Sega Master System vs Steam Deck
Please select two different options.
The Sega Master System, a classic 8-bit console released in the 1980s, is known for its iconic games like Sonic the Hedgehog. On the other hand, the Steam Deck is a modern handheld gaming device that allows players to access their Steam library on the go.
General information
Sega Master System
Steam Deck
Introduction :
The Sega Master System, released in 1985, was Sega's first entry into the home console market. While not as popular as its competitor, the Nintendo Entertainment System, the Master System gained a dedicated following in Europe and Brazil. It featured a diverse library of games, including iconic titles like Sonic the Hedgehog and Alex Kidd. Today, the Master System is considered a classic console and is sought after by collectors.
The Sega Master System, released in 1985, was Sega's first entry into the home console market. While not as popular as its competitor, the Nintendo Entertainment System, the Master System gained a dedicated following in Europe and Brazil. It featured a diverse library of games, including iconic titles like Sonic the Hedgehog and Alex Kidd. Today, the Master System is considered a classic console and is sought after by collectors.
Introduction :
The Steam Deck is a highly anticipated handheld gaming console developed by Valve Corporation, set to release in late 2021. It runs on a custom AMD APU and features a 7-inch touchscreen display. With the ability to play PC games on the go, the Steam Deck has generated a lot of excitement among gamers. It is expected to be a popular choice for those looking for a portable gaming experience with the power of a PC.
The Steam Deck is a highly anticipated handheld gaming console developed by Valve Corporation, set to release in late 2021. It runs on a custom AMD APU and features a 7-inch touchscreen display. With the ability to play PC games on the go, the Steam Deck has generated a lot of excitement among gamers. It is expected to be a popular choice for those looking for a portable gaming experience with the power of a PC.
Advantages :
- The Sega Master System has a diverse library of games.
- It offers backward compatibility with Sega SG-1000 games.
- The console has a built-in game pause feature.
- It supports light gun peripherals for shooting games.
- The Master System is known for its durable hardware construction.
Advantages :
- Portable design allows for gaming on the go
- Powerful hardware for smooth gameplay performance
- Extensive library of games available on Steam platform
- Customizable controls for personalized gaming experience
- Ability to connect to external displays for larger gaming sessions
Disadvantages :
- Limited color palette and graphics capabilities compared to newer consoles.
- Lack of popular third-party game titles available for the system.
- Limited sound capabilities leading to lower quality audio in games.
- Outdated controller design and lack of ergonomic features.
- Limited memory capacity resulting in smaller game file sizes.
Disadvantages :
- Limited game library compared to established consoles.
- Potential hardware issues due to new technology.
- Higher price point compared to other handheld consoles.
- Limited availability and potential shipping delays.
- Uncertainty of long-term support and updates.
Year launched : 1985
The Sega Master System was launched in 1985, offering gamers a new way to experience video games with improved graphics and gameplay compared to previous consoles.
The Sega Master System was launched in 1985, offering gamers a new way to experience video games with improved graphics and gameplay compared to previous consoles.
Year launched : 2021
The Steam Deck was launched in 2021, offering a new and innovative handheld gaming experience for players looking to enjoy their favorite PC games on the go.
The Steam Deck was launched in 2021, offering a new and innovative handheld gaming experience for players looking to enjoy their favorite PC games on the go.
Manufacturer : Sega
Sega, a renowned video game company, manufactured the Sega Master System, a popular games console in the 1980s. Known for its iconic games like Sonic the Hedgehog, Sega was a major player in the console market.
Sega, a renowned video game company, manufactured the Sega Master System, a popular games console in the 1980s. Known for its iconic games like Sonic the Hedgehog, Sega was a major player in the console market.
Manufacturer : Valve Corporation
Valve Corporation, known for the popular gaming platform Steam, is the manufacturer of the Steam Deck. This handheld gaming console combines the power of PC gaming with the portability of a handheld device.
Valve Corporation, known for the popular gaming platform Steam, is the manufacturer of the Steam Deck. This handheld gaming console combines the power of PC gaming with the portability of a handheld device.
🟡 Popularity : Average.
The Sega Master System had moderate popularity during its time, with a loyal fan base and decent sales figures. It competed with the NES but did not dominate the market.
The Sega Master System had moderate popularity during its time, with a loyal fan base and decent sales figures. It competed with the NES but did not dominate the market.
