The race from launch day
Cumulative units by months since each console's own launch. Figures between reports are modelled; where reports are years apart, the line is a rough approximation, not observed annual sales.
Side by side
| NES | Master System | |
|---|---|---|
| Cumulative units (estimated) | 61,910,000 | ≈ 13,000,000 |
| After 13y 2m on sale | – | – |
| Released | July 15, 1983 | October 20, 1985 |
| Time on the market | 20y 8m | 13y 2m |
| Average per day | ≈ 8K | ≈ 3K |
| Status | Discontinued | Discontinued |
More comparisons
Frequently asked questions
Which sold more, the Nintendo Entertainment System or the Sega Master System?
As of October 31, 2026, the Nintendo Entertainment System leads our tracked comparison: about 61.9 million units against 13 million for the Sega Master System, a gap of 48.9 million. Figures may mix reported shipments, customer sales and estimates.
How many Nintendo Entertainment System and Sega Master System consoles have been sold?
Nintendo Entertainment System: 61.91 million units as of March 31, 2004 (Nintendo annual results, fiscal year to March 2004; measurement not specified). Sega Master System: source estimate: 13 million units as of 1998 (JavaGear research report; measurement not specified).
Figures can measure shipments, customer sales or estimates; these are not directly interchangeable. Between reports our model projects an estimate, not observed transactions. The changing digits show the model's output, not its accuracy. Its inputs and assumptions are corrected when new figures are available. Sources and method