Despite the fact that not a dozen years have passed since the release of both game consoles, real fans still have debates about whether “Sega” or “Dandy” is better. Both consoles are truly legendary and boast a large number of quality projects. Buying original consoles of that time is now almost impossible - all working copies are already with collectors and fans. And we will try to figure out which of the consoles was better for its time.
Criteria for evaluation
First, let’s point out a few points on which to compare both devices. Based on the history of development and sales, you can get an idea of popularity in general around the world. Given the availability and prevalence in the CIS, we can also conclude that it is better - “Sega” or “Dandy”.
The next criterion is the number of games. The most important parameter after accessibility. The more projects, the more profitable this prefix looks. And the last factor is the technical part. Today it is difficult to take the graphics of both platforms and the mechanics of games seriously. However, at the time, both children and adults admired the breakthrough solutions from Sega and Nintendo.
The history of both consoles
The most common Sega game console option was the Sega Mega Drive. The console was released in 1988, and reached the European part after 2 years. In Russia, the history of this console is quite different from the distribution in its native country. Firstly, consoles and cartridges with games for them were sold unofficially. Also, special Mega Key modules were sold to the Sega Mega Drive - modules that allow you to play any games, regardless of where they were made. This trick was needed in order to circumvent restrictions - it was difficult to find original cartridges in Russia, so only pirated copies made by craftsmen were sold. It is also worth saying that the availability of the situation at the “Sega” is better than the “Dandy”, which affects the popularity and sales.
Now about the prefix Dendy. To begin with, this console is an unofficial copy of the Japanese Famicom, which was released by the largest company Nintendo. The basis of the device is a lightweight original design using slightly modified game cartridges. This version has been released since 1992 in Taiwan. It was especially common in the CIS countries and the former USSR. The popularity is due to the fact that the official versions of Nintendo were not sold in these countries. Because of this, Dendy has long been synonymous with Nintendo and the Mario game series. In turn, Sega had a counterweight to games about the plumber - the Sonic series. Therefore, the question of which prefix is better - “Dandy” or “Sega” cannot be answered unequivocally - the players purchased those devices that were more accessible in their region.
Variety of games
Now let's move on to the game library. It’s worth mentioning right away that Sega had more than 8 generations of set-top boxes, and Dendy had only two. Therefore, in terms of the total number of various games, Sega will definitely win. However, we will consider the console in terms of the demand for certain projects.
Many people remember that prefabricated cartridges were popular, the description of which said that they represented more than a thousand different games. In most cases, this was a hoax, because the games there were constantly repeated. It is worth noting the main flagship series from Nintendo - Mario. For many, this console is associated only with this platformer. The second popular game is Battle City or "Tanchiki", as the players themselves called it. The legendary series include the frogs Battletoads, Bomberman, Chip and Dale, Contra, Dr. Mario, Duck Hunt, Tiny Tune and many others. On the official console, the list of released games exceeds 13 thousand, but on Dendy there are much fewer. Sega has released a response series about the hedgehog Sonic, which has become the flagship platform. Among the best projects on the console, one can single out a series of Mortal Kombat, Comix Zone, Double Dragon, Road Rush, Boogerman, Golden Ax and many others.
Technical part
It’s almost impossible to understand from user reviews which is better - “Sega” or “Dandy” - both consoles have a huge fan base. But you can definitely determine the winner by the technical component.
Dendy is based on an 8-bit processor and has older graphics, while Sega offers players 32-bit and 16-bit console versions to choose from. Because of this, “Sege” has better graphics and perception of the picture as a whole. If we talk about what is best for children - “Dandy” or “Sega”, then the answer is clear. "Sega" offers the best features, is more accessible and has a huge database of interesting games. Of course, it is difficult to attract a modern child with these consoles, but for acquaintance you can purchase one of the versions - now official copies of classic consoles are sold.