SMS vs NES: Battle of the Retro Titans - Which is Better?

[@Dorelaxen]

Phantasy Star is one of my all time favorite games (and series). The original SMS one helped get me through the first summer living on my own. I threw myself into making maps and whatnot and forgot about being homesick.

[@FloppyDeepDive]

Phantasy Star is incredible! I remember my son getting me into that game one summer. Good memories! Thanks for watching and commenting!

[@mitchellazevedo6637]

I bought my kids the Master System for Christmass 1987 because my research indicated that it was more powerfull than the NES. A month later, my kids sold it and bought an NES. Shortly afterwards, I bought a Master System for myself and still have it hooked up today.

[@FloppyDeepDive]

That's awesome! Thanks for watching

[@mymusic3354]

Nice! 👍

[@HebrewGamer100]

Their research indicated you can't play Mario on SMS.

[@ArJorge1987]

Now I need an SMS...

[@FloppyDeepDive]

Agree! Thanks for Watching!

[@RobsRetroGaming]

Great comparison! Both are fantastic systems. Just wish SMS had more games!

[@FloppyDeepDive]

Agree, definitely a limited selection but such a fun system. Thanks for watching!

[@RobsRetroGaming]

@@FloppyDeepDive Love your videos! Keep up the great work!

[@neilthomas8070]

In Europe and Brazil there would more SMS games.

[@elcoyote9137]

No tuvo tanto juego ya que en Japón y Estados Unidos que eran grande mercado fue casi un fracaso,solo tuvo buenas ventas en Europa y Brasil,aparte que Nintendo tenía prácticas casi mafiosas

[@a2zdjpro]

Ninja Gaiden was released on the Sega Master System in 1992, not 1989. But mostly good information.

[@FloppyDeepDive]

Good catch! Thanks for Watching!

[@WhatHoSnorkers]

The graphical differences are astonishing! SEGA forever!

[@FloppyDeepDive]

Yes Sir! SEGA Genesis was my first console, so I always love firing one up and playing, even if it's my first time on the SMS on some of these. As always appreciate you watching and the support!

[@blastproces]

The nes is very good in my opinion the homebrew scene has tons to offer lots of indie type stuff, based solely on graphics is one dimensional I think the sms has the more detail and colour and it really is a mixed bag each has thier own merits

[@redcrimson1028]

Die with them! They stop making consoles years ago because if the bad mistakes they were making and thry couldn't keep up with nintendo

[@pferreira1983]

@@redcrimson1028 Great joke! 😂😂

[@Acronuz]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/b4m5hoCiqM6KndEsi=kBiMjL7Ll3M0xcz9

[@shawnbowers4836]

The SMS has better graphics if you compare the same game side by side for each console. Rampage is another example of the SMS version looking better. But the NES exclusives are legendary for a reason.

[@FloppyDeepDive]

Very True!

[@GregsGameRoom]

I also chose the NES Double Dragon (and I got so much crap for it on my video.) The NES has better graphics and gameplay despite not having 2-player or more than 2 enemies onscreen.

[@FloppyDeepDive]

We all have opinions and call it like we see it. That's the fun of comparing. Thanks for Watching!

[@jasonlee7816]

SMS had better visuals

[@conorneligan7694]

Ninja Gaiden NES neither has limited continues or (more subjectively, although I believe it’s difficult to argue) repetitive backgrounds. I haven’t played the SMS game but just going on the video I would be pretty confident it has worse hit detection and looser controls than the NES game.

[@FloppyDeepDive]

Yep, you hit it on the head. Thanks for watching.

[@ldsviking]

The NES is part of my DNA at this point, but I have to grudgingly admit that I'm jealous of the SMS's ability to display a clean, bright yellow.

[@FloppyDeepDive]

Never noticed the yellow until you mentioned it. Thanks for watching!

[@KrunchyTheClown78]

@@FloppyDeepDive OldStyle from AtariAge is making Bubble Bobble for the Atari 7800, and it blows both the NES and SMS versions away, both in graphics, and gameplay, items, and whatnot. It looks very promising.

[@nickolasgaspar9660]

and red....

[@salvatoredangelo7026]

I had both systems growing up when I was a kid thanks for posting the video of all these old school video games I enjoyed it very much and keep up the good work and make some more videos

[@FloppyDeepDive]

Awesome! Thanks for Watching! Glad you enjoyed it

[@ClassicGameSessions]

For consoles I was on the NES for the most part at the time, and it's not that I didn't like the Sega systems - they certainly kicked butt too. Some Sega games had a bit better graphics but I was hooked on Nintendo goodness and it was my go to with a large library of games. Love these classic games - brings back great memories and still a lot of fun!

[@FloppyDeepDive]

Yep, the NES, with its vast library, you can't go wrong with it. I didn't have the SMS either, Genesis was my first Sega, so going back and playing these it's a treat! As always, thank you for watching and commenting! Appreciate my regulars!

