Neo Geo vs Super Nintendo Entertainment System (SNES)

The Neo Geo and Super Nintendo Entertainment System (SNES) were two iconic gaming consoles from the 1990s, each offering unique gaming experiences and a wide range of titles. The Neo Geo was known for its powerful hardware and arcade-quality games, while the SNES was beloved for its vast library of classic games and innovative gameplay.

General information

Neo Geo
Super Nintendo Entertainment System (SNES)
Introduction :
The Neo Geo was a revolutionary games console released in 1990 by SNK Corporation. Known for its advanced graphics and arcade-quality games, the Neo Geo quickly gained popularity among hardcore gamers and in arcades. It was primarily marketed in Japan and North America. The console has since become a classic and highly collectible among retro gaming enthusiasts, with a strong library of iconic titles such as Metal Slug and King of Fighters.
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 :
  • Extensive library of classic games
  • High-quality arcade ports
  • Unique controller design
  • Impressive graphics and sound capabilities
  • Durable and long-lasting hardware
Advantages :
  • Classic library of games
  • Iconic controller design
  • Retro gaming nostalgia
  • Easy to set up and play
  • Affordable price point
Disadvantages :
  • Limited game library compared to newer consoles.
  • Expensive games and accessories due to rarity.
  • Bulky and heavy design may be inconvenient for some users.
  • Limited multimedia capabilities compared to modern consoles.
  • Lack of online connectivity for multiplayer gaming.
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 : 1990
The Neo Geo was launched in 1990, offering arcade-quality games at home. It quickly gained a reputation for its powerful hardware and high-quality game library, making it a favorite among serious gamers.
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 : SNK
SNK Corporation, a Japanese video game hardware and software company, manufactured the Neo Geo games console. Known for its high-quality arcade games, SNK created the Neo Geo as a home console for arcade-quality gaming experiences.
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.
๐Ÿ”ด Popularity : Low.
The Neo Geo had a relatively low popularity compared to other consoles. It had a niche market due to its high price point and focus on arcade-quality games, limiting its widespread appeal.
๐ŸŸก 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 Neo Geo console is designed as a home gaming system, meant to be set up in a living room or gaming area for extended play sessions on a TV screen.
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.


Market and availability

Neo Geo
Super Nintendo Entertainment System (SNES)
Console markets :
The Neo Geo console was primarily available in Japan and North America, with limited availability in Europe and other regions. It was popular among arcade enthusiasts and collectors due to its high-quality games.
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.
๐ŸŸข Collectible : Yes.
The Neo Geo is highly sought after by collectors due to its unique games library and historical significance in the gaming industry. Its limited availability and high price point make it a valuable retro console.
๐ŸŸข 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.
๐ŸŸก Console availability : Average.
The Neo Geo console is moderately available in the secondhand market, with some units being collectible and harder to find. New units are rare and may be more expensive to acquire.
๐ŸŸก 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.
๐Ÿ”ด Console cost : High.
The relative cost of the Neo Geo is high due to its rarity and popularity among collectors. It is sought after in the second-hand market, leading to higher prices compared to other older consoles.
๐ŸŸข 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.
๐ŸŸก Game availability : Average.
Games for the Neo Geo can be found through online marketplaces and retro gaming stores. While some titles may be harder to come by, there is a decent selection available for collectors and enthusiasts.
๐ŸŸข 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.
๐Ÿ”ด Game costs : High.
Neo Geo games are relatively expensive due to their rarity and popularity among collectors. Prices can vary, but they are generally considered high compared to other games consoles.
๐ŸŸก 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

Neo Geo
Super Nintendo Entertainment System (SNES)
Architecture : 16-bit.
The Neo Geo games console uses a 16-bit architecture, providing advanced graphics and gameplay capabilities for its time. This architecture allowed for a wide range of visually impressive games to be developed.
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 : 68000
The Neo Geo games console uses a Motorola 68000 CPU, known for its performance and efficiency in handling complex gaming processes. This processor was a popular choice for many gaming systems in the 1990s.
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 : 56 Kb
The Neo Geo games console has 56 Kb of memory, which was considered quite impressive for its time, allowing for high-quality graphics and gameplay in its games.
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 : Composite and Component
The Neo Geo console only has composite and component video output connections, which may require adapters or converters to connect to modern TVs that typically use HDMI inputs.
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.
๐ŸŸข Graphics Processing : Yes.
The Neo Geo has a dedicated GPU, which was considered advanced for its time and contributed to its impressive graphics capabilities, providing a smooth gaming experience with detailed visuals.
๐ŸŸข 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.
โšช Internet connected : Unknown.
The Neo Geo console does not have built-in internet connectivity. It was released before online gaming became popular, so it lacks features like Ethernet or Wi-Fi for online gaming.
๐Ÿ”ด 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 Neo Geo console is cartridges. These cartridges contain the game data and are inserted into the console to play the games.
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

Neo Geo
Super Nintendo Entertainment System (SNES)
Controllers : 2-4 controllers
Older consoles like the Neo Geo typically supported 2-4 wired controllers for multiplayer gaming. Newer consoles may offer wireless controllers and support for more players, enhancing the multiplayer experience.
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.
โšช Online multiplayer : Unknown.
The Neo Geo's multiplayer online capabilities are not well-documented, and it is unclear if it supports online multiplayer functionality. Further research may be needed to determine this feature.
๐Ÿ”ด 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.
๐ŸŸข Number of titles : Good.
Neo Geo game titles were released on cartridges, which are still highly sought after by collectors and retro gaming enthusiasts. The secondhand market for Neo Geo games remains strong.
๐ŸŸข 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.
๐ŸŸข Featured games : Yes.
The Neo Geo has a range of exclusive and iconic games such as Metal Slug, Samurai Shodown, and The King of Fighters series, which are highly regarded in the gaming community.
๐ŸŸข 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.


Ultimately, choosing between the Neo Geo and SNES comes down to personal preference. If you value cutting-edge graphics and arcade-style gameplay, the Neo Geo may be the right choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a diverse selection of classic titles and a more affordable option, the SNES could be the perfect fit. Both consoles have their own strengths and appeal to different types of gamers.