By using this site, you agree to our Privacy Policy and our Terms of Use. Close
SanAndreasX on 12 December 2024
Edit Thread
JackHandy said:
SanAndreasX said:

SNES came out a year later. Plus, Sega had already started making strategic blunders even when they were at their peak which contributed to the SNES winning in the U.S. That Sega bet big on the 32X and Saturn and lost big doesn’t take from Nintendo’s ultimate triumph. 

If you look at the top selling games of the generation, it’s overwhelmingly dominated by the SNES.

My point is that when Sega was going directly at Nintendo, they pulled ahead and took a sizeable lead in the US. It was only after Sega of Japan decided to transition to the Saturn and devote all their resources toward it that the SNES pulled ahead. Remember, the Saturn launched in 1994. Sega had left the 16-bit war. So while yes, Nintendo ultimately pulled ahead, it was essentially in garbage-time, so I don't recognize it as much of an accomplishment.

Sega didn't really have enough gas. Sega was a sprinter, Nintendo was a distance runner. Plus, 1994-1995 on SNES were absolutely loaded with world-class titles, and even 1996 had a couple of great titles, particularly SMRPG. Donkey Kong Country alone sold 8 million copies. Sonic 2, the best-selling Genesis game of all time, sold 6 million. Nintendo was also absolutely crushing it in Japan, which contributed to the system's longevity in the US. Nintendo's biggest competition in Japan was the PC-Engine, not the Mega Drive.

Nintendo absolutely earned its victory in both North America and Japan. Even when the Genesis still had momentum, the SNES was still producting bangers like SMW, A Link to the Past, and Secret of Mana.

Last edited by SanAndreasX - on 12 December 2024