You can't really compare the two imo. Gen/MD was superior in every aspect, hardware, software library. That doesn't mean I prefer it over the Master System.
I love the SMS, but it's for a different reason than you would think.
I cannot remember which it was, either winter of 86 or 87 in NH. My dad came home from working for months out of state. He brought us the Master System, I had no idea what it was, never heard of it, no idea what to do with it, but the fact my dad bought me something was exciting on its own(we were poor). Video games weren't that popular where I lived at the time, and none of my friends had a video game system either. It came with the built in snail maze game that I spent countless hours playing for some odd reason, and the Safari Hunt/Hang On games. I was truly amazed, I had no idea NES existed until I moved to AZ in 88 where I was ridiculed for not having an NES, and that Sega sucked. But just like you I defended the SMS in every aspect. And eventually friends would come over and play games like Shinobi, Wonder Boy 3, Action Fighter, Space Harrier, Rampage, and Choplifter. All of these games hold a special spot in my history and love of video games, and made me the Sega fan I have become. And I owe it to my dad that busted his butt working out of state to provide for his family.
