Nintendo DS vs TurboGrafx-16

The Nintendo DS and TurboGrafx-16 are both iconic gaming consoles from different eras. The Nintendo DS, released in 2004, revolutionized handheld gaming with its dual screens and touch capabilities. On the other hand, the TurboGrafx-16, released in 1989, was known for its advanced graphics and unique game library.

General information

Nintendo DS
TurboGrafx-16
Introduction :
The Nintendo DS, released in 2004, was a revolutionary handheld gaming console that featured dual screens, touch screen technology, and a wide range of popular games. It quickly became a hit with gamers of all ages, selling over 150 million units worldwide. The DS has since become a classic and collectible item for many gaming enthusiasts, with a vast library of games that continue to be enjoyed by players today.
Introduction :
The TurboGrafx-16, released in 1989 by NEC Corporation, was a pioneer in the gaming industry with its 16-bit graphics and CD-ROM capabilities. Although it was not as popular as other consoles of its time, it has gained a cult following and is considered a classic among retro gaming enthusiasts. The console was primarily marketed in Japan and North America, and its unique library of games makes it a sought-after collectible for gaming collectors.
Advantages :
  • Portable and compact design for gaming on the go.
  • Dual screens offer unique gameplay experiences.
  • Touch screen functionality adds interactivity to games.
  • Wide range of game titles available for all ages.
  • Backward compatibility with Game Boy Advance games.
Advantages :
  • Extensive library of unique and innovative games to explore. - Compact size makes it easy to store and transport. - Ability to play both HuCard and CD-ROM games. - Superior graphics and sound capabilities for its time. - Multiplayer options for competitive and cooperative gameplay.
Disadvantages :
  • Limited graphics capabilities compared to newer consoles.
  • Small screen size may not be ideal for all players.
  • Limited online capabilities and multiplayer options.
  • Limited storage capacity for game saves and downloads.
  • Lack of modern features such as HD graphics and streaming services.
Disadvantages :
  • Limited game library compared to other consoles.
  • Expensive and hard-to-find games and accessories.
  • Lack of popular third-party support.
  • Limited graphics and sound capabilities compared to competitors.
  • Fragile hardware prone to technical issues and malfunctions.
Year launched : 2004
The Nintendo DS was launched in 2004, introducing dual screens and touch screen capabilities. It quickly became popular for its innovative features and diverse game library.
Year launched : 1987
The TurboGrafx-16 was launched in 1987, offering gamers a unique gaming experience with its advanced graphics and sound capabilities. It was ahead of its time in terms of technology and innovation.
Manufacturer : Nintendo
Nintendo is the manufacturer of the Nintendo DS, a popular handheld gaming console that was released in 2004. Known for its innovative dual-screen design and extensive game library.
Manufacturer : NEC Corporation
The TurboGrafx-16 was manufactured by NEC Corporation, a Japanese multinational electronics company. Known for its innovative technology, NEC created the TurboGrafx-16 to compete in the gaming console market.
๐ŸŸก Popularity : Average.
The Nintendo DS was a popular handheld console with over 154 million units sold worldwide. It had a significant market share in the handheld gaming market, but faced competition from other consoles.
๐Ÿ”ด Popularity : Low.
The TurboGrafx-16 had limited success in the market, with lower sales compared to its competitors like the NES and Sega Genesis. It struggled to gain a significant market share and popularity.
Form factor : Handheld console.
The Nintendo DS is a portable console designed for gaming on the go. Its compact size and dual-screen layout make it easy to take with you wherever you go.
Form factor : Home console.
The TurboGrafx-16 is designed as a home console, meant to be connected to a TV for gaming. It is not a portable unit and is best enjoyed in a stationary setting.
Official website : https://www.nintendo.com/ds/


Market and availability

Nintendo DS
TurboGrafx-16
Console markets :
The Nintendo DS was available in multiple markets worldwide, including North America, Europe, Japan, and Australia. It was one of the best-selling handheld consoles of all time.
Console markets :
The TurboGrafx-16 was primarily available in North America and Japan, with limited availability in Europe. It was not widely distributed in other regions, making it a sought-after console for collectors worldwide.
๐ŸŸข Collectible : Yes.
The Nintendo DS is considered retro and collectible due to its nostalgic appeal, unique dual-screen design, and library of classic games. Collectors are willing to pay premium prices for rare editions.
๐ŸŸข Collectible : Yes.
The TurboGrafx-16 is now considered a retro and collectible console, with a dedicated fan base and increasing demand for its games and accessories in the collector's market.
๐ŸŸก Console availability : Average.
The Nintendo DS is still relatively available in the secondhand market, with a decent amount of units being sold. However, finding brand new consoles may be more challenging as they are no longer in production.
๐ŸŸก Console availability : Average.
The TurboGrafx-16 is moderately available on the secondhand market, with some units in good condition but may be harder to find compared to more popular consoles. Collectible versions may be more scarce.
๐ŸŸข Console cost : Low.
The Nintendo DS is considered low in cost due to its age and availability in the second-hand market. It is relatively affordable compared to newer consoles on the market.
๐ŸŸก Console cost : Average.
The TurboGrafx-16 is considered an average cost console due to its availability in the second-hand market. Prices can vary depending on the condition and included accessories.
๐ŸŸก Game availability : Average.
While new games for the Nintendo DS are no longer being produced, there is still a decent selection available through secondhand markets, online retailers, and used game stores. Collectible availability varies.
๐ŸŸก Game availability : Average.
Games for the TurboGrafx-16 are available through online marketplaces and retro gaming stores. Some titles may be harder to find or more expensive due to the console's limited release and cult following.
๐ŸŸข Game costs : Low.
The relative cost of games for the Nintendo DS is low due to the console being older and games being readily available in the second-hand market at affordable prices.
๐Ÿ”ด Game costs : High.
The relative cost of games for the TurboGrafx-16 is considered high due to the limited availability of games and the popularity of the console among collectors, leading to higher prices in the second-hand market.


