Nintendo Entertainment System: Difference between revisions

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{{Infobox computer

| name            = Nintendo Entertainment System

| logo            = [[File:NES logo.svg|90px]]

| image          = [[File:NES-Console-Set.png|260px|frameless]]

| release_date    = {{Start date|1983|07|15}} (JP) / October 18, 1985 (NA) / September 1, 1986 (EU)

| price           = JP: ¥14,800 / NA: US$179.99 (Control Deck, 1985)

| cpu             = Ricoh 2A03 (MOS 6502 core) @ 1.79 MHz (NTSC) / Ricoh 2A07 @ 1.66 MHz (PAL)

| memory         = 2 KB onboard RAM, 2 KB video RAM

| storage         = ROM cartridge (up to 1 MB with mappers)

| display         = 256×240 px (NTSC), 256×240 px (PAL), 48 colours (25 onscreen)

| image          = [[File:Nintendo-Famicom-Console-Set-FL.png|250px]]

| sound           = 5-channel PSG (2 pulse, 1 triangle, 1 noise, 1 DPCM), expansion audio via cartridge

| dimensions     = NES: 25.4 × 20.3 × 7.6 cm; Famicom: 22 × 15 × 6 cm

| weight         = NES: 1.4 kg; Famicom: 1.2 kg

| predecessor     = [[Color TV-Game]]

| codename       = GameCom / AVS

The '''Nintendo Entertainment System''' ('''NES'''), released as the '''Family Computer''' ('''Famicom''') in Japan, is an 8-bit third-generation home video game console developed and manufactured by [[Nintendo]]. Launched in July 1983 (Japan) and October 1985 (North America), the NES revitalised the video game industry after the crash of 1983, introducing iconic franchises and a robust licensing model. Its hardware design, based on a custom MOS 6502 CPU and Picture Processing Unit (PPU), enabled advanced scrolling, sprite handling, and sound for its era.

== 🧠 Architecture and Processor ==

The NES is powered by the '''Ricoh 2A03''' microprocessor (NTSC) or '''2A07''' (PAL), both based on the MOS Technology 6502 core, running at 1.79 MHz (NTSC) or 1.66 MHz (PAL). The CPU integrates basic audio circuitry and communicates with the Picture Processing Unit (PPU) for graphics. The Famicom and NES differ slightly in pinout and region lockout, but share the same core architecture.

== 💾 Memory and Storage ==

The system includes '''2 KB of onboard RAM''' (work RAM) and '''2 KB of video RAM''' (VRAM) for the PPU. Game cartridges typically contain ROM (up to 1 MB with memory mappers) and may include additional RAM or custom chips to expand capabilities. Save data is stored via battery-backed SRAM on select cartridges.

== 🖥️ Display and Graphics ==

The NES outputs a resolution of '''256×240 pixels''' (NTSC/PAL), displaying up to 25 colours simultaneously from a palette of 54 (NTSC) or 52 (PAL). The PPU supports hardware scrolling, up to 64 sprites (8 per scanline), and tile-based backgrounds. Graphics are generated via pattern tables and attribute tables, with colour emphasis and limited palette effects.

== 🔊 Sound Capabilities ==

Audio is generated by a 5-channel programmable sound generator: two pulse wave channels, one triangle wave, one noise channel, and one DPCM channel for sample playback. Some cartridges provide additional sound hardware (e.g., VRC6, FDS) for expanded audio, especially on the Famicom.

== 🎮 Input/Output and Expansion ==

The NES features two controller ports (7-pin proprietary), a 72-pin cartridge slot (60-pin on Famicom), RF/composite AV output, and a rear expansion port (unused outside Japan). The Famicom includes a microphone on controller II and a bottom expansion slot for peripherals (e.g., Disk System, keyboard).

== 🧰 General Maintenance ==

NES consoles are prone to connector wear (ZIF cartridge slot), requiring cleaning or replacement for reliable operation. Power supplies and AV cables are user-replaceable. Famicom units may require periodic cleaning of hardwired controller contacts.

== 🧾 PCB Schematics & Service Guide ==

Official service manuals and schematics are available for both NES and Famicom models, detailing motherboard layouts, pinouts, and common failure points (e.g., 72-pin connector, voltage regulators).

=== 📷 Motherboard Images ===

* [[File:NES-Motherboard-Front.jpg|thumb|NES motherboard (front)]]

* [[File:Famicom-Motherboard.jpg|thumb|Famicom motherboard (Japan)]]

== 📚 Technical Documentation ==

* [https://nesdev.org/wiki/NES_reference_guide NESdev Wiki – NES Reference Guide]

* [https://wiki.nesdev.org/ NESdev Technical Wiki]

* [https://www.nintendo.co.jp/clv/manuals/en/pdf/CLV-S-NESYX.pdf Official NES Classic Edition Manual (PDF)]

== 📷 Gallery ==

<gallery>

File:NES-Console-Set.png|NES Control Deck with controller

File:NES-Controller.jpg|NES controller

File:Famicom-Controller.jpg|Famicom controllers (hardwired)

== 🧪 Related Pages ==