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{{Infobox computer
{{Infobox computer
| name                             =  
| name = Nintendo Entertainment System / Family Computer
| logo                             =  
| logo = [[File:NES logo.svg|frameless|Official Nintendo Entertainment System logo]]<br /><div style="margin-top:5px">[[File:Family Computer logo.svg|frameless|Family Computer logo]]</div>
| 90px]]
| image = <div style="background-color: white; border: #dadada solid 1px; white-space: nowrap;">
| image                   =  
[[File:NES-Console-Set.png|frameless|Nintendo Entertainment System with controller]]<br />
| 260px|frameless]]
[[File:Nintendo-Famicom-Console-Set-FL.png|frameless|Nintendo Family Computer]]
| caption       =  
</div>
| developer                         =  
| caption = '''Top:''' NES Control Deck (with detachable controllers)<br />'''Bottom:''' Family Computer ("Famicom") main unit (with hardwired controllers)
| manufacturer                     =  
| developer = Nintendo Research & Development 2
| type                             =  
| manufacturer = Nintendo
| release_date                      =  
| type = Home video game console
| discontinued                      =  
| release date = {{Video game release
| price                            =  
  | JP = {{Start date|1983|07|15}}
| cpu                              =  
  | NA = October 18, 1985
| memory                            =  
  | EU = September 1, 1986
| storage                          =  
  | AUS = July 1987
| display                          =  
}}
| os                                =  
| discontinued = {{Video game release
| successor                        =  
  | JP = September 25, 2003
| model                            =  
  | NA = August 14, 1995
| image                            =  
  | EU = 1995
| 250px]]
}}
| caption                =  
| price = US$179 (1985, Control Deck set)
| release date                      =  
| cpu = Ricoh 2A03 (NTSC) / 2A07 (PAL), based on MOS Technology 6502 @ 1.79 MHz (NTSC) / 1.66 MHz (PAL)
| sound                             =  
| memory = 2 KB onboard RAM, 2 KB video RAM; expandable via cartridge
| dimensions                       =  
| storage = ROM cartridge (up to 1 MB with mappers)
| weight                           =  
| display = 256×240 px (NTSC), 256×240 px (PAL); 48 colours, 25 on-screen
| predecessor                       =  
| sound = 5-channel mono (2 pulse, 1 triangle, 1 noise, 1 DPCM); Famicom expansion audio via cartridge
| codename                          =  
| dimensions = NES: 25.4 × 20.3 × 7.6 cm; Famicom: 22.0 × 15.0 × 5.4 cm
| Mega Drive / Genesis]]
| weight = NES: 1.4 kg; Famicom: 0.9 kg
| codename =  
| os = None (game cartridge-based)
| predecessor = [[Color TV-Game]]
| successor = [[Super Nintendo Entertainment System|Super NES / Super Famicom]]
| model = NES-001 (front-loader), NES-101 (top-loader), HVC-001 (Famicom)
| codename = "GameCom" (prototype)
}}
}}


{{Short description|Home video game console}}
The '''Nintendo Entertainment System''' ('''NES'''), released in Japan as the '''Family Computer''' ('''Famicom'''), is an 8-bit third-generation home video game console developed and manufactured by Nintendo. First launched in Japan on 15 July 1983 and later released in North America, Europe, and Australia, the NES revitalised the video game industry following the crash of 1983 and became one of the most influential consoles of all time. Its robust hardware, iconic controller design, and extensive library—including classics such as ''Super Mario Bros.'', ''The Legend of Zelda'', and ''Metroid''—cemented its legacy in gaming history.
{{Redirect-multi|2|NES|control deck|the type of card deck used in ''Magic: The Gathering''|Magic: The Gathering deck types#Control{{!}}''Magic: The Gathering'' deck types § Control|other uses of "NES"|NES (disambiguation)}}
{{Pp-move|small=yes}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=September 2024}}