[@ClassicGameSessions]

@FloppyDeepDive Absolutely, a real treat to play on them! There's something to be said about Sega beating Nintendo to market with 16-bit gaming too - there was that period before the SNES when it was just amazing. Always appreciate your content and discussion, cheers!

[@RandomBitzzz]

I was always a NES fan, but I agree with all your picks except for Double Dragon. I always thought the SMS did it better, and the two player co-op was what sealed the deal. I can't believe how much better Bubble Bobble and PoP looks on the SMS. This is the first time I've seen them.

[@FloppyDeepDive]

Right, the SMS looks really good with these games. As always, thanks for always watching and commenting, and supporting the channel. The icon next to your name says you have been with me for over 2 years, so one of my first. I must create something to honor you guys who always watch and comment.

[@test121ify]

I think the same with double dragon. Normally cooperative games in 80s and 90s weren always better than single games.

[@RacerX-]

I 100% agree with your votes. I experienced the SMS after I got a Genesis when they released the Power Base converter. It is then I snatched up a bunch of SMS games like Phantasy Star and Choplifter. There are some great games on the system and this is a good selection. I sold off my Powerbase converter and SMS games a long time ago, though I did keep my Genesis and a selection of games. Oh well the Everdrive came to the rescue a few years back as it allows you to play SMS game ROMs with the Genesis. Great series, looking forward to more.

[@FloppyDeepDive]

Thanks! I'm glad you are liking this series. As you know our journey through gaming is very similar. Genesis was my first Sega but I never heard of the Power Base converter. I'll have to google that and check it out. As always thanks for always watching and commenting. Always good to have my regulars who I know will show up and support.

[@RacerX-]

@@FloppyDeepDive Yeah check it out. It was a cool add-on from Sega that enabled SMS carts and the SMS Cards to work in the Genesis. Since the Genesis had most of the SMS hardware included I don't think it was emulation. Keep up the good work!

[@ilfaro9130]

Are you playing a modded version of Double Dragon for the NES? The colors are way nicer than I remember

[@FloppyDeepDive]

It's the only version I ever owned, so I'll have to look into what you are using. Thanks for watching, my friend!

[@Feruchio1]

NES = Fun SMS = Graphics and sound SNES = Fun, graphics and sound Sega Genesis = Owners waging console wars to this day

[@FloppyDeepDive]

I can go with this

[@JD.78]

Prince of Persia was one of my favourite and most played Action-Adventure games on the MS, it took me a while to memorise the levels and beat that 1 Hour time limit, and the animation is top tier for an 8-Bit console. Wonder Boy III is still my favourite game on the MS, with the Action-Adventure's combination of multiple characters and RPG elements, this is in my opinion the MS's finest game. Thanks for making this video. Cheers.

[@FloppyDeepDive]

PoP was fun to play, but you better have a lot of patience. Thanks for watching, and hoped you subbed.

[@GhibliNova]

I never even heard about the sms until a couple years ago, but researching everything sega has made me realize that they were just better, but lost because of 3rd party support going to the big N. Wouldve loved to see more games on the sms

[@FloppyDeepDive]

I agree 100%. Thanks for watching!

[@ulysses2162]

There was more 3rd party support outside of North America for the SMS. It was hugely popular in the UK, Europe, Brazil, Australia, and New Zealand.

[@TheCeleryGod]

Never owned the SMS, but it compares quite favorably in my opinion. Back in the day, I would have thought twice about getting the system if I had seen a side by side comparison with the NES.

[@FloppyDeepDive]

Right! I didn't even see an SMS growing up. NES was everywhere. Sega didn't even get on my radar under Genesis. Thanks for watching

[@blastproces]

Here in uk sega was king.

[@catsaregovernmentspies]

I remember playing them side by side in a store. I remember the squarish directional pad on the Sega controller wasn't as fluid as the cross d-pad on the Nintendo. The Nintendo just felt more intuitive.

[@97channel]

The SMS is vastly underrated. I think these comparisons expose the NES for being the inferior system. I'm from the UK, and we didn't have the same level of allegiance to Nintendo as the US. The 8-bit console scene wasn't particularly strong here. The SMS was much heavier advertised, The NES promotional presence was fairly weak. Sales were something of a 50/50 split between the two systems. The SMS saw a surge during the 16-bit era as a budget option, whilst the NES declined. Retro nostalgia has seen the NES become an icon here, but it wasn't as big a deal in the day as some may think. The number of games released for the NES may push it towards being the preferred option for 8-bit retro gaming, but the SMS tends to outdo it quite significantly where side-by-side comparisons can be made with the same titles on both systems.

[@FloppyDeepDive]

Agree! If only SMS had the same library and was promoted more here in the US like the NES.

[@blastproces]

Not to mention that the uk got only a small percentage of titles for nes the u.s and Japan had a far bigger library to choose from however we got the bigger sms library

[@GCSoundArtifacts]

The only point of disagreement between us would be on the soundtrack of the NES version of Ninja Gaiden, which I think it's far better than the (nice) one on SMS. Outside that, I've enjoyed the comparisons! Looking forward to a part 2.