🟡 Popularity : Average.
The Steam Deck has generated moderate interest among gamers and tech enthusiasts. While not as popular as mainstream consoles like PlayStation or Xbox, it has carved out a niche market due to its unique features and capabilities.
The Steam Deck has generated moderate interest among gamers and tech enthusiasts. While not as popular as mainstream consoles like PlayStation or Xbox, it has carved out a niche market due to its unique features and capabilities.
Form factor : Home console.
The Sega Master System is a home console, designed to be used in a stationary location with a TV. It is not intended for portable use.
The Sega Master System is a home console, designed to be used in a stationary location with a TV. It is not intended for portable use.
Form factor : Handheld console.
The Steam Deck is designed as a portable console, allowing gamers to take their favorite games on the go with a handheld form factor for gaming on the move.
The Steam Deck is designed as a portable console, allowing gamers to take their favorite games on the go with a handheld form factor for gaming on the move.
Official website :
https://www.sega.com/
Official website :
https://www.valvesoftware.com/en/steamdeck
Market and availability
Sega Master System
Steam Deck
Console markets :
The Sega Master System was available in North America, Europe, Japan, and other regions. It was not officially released in certain markets like South America and Africa, but could be found through unofficial channels.
The Sega Master System was available in North America, Europe, Japan, and other regions. It was not officially released in certain markets like South America and Africa, but could be found through unofficial channels.
Console markets :
The Steam Deck is available for purchase worldwide, with shipping options to most countries. However, availability may vary depending on demand and production capacity, so it's recommended to check the official website for the most up-to-date information.
The Steam Deck is available for purchase worldwide, with shipping options to most countries. However, availability may vary depending on demand and production capacity, so it's recommended to check the official website for the most up-to-date information.
🟢 Collectible : Yes.
The Sega Master System is now considered retro and collectible, with a growing market for vintage gaming consoles. Nostalgia for classic games and the console's historical significance contribute to its value.
The Sega Master System is now considered retro and collectible, with a growing market for vintage gaming consoles. Nostalgia for classic games and the console's historical significance contribute to its value.
⚪ Collectible : Unknown.
The Steam Deck is a new console, so its retro/collectible status is currently unknown. Depending on its popularity and longevity, it may become a sought-after item in the future.
The Steam Deck is a new console, so its retro/collectible status is currently unknown. Depending on its popularity and longevity, it may become a sought-after item in the future.
🟡 Console availability : Average.
The Sega Master System is moderately available on the secondhand market, with a decent selection of consoles and games. Collectors may find rarer editions harder to come by, but overall, it is a reasonable option for retro gaming enthusiasts.
The Sega Master System is moderately available on the secondhand market, with a decent selection of consoles and games. Collectors may find rarer editions harder to come by, but overall, it is a reasonable option for retro gaming enthusiasts.
🟡 Console availability : Average.
The Steam Deck is relatively new, so availability may vary. While new units may be limited, secondhand market options could be more accessible. Keep an eye out for listings from reputable sellers.
The Steam Deck is relatively new, so availability may vary. While new units may be limited, secondhand market options could be more accessible. Keep an eye out for listings from reputable sellers.
🟢 Console cost : Low.
The Sega Master System is considered low in cost due to its age and availability in the second-hand market. It is relatively inexpensive compared to newer consoles on the market.
The Sega Master System is considered low in cost due to its age and availability in the second-hand market. It is relatively inexpensive compared to newer consoles on the market.
⚪ Console cost : Unknown.
The relative cost of the Steam Deck is currently unknown as it is a new release and availability may vary. It is recommended to compare prices with other gaming consoles for a better understanding.
The relative cost of the Steam Deck is currently unknown as it is a new release and availability may vary. It is recommended to compare prices with other gaming consoles for a better understanding.
🟡 Game availability : Average.
Games for the Sega Master System can be found through online marketplaces and retro gaming stores. While some titles are more common, others may be harder to come by, making availability overall average.
Games for the Sega Master System can be found through online marketplaces and retro gaming stores. While some titles are more common, others may be harder to come by, making availability overall average.
🟢 Game availability : Good.
Steam Deck has a wide range of games available through the Steam platform, offering a diverse selection of popular and indie titles. Additionally, the console's compatibility with PC games enhances its game library.
