Do games really look better on the Virtual Console?
The answer quite simply is…yes.
Opposable Thumbs has done a comparison between the NES and Virtual Console (as well as the Generation NEX system and the FC Twin) to determine which has the best image quality:
Looking at my experiences as a whole—and it was eye-opening to do a project like this—I’m convinced that tracking down a working NES is worth the hassle and cost. It just gives the colors and image a level of quality that the clones can’t meet. These sprites are so simple, you really pay attention to things like color composition and design; when the Generation NEX muddies the image so badly, you’re doing yourself a disservice by playing the games so compromised. The FC Twin does a very good job, and since it looks and plays SNES games pretty decently for the price, it may be a good investment (I might have been too hard on it in my original review). I’m going to add a link to that review post so people can see the followup. I know the Virtual Console pictures are unfair—it’s a $250 system hooked up through component—but if you have the means, this is certainly the way to go. It makes your NES games look beautiful, and that may help me justify the cost of buying the games again.
The results aren’t surprising, but at least I feel justified for repurchasing most of my collection for the NES.