[@FloppyDeepDive]

I'm glad you enjoyed it! More to come, for sure!

[@Vegeta-79]

Oh my God,you had the exact same thought i did 👍

[@JustMe99999]

I had both as a kid. The Master System was the better system but it didn't have the library.

[@FloppyDeepDive]

Agree 100%

[@CaptainCaveman1170]

You can thank Nintendo's no-compete policy with it's third party developers for that tragedy. Thankfully, the courts found that to be illegal by the Genesis time frame, but the damage to the SMS was already done.

[@lovemadeinjapan]

Plug in a French Master System into a RGB SCART TV, insert cartridge, and wow! Glorious RGB. Plug in a French NES into a composite SCART adapterplug, insert cartridge, and HOPE you see glorious colour bleed and stripes. But 90% chance you get a black screen and a blinking red LED instead.

[@FloppyDeepDive]

The French Master System really flexes its muscles with that glorious RGB output-truly a visual treat! Meanwhile, the NES with composite often feels like rolling the dice. The blinking red LED struggle is all too real!

[@JoJaDaRu]

Interesting video... I love both systems.. SMS was my favorite as a kid (because I could play Afterburner and Shinobi.. arcade favorites for me) but as I got older I found love for both. The lack of games on the SMS didn't bother me at all back in the day because I could never own everything I wanted anyway so there was always more than enough.. now in retrospect as we research old titles it's a real selling point but at the time as a kid there were always far more carts than I could ever expect to own.

[@FloppyDeepDive]

So true! Much more realistic view point. Thanks for Watching!

[@LiquidNorris]

I had both. It was a great childhood.

[@FloppyDeepDive]

Sounds good to me!!

[@miketate3445]

Where did you find that color hack of NES Double Dragon? I really like the updated colors!

[@FloppyDeepDive]

You are the 2nd one to tell me that; I'll have to see because this one is the only one I ever played, so I have to google it.

[@moderusprime]

Bubble Bobble on the NES is superior in the music department, and more levels doesn't always mean a better experience. I always felt the NES version trimmed the fat. The NES version of Ninja Gaiden, on the other hand, is better than both the SMS and the arcade version.

[@GCSoundArtifacts]

Definetely agreed! The NES versions of such games are no slouches!

[@FloppyDeepDive]

I can respect that for sure! The NES of Ninja Gaiden was excellent! One my favorites!

[@SoulforSale]

There was only one generation difference between the Atari 2600 and the SMS yet hardly any comparisons are ever made. Sega really caught on fire for a few console generations.

[@FloppyDeepDive]

👍🏻 Thanks for Watching!

[@lazarushernandez5827]

Nice reviews, I think the SMS version of Double Dragon is more faithful to arcade considering it had 2 player co-op. The NES version was fun as well but lacked the 2 player co-op option. There are definitely more games you can compare on the 2 platforms; In Japan many of Sega's titles made their way on to the Famicom (some made their way onto the NES as well). Shinobi, Space Harrier, After Burner, Altered Beast, Fantasy Zone. Wonder Boy has an NES version in Adventure Island. Enough titles to make a part 2.

[@FloppyDeepDive]

Yes, the series will continue. Thanks for watching and sharing your comments.

[@semicharmedlife311]

Gauntlet is my all-time favorite arcade game and I dumped SO many quarters into that machine. Once the game reached the NES, my friend and I spent many late nights in our teens playing level after level. Easy to see that the SMS was the more capable console, btw, even if that didn't translate to better sales and status. Ghost House was a favorite of mine.

[@FloppyDeepDive]

Great story! Thanks for sharing and watching!

[@Acronuz]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/b4m5hoCiqM6KndEsi=kBiMjL7Ll3M0xcz9

[@arcadehispano877]

Awesome consoles, the two of them. I'm very happy to have enjoyed both as a kid. I had an NES and a couple of friends the MS, so we played many good games.

[@FloppyDeepDive]

Couldn't agree more! 👊🏻

[@FloppyDeepDive]

Couldn't agree more!

[@grgmj1980]

That NES Double Dragon version you are playing must be a Rom hack, I like it. The colors are very different from the original NES version

[@FloppyDeepDive]

It's my favorite version of the NES. Thanks for watching!

[@user-or6yn8pm3c]

Back in the day I would have said NES. I bought an NES because they usually got most of the arcade titles. The fact that the NES was getting Double Dragon sold it for me. Then 6 months later the Sega Master System got it. I think the 16 bit generation was when Sega got it right. In the US the Genesis and SNES were almost equal in sales numbers.

[@FloppyDeepDive]

Thanks for Watching! 👊🏻

[@neilthomas8070]

I had both systems and prefer the NES.

[@FloppyDeepDive]

I agree, the NES is a great system. (Reason I've been making so many videos about it, I get to play the games all over again!) Thanks for watching my friend!