Technology

Nintendo DS
TurboGrafx-16
Architecture : 32-bit.
The Nintendo DS uses a 32-bit architecture, providing sufficient processing power for its handheld gaming capabilities. This architecture allows for smooth gameplay and engaging graphics on the go.
Architecture : 8-bit.
The TurboGrafx-16 uses an 8-bit architecture, which was common during the late 1980s. This architecture allowed for colorful graphics and fast gameplay for its time.
CPU : ARM946E-S
The Nintendo DS uses an ARM946E-S CPU, which is a 32-bit processor with a clock speed of 67 MHz. It is known for its power efficiency and suitability for handheld gaming devices.
CPU : HuC6280
The TurboGrafx-16 uses the HuC6280 CPU, which is an 8-bit microprocessor with a clock speed of 7.16 MHz. It is known for its audio processing capabilities and was specifically designed for gaming consoles.
Memory : 4 MB
The Nintendo DS has 4 MB of memory, which was sufficient for its time and allowed for a variety of games to be played on the handheld console.
Memory : 8 Kb RAM, 64 Kb VRAM
The TurboGrafx-16 has 8 Kb of RAM and 64 Kb of VRAM, allowing for smooth gameplay and graphics for its time. While small by today's standards, it was impressive in the late 1980s.
Video output : Composite
The Nintendo DS only has a composite video output connection, which may require an adapter to connect to modern TVs that typically use HDMI or other digital inputs.
Video output : Composite
The TurboGrafx-16 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 DS features a dedicated GPU for handling graphics processing tasks, providing enhanced visuals and performance for games on the console.
๐ŸŸข Graphics Processing : Yes.
The TurboGrafx-16 has a dedicated GPU, the HuC6270, which was known for its impressive performance capabilities during its time, allowing for smooth graphics and gameplay on the console.
๐ŸŸข Internet connected : Yes.
The Nintendo DS can connect to the internet through Wi-Fi, allowing players to access online features, download games, and play multiplayer games with others around the world.
โšช Internet connected : Unknown.
The TurboGrafx-16 does not have built-in internet connectivity features like Ethernet or Wi-Fi. It primarily focuses on providing a high-quality gaming experience without online capabilities.
Game media format : Cartridge.
The primary game format for the Nintendo DS is cartridges. These small cartridges contain the game data and are inserted into the console to play games.
Game media format : .
The primary game format for the TurboGrafx-16 is the HuCard, which are small, credit card-sized cartridges that are inserted into the console to play games.


Gaming

Nintendo DS
TurboGrafx-16
Controllers : Up to 8 controllers/players
The Nintendo DS supports multiplayer gaming with up to 8 players using wireless connections. This allows for a fun and engaging gaming experience with friends and family on a single console.
Controllers : 2
The TurboGrafx-16 supports up to 2 players with wired controllers. This allows for multiplayer gaming experiences on the console, making it a great option for gaming with friends or family.
๐ŸŸข Online multiplayer : Yes.
The Nintendo DS allows multiplayer online play for certain games, providing an interactive gaming experience with friends and players worldwide. However, the online service for the DS has been discontinued, limiting some multiplayer capabilities.
โšช Online multiplayer : Unknown.
The TurboGrafx-16 does not have built-in online multiplayer capabilities. However, there may be third-party adapters or modifications available to enable online multiplayer functionality.
๐ŸŸข Number of titles : Good.
Nintendo DS game titles were released consistently with a wide variety of genres and popular franchises. Many games are still highly sought after in the secondhand market, making it a collectible console for gamers.
๐ŸŸก Number of titles : Average.
Game titles for the TurboGrafx-16 were released in an average manner, with a decent selection available. Some titles may be harder to find due to the console's limited popularity, but overall, there are options for players.
๐ŸŸข Featured games : Yes.
The Nintendo DS has many exclusive and iconic games such as Mario Kart DS, New Super Mario Bros., The Legend of Zelda: Phantom Hourglass, and Animal Crossing: Wild World, making it a beloved console for gamers.
๐ŸŸข Featured games : Yes.
The TurboGrafx-16 has several exclusive and iconic games such as Bonk's Adventure, Splatterhouse, and Ys Book I & II, which are highly regarded by retro gaming enthusiasts.


When choosing between the Nintendo DS and TurboGrafx-16, consider your preference for portable or home gaming. The Nintendo DS offers a vast library of games and innovative features for on-the-go gaming, while the TurboGrafx-16 provides a retro gaming experience with its unique game selection and advanced graphics for its time. Ultimately, the choice comes down to your gaming style and nostalgia factor.