{{Infobox computer
== Architecture and Processor ==
| name          = Nintendo Entertainment System / Family Computer
The NES is powered by the Ricoh 2A03 (NTSC) or 2A07 (PAL) microprocessor, a custom variant of the MOS Technology 6502. This 8-bit CPU runs at approximately 1.79&nbsp;MHz (NTSC) or 1.66&nbsp;MHz (PAL). The processor integrates basic audio functions and manages all system operations, including communication with the Picture Processing Unit (PPU) and controller inputs.
| logo          = [[File:NES logo.svg|90px]]<br />[[File:Family Computer logo.svg|90px]]
| image          = [[File:NES-Console-Set.png|260px|frameless]]<br />[[File:Nintendo-Famicom-Console-Set-FL.png|260px|frameless]]
| caption        = Top: NES Control Deck (North America/Europe)<br />Bottom: Family Computer ("Famicom", Japan)
| developer      = [[Nintendo Research & Development 2|Nintendo R&D2]]
| manufacturer  = [[Nintendo]]
| type          = [[Home video game console]]
| release_date  = {{Video game release
  | JP = {{Start date|1983|07|15}}
  | NA = {{Start date|1985|10|18}}
  | EU = {{Start date|1986|09|01}}
  | AUS = {{Start date|1987|07|01}}
}}
| discontinued  = JP: September 25, 2003<br />NA: August 14, 1995<br />EU: 1995
| price          = JP: ¥14,800 (Famicom, 1983)<br />NA: US$179.99 (1985, Deluxe Set)
| cpu            = [[Ricoh 2A03]] (NTSC) / [[Ricoh 2A07]] (PAL), based on [[MOS Technology 6502]] @ 1.79 MHz (NTSC) / 1.66 MHz (PAL)
| memory        = 2 KB RAM, 2 KB video RAM
| storage        = ROM cartridges (up to 1 MB with mappers)
| display        = 256 × 240 px, 48 colours (24 on-screen), 25 sprites per scanline
| os            = None
| sound          = 5-channel mono (2 pulse, 1 triangle, 1 noise, 1 DPCM)
| dimensions    = NES: 254 × 203 × 89 mm<br />Famicom: 150 × 220 × 60 mm
| weight        = NES: 1.4 kg<br />Famicom: 1.1 kg
| predecessor    = [[Color TV-Game]]
| successor      = [[Super Nintendo Entertainment System]]
| codename      = AVS (prototype)
| model          = NES-001, HVC-001 (Famicom), NES-101 (Top Loader), HVC-101 (AV Famicom)
}}


The '''Nintendo Entertainment System''' ('''NES'''), released in Japan as the '''Family Computer''' ('''Famicom'''), is an 8-bit third-generation home video game console developed and manufactured by [[Nintendo]]. First launched in Japan on 15 July 1983, the system was later released in North America (18 October 1985), Europe (1 September 1986), and Australia (July 1987). The NES revitalised the video game industry following the crash of 1983 and became one of the best-selling consoles of its era, with over 61 million units sold worldwide.<ref>{{cite book|last=Kent|first=Steven L.|title=The Ultimate History of Video Games|publisher=Three Rivers Press|year=2001|isbn=0-7615-3643-4|page=352}}</ref>
== Memory and Storage ==
The console features 2&nbsp;KB of onboard RAM and 2&nbsp;KB of video RAM. Game cartridges often include additional RAM and memory mappers to support larger and more complex games, with ROM sizes ranging up to 1&nbsp;MB. Save data is typically stored on battery-backed SRAM within the cartridge.


