Well a few years ago I bought a VCS and a NES. I then sold the NES as it didn't really offer me anything every other console and computer offered (SNES, Megadrive et al) and, to me, had a really dull palette. I still have the VCS and it's still hooked up to my telly. So, for me, the VCS won / wins...
I love it's raw simplicity in the GFX department and I love the dirty lo bit cacophonous sound it produces. Also, as I'm crap at games, completing games on the NES was a no-go for me - it just left me frustrated only getting to see half the game I paid for. However crap I am on the VCS I can always improve my score. The games are also more suitable to my lifestyle. Just switch on, shoot things, switch off then go to work...
PS: My number two 8 bit console would be the SMS. It's just a little more vibrant than the NES.