PLEASE HELP! I'm new to retro gaming! NES or SNES?

[Winters111]

Hi everyone,
I want to start retro gaming but I have never owned a retro console. I bought Deus Ex on PC recently and, though it's not that retro, it made me think about buying an old console. If older games can be so brilliant, there may be gems out there that I've never played!
I'd like to get a Nintendo console and would prefer to start with 2D graphics, so the NES and SNES are the two I am considering.

I'm sure that the NES vs SNES debate is one that has been fought for many years so I don't want to simply start a debate thread. I'd just like you to recommend to me the best one of the two for a beginner and the best games on them.
And I don't mind whether the Zelda games on one console are better than on another as I've (dare I say it) never played a Zelda game and so don't mind which I play.

[Ack]

Hi everyone,
I want to start retro gaming but I have never owned a retro console. I bought Deus Ex on PC recently and, though it's not that retro, it made me think about buying an old console. If older games can be so brilliant, there may be gems out there that I've never played!
I'd like to get a Nintendo console and would prefer to start with 2D graphics, so the NES and SNES are the two I am considering.

I'm sure that the NES vs SNES debate is one that has been fought for many years so I don't want to simply start a debate thread. I'd just like you to recommend to me the best one of the two for a beginner and the best games on them.
And I don't mind whether the Zelda games on one console are better than on another as I've (dare I say it) never played a Zelda game and so don't mind which I play.

Don't worry about having not played a Zelda game before. You can sit down and check them out now.

First off, I happen to be a big SNES enthusiast, so please understand that some of what influences my choice may be personal bias. But I believe you should go with a Super Nintendo as your first choice, for several reasons:

1) NES consoles are nice, but the front loader model may need a pin replacement, and not knowing your proficiency with electronics, I don't want to recommend you something that you're going to have difficulty repairing.

2) NES games tend to be either relatively easy or incredibly brutal. While the SNES also provides games with these tendencies, I feel it has a much better middle ground.

3) If you're interested in a complete collection, both consoles have some games that get expensive, but the NES has some rare gems that skyrocket in price. The SNES on the other hand has a couple of competition cartridges that can cost a pretty penny, but nothing near some of those rare NES games.

4) It's easier to mod a SNES for imports, if you want to delve into games from other regions.

5) If you're at all interested in handhelds, the SNES can play Game Boy games via the Super Game Boy, which drastically increases the size of its potential library.

As for games...well, what genres do you like? The SNES is notable for its RPGs and Fighting games. There's a fair share of platformers too, though nowhere near the amount on the NES. There are also a few FPS, but...well, honestly, if I'm going to recommend console FPS, I'd point you toward the Nintendo 64.

Here's a couple of articles to help get you started:

SNES 101 to help provide background information
Games That Define the Super Nintendo
The Hidden Games of the Super Nintendo
The Best Super Nintendo Games Under $10

[CRTGAMER]

Maybe go a step further and look at all guides and topics in the blue bar links above. Not only NES and SNES but some of the other consoles as well. Genesis, Atari, TG16, N64. so many to pick from. You could first look at each systems exclusive games that appeal to you before deciding on a particular console.

[t0yrobo]

That's a tough one. I'd fire up a emulator and spend a couple weeks with games for both and base your decision on that.

[emwearz]

The SNES, the NES is a great console but if your new to retro gaming, by todays standards those games are hard a s nails. Why not buy a SNES, pick up some games, before you know it you will catch the retro bug and own everything made by Sega, Nintendo, Atari, etc.

[G-Darius]

That's a tough one. I'd fire up a emulator and spend a couple weeks with games for both and base your decision on that.

I would agree with this to make sure for certain,NES are quite common but can develop game tray mech probs and games may need connectors cleaning due to age so make sure you test any NES you purchase with the games that come with it (if any).
But i think maybe you should try both Nes and Snes

[YoshiEgg25]

Depends on what genres you like. If you're into RPGs, SNES is definitely your place. I can't really think of others right now but others might fill you in.

[Hatta]

Genesis does what Nintendon't.

[Incognito D]

Do you own a Wii? The Virtual Console features a great range of classic consoles and games. No need to restrict yourself to one console.

[Breetai]

The SNES probably has more games that you'd be able to get into quickly. The 2D graphics on it still look wonderful, and there are lots of really fun games that are easy to play (Mario Kart!).

The NES is wonderful, but the graphics on most games look pretty out of date now. Controls are generally stiffer as well (not always!). It might be a bit harder to get into than the SNES would be.