Logo

Nintendo vs. Sega: Which Classic Gaming Console Was Better

August 23, 2022

Introduction

Ah, the good old days of classic gaming consoles. Two of the most iconic consoles of all time are the Nintendo Entertainment System (NES) and the Sega Genesis (known as the Mega Drive in some regions). Both were released in the late 80s and early 90s and captured the hearts of gamers around the world. As passionate gamers ourselves, the Flare Compare Team presents an unbiased comparison of the two consoles to determine which one was better.

Design

The NES had a boxy design, with sharp edges and a very 80s feel to it. While it wasn't the most visually-pleasing design, it was functional and got the job done. On the other hand, the Sega Genesis had a sleeker and more futuristic design, complete with a curve and eye-catching colors. While the NES was functional, the Genesis wins in terms of design points.

Processor and Performance

The NES had an 8-bit processor with a clock speed of 1.79 MHz, while the Sega Genesis had a 16-bit processor with a faster clock speed of 7.67 MHz. The Genesis had superior graphics and sound capabilities, which were showcased in classic games like Sonic the Hedgehog and Streets of Rage. In terms of performance, the Genesis is the clear winner.

Games Library

Both consoles had their share of iconic games. The NES had classics like Super Mario Bros., The Legend of Zelda, and Donkey Kong. On the other hand, the Sega Genesis had Sonic the Hedgehog, Streets of Rage, and Mortal Kombat. However, the NES had a massive games library of over 700 games, while the Genesis had around 900 games. In terms of sheer numbers, the Genesis wins, but the NES had some of the most iconic games ever created.

Sales

Finally, sales figures are the ultimate determinant of success. The NES had lifetime sales of over 61 million units, while the Genesis had lifetime sales of around 30 million units. The NES was the clear winner in terms of sales, which is a testament to how many people loved playing games on it.

Conclusion

In the end, both consoles had their strengths and weaknesses. The NES had a massive games library and sold twice as many units as the Genesis, while the Genesis had superior graphics and sound capabilities. Ultimately, it comes down to personal preference. Which console did you prefer?

References

© 2023 Flare Compare