Super Nintendo Entertainment System
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| North American Super Nintendo Entertainment System (SNES) | |
| Specifications | |
|---|---|
| Manufacturer | Nintendo |
| Type | Home video game console |
| Released | JP: 21 November 1990 NA: 23 August 1991 EU: 11 April 1992 |
| Discontinued | JP: 2003 NA: 1999 EU: 1998 |
| Intro price | JP: ¥25,000 NA: US$199 (1991) |
| CPU | Ricoh 5A22 (based on 65C816) @ 3.58 MHz (max) |
| Memory | 128 KB RAM, 64 KB VRAM |
| Storage | ROM cartridge (max 48 Mbit/6 MB) |
| Display | 256×224 to 512×448 pixels, 32768 colours (max 256 on screen) |
| Sound | Sony SPC700, 8-channel PCM, 16-bit audio |
| Dimensions | Approx. 200 × 242 × 72 mm (varies by region) |
| Weight | Approx. 1.1 kg |
| OS / Firmware | None |
| Predecessor | Nintendo Entertainment System |
| Successor | Nintendo 64 |
| Codename | Project Reality (early development) |
| Model no. | SNS-001, SHVC-001, others |
The Super Nintendo Entertainment System (SNES), known as the Super Famicom (スーパーファミコン, Sūpā Famikon) in Japan, is a 16-bit home video game console developed and manufactured by Nintendo. Released in 1990 in Japan and South Korea, 1991 in North America, and 1992 in Europe and Australasia, the SNES was Nintendo's second home console, following the NES. It competed primarily with the Sega Mega Drive/Genesis and became one of the best-selling consoles of its era.
Architecture and Processor
[edit | edit source]The SNES is powered by the Ricoh 5A22 processor, a custom 16-bit CPU based on the WDC 65C816 core. It runs at variable clock speeds between 1.79 MHz and 3.58 MHz, depending on the operation and video mode. The system architecture allows for advanced graphics and sound capabilities, with support for hardware-accelerated effects such as Mode 7 rotation and scaling.
Memory and Storage
[edit | edit source]The console features 128 KB of general-purpose RAM and 64 KB of video RAM (VRAM). Game data is stored on ROM cartridges, with sizes ranging from 2 Mbit (256 KB) up to 48 Mbit (6 MB) in later releases. Some cartridges include additional chips for enhanced graphics (e.g., Super FX) or memory.
Display and Graphics
[edit | edit source]The SNES supports a variety of resolutions, typically 256×224 or 512×448 pixels, and can display up to 256 colours simultaneously from a palette of 32,768. The Picture Processing Unit (PPU) enables multiple background layers, hardware sprites, and special effects such as transparency, mosaic, and the famed Mode 7 for pseudo-3D visuals.
Sound Capabilities
[edit | edit source]Audio is handled by a dedicated Sony SPC700 8-bit processor and a 16-bit DSP, providing 8-channel PCM audio at up to 32 kHz. The sound subsystem supports advanced features such as echo, pitch modulation, and sample-based music, contributing to the SNES's renowned soundtrack quality.
Input/Output and Expansion
[edit | edit source]The SNES has two controller ports supporting the standard gamepad and peripherals such as the Super Scope, Multitap, and Mouse. Expansion ports include a cartridge slot, an AV Multi Out for composite, RGB, and S-Video, and a bottom-side expansion port (unused in most regions).
General Maintenance
[edit | edit source]The SNES is generally reliable, but common issues include yellowing of the plastic casing due to brominated flame retardants and worn controller ports. Regular cleaning of cartridge contacts and proper storage can help maintain functionality. You can find more infomation on the Super Nintendo Entertainment System General Maintenance Page.
PCB Schematics & Service Guide
[edit | edit source]Official service manuals and schematics are available at Nintendo Service Manuals. The mainboard layout varies by region and revision, with notable differences between the original and "SNS-101" (SNES Jr.) models.
Motherboard & Schematic
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North American SNES Motherboard -
North American SNES PPU Chips -
SNES Schematic
Gallery
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North American SNES (front) -
Super Famicom (Japan) -
PAL SNES (Europe) -
SNES Controller
