availability : Good.
SNES games are readily available through online marketplaces, retro gaming stores, and secondhand shops. Many popular titles are still in circulation, and there is a thriving collector's market for rare and sought-after games.
🔴 Game costs : High.
The relative cost of games for the Magnavox Odyssey is considered high due to their rarity and collectible nature. Prices can vary significantly depending on the title and condition, making them a valuable investment for collectors.
🟡 Game costs : Average.
The cost of games for the Super Nintendo Entertainment System (SNES) is considered average. While some popular titles can be expensive due to rarity, there are also many affordable options available in the second-hand market.


Technology

Magnavox Odyssey
Super Nintendo Entertainment System (SNES)
Architecture : 8-bit.
The Magnavox Odyssey uses an 8-bit architecture, making it one of the earliest gaming consoles. Its simple design allowed for basic gameplay with minimal graphics and sound capabilities compared to modern consoles.
Architecture : 16-bit.
The Super Nintendo Entertainment System (SNES) uses a 16-bit architecture, allowing for more advanced graphics and gameplay compared to its predecessor. It was a significant advancement in gaming technology during its time.
CPU : None
The Magnavox Odyssey does not use a traditional CPU as it is an early analog electronic console. It operates using discrete electronic components rather than a central processing unit.
CPU : Ricoh 5A22
The SNES uses a Ricoh 5A22 CPU, which is a custom 16-bit processor running at 3.58 MHz. It is known for its efficient performance in handling the console's games and graphics.
Memory : N/A
The Magnavox Odyssey does not have a traditional memory storage capacity like modern consoles. Instead, it uses game cards and overlays for gameplay, with no internal memory for storing data.
Memory : 128 Kb
The Super Nintendo Entertainment System (SNES) has 128 Kb of memory, allowing for a wide variety of games to be played on the console with smooth performance.
Video output : RF connection
The Magnavox Odyssey has an RF connection, which may require an RF modulator to connect to a modern TV. This older type of connection may not provide the best video quality compared to HDMI or composite.
Video output : Composite
The Super Nintendo Entertainment System (SNES) has composite video output connections, which may require an adapter to connect to modern TVs that typically use HDMI inputs.
⚪ Graphics Processing : Unknown.
The Magnavox Odyssey is an early console released in 1972, and details about its hardware components, including a dedicated GPU, are not well-documented. Its technology predates modern GPU specifications.
🟢 Graphics Processing : Yes.
The Super Nintendo Entertainment System (SNES) does have a dedicated GPU, which was considered advanced for its time and allowed for impressive graphics and performance in 16-bit games.
🔴 Internet connected : No.
The Magnavox Odyssey is not internet connected as it was released in the 1970s, long before internet connectivity in gaming consoles became common. It does not have Ethernet or Wi-Fi capabilities.
🔴 Internet connected : No.
The Super Nintendo Entertainment System (SNES) does not have internet connectivity features such as Ethernet or Wi-Fi. It relies solely on physical game cartridges for gameplay.
Game media format : Cartridge.
The primary game format for the Magnavox Odyssey is cartridges. Players insert game cartridges into the console to play different games, making it a classic and nostalgic gaming experience.
Game media format : Cartridge.
The primary game format for the Super Nintendo Entertainment System (SNES) is cartridges. These cartridges are inserted into the console to play games, providing a physical and tangible gaming experience.


Gaming

Magnavox Odyssey
Super Nintendo Entertainment System (SNES)
Controllers : 2 controllers
The Magnavox Odyssey allows for 2 players to use controllers simultaneously. This classic console offers a basic multiplayer experience for simple and engaging gameplay sessions.
Controllers : 2 controllers / 2 players
The Super Nintendo Entertainment System (SNES) supports up to 2 controllers for 2 players, allowing for multiplayer gaming experiences on a single console. Players can enjoy classic titles together in local co-op or competitive modes.
⚪ Online multiplayer : Unknown.
The Magnavox Odyssey was released in the 1970s and did not have online multiplayer capabilities. It is unknown if any modern adaptations or emulations support online multiplayer functionality.
🔴 Online multiplayer : No.
The Super Nintendo Entertainment System (SNES) does not have built-in online multiplayer capabilities. However, some games may have been modified by fans to enable online multiplayer through unofficial means.
⚪ Number of titles : Unknown.
Due to the age of the Magnavox Odyssey, information on how game titles were released for this console is not readily available. Limited data may exist in historical archives or collector resources.
🟢 Number of titles : Good.
SNES game titles were released in physical cartridges, which are still widely available in the secondhand market. Many games have become collectible, with some rare titles fetching high prices among collectors.
🟢 Featured games : Yes.
The Magnavox Odyssey has several exclusive games such as 'Table Tennis' and 'Haunted House', which are considered iconic titles in the history of gaming and are unique to this console.
🟢 Featured games : Yes.
The Super Nintendo Entertainment System (SNES) has a range of exclusive, iconic, and notable games such as Super Mario World, The Legend of Zelda: A Link to the Past, and Super Metroid, which are highly regarded in the gaming community.


When choosing between the Magnavox Odyssey and the SNES, it ultimately comes down to whether you prefer the nostalgic simplicity of the early gaming era or the more advanced features and game library of a later console. If you value classic gaming experiences and historical significance, the Odyssey may be the choice for you. However, if you are looking for a more diverse and engaging gaming experience, the SNES would be the better option.