Sega Master System vs Vectrex
Please select two different options.
The Sega Master System and Vectrex are two classic gaming consoles that offer unique gaming experiences. The Master System boasts a wide range of popular titles and advanced graphics for its time, while the Vectrex stands out with its vector-based graphics and built-in monitor.
General information
Sega Master System
Vectrex
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 Vectrex is a unique games console released in 1982 that gained popularity for its vector graphics display and built-in screen. It was marketed as a standalone system with its own library of games. Despite its short lifespan, the Vectrex has become a classic among retro gaming enthusiasts and collectors due to its innovative design and limited availability. It is considered a rare and sought-after console in the gaming community.
The Vectrex is a unique games console released in 1982 that gained popularity for its vector graphics display and built-in screen. It was marketed as a standalone system with its own library of games. Despite its short lifespan, the Vectrex has become a classic among retro gaming enthusiasts and collectors due to its innovative design and limited availability. It is considered a rare and sought-after console in the gaming community.
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 :
- Unique vector graphics display
- Built-in screen eliminates need for TV
- Portable and self-contained
- Innovative controller with analog joystick
- Retro appeal for collectors
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 modern consoles.
- Lack of color graphics may not appeal to some players.
- Bulky design may not fit well in modern entertainment setups.
- Limited availability of accessories and replacement parts.
- Lack of online connectivity for multiplayer gaming.
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 : 1982
The Vectrex was launched in 1982, offering a unique gaming experience with vector graphics. Despite its short lifespan, it remains a beloved classic among retro gaming enthusiasts.
The Vectrex was launched in 1982, offering a unique gaming experience with vector graphics. Despite its short lifespan, it remains a beloved classic among retro gaming enthusiasts.
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 : Smith Engineering
Smith Engineering was the manufacturer of the Vectrex games console, known for its vector graphics display. The console was released in 1982 and offered a unique gaming experience for its time.
Smith Engineering was the manufacturer of the Vectrex games console, known for its vector graphics display. The console was released in 1982 and offered a unique gaming experience for its time.
🟡 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 : Low.
The Vectrex was not a commercial success, with only around 1 million units sold during its production run. It had a niche market appeal due to its unique vector graphics display, but was overshadowed by more popular consoles of its time.
The Vectrex was not a commercial success, with only around 1 million units sold during its production run. It had a niche market appeal due to its unique vector graphics display, but was overshadowed by more popular consoles of its time.
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 : Home console.
The Vectrex console is designed as a home console, meant to be played in a stationary location rather than on the go. It features a built-in screen and controllers for a complete gaming experience.
The Vectrex console is designed as a home console, meant to be played in a stationary location rather than on the go. It features a built-in screen and controllers for a complete gaming experience.
Official website :
https://www.sega.com/
Official website :
https://www.vectrex.com/
Market and availability
Sega Master System
Vectrex
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 Vectrex was primarily available in North America and Europe during its original release in the 1980s. It was not widely distributed in other regions, making it a sought-after collector's item today.
The Vectrex was primarily available in North America and Europe during its original release in the 1980s. It was not widely distributed in other regions, making it a sought-after collector's item today.
🟢 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 : Yes.
The Vectrex Games Console is now considered retro and highly collectible among gaming enthusiasts. Its unique vector graphics and limited production make it a sought-after item for collectors.
The Vectrex Games Console is now considered retro and highly collectible among gaming enthusiasts. Its unique vector graphics and limited production make it a sought-after item for collectors.
🟡 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 Vectrex console can be found on the secondhand market, but availability may vary. It is considered a collectible item, so prices can be higher for well-maintained units.
The Vectrex console can be found on the secondhand market, but availability may vary. It is considered a collectible item, so prices can be higher for well-maintained units.
🟢 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 : High.
The relative cost of the Vectrex Games Console is high due to its rarity and popularity among collectors. Prices can vary depending on the condition and included accessories, making it a valuable item for retro gaming enthusiasts.
The relative cost of the Vectrex Games Console is high due to its rarity and popularity among collectors. Prices can vary depending on the condition and included accessories, making it a valuable item for retro gaming enthusiasts.
🟡 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 : Average.
Games for the Vectrex can be found through online marketplaces and retro gaming stores. While not as common as newer consoles, there is a decent selection available for collectors and enthusiasts.