[@iwanttocomplain]

Two quite different systems. When I was 8 years old it was clear that the SMS had better graphics. The NES is like half a console generation behind. It’s three years older, which is about half a console generation. Sometimes the games weren’t even close like Alien 3 from Probe.

[@FloppyDeepDive]

Thanks for watching!

[@jehadorn]

I had both systems and had fun with both of them. I probably had more fun on the NES due to it having more games and being able to rent them, however, SMS was great too and usually had the better graphics.

[@FloppyDeepDive]

Couldn't agree more! Both are awesome!

[@technischemaschinenfabrik5882]

In 1999 i bought a NES with several games like Gradius and Life Force and sold it again 10 years later. In 2002 i bought my Master System which i still own and use. In the 80s and early nineties i alsways wanted a Sega Master Systen. I didn't get one just because i got a Commodore 64. Some of my colleagues had a Master System in the late 80s. In 1992 i saw some impressive sreenshots of Mickey Mouse 2 - Land of Illusion. Games like Aladdin and Alien 3 have a great graphic on SMS. I bought myself a Game Gear in 1993. Unfortunately it was broken in 1995. In Europe the 8bit console market was 50% Nintendo and 50% Sega. The handheld market was dominated by the Game Boy.

[@FloppyDeepDive]

Good stuff! Thanks for sharing and watching!

[@MousePotato]

Im from the UK so had a Sega Master System as the NES was more popular in North America for certain reasons that could be put into a video.

[@FloppyDeepDive]

Thanks for Watching!

[@RF_NY1]

The SMS had some noteworthy titles, but having owned both as a kid when both of these systems were it, if I had to choose one, it would be the NES. If you're a Mario/Mega Man fan, NES was the console.

[@FloppyDeepDive]

NES is great and has a lot to offer! Thanks for Watching!

[@MiharuHiramu]

Master System games are more bright and colourful, but NES has some really good looking dark, moody games like Batman. Also the NES definitely sounds better, even (especially) against the FM synthesiser.

[@FloppyDeepDive]

Thanks for watching!

[@blastproces]

The nes does horror type games just more better. The murky brown palette seems to suit this better

[@Sinn0100]

Oh yes! This is where I started gaming as a kid. I got both an Nes and Master System in 1986. While the Nes beats the Master System in the number of game experiences pound-for-pound Sega's 8-bit console wins. One thing- I did not know the Master System got a port of Guantlet? I had the Nes Tengen (black cart) port and we loved it as kids. After seeing it run on the Master System I still think the Nes is better for one reason...the music. The dead silence would have driven me nuts. Addendum- Ninja Gaiden on the Nes has unlimited continues. The Nes port of Ninja Gaiden is legend. It is a great deal better than the SMS version and that music!

[@FloppyDeepDive]

Great insight! Thanks for sharing!

[@Sinn0100]

@@FloppyDeepDive You are welcome my friend! Great channel!

[@LITTLE1994]

Sega Master System is better if you're looking for hardware specs, as it is more advanced. However, the NES still wins if you're aiming for overall library of games and how successful it was. It's all a matter of preference, much like their infamous 16-bit counterparts.

[@FloppyDeepDive]

Yep, so true, which makes it so fun to read about everyone's different experiences

[@CoolDudeClem]

I can just sum it straight up. The SMS is better. More RAM, faster CPU, more colours, more cartridge space and better sound (but only in Japan though).

[@FloppyDeepDive]

Can't argue with that! Thanks for Watching!

[@MotownBatman]

New Sub! Dryden, Mich; Nice Job. I Love "Adventure Island" on any system, but for some reason I always use the NES as the Basis! I know the colors in SMS are technically superior, It's a weird Old Man OCD

[@FloppyDeepDive]

Hello! Welcome to the community! Glad you joined and thanks for watching!

[@mattsmedley.onehandedgamin9029]

I've always been pleased I grew up in Europe (UK) where the NES wasn't as popular as it was in the US.

[@FloppyDeepDive]

I get that.

[@tony_bologna]

Imagine if the SMS games had helper chips like the NES quite often did.

[@FloppyDeepDive]

Right!

[@zusk8556]

Honestly, I believe they're pretty evenly matched. NES arguably has the better library, but SMS has way better graphics and sound, and you could argue that its smaller library is better than NES, with much less filler. NES has Mario, Mega Man, Castlevania, Gradius, Ninja Gaiden, Lode Runner, Final Fantasy & Zelda. SMS has Alex Kidd, Wonder Boy, Sonic, OutRun, Road Rash, Aleste, R-Type, Shinobi & Rampage. If you count rom hacks, there are a TON for Mario, Mega Man & Castlevania, as well as Alex Kidd, Sonic, Teddy Boy & Psycho Fox. The Sonic hacks for SMS are especially high quality. Then again, SMB1 hacks are legendary. The Alex Kidd hacks are all amazing as well, from Duke Nukem to Rayman to Alex Kidd in SMB1. Castlevania and Mega Man each have dozens upon dozens of hacks, nearly all being very high quality. I'm a sucker for pinball/breakout type games, and even here it's pretty evenly matched. NES has Arkanoid, Pinball & Pinball Quest, while SMS has Woody Pop & Suho Jeonsa (one of the BEST breakout clones ever, it's in my top 5 for SMS). I'd rather play Suho Jeonsa than anything similar on the NES though, so SMS wins here. The best deal is to get a Sega Genesis and a Mega Everdrive Pro, and load up a folder with both SMS and NES roms/hacks, as the Everdrive Pro plays NES roms (not all, but most). When you bounce back and forth between the systems like that, you come to realize they're both much more evenly matched than everybody thought. It really is like an 8-bit version of the Genesis vs. Super Nintendo wars.

