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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                                =  
| successor                        =
| model                            =
| image                            =
| 250px]]
| caption                =  
| release date                     =
| sound                            =
| dimensions                        =
| weight                            =
| predecessor                      =  
| codename                          =  
| Mega Drive / Genesis]]
| codename =  
}}
}}
| discontinued = {{Video game release
  | JP = September 25, 2003
  | NA = August 14, 1995
  | EU = 1995
}}
| price = US$179 (1985, Control Deck set)
| cpu = Ricoh 2A03 (NTSC) / 2A07 (PAL), based on MOS Technology 6502 @ 1.79 MHz (NTSC) / 1.66 MHz (PAL)
| memory = 2 KB onboard RAM, 2 KB video RAM; expandable via cartridge
| storage = ROM cartridge (up to 1 MB with mappers)
| display = 256×240 px (NTSC), 256×240 px (PAL); 48 colours, 25 on-screen
| sound = 5-channel mono (2 pulse, 1 triangle, 1 noise, 1 DPCM); Famicom expansion audio via cartridge
| dimensions = NES: 25.4 × 20.3 × 7.6 cm; Famicom: 22.0 × 15.0 × 5.4 cm
| weight = NES: 1.4 kg; Famicom: 0.9 kg
| 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)
}}
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.


{{Infobox computer
== Architecture and Processor ==
| name              = Nintendo Entertainment System
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:Nintendo Entertainment System logo.svg|90px]]
 
| image            = [[File:NES-Console-Set.png|260px|frameless]]
== Memory and Storage ==
| caption          = The original Nintendo Entertainment System console with controller
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.
| developer        = [[Nintendo]]
 
| manufacturer      = Nintendo
== Display and Graphics ==
| type              = [[Home video game console]]
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.
| release_date      = {{ubl|{{Start date|1983|07|15|df=yes}} (as Famicom, Japan)|{{Start date|1985|10|18|df=yes}} (North America)|{{Start date|1986|09|01|df=yes}} (Europe)}}
 
| discontinued      = {{ubl|1995 (worldwide)|2003 (Japan)}}
== Sound Capabilities ==
| price            = US$179.99 (at launch, North America)<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.nintendolife.com/news/2015/10/feature_the_nintendo_entertainment_system_turns_30_in_north_america|title=Feature: The Nintendo Entertainment System Turns 30 in North America|website=Nintendo Life|date=18 October 2015}}</ref>
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.
| cpu              = [[Ricoh 2A03]] (based on [[MOS Technology 6502]]), 8-bit, 1.79&nbsp;MHz (NTSC) / 1.66&nbsp;MHz (PAL)
| memory            = 2&nbsp;KB [[RAM]]
| storage          = ROM cartridge
| display          = 256 × 240 pixels, 48 colours
}}


The '''Nintendo Entertainment System''' ('''NES''') is an 8-bit home video game console developed and manufactured by [[Nintendo]]. Originally released in Japan as the '''Family Computer''' (''Famicom'') in 1983, it was later redesigned and launched in North America in 1985 and in Europe in 1986. The NES played a key role in reviving the video game industry following the North American video game crash of 1983 and became one of the best-selling consoles of its era.
== Input/Output and Expansion ==
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.


== History ==
== General Maintenance ==
The NES was first released in Japan on 15 July 1983 as the Family Computer, or Famicom. Due to its success in Japan, Nintendo introduced a redesigned version to North America in October 1985, followed by releases in Europe and other regions. The NES was discontinued in North America in 1995, but production continued in Japan until 2003.
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.


== Hardware ==
== PCB Schematics & Service Guide ==
The NES features an 8-bit Ricoh 2A03 CPU (a variant of the MOS Technology 6502), 2&nbsp;KB of RAM, and uses ROM cartridges for games. Its graphics system supports a resolution of 256 × 240 pixels and a palette of 48 colours. The console is known for its distinctive rectangular controller with a simple D-pad and two action buttons.
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]]


== Legacy ==
=== Motherboard Images ===
The NES is credited with revitalising the video game industry and introducing many classic franchises, including ''Super Mario Bros.'', ''The Legend of Zelda'', and ''Metroid''. It remains a highly influential system and has inspired numerous re-releases and dedicated mini consoles.
<gallery mode="packed">
File:Nintendo-NES-Mk1-Motherboard-Top.jpg|NES-001 (front-loader) motherboard
File:Nintendo-Famicom-Motherboard-BR.jpg|Famicom HVC-CPU-07 motherboard
</gallery>


== See also ==
=== Schematics ===
* [[List of Nintendo Entertainment System games]]
<gallery mode="packed">
* [[Family Computer Disk System]]
File:NES-001-Schematic---Cartridge,-Controller,-Zapper.png|Cartridge, Controller, Zapper
* [[Nintendo Classic Mini: Nintendo Entertainment System]]
File:NES-001-Schematic---Controller-Ports.png|Controller Ports
File:NES-001-Schematic---CPU,-PPU,-RAM,-CIC.png|CPU, PPU, RAM, CIC
File:NES-001-Schematic---Power,-AV,-RF-Switch.png|Power, AV, RF Switch
</gallery>


== References ==
== Gallery ==
{{reflist}}
<gallery mode="packed">
File:NES-Console-Set.png|Nintendo Entertainment System (NES) with controller
File:Nintendo-Famicom-Console-Set-FL.png|Family Computer (Famicom) main unit
File:Nintendo-Entertainment-System-NES-Controller-FL.jpg|NES controller
File:Famicom-Controllers.jpg|Famicom controllers (I & II)
</gallery>


== External links ==
== Related Pages ==
* [https://www.nintendo.com/ Nintendo official website]
* [[Super Nintendo Entertainment System]]
* [https://www.nintendo.co.jp/clv/index.html Nintendo Classic Mini: Family Computer (Japan)]
* [[Famicom Disk System]]
* [[List of NES games]]


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

Latest revision as of 21:31, 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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