Games for the Vectrex can be found through online marketplaces and retro gaming stores. While not as common as newer consoles, there is a decent selection available for collectors and enthusiasts.
🟢 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 : High.
The relative cost of games for the Vectrex is considered high due to its rarity and collectible nature. Games for this console can be expensive to purchase, especially in good condition.
The relative cost of games for the Vectrex is considered high due to its rarity and collectible nature. Games for this console can be expensive to purchase, especially in good condition.
Technology
Sega Master System
Vectrex
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 : 8-bit.
The Vectrex Games Console uses an 8-bit architecture, which was common for gaming consoles in the early 1980s. This architecture provided simple yet effective processing power for the time.
The Vectrex Games Console uses an 8-bit architecture, which was common for gaming consoles in the early 1980s. This architecture provided simple yet effective processing power for the time.
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 : M6809
The Vectrex games console uses the Motorola 6809 CPU, known for its efficient performance in handling graphics and gameplay. This processor was a notable feature of the console's design.
The Vectrex games console uses the Motorola 6809 CPU, known for its efficient performance in handling graphics and gameplay. This processor was a notable feature of the console's design.
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 : 1 Kb
The Vectrex Games Console has 1 Kb of memory, which was considered a decent amount for gaming in the early 1980s. This limited memory capacity influenced the types of games that could be developed for the console.
The Vectrex Games Console has 1 Kb of memory, which was considered a decent amount for gaming in the early 1980s. This limited memory capacity influenced the types of games that could be developed for the console.
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 : RF and composite
The Vectrex console has RF and composite video output connections, which may require adapters or converters to connect to modern TVs that typically use HDMI or component inputs.
The Vectrex console has RF and composite video output connections, which may require adapters or converters to connect to modern TVs that typically use HDMI or component inputs.
🟢 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 : Unknown.
The Vectrex is an older console released in the 1980s, and specific details about its hardware components, such as a dedicated GPU, are not widely documented. Further research may be needed for confirmation.
The Vectrex is an older console released in the 1980s, and specific details about its hardware components, such as a dedicated GPU, are not widely documented. Further research may be needed for confirmation.
🔴 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 : No.
The Vectrex games console is not internet connected. It does not have any notable features such as ethernet or wifi for online connectivity.
The Vectrex games console is not internet connected. It does not have any notable features such as ethernet or wifi for online connectivity.
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 : Cartridge.
The primary game format for the Vectrex is cartridges. These cartridges contain the game software and are inserted into the console to play different games. The Vectrex does not use CDs or downloads for games.
The primary game format for the Vectrex is cartridges. These cartridges contain the game software and are inserted into the console to play different games. The Vectrex does not use CDs or downloads for games.
Gaming
Sega Master System
Vectrex
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 : 2 controllers
The Vectrex console supports two wired controllers for multiplayer gaming. Players can enjoy classic titles together, adding a social element to the gaming experience on this retro console.
The Vectrex console supports two wired controllers for multiplayer gaming. Players can enjoy classic titles together, adding a social element to the gaming experience on this retro console.
🔴 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 : Unknown.
The Vectrex is a vintage console released in the 1980s, and online multiplayer capabilities were not common during that era. It is unlikely to support online multiplayer, but check for any modern adaptations or hacks.
The Vectrex is a vintage console released in the 1980s, and online multiplayer capabilities were not common during that era. It is unlikely to support online multiplayer, but check for any modern adaptations or hacks.
🟡 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 Vectrex were released physically on cartridges, making them easily collectible today. The secondhand market for Vectrex games is active, with a variety of titles available for purchase.
Game titles for the Vectrex were released physically on cartridges, making them easily collectible today. The secondhand market for Vectrex games is active, with a variety of titles available for purchase.
🟢 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 : Yes.
The Vectrex has several exclusive and iconic games such as MineStorm, Star Castle, and Armor Attack. These games were specifically designed to take advantage of the console's vector graphics display.
The Vectrex has several exclusive and iconic games such as MineStorm, Star Castle, and Armor Attack. These games were specifically designed to take advantage of the console's vector graphics display.
When choosing between the Sega Master System and Vectrex, consider your preference for game library and visual style. The Master System offers a larger selection of games with more traditional graphics, while the Vectrex provides a retro and distinctive gaming experience with its vector graphics. Ultimately, the choice comes down to personal preference and the type of gaming experience you are looking for.