Nintendo Entertainment System (NES) vs Nintendo Wii

The Nintendo Entertainment System (NES) and Nintendo Wii are two iconic gaming consoles from different eras. The NES, released in the 1980s, revolutionized the gaming industry with its classic titles. The Wii, released in the 2000s, introduced motion controls and a new way to play games.

General information

Nintendo Entertainment System (NES)
Nintendo Wii
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 Wii was released in 2006 and quickly became a popular choice for gamers of all ages. Its innovative motion-sensing controllers and family-friendly games made it a hit in the market. The Wii introduced a new way of playing video games, appealing to both casual and hardcore gamers. With its unique gameplay experience and extensive library of games, the Nintendo Wii has become a classic console that is still enjoyed by many today.
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 :
  • Backwards compatibility with GameCube games
  • Innovative motion controls with the Wii Remote
  • Extensive library of family-friendly games
  • Virtual Console allows access to classic games
  • Affordable price compared to other consoles
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  • Outdated technology may not be compatible with newer TVs.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.
  • Lack of online multiplayer support for many games.
  • Limited storage capacity for downloadable games and content.
  • Motion controls can be inaccurate or unresponsive at times.
  • Limited third-party support for new game releases.
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 : 2006
The Nintendo Wii was launched in 2006, revolutionizing gaming with its motion-sensing controls and family-friendly games. It quickly became a popular console for gamers of all ages.
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 Japanese gaming company, manufactured the Nintendo Wii, a popular console known for its innovative motion controls and wide range of family-friendly games.
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 Wii was a popular console during its release, with over 100 million units sold worldwide. However, it faced stiff competition from other consoles like the Xbox 360 and PlayStation 3, making its popularity relatively average.
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 Wii is designed as a home console, meant to be connected to a TV and played in a living room setting. It is not intended to be easily portable like handheld consoles.


Market and availability

Nintendo Entertainment System (NES)
Nintendo Wii
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 Wii was available in multiple markets worldwide, including North America, Europe, Japan, and Australia. It was a popular console that reached a global audience during its release.
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 Wii is now considered retro and collectible due to its unique motion controls and popular game library. Its nostalgic appeal has driven up demand among collectors and gamers alike.
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 Wii is moderately available in both new and secondhand markets. While not as common as newer consoles, it can still be found through online retailers and auction sites. Some limited edition or collectible versions may be harder to come by.
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 Wii is considered low in cost due to being an older console with a large second-hand market. It is relatively inexpensive compared to newer gaming consoles on the 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 Wii are still relatively easy to find, both new and used. While some titles may be harder to come by, the overall availability of games for this console is decent.
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 Wii are relatively inexpensive due to the console being older and games being widely available in the second-hand market. This makes it a cost-effective option for gamers.


Technology

Nintendo Entertainment System (NES)
Nintendo Wii
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 Wii uses a 32-bit architecture, allowing for smooth gameplay and graphics. While not as advanced as newer consoles, it still provides an enjoyable gaming experience for players of all ages.
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 : Broadway
The Nintendo Wii uses a custom IBM PowerPC-based CPU codenamed 'Broadway.' It features a single core and is known for its efficiency in running games and applications on the console.
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 : 512 MB
The Nintendo Wii has 512 MB of internal memory, which is used for storing game data, system updates, and other content. Additional storage can be added through SD cards or USB drives.
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, Component, and S-Video
The Nintendo Wii has composite, component, and S-video output connections. To connect to a modern TV, you may need an adapter or converter to convert these analog signals to digital HDMI.
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 Wii features a dedicated GPU, providing enhanced graphics performance for an improved gaming experience compared to consoles 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.
๐ŸŸข Internet connected : Yes.
The Nintendo Wii is internet connected through built-in Wi-Fi capabilities, allowing users to access online features such as the Wii Shop Channel and online multiplayer gaming.
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 : DVD.
The primary game format for the Nintendo Wii is DVD. Games are played using optical discs inserted into the console, providing a physical format for gameplay.


Gaming

Nintendo Entertainment System (NES)
Nintendo Wii
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 Wii supports up to 4 controllers or players simultaneously, allowing for multiplayer gaming experiences. This feature promotes social gaming and interactive gameplay among friends and family.
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 Online multiplayer : Yes.
The Nintendo Wii allows players to connect online and play multiplayer games with friends or strangers. However, the online multiplayer options are limited compared to newer 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.
๐ŸŸข Number of titles : Good.
Nintendo Wii game titles were released consistently with a wide variety of genres and popular franchises. Many games are still sought after by collectors, making the secondhand market strong for Wii titles.
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 Wii has several exclusive and iconic games such as Super Mario Galaxy, The Legend of Zelda: Twilight Princess, and Wii Sports, which helped define the console's success.


When choosing between the NES and Wii, it ultimately comes down to personal preference and nostalgia versus modern features. If you enjoy retro gaming and classic titles, the NES may be the right choice for you. However, if you prefer a more interactive and modern gaming experience, the Wii offers a wider range of games and innovative gameplay mechanics.