Nintendo Entertainment System (NES) vs Nintendo Game Boy Advance

The Nintendo Entertainment System (NES) and the Nintendo Game Boy Advance are two iconic gaming consoles from different eras. The NES revolutionized home gaming in the 1980s with its classic titles, while the Game Boy Advance brought portable gaming to new heights in the early 2000s.

General information

Nintendo Entertainment System (NES)
Nintendo Game Boy Advance
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 Game Boy Advance was released in 2001 and quickly became a popular handheld gaming console worldwide. It featured improved graphics and processing power compared to its predecessor, the Game Boy Color. The Game Boy Advance has since become a classic and collectible item for many gamers, with a wide range of games available to play on the go.
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 :
  • Portable and lightweight, perfect for gaming on the go.
  • Backwards compatibility with Game Boy and Game Boy Color games.
  • Large library of games available, including popular franchises.
  • Long battery life for extended gameplay sessions.
  • Bright and clear screen for enjoyable gaming experience.
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  • Outdated technology may not be compatible with newer TVs.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 newer consoles.
  • Small screen size may strain eyes during long gameplay.
  • Short battery life requires frequent recharging.
  • Limited storage capacity for game saves and downloads.
  • Lack of online connectivity for multiplayer gaming experiences.
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 : 2001
The Nintendo Game Boy Advance was launched in 2001, offering gamers a portable gaming experience with improved graphics and gameplay compared to its predecessor, the Game Boy Color.
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 Game Boy Advance, a popular handheld console known for its library of classic games and portability. It was a favorite among gamers of all ages.
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 Game Boy Advance was a popular handheld console, selling over 81 million units worldwide. It had a significant market share during its time, but faced competition from other handheld devices.
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 : Handheld console.
The Nintendo Game Boy Advance is designed as a portable console, allowing gamers to play their favorite games on the go. Its compact size and battery-powered operation make it ideal for gaming anywhere.
Official website : https://www.nintendo.com/


Market and availability

Nintendo Entertainment System (NES)
Nintendo Game Boy Advance
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 Game Boy Advance was available in various markets worldwide, including North America, Europe, Japan, and other regions. It was a popular handheld console that reached a global audience.
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 Game Boy Advance is now considered retro and collectible due to its nostalgic value and limited availability. Collectors seek out special editions and rare games for this classic handheld console.
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 Game Boy Advance is moderately available in the secondhand market, with a decent selection of used consoles and games. However, finding brand new units can be more challenging and may require some searching.
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 Console cost : Low.
The Nintendo Game Boy Advance is considered to have a low relative cost due to its age and availability in the second-hand market. It can be found at affordable prices for retro gaming enthusiasts.
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 Game Boy Advance are still fairly easy to find, especially through online marketplaces and retro gaming stores. Some titles may be more rare or expensive due to collector demand.
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.
๐ŸŸข Game costs : Low.
Games for the Nintendo Game Boy Advance are relatively inexpensive due to the console's age and the abundance of second-hand options available. Many classic titles can be found at affordable prices.


Technology

Nintendo Entertainment System (NES)
Nintendo Game Boy Advance
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 : 32-bit.
The Nintendo Game Boy Advance uses a 32-bit architecture, allowing for improved graphics and gameplay compared to its predecessors. This architecture was a significant advancement in handheld gaming technology at the time.
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 : ARM7TDMI
The Nintendo Game Boy Advance uses an ARM7TDMI CPU, which is a 32-bit RISC processor known for its efficiency in handling 2D graphics and sound processing in handheld gaming devices.
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 : 32 Mb
The Nintendo Game Boy Advance has 32 Mb of memory, allowing for storage of game data and save files. While small by today's standards, it was sufficient for the handheld console's library of games.
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 Game Boy Advance 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 Game Boy Advance features a dedicated GPU, providing enhanced graphics capabilities for its games. This allows for smoother gameplay and improved visual quality compared to systems without a dedicated GPU.
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 Game Boy Advance is not internet connected. It does not have any notable features like Ethernet or WiFi for online connectivity.
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 Game Boy Advance is cartridges. Players insert game cartridges into the console to play their favorite games on the go.


Gaming

Nintendo Entertainment System (NES)
Nintendo Game Boy Advance
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 / players
The Nintendo Game Boy Advance supports multiplayer gaming with up to 4 players using link cables. This allows for exciting multiplayer experiences on a single console, perfect for gaming with friends.
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 Game Boy Advance does not support online multiplayer functionality, as it was released before online multiplayer capabilities became common in gaming consoles.
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 Game Boy Advance were released in a standard manner, with a mix of popular franchises and original games. While some titles are sought after by collectors, availability can vary.
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 Game Boy Advance has several exclusive and iconic games such as Pokemon FireRed/LeafGreen, The Legend of Zelda: The Minish Cap, and Metroid Fusion, making it a notable console for gaming enthusiasts.


When choosing between the NES and the Game Boy Advance, it ultimately comes down to whether you prefer classic home console gaming or portable gaming on the go. Both consoles offer a unique gaming experience that cater to different preferences, so the right choice depends on your gaming style and nostalgia for retro gaming.