The Limitations of a 16-Bit CPU

An 8-bit system has a processor, memory, buses, et cetera that can handle values of up to 8 bits. For every second that passes, this processor could transfer 8 million bits of data in 8-bit chunks. Let's say then we were to step up to a 16-bit system. Now we're talking about a processor that can handle up to 16 bits of data at any given moment. If you prefer, 16 bits ups the game to 65,536 values or 2 to the 16th power.