Super Nintendo Entertainment System: Difference between revisions
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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 [[Nintendo Entertainment System|NES]]. It competed primarily with the [[Sega Mega Drive / Genesis (Model 1)|Sega Mega Drive/Genesis]] and became one of the best-selling consoles of its era. | 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 [[Nintendo Entertainment System|NES]]. It competed primarily with the [[Sega Mega Drive / Genesis (Model 1)|Sega Mega Drive/Genesis]] and became one of the best-selling consoles of its era. | ||
== | == Architecture and Processor == | ||
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. | 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 == | ||
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. | 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 == | ||
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. | 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 == | ||
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. | 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 == | ||
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). | 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 == | ||
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. | 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 == | ||
Official service manuals and schematics are available at [[:Category: Nintendo Service Manuals|Nintendo Service Manuals]]. The mainboard layout varies by region and revision, with notable differences between the original and "SNS-101" (SNES Jr.) models. | Official service manuals and schematics are available at [[:Category: Nintendo Service Manuals|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 === | ||
<gallery mode="packed"> | <gallery mode="packed"> | ||
File:SNES-CPU-RGB-01 motherboard.jpg|North American SNES Motherboard | File:SNES-CPU-RGB-01 motherboard.jpg|North American SNES Motherboard | ||
File:Nintendo Super NES PPU chips.jpg|North American SNES PPU Chips | File:Nintendo Super NES PPU chips.jpg|North American SNES PPU Chips | ||
File:snes_schematic-1.png|SNES Schematic | |||
</gallery> | </gallery> | ||
== | == Gallery == | ||
<gallery mode="packed"> | <gallery mode="packed"> | ||
File:SNES-Mod1-Console-Set.jpg|North American SNES (front) | File:SNES-Mod1-Console-Set.jpg|North American SNES (front) | ||
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</gallery> | </gallery> | ||
== | == Related Pages == | ||
* [[Nintendo Entertainment System]] | * [[Nintendo Entertainment System]] | ||
* [[Super Nintendo Entertainment System hardware clone]] | * [[Super Nintendo Entertainment System hardware clone]] | ||