which has better graphics?

[bobdrywalls]

which system has better graphics? nes or sms?

[davidbrit2]

Well, as far as I understand, the NES has higher resolution, but the SMS makes better use of color.

[Atari7800]

The SMS was at least a year younger than the NES from a technology standpoint and uses a completely different (and more powerful) processor. That being said, the SMS hardware wasn't exploited and explored like that of the NES, so I'd say the NES has the better graphics based on the GAMES, while the SMS has better graphics based on POTENTIAL.

[Anonymous]

I've said it before, I'll say it again: I often spent many a night dreaming about playing NES games on SMS hardware.

[zektor]

The SMS has better tech specs than the NES does. Some of the games produced on the system just show that. The problem was with support. NES had all the game companies producing JUST for them (at least in the USA) and kind of forced the SMS out the door. Not in Europe however...where the SMS wasn't constrained to the USA licensing agreements. We had 114 total SMS titles released in the USA, whereas Europe had MANY MANY more. I am not sure of the exact number, but I would assume somewhere between 500-600 titles!

[Ruudos]

I'm more of a NES guy, but like the SMS also, and the SMS has the better graphics. Just compare games that were released on both consoles suchas Bart vs. the Space Mutants or The Smurfs.

[Arrrhalomynn]

One of the regular guys here has a master system site (shinobiman), I can't remember where this site is located, but he has a bunch of comparative pictures, which show the difference in graphics between the same game on a NES and SMS console. On those pictures the SMS is clearly prettier, and my personal experience is the same.

[davidbrit2]

I think I found the page you're talking about, but it only seems to have three games.

http://www.segamastersystem.com/ver2/smsvsnesmain.htm

[Raccoon Lad]

Take a look at SMS games like Aladdin, or Cool Spot, then take a look at the NES. The NES games look like shit compared to the AWESOME power of the SEGA Master System.

By The way, take a look at the Space Harrier animated GIF in my signature, those sprites are from the Master System. Try producing those on the NES.

[Eternal Champion]

I remember seeing pics of SMS games back in '88, like Alex Kidd and Phantasy Star, and being wowed...the NES didn't have cinema scenes back then like Phantasy Star. Compare that to Dragon Warrior--yeesh.
But again, games like that were few and far between...too bad, but then the Genesis came in '89. I wish Sega had pushed the Power Base Converter more, by re-releasing SMS games, for example...oh well.

What about Brazil? I understand the SMS market was huge there and games were made until very recently--how do those games measure up?

[CrazyImpmon]

I would have to say Sega was a bit more advanced than NES, just not well exploited or supported. Take for example, Double Dragon. Graphic wise, NES version is crap. Player wise, NEs version is only 1 player at a time while SMS can have 2 players stimulanous.

SMS didn't have problem handling multiple sprites on the same scan line but on NES, put 5 or more and it'd flicker like Adventure for Atari.

If it wasn't for the licensing deal in USA, Sega would have buried NES early on.

[Arqueologia_Digital]

SMS have better graphics, better music and...it´s the best 8 bit system!!!!!! 8-)

[Raccoon Lad]

While I agree it's the best 8-bit system, the SMS's sound is inferior to the NES.

[Ruudos]

I also thought that NES had better sound capabilities.


Take a look at SMS games like Aladdin, or Cool Spot, then take a look at the NES. The NES games look like shit compared to the AWESOME power of the SEGA Master System.
It's unfair to pick out the ultra-crappy NES version of Aladdin. Even pirate versions of Aladdin for NES look way better.

[wberdan]

i have never seen an NES game that could stand up to a direct comparison with SMS's Phantasy Star... and that might not even have the best graphics on that system, I dont have many of the later games

willie