[@FloppyDeepDive]

Great stuff Zusk!! I agree with all of it. Thanks for watching!!

[@KrunchyTheClown78]

I wish the Atari 7800 could have been competing with the NES, and SMS back then. It's really sad that the 7800 got a raw deal when Atari was sold in 84, it was powerful enough to do so many arcade perfect ports.

[@FloppyDeepDive]

It’s a great system. I have two myself.

[@KrunchyTheClown78]

@@FloppyDeepDive Nice!

[@sandmanxo]

The SMS would have been interesting to see what would have happened in the US market without Nintendo's exclusivity contracts for games. The sms has a couple of years newer hardware but neutered by the crappy sound without the fm module, but graphics were typically better.

[@FloppyDeepDive]

Good insight! Thanks for sharing and watching!

[@diddlesapphire2466]

Both

[@FloppyDeepDive]

Agree

[@Autotrope]

Enjoyed the vid. Preface by saying I like the sms better in general, but the best games on the NES were exclusive to the NES, so wouldnt make it into a comparison like this.

[@FloppyDeepDive]

Thank you. That is very true but love to have a reason to play my SMS.

[@waynecuff3140]

SMS had the edge for sure, but the huge software base & quality the NES had was the kicker.

[@FloppyDeepDive]

Yep, just an incredible library for the NES.

[@CaptainCaveman1170]

That's true, but you also must understand that Nintendo had a no-compete policy with all it's third party developers which meant SEGA was forced to do much of the heavy lifting itself. Nintendo's policy was later found to be illegal but the damage to the SMS was done. Consequently, eeryone remembers the Master System as a flop, which is quite unfair in my view. One can only imagine what great titles would have shown up on the SMS had Capcom, Konami, Sunsoft, Tecmo, Hudson, Data East and so many others been free to develop.

[@waynecuff3140]

@jorge1170xyz yes totally agree, the Master system could of been so much more if the software base had been as wide as the NES.

[@francescosmith7859]

Fun video. I’m glad I found your channel. I enjoy the Master System and never knew about it as a kid. What do you think of the two controllers? I’ve heard the NES has a strong advantage but I’ve never used the Master System to compare myself.

[@FloppyDeepDive]

Thanks, glad you found us. Can I ask how you found us, did KZbin recommend it? As for the controllers I like the NES controller the best but I can also use my Sega Genesis controller on the SMS and that's my favorite. Welcome to the community and thanks for watching!

[@francescosmith7859]

@@FloppyDeepDive yeah you came up under recommended videos.

[@FloppyDeepDive]

Great! I'll take it!

[@tabsntoot]

I label them both as equal. Neither console is ‘better’ . Both have great games and development potential

[@FloppyDeepDive]

They are both great!!

[@Steve_Schiffenhaus]

So we were SMS kids - got it first for Christmas- I think in 87 or 88 - got NES after - we always preferred SMS - I mean don’t get me wrong NES had some key games that were awesome - but there were more we loved and probably loved more on SMS - not to mention the color palette was superior - didn’t realize how obscure it was until we were older

[@FloppyDeepDive]

I would say you were lucky to have the SMS! Where are you from? I never saw it as a kid. I didn't even see it advertised or had one friend who played it.

[@Steve_Schiffenhaus]

@@FloppyDeepDive New Jersey - USA - I have no idea how or where my dad saw it - we also had A LOT of games - like a lot - but you are right - I never met a single other kid that had it lol

[@Steve_Schiffenhaus]

@@FloppyDeepDive we had Hang On/Safari, Alex Kidd in Miracle World, Ghost House, My Hero, Fantasy Zone, Wonder Boy, Double Dragon, Astro Warrior, Rambo, Govellius, Shinobi, Black Belt, Alien Syndrome, Kenseiden, and more - that’s just what I can think of off the top of my head

[@Fattydeposit]

The older I get the less tolerant I am of the NES colour palette. Truly so ugly only nostalgia makes it bearable.

[@SomeOrangeCat]

That's how my ears have gotten with the Master System's sound chip. It sounds more shrill as the years pass.

[@FloppyDeepDive]

I can understand that. Thanks for watching!