Steam Deck has a wide range of games available through the Steam platform, offering a diverse selection of popular and indie titles. Additionally, the console's compatibility with PC games enhances its game library.
🟢 Game costs : Low.
Games for the Sega Master System are relatively inexpensive due to the console's age and availability of second-hand copies. Prices can vary, but overall, games for this console are considered to be on the lower end of the cost spectrum.
Games for the Sega Master System are relatively inexpensive due to the console's age and availability of second-hand copies. Prices can vary, but overall, games for this console are considered to be on the lower end of the cost spectrum.
🟡 Game costs : Average.
The relative cost of games for the Steam Deck is average compared to other games consoles. While some games may be more expensive due to exclusivity, overall prices are reasonable.
The relative cost of games for the Steam Deck is average compared to other games consoles. While some games may be more expensive due to exclusivity, overall prices are reasonable.
Technology
Sega Master System
Steam Deck
Architecture : 8-bit.
The Sega Master System uses an 8-bit architecture, which was common for gaming consoles in the 1980s. This architecture allowed for simpler graphics and sound capabilities compared to later consoles.
The Sega Master System uses an 8-bit architecture, which was common for gaming consoles in the 1980s. This architecture allowed for simpler graphics and sound capabilities compared to later consoles.
Architecture : 64-bit.
The Steam Deck uses a 64-bit architecture, providing powerful performance for gaming and multitasking. This architecture allows for smooth gameplay and efficient processing of graphics and data.
The Steam Deck uses a 64-bit architecture, providing powerful performance for gaming and multitasking. This architecture allows for smooth gameplay and efficient processing of graphics and data.
CPU : Zilog Z80
The Sega Master System uses the Zilog Z80 CPU, a popular processor known for its use in various gaming consoles and computers. It has a clock speed of 3.58 MHz.
The Sega Master System uses the Zilog Z80 CPU, a popular processor known for its use in various gaming consoles and computers. It has a clock speed of 3.58 MHz.
CPU : AMD Zen 2 architecture
The Steam Deck uses a custom AMD APU based on the Zen 2 architecture, offering powerful performance for gaming on the go. With 8 cores and 16 threads, it provides excellent processing power.
The Steam Deck uses a custom AMD APU based on the Zen 2 architecture, offering powerful performance for gaming on the go. With 8 cores and 16 threads, it provides excellent processing power.
Memory : 8 Kb
The Sega Master System has 8 Kb of memory, which was standard for gaming consoles of its time. This limited memory capacity required developers to optimize their games efficiently.
The Sega Master System has 8 Kb of memory, which was standard for gaming consoles of its time. This limited memory capacity required developers to optimize their games efficiently.
Memory : 64 GB
The Steam Deck comes with 64 GB of internal storage, providing ample space for storing games, apps, and other content. This allows for a wide variety of games to be downloaded and played.
The Steam Deck comes with 64 GB of internal storage, providing ample space for storing games, apps, and other content. This allows for a wide variety of games to be downloaded and played.
Video output : Composite and RF
The Sega Master System has composite and RF video output connections, which may require adapters to connect to modern TVs that typically use HDMI or component inputs.
The Sega Master System has composite and RF video output connections, which may require adapters to connect to modern TVs that typically use HDMI or component inputs.
Video output : HDMI
The Steam Deck is equipped with an HDMI output connection, allowing users to easily connect the console to modern TVs and monitors for an enhanced gaming experience.
The Steam Deck is equipped with an HDMI output connection, allowing users to easily connect the console to modern TVs and monitors for an enhanced gaming experience.
🟢 Graphics Processing : Yes.
The Sega Master System does have a dedicated GPU, which was considered advanced for its time and allowed for better graphics and smoother gameplay compared to other consoles of its era.
The Sega Master System does have a dedicated GPU, which was considered advanced for its time and allowed for better graphics and smoother gameplay compared to other consoles of its era.
🟢 Graphics Processing : Yes.
The Steam Deck is equipped with a dedicated GPU, providing enhanced graphics performance for gaming. This allows for smoother gameplay and better visual quality compared to integrated graphics solutions.
The Steam Deck is equipped with a dedicated GPU, providing enhanced graphics performance for gaming. This allows for smoother gameplay and better visual quality compared to integrated graphics solutions.