== 🧠 Architecture and Processor ==
== Display and Graphics ==
The NES is powered by the [[Ricoh 2A03]] (NTSC) or [[Ricoh 2A07]] (PAL) microprocessor, both based on the [[MOS Technology 6502]] core but lacking decimal mode. The CPU runs at approximately 1.79&nbsp;MHz (NTSC) or 1.66&nbsp;MHz (PAL). It features a 16-bit address bus, allowing access to 64&nbsp;KB of memory space, and integrates basic sound generation hardware.
The NES utilises a custom Picture Processing Unit (PPU) capable of displaying a resolution of 256×240 pixels (NTSC/PAL), with a palette of 54 colours (48 displayable at once). It supports up to 64 sprites on screen, with hardware limitations of 8 sprites per scanline, and offers smooth scrolling and tile-based backgrounds.


=== System Architecture at a Glance ===
== Sound Capabilities ==
* '''CPU:''' Ricoh 2A03/2A07 (6502-based, no decimal mode)
The Ricoh 2A03/2A07 CPU includes a 5-channel audio system: two pulse wave channels, one triangle wave, one noise channel, and one DPCM (sample playback) channel. The Famicom supports additional sound expansion chips via the cartridge slot, enabling enhanced audio in some Japanese titles.
* '''PPU:''' Ricoh 2C02 (NTSC) / 2C07 (PAL) Picture Processing Unit
* '''RAM:''' 2&nbsp;KB internal work RAM
* '''VRAM:''' 2&nbsp;KB video RAM (on mainboard), plus additional on-cartridge RAM for some games
* '''Cartridge bus:''' 72-pin (NES) / 60-pin (Famicom)


== 💾 Memory and Storage ==
== Input/Output and Expansion ==
The NES includes 2&nbsp;KB of onboard RAM and 2&nbsp;KB of video RAM. Game cartridges typically contain ROM (up to 1&nbsp;MB with memory mappers), and many include additional RAM (battery-backed for save games) and custom hardware to enhance graphics or sound.
The NES features two controller ports (detachable on NES, hardwired on original Famicom), a 72-pin (NES) or 60-pin (Famicom) cartridge slot, and expansion ports for peripherals such as the Zapper light gun, R.O.B. robot, and Famicom Disk System. The Famicom includes a microphone in controller II and an expansion port for additional accessories.


=== Memory Map (Physical) ===
== General Maintenance ==
* $0000–$07FF: 2&nbsp;KB internal RAM (mirrored)
Routine maintenance involves cleaning cartridge connectors and controller ports, replacing worn-out rubber pads in controllers, and occasionally reflowing solder joints on the mainboard. The NES-001 is prone to "blinking red light" issues due to worn cartridge connectors, which can be resolved by replacing or refurbishing the connector.
* $2000–$2007: PPU registers (mirrored)
* $4000–$4017: APU and I/O registers
* $4020–$FFFF: Cartridge space (PRG-ROM, PRG-RAM, mappers)


== 🖥️ Display and Graphics ==
== PCB Schematics & Service Guide ==
The NES uses the Ricoh 2C02 (NTSC) or 2C07 (PAL) PPU, supporting:
Official service manuals and schematics are available for both NES and Famicom models, detailing board layouts, component values, and troubleshooting procedures. Common repairs include replacing failed capacitors, voltage regulators, and the lockout chip (CIC) for region-free operation. You can also refer to the [[Nintendo Entertainment System General Maintenance]]
* '''Resolution:''' 256 × 240 pixels (NTSC), 256 × 240 or 256 × 288 (PAL)
* '''Colours:''' 54 total, 48 usable, 24 on-screen at once (including background and sprites)
* '''Sprites:''' 8 × 8 or 8 × 16 pixels, up to 64 per frame, 8 per scanline
* '''Scrolling:''' Hardware support for horizontal and vertical scrolling


=== 📺 Video Modes & Timing ===
=== Motherboard Images ===
* NTSC: 60.10 Hz, 262 scanlines
<gallery mode="packed">
* PAL: 50.00 Hz, 312 scanlines
File:Nintendo-NES-Mk1-Motherboard-Top.jpg|NES-001 (front-loader) motherboard
File:Nintendo-Famicom-Motherboard-BR.jpg|Famicom HVC-CPU-07 motherboard
</gallery>


