Nintendo Game Boy Pocket vs Super Nintendo Entertainment System (SNES)

The Nintendo Game Boy Pocket and the Super Nintendo Entertainment System (SNES) are two iconic gaming consoles from Nintendo’s history. The Game Boy Pocket is a handheld device known for its portability and classic games, while the SNES is a home console that revolutionized the gaming industry with its advanced graphics and gameplay.

General information

Nintendo Game Boy Pocket
Super Nintendo Entertainment System (SNES)
Introduction :
The Nintendo Game Boy Pocket was released in 1996 as a smaller and lighter version of the original Game Boy. It quickly became popular among gamers for its portability and improved screen visibility. The Game Boy Pocket is considered a classic in the handheld gaming market and is highly sought after by collectors for its nostalgic value and iconic library of games.
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 :
  • Compact size makes it easy to carry around.
  • Long battery life for extended gaming sessions.
  • Compatible with a wide range of Game Boy games.
  • Affordable price point for budget-conscious gamers.
  • Durable design that can withstand everyday wear and tear.
Advantages :
  • Classic library of games
  • Iconic controller design
  • Retro gaming nostalgia
  • Easy to set up and play
  • Affordable price point
Disadvantages :
  • Limited screen visibility in low light
  • Lack of backlight for screen
  • Short battery life compared to newer consoles
  • Limited color options for display
  • Limited sound quality 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 : 1996
The Nintendo Game Boy Pocket was launched in 1996, offering a more compact and lightweight version of the original Game Boy, making it easier for gamers to take their favorite games on the go.
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 Game Boy Pocket was manufactured by Nintendo, a renowned and iconic company in the gaming industry known for creating popular consoles and games loved by fans worldwide.
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.
๐ŸŸก Popularity : Average.
The Nintendo Game Boy Pocket had moderate popularity during its release, with a significant number of units sold. It was a popular choice among handheld gaming enthusiasts, but faced competition from other portable consoles.
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 : Handheld console.
The Nintendo Game Boy Pocket is designed as a portable handheld console, allowing gamers to enjoy their favorite games on the go. Its compact size and lightweight design make it easy to carry around.
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.
Official website : https://www.nintendo.com/


Market and availability

Nintendo Game Boy Pocket
Super Nintendo Entertainment System (SNES)
Console markets :
The Nintendo Game Boy Pocket was available in various markets worldwide, including North America, Europe, Japan, and other regions. It was widely popular and sold in many countries during its release.
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 Nintendo Game Boy Pocket is now considered retro and collectible due to its nostalgic appeal and limited availability. It holds value among collectors and retro gaming enthusiasts.
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 Nintendo Game Boy Pocket is moderately available in the secondhand market. While not as common as newer consoles, it can still be found with some searching, especially for collectors and retro gaming enthusiasts.
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 Nintendo Game Boy Pocket is considered low in cost due to its age and availability in the second-hand market. It can be found at affordable prices 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.
Games for the Nintendo Game Boy Pocket are still available through online marketplaces and retro gaming stores. However, some titles may be harder to find or more expensive due to their collectible nature.
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 Game Boy Pocket are relatively inexpensive due to their age and availability in the second-hand market. This makes it a cost-effective option for retro gaming enthusiasts.
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 Game Boy Pocket
Super Nintendo Entertainment System (SNES)
Architecture : 8-bit.
The Nintendo Game Boy Pocket uses an 8-bit architecture, which was common for handheld consoles in the early 1990s. Despite its lower processing power compared to modern consoles, it was highly popular for its time.
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 : Sharp LR35902
The Nintendo Game Boy Pocket uses the Sharp LR35902 CPU, which is a modified version of the Zilog Z80 processor. It is a low-power, 8-bit processor known for its 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 : 32 Kb
The Nintendo Game Boy Pocket has 32 Kb of memory, allowing players to save game progress and data. While small by today's standards, it was sufficient for the games of its time.
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 Nintendo Game Boy Pocket has a composite video output connection, which may require an adapter to connect to a modern TV that typically uses 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 specific details about the GPU in the Nintendo Game Boy Pocket are not widely documented. Due to the console's age and simplicity, it is unclear if it has a dedicated GPU.
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 Game Boy Pocket is not internet connected. It does not have any notable internet connectivity features such as Ethernet or Wi-Fi capabilities.
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 Game Boy Pocket is cartridge-based. Players insert game cartridges into the console to play their favorite games on the go.
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 Game Boy Pocket
Super Nintendo Entertainment System (SNES)
Controllers : 1 controller, 1 player
The Nintendo Game Boy Pocket is a handheld console designed for single-player gaming, with one controller built into the device for solo play on the go.
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 Nintendo Game Boy Pocket does not have built-in online multiplayer capabilities. However, some games may support link cables for local multiplayer, but online multiplayer is not possible.
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.
๐ŸŸก Number of titles : Average.
Game titles for the Nintendo Game Boy Pocket were released in physical cartridges, with a decent selection available. While some titles are harder to find now, the secondhand market offers a variety of options for collectors.
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 Nintendo Game Boy Pocket has several exclusive and iconic games such as Pokemon Red and Blue, The Legend of Zelda: Link's Awakening, and Super Mario Land 2: 6 Golden Coins.
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.


Ultimately, choosing between the Nintendo Game Boy Pocket and the Super Nintendo Entertainment System (SNES) depends on your gaming preferences. If you value mobility and nostalgia, the Game Boy Pocket is a great choice. However, if you prefer a more immersive gaming experience with advanced graphics and a wider game library, the SNES would be the better option. Both consoles have their unique appeal, so consider what you prioritize in a gaming device before making your decision.