Atari Atari 2600 vs SEGA Master System
Better figure, where one is clearly better
| AtariAtari 2600 | SEGAMaster System | |
|---|---|---|
| Overview | ||
| Released | 1977 | August 1987 |
| Performance | ||
| Type | Home console | Home console |
| CPU | MOS Technology 6507, 1.19 MHz | Zilog Z80A, 3.58 MHz |
| GPU | Television Interface Adaptor (TIA) | SEGA video display processor (VDP) |
| Memory | 128 bytes | 24 KB (better) |
| Disc drive | No | No |
| CPU | MOS Technology 6507 at about 1.19 MHz in the original NTSC VCS (Atari service and developer manuals) | Zilog Z80A at 3.58 MHz (SEGA service manual for the overseas Master System) |
| GPU | Atari Television Interface Adaptor (TIA), which generates video and two channels of sound (Atari manuals) | – |
| Memory detail | 128 bytes of RAM in the 6532 RAM and I/O chip (Atari developer manual) | 8 KB RAM plus 16 KB VRAM (SEGA) |
| Storage detail | ROM cartridges | Cartridges and Sega Cards (SEGA) |
| Display and video | ||
| Built-in screen | No built-in screen | No built-in screen |
| Video output | RF output to a TV | 256 × 192, up to 32 colours on screen from a 64-colour palette (SEGA developer and service manuals) |
| Audio | – | Programmable sound generator with three tone channels and one noise channel; the overseas model lacks the Japanese model's FM sound (SEGA) |
| Connections | ||
| Controller | Joystick; also paddles, driving controllers, keypads and Trak-Ball (Atari manuals) | Control Pad with D-pad and two buttons |