== 🔊 Sound Capabilities ==
=== Schematics ===
The NES sound hardware is integrated into the CPU and provides five channels:
<gallery mode="packed">
* 2 pulse wave generators (variable duty cycle)
File:NES-001-Schematic---Cartridge,-Controller,-Zapper.png|Cartridge, Controller, Zapper
* 1 triangle wave generator
File:NES-001-Schematic---Controller-Ports.png|Controller Ports
* 1 noise generator (white noise)
File:NES-001-Schematic---CPU,-PPU,-RAM,-CIC.png|CPU, PPU, RAM, CIC
* 1 DPCM (delta pulse-code modulation) channel for sample playback
File:NES-001-Schematic---Power,-AV,-RF-Switch.png|Power, AV, RF Switch
</gallery>


== 🎮 Input/Output and Expansion ==
== Gallery ==
* '''Controllers:''' NES uses 7-pin connectors (detachable); Famicom uses hardwired controllers
<gallery mode="packed">
* '''Expansion:''' Famicom features a 15-pin expansion port for peripherals (e.g., keyboards, light guns)
File:NES-Console-Set.png|Nintendo Entertainment System (NES) with controller
* '''Cartridge slot:''' 72-pin (NES), 60-pin (Famicom)
File:Nintendo-Famicom-Console-Set-FL.png|Family Computer (Famicom) main unit
* '''Video output:''' NES: RF & composite (later models); Famicom: RF only (original), AV (HVC-101)
File:Nintendo-Entertainment-System-NES-Controller-FL.jpg|NES controller
* '''Audio output:''' Mono (NES); Famicom expansion audio via cartridge slot
File:Famicom-Controllers.jpg|Famicom controllers (I & II)
</gallery>


== 🧰 General Maintenance ==
== Related Pages ==
* Clean cartridge contacts with isopropyl alcohol and a soft cloth
* [[Super Nintendo Entertainment System]]
* Avoid blowing into cartridges (
* [[Famicom Disk System]]
* [[List of NES games]]


{{Navbox-AppleVintage}}
[[Category: Nintendo]]

Latest revision as of 20:31, 9 August 2025

Nintendo Entertainment System / Family Computer
Official Nintendo Entertainment System logo
Family Computer logo

Nintendo Entertainment System with controller
Nintendo Family Computer

Top: NES Control Deck (with detachable controllers)
Bottom: Family Computer ("Famicom") main unit (with hardwired controllers)
Specifications
DeveloperNintendo Research & Development 2
ManufacturerNintendo
TypeHome video game console
ReleasedRelease dates:JP: July 15, 1983 • NA: October 18, 1985 • EU: September 1, 1986
DiscontinuedRelease dates:JP: September 25, 2003 • NA: August 14, 1995 • EU: 1995
Intro priceUS$179 (1985, Control Deck set)
CPURicoh 2A03 (NTSC) / 2A07 (PAL), based on MOS Technology 6502 @ 1.79 MHz (NTSC) / 1.66 MHz (PAL)
Memory2 KB onboard RAM, 2 KB video RAM; expandable via cartridge
StorageROM cartridge (up to 1 MB with mappers)
Display256×240 px (NTSC), 256×240 px (PAL); 48 colours, 25 on-screen
Sound5-channel mono (2 pulse, 1 triangle, 1 noise, 1 DPCM); Famicom expansion audio via cartridge
DimensionsNES: 25.4 × 20.3 × 7.6 cm; Famicom: 22.0 × 15.0 × 5.4 cm
WeightNES: 1.4 kg; Famicom: 0.9 kg
OS / FirmwareNone (game cartridge-based)
PredecessorColor TV-Game
SuccessorSuper NES / Super Famicom
Codename"GameCom" (prototype)
Model no.NES-001 (front-loader), NES-101 (top-loader), HVC-001 (Famicom)

The Nintendo Entertainment System (NES), released in Japan as the Family Computer (Famicom), is an 8-bit third-generation home video game console developed and manufactured by Nintendo. First launched in Japan on 15 July 1983 and later released in North America, Europe, and Australia, the NES revitalised the video game industry following the crash of 1983 and became one of the most influential consoles of all time. Its robust hardware, iconic controller design, and extensive library—including classics such as Super Mario Bros., The Legend of Zelda, and Metroid—cemented its legacy in gaming history.