[@djrmarketing598]

Wow I had no idea there were console version of Prince of Persia. I had played the PC version (in Amber CGA monochrome!) and the SMS graphics in comparison were almost a different game entirely. I later replayed the POP PC version in color but I feel like the NES version was more "true" to the original with its muted palette and bland design, where the SMS version almost looks like what in modern times would be a "remaster".

[@JustMe99999]

I had the same impression watching the video (I played it on PC first as well).

[@StevieDrawStuff]

I beat sms ghostbusters so ma y times as a teen when it came out. I still have my sms from 86 and it works.

[@FloppyDeepDive]

Nice 👍🏻. Thanks for Watching!

[@mikec3260]

Nintendo did it very well with all the 3rd party titles. The SMS was spot on just lacked the same support as the NES. SMS is one of my fav systems, the NES plus Game Genie was a total game changer and blast!

[@FloppyDeepDive]

Yep! Both systems rocked! Thanks for Watching!

[@mikec3260]

@@FloppyDeepDive Oh for sure and growing up with Nintendo Power also made the NES awesome especially for SMB3. Oh the golden ages of gaming for sure!

[@AndDeathForAll82]

Master System is quite a bit more powerful, but just like PS5 vs Switch, it’s all about the games. I love both, but you can’t deny that legendary NES library. I will say though, the NES doesn’t have an RPG that’s even close to Phantasy Star.

[@FloppyDeepDive]

Agree! NES just didn't do RPG.

[@Bethany2012-bj]

I had both and I always felt the sms had mostly downgraded mega drive games but the NES had it own unique games, don’t get me wrong I annoyed both with Alex Kidd and physcho fox being my favourites. The colours popped on the sms when compared but the sound goes to the NES as the sms can be to high pitched and the inclusion of the FM would of given it the edge over the NES which was a shame. Great review on the sms and I have both versions and prefer the pyramid one as its more iconic in my opinion. Keep up the good work now subscribed

[@FloppyDeepDive]

“Thanks for subscribing and for sharing your experience with both systems! It’s interesting to hear how you felt about the SMS having downgraded Mega Drive games, while the NES offered more unique titles. Alex Kidd and Psycho Fox are definitely classics, and I totally agree that the colors on the SMS really pop. The sound comparison is spot on too-while the SMS could be a bit high-pitched, that FM sound chip would have really made a difference if it had been more widespread. I appreciate your support and look forward to sharing more content with you!”

[@joe6699]

Nice video

[@FloppyDeepDive]

Thanks! Hope you subbed and welcome to the community!

[@VirajKathwadia]

Master System all day, every day. A Master System Mini needs to happen.

[@SomeOrangeCat]

The only region that would gobble that up is Brazil, and *maybe* the UK.

[@FloppyDeepDive]

That would be cool.

[@ClayHales]

Am I crazy, or do I remember a completely different NES double dragon. I remember a version that you could only punch and kick, and other moves had to be unlocked by some sort of experience system. As a kid that loved the arcade version, it was a massive letdown. Although I did like the PVP game included with it.

[@FloppyDeepDive]

Thanks for Watching!

[@barryschalkwijk9388]

choplifter and rampage are i think the best games to show what the sms could do over the nes.

[@FloppyDeepDive]

Those are great!!

[@charlene2400]

Other than a few developers, the ports of a same titled game on each, would be very different. In US, "N" had a clause in their licensing, that a game sold on the NES, had to be exclusive. That led to the very different Double Dragon, Ninja Gaiden, etc. By 88-89, Sega was already focused on the next system, and SMS was an afterthought, left for Tonka to run here. IMHO, SMS had better versions of games I liked, but overall, NES had more titles I'd actually play, even today. I got SMS for Xmas 1987

[@FloppyDeepDive]

Good stuff Charlene! I never had the SMS growing up. In fact didn't know it existed. NES everywhere here. Sega Genesis is the first time Sega was on my radar. Thanks for watching and commenting!

[@charlene2400]

@@FloppyDeepDive SMS Double Dragon is actually far closer to the arcade, than NES. At beginning of Stage 4, before you go anywhere, do like 30 leaping reverse kicks in place, and it'll add a bunch of credits to continue. If you get the Mortal Kombat for it, blood code is 2-1-2-Down-Up. Many games on it, that only use 1 button, can be played with Atari or C= compatible sticks too. You can also use SMS pads on a C64, without blowing a chip.

[@jsr734]

And because of that "exclusivity" agreement we got Castlevania and Final Fantasy ports on the MSX computers as many other games like Bouble Bobble, Double Dragon, Ninja Gaiden, The Simpsons games,etc.

[@juststatedtheobvious9633]

Double Dragon on SMS has broken collision detection. 2 player might save it, but there's so many better options worth playing first.

[@adrianrobey7716]

Prince of Persia on the NES looks just like the Apple II original version.

[@FloppyDeepDive]

Very similar. Thanks for Watching!

[@ClayHales]

I agree. The SMS graphics look impressive, but the NES looks like Prince of Persia.

