Nintendo Entertainment System (NES) vs Super Nintendo Entertainment System (SNES)

The Nintendo Entertainment System (NES) and Super Nintendo Entertainment System (SNES) are iconic gaming consoles from Nintendo’s past. The NES, released in 1985, introduced many gamers to classic titles like Super Mario Bros. and The Legend of Zelda. The SNES, released in 1991, built upon the success of the NES with improved graphics and sound, offering beloved games like Super Mario World and The Legend of Zelda: A Link to the Past.

General information

Nintendo Entertainment System (NES)
Super Nintendo Entertainment System (SNES)
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 Super Nintendo Entertainment System (SNES) was released in 1990 and quickly became a beloved console in the gaming community. Known for its iconic games like Super Mario World, The Legend of Zelda: A Link to the Past, and Super Metroid, the SNES has become a classic and collectible item for many gamers. It was popular in markets worldwide and is still highly sought after by 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 :
  • Classic library of games
  • Iconic controller design
  • Retro gaming nostalgia
  • Easy to set up and play
  • Affordable price point
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  • Outdated technology may not be compatible with newer TVs.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 availability of new games and accessories.
  • Lack of backward compatibility with newer game formats.
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 : 1991
The Super Nintendo Entertainment System (SNES) was launched in 1991, captivating gamers with its advanced graphics and iconic game titles, solidifying its place in gaming history.
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
The Super Nintendo Entertainment System (SNES) was manufactured by Nintendo, a renowned gaming company known for creating iconic consoles and games that have shaped the gaming industry.
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 Super Nintendo Entertainment System (SNES) had solid sales during its time, but was overshadowed by competitors like the Sega Genesis. It still holds a nostalgic place in the hearts of many gamers.
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 Super Nintendo Entertainment System (SNES) 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 Entertainment System (NES)
Super Nintendo Entertainment System (SNES)
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 Super Nintendo Entertainment System (SNES) was available in multiple markets worldwide, including North America, Europe, and Japan. It was not available in all countries, but had a wide distribution in major gaming markets.
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 SNES is highly sought after by collectors and retro gaming enthusiasts, driving up its value in the market. Its iconic games and nostalgic appeal make it a valuable and collectible 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 Super Nintendo Entertainment System (SNES) is moderately available in the secondhand market. While some popular titles may be harder to find, there are still plenty of consoles and games available for purchase.
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 relative cost of the Super Nintendo Entertainment System (SNES) is low due to its age and availability in the second-hand market. It is considered an affordable option 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.
๐ŸŸข Game availability : Good.
SNES games are readily available through online marketplaces, retro gaming stores, and secondhand shops. Many popular titles are still in circulation, and there is a thriving collector's market for rare and sought-after games.
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.
The cost of games for the Super Nintendo Entertainment System (SNES) is considered average. While some popular titles can be expensive due to rarity, there are also many affordable options available in the second-hand market.


Technology

Nintendo Entertainment System (NES)
Super Nintendo Entertainment System (SNES)
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 : 16-bit.
The Super Nintendo Entertainment System (SNES) uses a 16-bit architecture, allowing for more advanced graphics and gameplay compared to its predecessor. It was a significant advancement in gaming technology during its 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 : Ricoh 5A22
The SNES uses a Ricoh 5A22 CPU, which is a custom 16-bit processor running at 3.58 MHz. It is known for its efficient performance in handling the console's games and graphics.
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 : 128 Kb
The Super Nintendo Entertainment System (SNES) has 128 Kb of memory, allowing for a wide variety of games to be played on the console with smooth performance.
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 Super Nintendo Entertainment System (SNES) has composite video output connections, which may require an adapter to connect to modern TVs that typically use HDMI 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 Super Nintendo Entertainment System (SNES) does have a dedicated GPU, which was considered advanced for its time and allowed for impressive graphics and performance in 16-bit games.
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 Super Nintendo Entertainment System (SNES) does not have internet connectivity features such as Ethernet or Wi-Fi. 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 Super Nintendo Entertainment System (SNES) is cartridges. These cartridges are inserted into the console to play games, providing a physical and tangible gaming experience.


Gaming

Nintendo Entertainment System (NES)
Super Nintendo Entertainment System (SNES)
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 : 2 controllers / 2 players
The Super Nintendo Entertainment System (SNES) supports up to 2 controllers for 2 players, allowing for multiplayer gaming experiences on a single console. Players can enjoy classic titles together in local co-op or competitive modes.
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 Super Nintendo Entertainment System (SNES) does not have built-in online multiplayer capabilities. However, some games may have been modified by fans to enable online multiplayer 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.
๐ŸŸข Number of titles : Good.
SNES game titles were released in physical cartridges, which are still widely available in the secondhand market. Many games have become collectible, with some rare titles fetching high prices among collectors.
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 Super Nintendo Entertainment System (SNES) has a range of exclusive, iconic, and notable games such as Super Mario World, The Legend of Zelda: A Link to the Past, and Super Metroid, which are highly regarded in the gaming community.


When choosing between the NES and SNES, it ultimately comes down to personal preference and nostalgia. The NES holds a special place in gaming history, while the SNES offers enhanced graphics and gameplay. Both consoles have a strong library of classic games that continue to be enjoyed by gamers of all ages. Whichever you choose, you’re sure to have a great time reliving the golden age of gaming.