Architecture and Processor

[edit | edit source]

The NES is powered by the Ricoh 2A03 (NTSC) or 2A07 (PAL) microprocessor, a custom variant of the MOS Technology 6502. This 8-bit CPU runs at approximately 1.79 MHz (NTSC) or 1.66 MHz (PAL). The processor integrates basic audio functions and manages all system operations, including communication with the Picture Processing Unit (PPU) and controller inputs.

Memory and Storage

[edit | edit source]

The console features 2 KB of onboard RAM and 2 KB of video RAM. Game cartridges often include additional RAM and memory mappers to support larger and more complex games, with ROM sizes ranging up to 1 MB. Save data is typically stored on battery-backed SRAM within the cartridge.

Display and Graphics

[edit | edit source]

The NES utilises a custom Picture Processing Unit (PPU) capable of displaying a resolution of 256×240 pixels (NTSC/PAL), with a palette of 54 colours (48 displayable at once). It supports up to 64 sprites on screen, with hardware limitations of 8 sprites per scanline, and offers smooth scrolling and tile-based backgrounds.

Sound Capabilities

[edit | edit source]

The Ricoh 2A03/2A07 CPU includes a 5-channel audio system: two pulse wave channels, one triangle wave, one noise channel, and one DPCM (sample playback) channel. The Famicom supports additional sound expansion chips via the cartridge slot, enabling enhanced audio in some Japanese titles.

Input/Output and Expansion

[edit | edit source]

The NES features two controller ports (detachable on NES, hardwired on original Famicom), a 72-pin (NES) or 60-pin (Famicom) cartridge slot, and expansion ports for peripherals such as the Zapper light gun, R.O.B. robot, and Famicom Disk System. The Famicom includes a microphone in controller II and an expansion port for additional accessories.

General Maintenance

[edit | edit source]

Routine maintenance involves cleaning cartridge connectors and controller ports, replacing worn-out rubber pads in controllers, and occasionally reflowing solder joints on the mainboard. The NES-001 is prone to "blinking red light" issues due to worn cartridge connectors, which can be resolved by replacing or refurbishing the connector.

PCB Schematics & Service Guide

[edit | edit source]

Official service manuals and schematics are available for both NES and Famicom models, detailing board layouts, component values, and troubleshooting procedures. Common repairs include replacing failed capacitors, voltage regulators, and the lockout chip (CIC) for region-free operation. You can also refer to the Nintendo Entertainment System General Maintenance

Motherboard Images

[edit | edit source]
  • NES-001 (front-loader) motherboard
    NES-001 (front-loader) motherboard
  • Famicom HVC-CPU-07 motherboard
    Famicom HVC-CPU-07 motherboard

Schematics

[edit | edit source]
  • Cartridge, Controller, Zapper
    Cartridge, Controller, Zapper
  • Controller Ports
    Controller Ports
  • CPU, PPU, RAM, CIC
    CPU, PPU, RAM, CIC
  • Power, AV, RF Switch
    Power, AV, RF Switch
[edit | edit source]
  • Nintendo Entertainment System (NES) with controller
    Nintendo Entertainment System (NES) with controller
  • Family Computer (Famicom) main unit
    Family Computer (Famicom) main unit
  • NES controller
    NES controller
  • Famicom controllers (I & II)
    Famicom controllers (I & II)
[edit | edit source]
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