[@mazzvidz]

The NES was far superior because the NES had a way larger library of games. The first party Nintendo games set the standard for quality and many of those IP’s are still going strong today. The same cannot be said for Sega. The SMS did have the ability to display more colors… but the NES seemed to run smoother, almost as if the frame rates were higher. The NES also had better controllers. More buttons, that feel more responsive and overall sturdier build quality. But really all that matters is the games… so many first party Nintendo titles and 3rd party exclusives.. the Master System’s library of top quality, exclusive content is pathetic in comparison. My neighbor had a Master System and his parents weren’t willing to shell out more money for another console. He literally asked them for NES games for Christmas to come play at my house.

[@FloppyDeepDive]

Thanks for the breakdown. Thanks for Watching!

[@ThePbrook1967]

The Atari 7800 version of Dark Chambers looks a heck of a lot better than the NES version of Gauntlet! Lol

[@FloppyDeepDive]

I'll have to check it out.

[@ThePbrook1967]

Def, lemme know whatcha think@@FloppyDeepDive

[@shaolin1derpalm]

Sega Wonderboy in Monsterland. I loved that game. But I preferred... C64 lol

[@FloppyDeepDive]

Lol, me too

[@bryansteele832]

NES all day everyday. Nothing against the SMS but if I was stranded on an island with a power outlet and 1 TV, I'd take the NES everyday of the week.

[@FloppyDeepDive]

Thanks for watching!

[@SomeOrangeCat]

The NES has the stronger library, the better audio chip and the better controller. Its not even a contest.

[@FloppyDeepDive]

It does have a great library of games.

[@SomeOrangeCat]

@@FloppyDeepDive Even if Nintendo hadn't played dirty with the 3rd party contracts, I think a lot of developers would have had trouble porting their games to the Master System as so many NES games make use of Start and Select. There is no select button on Master System, and the singular pause button is located on the console itself.

[@redcrimson1028]

Agree 100%. Overall nintendo was better

[@2fastSpeedy]

I love the graphics of the master system. For me one of the best 8bit consoles ❤

[@FloppyDeepDive]

Thanks for Watching!

[@redcrimson1028]

Floppy deep dive, can u do a snes vs genesis version

[@FloppyDeepDive]

I'll put it on my list. Thanks for watching!

[@sesa2984]

nintendo was more cartoonish, which I preferrd, which I think makes sense in the overall character of the two companies.

[@shaolin1derpalm]

Nintendo had a cartoonist feel and Sega had an industrial feel

[@FloppyDeepDive]

Good observation

[@themegaman91965]

NES hands down. Far, far better PSG than SMS. The Master System almost made for a great gaming machine, but one problem; no FM sound module for purchase in the states. The PSG was so limited that it really could've benefited from FM sound. Sadly, the SMS sound resonated that of the Colecovision, and overall didn't sound too much better than that, or even the Atari 5200 for that matter. Definitely NES on this one.

[@FloppyDeepDive]

Good point on the sound

[@richardroyce4128]

It shocks me how many people think these two systems are close … NES blew the master system out of the water

[@FloppyDeepDive]

NES is awesome but SMS is amazing too!

[@raposo131331]

Infelizmente o SMS não teve a mesma quantidade de jogos do NES, a Nintendedo havia adquirido os direitos sobre os jogos. Mas p Master mais capacidade. Queria muito ter visto megaman, castlelvania e contra no SMS

[@FloppyDeepDive]

That would be cool

[@blastproces]

I think they both tally up quite equally and both have a quality the other doesn’t I just enjoy each one and live for super Mario hacks but also I’m quick to play a sms sonic hack or Alex Kidd

[@FloppyDeepDive]

They are definitely worth having and enjoying both!

[@phonedork]

MOD B?!? You mean mode b?

[@FloppyDeepDive]

You will have to remind me what you are talking about. It's been too long.

[@pimpedoutstereos9747]

For me I feel that the master system is better but I grew up with that system so I’m sure many other people would feel that the nes is better

[@FloppyDeepDive]

The SMS is fantastic!

[@buckeyechad1]

I bought SMS instead of NES because of Choplifter!. Never seen any NES games with that vibrant of colors.0

[@FloppyDeepDive]

Choplifter was terrific on the SMS. Cool that we both were impacted to get an SMS because of how good it was! Thank you for checking out my latest video!

[@gametimewithunclejer]

For your next video, compare the light guns on each system... 🔫🔫

[@FloppyDeepDive]

That's a great idea. Unfortunately, I don't have the SMS light gun.

[@gametimewithunclejer]

@@FloppyDeepDive Well, get one, dammit! eBay awaits!

[@FloppyDeepDive]

@@gametimewithunclejer LOL, I'll get to work on it.

[@pferreira1983]

You should have compared Star Wars. Night and day the SMS version is better.

[@FloppyDeepDive]

I'll add to the list.

