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SNES vs. Genesis/Mega Drive: Which 16-bit console do you prefer?
- Thread starter Doosi
- Start date
Blak_Status
Member
I had both growing up. I preferred SNES and it's not even close.
dragonyeuw
Member
That's an interesting point, SNES best games are so renowned and known at this point. The genesis library outside the obvious may be a bit deeper in the hidden gem dept, though there are plenty on the SNES side as well. They're both great, great consoles and IMO was just a really fun time for gaming period. Sega really went after Nintendo in the marketing department and that led to some really compelling debates, the 'battleground' in terms of trash-talking and what each system did that the other didn't was more fertile and dynamic compared to today, at least my perception of it.
Too many Nintendo fanboys in the world, going to have to side with the Genesis.
Better Konami games, Renovation games, Treasure games, Sonic series, Ristar, Comix Zone, Alisia Dragoon, Ranger X, Shining series, Streets of Rage, better shooters overall, better variety in general. The Sega CD is an amazing add-on with plenty of fantastic games.
I'm willing to bet a good number of people are still influenced by their young Nintendo bias and have barely explored the Genesis library. It's obviously true of YouTube. SNES isn't even the GOAT in a world with the PS1/PS2 in it.
Better Konami games, Renovation games, Treasure games, Sonic series, Ristar, Comix Zone, Alisia Dragoon, Ranger X, Shining series, Streets of Rage, better shooters overall, better variety in general. The Sega CD is an amazing add-on with plenty of fantastic games.
I'm willing to bet a good number of people are still influenced by their young Nintendo bias and have barely explored the Genesis library. It's obviously true of YouTube. SNES isn't even the GOAT in a world with the PS1/PS2 in it.
Kaiser Swayze
Member
I definitely spent more time on my Genesis. I can recognize that the biggest SNES titles hold more reverence these days than the biggest Genesis games, but games like Herzog Zwei, Gaiares, The Immortal, and that really weird Ghostbusters game are the kinds of titles I think about when I go back to that era.
I like the Turbo, but it's not even in the same league as the SNES/Genesis, it only starts to get close if you count import Super CD games.
And to answer the OP, my 3 fave consoles in order are SNES, PS1, Genesis (then NES). My fave game of all time is on the Genesis though (Phantasy Star 2). Adding import SFC games to the list takes SNES even further ahead.
Genesis really shined with its Japanese action and shmups, the SNES with RPGs and platformers. Though PS2, 4, Landstalker, and the Shining games can stand with some of the best SNES RPGs. Genesis was praised for its sports games back in the day, but who really cares about old sports games lol
uncledonnie
Banned
I probably spent more time on Genesis especially if you factor in Sega CD, but both Genesis and SNES are the source of my fondest memories in gaming. I'm surprised so many people are saying "not even close" on either side of the fence.
Randy Monk
Member
I had both and the Megadrive wins for sports games.
The SNES had the upper hand overall from Nintendo games but the Megadrive library had more diversity.
I wish Sega could release a Megadrive mini classic, would be amazing
The SNES had the upper hand overall from Nintendo games but the Megadrive library had more diversity.
I wish Sega could release a Megadrive mini classic, would be amazing
Alter_Fridge
Member
Had both but SNES was always the main console. Enjoyed MegaDrive a lot too tho
NeoZeedeater
Member
Sadly, we're at a point where even stuff like the Shinobi and Thunder Force series are now in hidden gems territory on the internet. I doubt most of the "SNES, no contest! Genesis can't compare" people have scratched the surface of these systems' libraries. Younger generations are constantly being told by youtube idiots that only Nintendo systems mattered pre-Playstation.
I prefer the SNES because it's the one I had growing up and I've played far more games for it, I love its library and it's one of my Top 3 systems period, but the Genesis is amazing as well. I've found a new appreciation for it in recent years and try to play a new game for it every now and then.
That Genny sound chip is out of this world.
That Genny sound chip is out of this world.
Douche McBaggins The 3rd
Junior Member
Genesis. I grew up with a snes and got Genesis later. Fighting and any action ge always played better on the gens. Plus rocket knight adventures was bomb.
KormaChameleon
Member
Mega Drive. Had a lot of good memories with the console such as Sonic, Road Rash and uncensored MK. Never actually owned a Nintendo console apart from Game Boys when growing up.
flashman92
Neo Member
There appears to be more love for the Genesis/MD here than the SNES, which I find odd given, well, history.
I played both growing up via emulation. Genesis emulation wasn't as good at the time, so I mostly played SNES games.
My top 100 games of the generation would probably be dominated by SNES games.
My top 20 games would be dominated by Genesis games
It's sad though how little people know about the Genesis library. Too many people think Altered Beast is one of the Genesis' premier games =P
EDIT: Also please don't base your opinions on Genesis music off of YT videos, or if you do, try to find the most recent released video since Genesis sound emulation is still off.