🔴 Internet connected : No.
The Sega Master System is not internet connected. Released in the 1980s, it predates widespread internet use in gaming consoles. It relies solely on physical game cartridges for gameplay.
The Sega Master System is not internet connected. Released in the 1980s, it predates widespread internet use in gaming consoles. It relies solely on physical game cartridges for gameplay.
🟢 Internet connected : Yes.
The Steam Deck is internet connected through both Wi-Fi and Bluetooth technology, allowing for online gaming, downloading updates, and accessing the Steam store for new games and content.
The Steam Deck is internet connected through both Wi-Fi and Bluetooth technology, allowing for online gaming, downloading updates, and accessing the Steam store for new games and content.
Game media format : Cartridge.
The primary game format for the Sega Master System is cartridge-based. Games are inserted into the console via cartridges, allowing for easy swapping and gameplay without the need for additional accessories.
The primary game format for the Sega Master System is cartridge-based. Games are inserted into the console via cartridges, allowing for easy swapping and gameplay without the need for additional accessories.
Game media format : Download.
The primary game format for the Steam Deck is digital downloads. Players can purchase and download games directly from the Steam platform onto the device for convenient access to their gaming library.
The primary game format for the Steam Deck is digital downloads. Players can purchase and download games directly from the Steam platform onto the device for convenient access to their gaming library.
Gaming
Sega Master System
Steam Deck
Controllers : 2
The Sega Master System supports up to 2 controllers for multiplayer gaming. Players can enjoy games with a friend or family member on this classic console.
The Sega Master System supports up to 2 controllers for multiplayer gaming. Players can enjoy games with a friend or family member on this classic console.
Controllers : Up to 4 controllers/players
The Steam Deck supports multiplayer gaming with up to 4 controllers or players connected to the console simultaneously, allowing for a fun and engaging gaming experience with friends and family.
The Steam Deck supports multiplayer gaming with up to 4 controllers or players connected to the console simultaneously, allowing for a fun and engaging gaming experience with friends and family.
🔴 Online multiplayer : No.
The Sega Master System does not have online multiplayer capabilities due to its age and lack of internet connectivity features. Multiplayer is limited to local play with additional controllers.
The Sega Master System does not have online multiplayer capabilities due to its age and lack of internet connectivity features. Multiplayer is limited to local play with additional controllers.
🟢 Online multiplayer : Yes.
The Steam Deck allows for multiplayer online gaming, providing a seamless experience for playing with friends or other gamers around the world. Enjoy competitive matches and cooperative gameplay on this portable console.
The Steam Deck allows for multiplayer online gaming, providing a seamless experience for playing with friends or other gamers around the world. Enjoy competitive matches and cooperative gameplay on this portable console.
🟡 Number of titles : Average.
Game titles for the Sega Master System were released in a fairly average manner. While some popular titles are sought after by collectors, the overall availability and pricing in the secondhand market are moderate.
Game titles for the Sega Master System were released in a fairly average manner. While some popular titles are sought after by collectors, the overall availability and pricing in the secondhand market are moderate.
🟢 Number of titles : Good.
Game titles for the Steam Deck have been released consistently with a wide variety of options available. The console's popularity has also led to a strong secondhand market for games.
Game titles for the Steam Deck have been released consistently with a wide variety of options available. The console's popularity has also led to a strong secondhand market for games.
🟢 Featured games : Yes.
The Sega Master System has several exclusive and iconic games such as Sonic the Hedgehog, Alex Kidd in Miracle World, and Phantasy Star, which are highly regarded in the gaming community.
The Sega Master System has several exclusive and iconic games such as Sonic the Hedgehog, Alex Kidd in Miracle World, and Phantasy Star, which are highly regarded in the gaming community.
⚪ Featured games : Unknown.
The Steam Deck does not have any exclusive games announced at this time. It is primarily designed to run PC games and offer a portable gaming experience.
The Steam Deck does not have any exclusive games announced at this time. It is primarily designed to run PC games and offer a portable gaming experience.
When choosing between the Sega Master System and the Steam Deck, it ultimately comes down to nostalgia and convenience. Retro gaming enthusiasts may prefer the charm of the Master System, while those looking for a portable and versatile gaming experience may opt for the Steam Deck. Both have their own unique appeal, so the right choice depends on your gaming preferences and priorities.