Nintendo 3DS vs Nintendo Entertainment System (NES)

The Nintendo 3DS and Nintendo Entertainment System (NES) are two iconic gaming consoles from different eras. The 3DS offers portable gaming with 3D capabilities, while the NES is a classic home console known for its library of retro games.

General information

Nintendo 3DS
Nintendo Entertainment System (NES)
Introduction :
The Nintendo 3DS is a handheld gaming console released in 2011. It features a glasses-free 3D display and a wide range of popular games such as Pokemon, Mario, and Zelda. The 3DS has been well-received by gamers of all ages and has become a classic in the handheld gaming market. With its unique features and extensive game library, the Nintendo 3DS continues to be a popular choice for gaming on the go.
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.
Advantages :
  • Portable and compact design makes it easy to take on-the-go
  • 3D capabilities provide a unique gaming experience
  • Extensive library of games available, including popular Nintendo franchises
  • StreetPass feature allows for social interactions with other players
  • Backward compatibility with DS games expands gaming options
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 :
  • Limited graphics capabilities compared to newer consoles.
  • Small library of games compared to other consoles.
  • Lower resolution screen compared to modern handheld devices.
  • Lack of online multiplayer features in some games.
  • Limited support and updates from Nintendo.
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  • Outdated technology may not be compatible with newer TVs.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 : 2011
The Nintendo 3DS was launched in 2011, offering gamers a glasses-free 3D gaming experience. It was a popular handheld console known for its innovative features and extensive game library.
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.
Manufacturer : Nintendo
Nintendo is the manufacturer of the Nintendo 3DS, a popular handheld gaming console known for its innovative features and extensive game library. Nintendo has been a leading player in the gaming industry for decades.
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.
๐ŸŸก Popularity : Average.
The Nintendo 3DS has had moderate success in the market, selling over 75 million units worldwide. It has a dedicated fan base and a strong library of games, but faces competition from newer consoles.
๐ŸŸข 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.
Form factor : Handheld console.
The Nintendo 3DS is a portable console, designed for gaming on the go with its compact size and clamshell design. It can be easily carried in a bag or pocket for gaming anywhere.
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.


Market and availability

Nintendo 3DS
Nintendo Entertainment System (NES)
Console markets :
The Nintendo 3DS was available in multiple markets worldwide, including North America, Europe, Japan, and Australia. It was not officially released in regions such as China and South Korea.
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.
๐ŸŸข Collectible : Yes.
The Nintendo 3DS is now considered retro and collectible due to its discontinuation in 2020. Its unique 3D feature and library of exclusive games make it sought after by collectors and fans.
๐ŸŸข 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.
๐ŸŸก Console availability : Average.
The Nintendo 3DS is still fairly available in the secondhand market, with a good selection of used consoles and games. However, new units may be harder to find as it is no longer in production.
๐ŸŸก 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.
๐ŸŸข Console cost : Low.
The Nintendo 3DS is considered to have a low relative cost due to being an older console with newer models available. It can often be found at a lower price point, especially in the second-hand market.
๐ŸŸข 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.
๐ŸŸข Game availability : Good.
The Nintendo 3DS has a wide range of games available, both physically and digitally. Many popular titles are still in production, and there is a thriving secondhand market for older games.
๐ŸŸก 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.
๐ŸŸก Game costs : Average.
The relative cost of games for the Nintendo 3DS is average. While some older titles may be more affordable due to their availability in the second-hand market, newer and popular games can still be on the pricier side.
๐ŸŸข 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.


Technology

Nintendo 3DS
Nintendo Entertainment System (NES)
Architecture : 32-bit.
The Nintendo 3DS uses a 32-bit ARM architecture, providing sufficient power for its handheld gaming capabilities. This architecture allows for smooth gameplay and immersive experiences on the go.
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.
CPU : ARM11
The Nintendo 3DS uses an ARM11 CPU, which is a 32-bit RISC microprocessor. It is known for its power efficiency and is capable of handling the console's gaming needs effectively.
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.
Memory : 128 MB
The Nintendo 3DS has 128 MB of memory, which is used for storing game data, system software, and other applications. This memory size is sufficient for running games and performing basic functions.
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.
Video output : Composite
The Nintendo 3DS has a composite video output connection, which may require an adapter to connect to modern TVs that typically use HDMI or other digital connections.
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.
๐ŸŸข Graphics Processing : Yes.
The Nintendo 3DS features a dedicated GPU, which enhances graphics performance and allows for smoother gameplay experiences. This GPU contributes to the overall gaming capabilities of the console.
โšช 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.
๐ŸŸข Internet connected : Yes.
The Nintendo 3DS is internet connected through Wi-Fi, allowing players to access online features, download games, and play multiplayer games with friends over the internet.
๐Ÿ”ด 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.
Game media format : Cartridge.
The primary game format for the Nintendo 3DS is cartridges. Games are inserted into the console through a slot on the back, allowing for easy swapping and portability.
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.


Gaming

Nintendo 3DS
Nintendo Entertainment System (NES)
Controllers : Up to 8 controllers/players
The Nintendo 3DS supports multiplayer gaming with up to 8 players using wireless connections. Players can enjoy various multiplayer games and experiences on a single console for a fun gaming session.
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.
๐ŸŸข Online multiplayer : Yes.
The Nintendo 3DS allows players to enjoy multiplayer gaming online, connecting with friends and players worldwide for a more interactive gaming experience.
โšช 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.
๐ŸŸข Number of titles : Good.
Game titles for the Nintendo 3DS have been released consistently, with a wide variety of popular titles available. The console is still sought after by collectors and has a strong secondhand market.
๐ŸŸข 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.
๐ŸŸข Featured games : Yes.
The Nintendo 3DS has several exclusive and iconic games such as The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time 3D, Super Mario 3D Land, and Animal Crossing: New Leaf, making it a must-have for Nintendo fans.
๐ŸŸข 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.


Ultimately, choosing between the Nintendo 3DS and NES comes down to personal preference and gaming style. If you enjoy modern portable gaming with 3D features, the 3DS is the way to go. However, if you have a love for nostalgic retro games and classic gaming experiences, the NES may be the perfect choice for you.