I played both growing up via emulation. Genesis emulation wasn't as good at the time, so I mostly played SNES games.
My top 100 games of the generation would probably be dominated by SNES games.
My top 20 games would be dominated by Genesis games
It's sad though how little people know about the Genesis library. Too many people think Altered Beast is one of the Genesis' premier games =P
EDIT: Also please don't base your opinions on Genesis music off of YT videos, or if you do, try to find the most recent released video since Genesis sound emulation is still off.
Walter Matthau
Member
edit
Last edited:
flashman92
Neo Member
At least post the superior first Zone music
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gv0jPuPmK8A
But really, you can't go wrong with any Ristar track
Muffdraul
Member
I bought an SNES at launch, had no interest in a Genesis. But then I'd go to Toys R Us to buy games, and I'd always stop and play Sonic the Hedgehog on the Genesis demo kiosk for a while and leave wishing Sonic was a Nintendo game. Eventually I realized, "Wait a minute. There's no law that says I can only own one console. Fuck it, I'll buy a Genesis too." And so I did... and from then on I bought most of the major consoles, and some not so major. Only ones I skipped out on were the 3DO, the CDi, the... actually I guess that's about it. Anyway in the 16 bit era I always favored the SNES by far. I had a few random games for the Genesis, but for the most part it might as well have been a dedicated Sonic box.
tryptobphan
Member
I had both growing up. At the time, it was easily the SNES. It wasn't even close. Games like Super Mario World, Street Fighter 2, Kirby, Legend of Zelda: Link to the Past, and Super Mario Kart kept me entertained. Games on the Sega Genesis didn't keep my interest for as long aside from the Sonic series.
With that said, looking back at the gaming library, I still prefer the SNES. However, a poster above made a good point that I agree with. Everyone knows the best SNES games and even the hidden gems since everyone around me grew up with a SNES. However, the Sega Genesis has a ton of games that are fantastic and hidden. If you ask most gamers about the SNES, their favorite games are the ones you always hear about, but the favorite games from a Genesis fan are more likely varied.
Looking back at things now, even with the varied games I love on the SNES, the Genesis has some games that I think are amazing, even better than SNES games. I personally think Phantasy Star 4 has aged so well that I like playing it more than any of the Final Fantasy or Square RPG's on the SNES. I enjoyed Super Mario World more than any Sonic game. I absolutely love the Streets of Rage series and Golden Axe series more than the Final Fight series. The most recent game I tried and absolutely loved, is Shinobi 3. I never tried it until this year and it floored me with its controls and gameplay.
All in all, both are fantastic. I don't prefer the SNES over the Genesis as I once did.
With that said, looking back at the gaming library, I still prefer the SNES. However, a poster above made a good point that I agree with. Everyone knows the best SNES games and even the hidden gems since everyone around me grew up with a SNES. However, the Sega Genesis has a ton of games that are fantastic and hidden. If you ask most gamers about the SNES, their favorite games are the ones you always hear about, but the favorite games from a Genesis fan are more likely varied.
Looking back at things now, even with the varied games I love on the SNES, the Genesis has some games that I think are amazing, even better than SNES games. I personally think Phantasy Star 4 has aged so well that I like playing it more than any of the Final Fantasy or Square RPG's on the SNES. I enjoyed Super Mario World more than any Sonic game. I absolutely love the Streets of Rage series and Golden Axe series more than the Final Fight series. The most recent game I tried and absolutely loved, is Shinobi 3. I never tried it until this year and it floored me with its controls and gameplay.
All in all, both are fantastic. I don't prefer the SNES over the Genesis as I once did.
Shit's amazing.. Next you will say me Rocket Knight Adventures is too.dragonyeuw
Member
True, though I also think that Sega hasn't done the greatest job of keeping some of their IPs relevant( some are straight up dead right ), while Nintendo has their tentpole franchises which bear relevance today, which then encourages some of the younger crowd to delve into the back catalog of their systems propped up by youtube media( as you say). So Nintendo's older systems and library perceptually are held in higher regard. Sega has put out collections of their old stuff, but the younger crowd would care more about the Shinobis, Streets of Rages, Toejam and Thunderforce stuff if they were all thriving series today. I mean when was the last Shinobi, the 3ds version back when that system launched?
lol I feel like I'm 12 again.
I still remember the commercial "Genesis does! You can't do this on Nintendo!!"
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=k7nsBoqJ6s8
I loved SNES growing up.
Genesis was cool too but I was firmly on the side of Big N - friend had a genny copier so it was cool trying out a lot of obscure or foreign titles.
I still remember the commercial "Genesis does! You can't do this on Nintendo!!"
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=k7nsBoqJ6s8
I loved SNES growing up.
Genesis was cool too but I was firmly on the side of Big N - friend had a genny copier so it was cool trying out a lot of obscure or foreign titles.
pixellated_man
Member
SNES easily.
