Nintendo Entertainment System (NES) vs Nintendo 64 (N64)

The Nintendo 64 (N64) and Nintendo Entertainment System (NES) are two iconic gaming consoles from different eras. The NES, released in the 1980s, revolutionized the gaming industry with classic titles like Super Mario Bros. and The Legend of Zelda. On the other hand, the N64, released in the 1990s, introduced 3D gaming with titles like Super Mario 64 and The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time.

General information

Nintendo Entertainment System (NES)
Nintendo 64 (N64)
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.
Introduction :
The Nintendo 64 (N64) was released in 1996 and quickly became a beloved console for gamers around the world. Known for its innovative 3D graphics and iconic games like Super Mario 64 and The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time, the N64 has solidified its place as a classic in the gaming industry. With its unique controller featuring the iconic joystick, the N64 remains a popular choice for collectors and retro gaming enthusiasts.
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
Advantages :
  • Iconic 90s console with nostalgic appeal for retro gaming enthusiasts. - Wide selection of classic games available for collectors and fans. - Innovative controller design with unique features for immersive gameplay. - Affordable option for budget-conscious gamers looking to experience retro titles. - Durable hardware that has stood the test of time for long-term use.
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  • Outdated technology may not be compatible with newer TVs.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.
Disadvantages :
  • Limited graphics capabilities compared to modern consoles
  • Lack of online multiplayer functionality
  • Limited storage capacity for game saves
  • Limited selection of games compared to newer consoles
  • Outdated controller design and functionality
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.
Year launched : 1996
The Nintendo 64 was launched in 1996, offering groundbreaking 3D graphics and iconic games like Super Mario 64 and The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time, revolutionizing gaming experiences for players.
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.
Manufacturer : Nintendo
Nintendo, a renowned gaming company, manufactured the Nintendo 64 (N64) console, known for its iconic games like Super Mario 64 and The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time.
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.
๐ŸŸก Popularity : Average.
The Nintendo 64 was popular during its release in the late 90s, selling over 32 million units worldwide. It had a significant market share but faced strong competition from Sony's PlayStation.
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.
Form factor : Home console.
The Nintendo 64 (N64) is a home console designed to be connected to a TV for gaming. It is not meant to be easily portable, as it requires a power source and controllers to play.


Market and availability

Nintendo Entertainment System (NES)
Nintendo 64 (N64)
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.
Console markets :
The Nintendo 64 was available in various markets worldwide, including North America, Europe, Japan, and Australia. It was not officially released in regions such as South America and Africa.
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.
๐ŸŸข Collectible : Yes.
The Nintendo 64 is now considered retro and highly collectible among gaming enthusiasts. Its iconic games and unique controller design have contributed to its lasting popularity in the gaming community.
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.
๐ŸŸก Console availability : Average.
The Nintendo 64 is moderately available on the secondhand market, with a decent selection of consoles and games to choose from. However, finding brand new units may be more challenging.
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.
๐ŸŸก Console cost : Average.
The relative cost of the Nintendo 64 (N64) is average. While it is no longer in production, it is still popular among retro gamers, leading to a steady demand and stable pricing in the second-hand market.
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 availability : Average.
Games for the Nintendo 64 can be found through online marketplaces, retro game stores, and secondhand shops. While some titles are more rare and expensive, there is a decent selection available for collectors and gamers.
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.
๐ŸŸก Game costs : Average.
Games for the Nintendo 64 are relatively affordable on the second-hand market, with a good selection available at reasonable prices. However, some rare titles can be expensive to acquire.


Technology

Nintendo Entertainment System (NES)
Nintendo 64 (N64)
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.
Architecture : 64-bit.
The Nintendo 64 uses a 64-bit architecture, which was considered advanced for its time, allowing for improved graphics and gameplay compared to older consoles with lower bit architectures.
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.
CPU : NEC VR4300
The Nintendo 64 (N64) uses the NEC VR4300 CPU, a 64-bit processor with a clock speed of 93.75 MHz. It is known for its performance and efficiency in handling N64 games.
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.
Memory : 4 MB
The Nintendo 64 (N64) has 4 MB of memory, which was considered impressive for its time and allowed for more detailed graphics and larger game worlds compared to previous consoles.
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.
Video output : Composite
The Nintendo 64 has composite video output connections, which may require an adapter to connect to modern TVs that typically use HDMI or other digital inputs.
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 Graphics Processing : Yes.
The Nintendo 64 has a dedicated GPU, the Reality Coprocessor, which was designed by Silicon Graphics specifically for the console. It provided impressive graphics capabilities for its time.
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.
๐Ÿ”ด Internet connected : No.
The Nintendo 64 does not have internet connectivity capabilities, as it was released before online gaming became mainstream. It relies solely on physical game cartridges for gameplay.
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.
Game media format : Cartridge.
The primary game format for the Nintendo 64 is cartridge-based. Games are inserted into the console via cartridges, which contain the game data and are specific to the N64 system.


Gaming

Nintendo Entertainment System (NES)
Nintendo 64 (N64)
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.
Controllers : 4 controllers
The Nintendo 64 supports up to 4 controllers for multiplayer gaming. Players can enjoy competitive or cooperative gameplay on a single console, making it a great option for group gaming sessions.
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.
๐Ÿ”ด Online multiplayer : No.
The Nintendo 64 does not have built-in online multiplayer capabilities. However, some games may have been modified by fans to enable online play through unofficial means.
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.
๐ŸŸก Number of titles : Average.
Game titles for the Nintendo 64 were released in physical cartridges, which are still widely available in the secondhand market. Some titles have become collectible and can be more expensive to acquire.
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.
๐ŸŸข Featured games : Yes.
The Nintendo 64 has several exclusive, iconic, and notable games such as Super Mario 64, The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time, and GoldenEye 007, which are considered classics in the gaming world.


When choosing between the N64 and NES, it ultimately comes down to personal preference and nostalgia. The NES offers a retro gaming experience with timeless classics, while the N64 provides a more advanced gaming experience with 3D graphics. Both consoles have a strong library of games that cater to different tastes, so the choice depends on what type of gaming experience you are looking for.