[@Stefandorf]

Double Dragon NES looks weird with the colors in this video...

[@FloppyDeepDive]

It's so much better

[@Stefandorf]

​@@FloppyDeepDivethat maybe, but for the sake of comparison i guess it would be better to use the regular version.

[@tonyp9313]

Nintendo. More top tier games on the system. Even though I have this pic of 1 of the best Sega Master System games, Nintendo has more to choose from.

[@FloppyDeepDive]

Can't argue with that! Thanks for watching hope you subbed.

[@mickeymaus1]

The average game is better at the NES, you have to look a little bit further for a an equivalent on the Master System. But the graphics are much better - okay not the sound but at least as a kid with only Xmas / birthday gifts and your pocket money it’s not the important and the master system is an good equivalent with better graphics. Especially in Europe or Brazil the library is much better.

[@FloppyDeepDive]

Thanks for Watching!

[@markrussel-dy7jc]

I never knew the "sms" existed through the 80s and 90s only the Genesis ngl the ljn games were better then the nes versions.

[@FloppyDeepDive]

I didn't either! Thanks for watching!

[@elcoyote9137]

La máster system era superior a la nes,pero las prácticas casi mafiosas de Nintendo no la dejo que otras compañías desarrollarán para ella,menos mal que en Brasil y Europa tuvo buenas ventas y gracias a esto disfrutamos de Buenos títulos para la 8 bits de sega

[@FloppyDeepDive]

¡Sí, señor! Gracias a Dios que tanto Europa como Brasil apoyaron a Sega en ese entonces porque nunca vi un Master System aquí en los EE. UU.

[@FloppyDeepDive]

I hope Google Translate worked. Lol 😆

[@deku812]

Not really a fair comparison. SMS is the mark 3, because it's the 3rd revision of the SG-1000 and was designed specifically to best the NES. The SG-1000 was what released in 1983 alongside the Famicom.

[@FloppyDeepDive]

Thanks for watching!

[@erlingcypriansen]

Sega master System ❤

[@FloppyDeepDive]

It's so fun!

[@sesa2984]

I'm sure gameplay is a big difference. I appreciated the Sega Master System's speed, but in pretty much every instance I thought the graphics were too busy and preferred the Nintendo. It reminded me of how I never felt n affinity for Genesis games because there was too much texture and they were, in general, too dark. The characters and sprites were less clear and inviting. Despite you saying the color palettes were better on the SMS, the overall impression to me was that the Nintendo was more colorful. If they could combine the speed of the one with the looksof the other...maybe that's a project for a genius with too much time on his hands and enough people who care...imagine being able to select all the variables from whichever system you prefer? Maybe, it would lose all its character. who knows

[@FloppyDeepDive]

Appreciate the comments and Thanks for Watching!

[@Sensei.shonuff]

Genesis does what nintendont

[@FloppyDeepDive]

Yes sir!!

[@Crying_Onion]

I'm sick of seeing videos comparing the SMS and the Nintendo NES using the same games. Why always the same games? Obvious: Because there aren't many other that can be compared side by side on those systems. Why? Because the SMS only had 314 games vs. 1380 of the NES. If we talk about sales, Nintendo sold 4,76 NES for each SMS. In cold numbers, that was a humiliating defeat for Sega, who made sure to get to the next generation before anyone else to have a good position in the market. That said, both consoles have strengths and weaknesses in graphics and sounds that programmers knew (or didn't) take advantage of. In hindsight, Sega's console deserved to have better luck, as did the PC Engine outside of Japan. In summary: The battle between Sega and Nintendo ended decades ago, everyone can have their favorite and it was lucky to have them and be able to continue enjoying their legacy today, in hardware, emulation, sequels or remakes. Peace bros.

[@FloppyDeepDive]

Love your passion for the consoles and sharing your thoughts! Thanks for watching!

[@jimpatterson1111]

I never did forgive Nintendo for their antitrust stranglehold that they placed on developers and rentals. To this day I have never bought one of their products. The SMS was a far superior system. NES had great games, but they looked like excrement. Best example, compare ‘Rampage’ side by side.

[@FloppyDeepDive]

Yes, I shared Rampage in this video where SMS came out on top a lot!

[@richardroyce4128]

You lost me at ninja gaiden! A classic game, but NOT one person in history prefers the SMS version!

[@FloppyDeepDive]

I guess I am the one! Thanks for Watching!

[@Monhamd1000]

Sega Master System wins

[@FloppyDeepDive]

Thanks for Watching!

[@ddeleckijr]

I hate the master system controller. My solution... emulate. Much better

[@FloppyDeepDive]

I like using the Sega Genesis controller with the SMS

[@birdup6663]

I think this might be the first time I've ever heard anyone say they prefer the NES version of Double Dragon over the SMS version.

[@FloppyDeepDive]

Just call them as I see them. Thanks for Watching!

[@birdup6663]

@@FloppyDeepDive Nah I hear ya man. I was just surprised haha. It's definitely a different take than I expected.