Although I have come to appreciate the sega genesis library more in recent years.
Although I have come to appreciate the sega genesis library more in recent years.
thehellofitall
Member
SNES. I've never understood why people think they're even close to being in the same league.
Omegasquash
Member
I once preferred SNES, since that's what I grew up with. I had friends with Genesis, and it always seemed cool to me.
Now that I'm adult with both, I can honestly say that I don't have a preference. I have fonder memories of SNES games due to that just being the system I had back then, but I can easily understand how folks might like Sonic just as much as I liked Mario, for example.
Now that I'm adult with both, I can honestly say that I don't have a preference. I have fonder memories of SNES games due to that just being the system I had back then, but I can easily understand how folks might like Sonic just as much as I liked Mario, for example.
Bolivar687
Banned
SNES has such monster must-play games but overall I take the diversity and innovation of the Genesis library.
Crew 511A
Member
I sold my Genesis to get an SNES in 1996, because I was getting back into Star Wars, and Sega was lacking in that regard. I've always regretted it.
You can't go wrong with either system, but games like Shining Force, Landstalker, and Bloodlines put the Genesis over the top for me. I also thought Sega's 6 button controller was the best pad for fighters in that generation.
You can't go wrong with either system, but games like Shining Force, Landstalker, and Bloodlines put the Genesis over the top for me. I also thought Sega's 6 button controller was the best pad for fighters in that generation.
Different machines have a different type of appeal.
petran79
Banned
This is one reason Mega Drive felt closer to the European computer game scene than SNES. It was cheaper too
MrCunningham
Member
I had them both and I liked them both. But I have to give the edge to the Sega Genesis.
The machine just has a much better selection of arcade styled shooters, run and guns, platform type shooters and beat em ups like the Streets of Rage series. Plus there is also the Sega CD, which has a pretty decent selection of games in its own right, if you look beyond the FMV stuff.
The SNES was generally my preferred system for platformers and RPG's. Sure there are examples of great games in every genre for this system. But generally I always leaned more to the Genesis.
The machine just has a much better selection of arcade styled shooters, run and guns, platform type shooters and beat em ups like the Streets of Rage series. Plus there is also the Sega CD, which has a pretty decent selection of games in its own right, if you look beyond the FMV stuff.
The SNES was generally my preferred system for platformers and RPG's. Sure there are examples of great games in every genre for this system. But generally I always leaned more to the Genesis.
gingerbeardman
Member
I prefer the SNES for looks and controller.
But it depends on the game, I'm currently playing a golf game because the MD version is way better than the SNES one
But it depends on the game, I'm currently playing a golf game because the MD version is way better than the SNES one
MrCunningham
Member
The entire soundtrack for The Adventures of Batman and Robin is incredible:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=915k0mMK-Fo
Selected tracks:
Moving Trucks
Two-Face's Theme
Flying Over The City
Dark Studio
Psycho Section
Soundtrack was composed by Jesper Kyd, who also worked on the original Hitman series, as well as the Assassins Creed series and all three Borderlands games as well as a bunch of other stuff. Jesper Kyd did a lot of incredible soundtracks on the Genesis.
Version 3.0
Member
SNES, but after years of digging deeper into their libraries than I ever could have when they were live, it's a lot closer than it once was. Every time this debate pops up, I seem to find a few more games to check out.
Back then, it was SNES>>>>>>>>>>Genesis.
Now, just SNES>Genesis.
Back then, it was SNES>>>>>>>>>>Genesis.
Now, just SNES>Genesis.
Lasthope106
Member
I didn't own either growing up, but eventually my family did acquire an SNES when I was in my late teens. When I was little most of the arcades in my country had consoles underneath with the controllers wires wiring into the arcade sticks. The game variety was great, but the SNES games were the most prominent and common.
Looking back, I have a lot fond memories for a lot of SNES games, more than any other console of the time or prior. And although I never made it very far in any of those games, due to the arcades being time based, the nostalgia is there.
Looking back, I have a lot fond memories for a lot of SNES games, more than any other console of the time or prior. And although I never made it very far in any of those games, due to the arcades being time based, the nostalgia is there.
xemumanic
Member
Early on in the day, I sided with SNES over Genesis even though I played both equally. I quickly learned that each had things the other didn't.
Nowadays, I've learned so many details about both systems, Nintendo's exclusivity deals, and so many other things I didn't know about in their heyday has me 'siding' with the Sega platform.
But the truth is still what I realized by the time I was 11 (1991)... both are equal. You HAD to have both a Sega Genesis and a Super Nintendo in the 16bit era, or you were missing out.
Nowadays, I've learned so many details about both systems, Nintendo's exclusivity deals, and so many other things I didn't know about in their heyday has me 'siding' with the Sega platform.
But the truth is still what I realized by the time I was 11 (1991)... both are equal. You HAD to have both a Sega Genesis and a Super Nintendo in the 16bit era, or you were missing out.