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{{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)}}
{{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}}
{{Pp-move|small=yes}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=June 2024}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=September 2024}}


{{Infobox information appliance
{{Infobox computer
| name          = Nintendo Entertainment System / Family Computer
| name          = Nintendo Entertainment System / Family Computer
| aka            = {{Video game release
| logo          = [[File:NES logo.svg|90px]]<br />[[File:Family Computer logo.svg|90px]]
  | KOR = Hyundai Comboy
| image          = [[File:NES-Console-Set.png|260px|frameless]]<br />[[File:Nintendo-Famicom-Console-Set-FL.png|260px|frameless]]
  | IND = Samurai Electronic TV Game System
| caption        = Top: NES Control Deck (North America/Europe)<br />Bottom: Family Computer ("Famicom", Japan)
  | CIS = [[Dendy (console)|Dendy]]
  }}
| 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>
| image          = <div style="background-color: #fff; border: #dadada solid 1px; white-space: nowrap;">
[[File:NES-Console-Set.png|frameless|Nintendo Entertainment System with controller]]<br />
[[File:Nintendo-Famicom-Console-Set-FL.png|frameless|Nintendo Family Computer]]
</div>
| caption        = '''Top:''' NES Control Deck (with detachable controllers)<br />'''Bottom:''' Family Computer ("Famicom") main unit (with hardwired controllers)
| developer      = [[Nintendo Research & Development 2|Nintendo R&D2]]
| developer      = [[Nintendo Research & Development 2|Nintendo R&D2]]
| manufacturer  = [[Nintendo]]
| manufacturer  = [[Nintendo]]
| type          = [[Home video game console]]
| type          = [[Home video game console]]
| generation    = [[Third generation of video game consoles|Third]]
| release_date   = {{Video game release
| release date   = {{Video game release
   | JP = {{Start date|1983|07|15}}
   | JP = {{Start date|1983|07|15}}
   | NA = October 18, 1985<ref>{{cite magazine|url=https://www.wired.com/2010/10/1018nintendo-nes-launches/|title=Oct. 18, 1985: Nintendo Entertainment System Launches|date=October 18, 2010|magazine=[[Wired (magazine)|WIRED]]|access-date=June 11, 2015|last1=Kohler|first1=Chris|archive-date=November 26, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201126134701/https://www.wired.com/2010/10/1018nintendo-nes-launches/|url-status=live}}</ref>
   | NA = {{Start date|1985|10|18}}
   | EU = September 1, 1986{{efn|For distribution purposes, most of Europe and Australasia were divided into regional markets, with staggered launches.}}
   | EU = {{Start date|1986|09|01}}
   | AUS = 1987
   | AUS = {{Start date|1987|07|01}}
  }}
}}
| discontinued  = {{Video game release
| discontinued  = JP: September 25, 2003<br />NA: August 14, 1995<br />EU: 1995
  | JP = September 25, 2003
| price          = JP: ¥14,800 (Famicom, 1983)<br />NA: US$179.99 (1985, Deluxe Set)
  | NA = August 14, 1995
  | EU = 1995
  }}
| price          = US$179 (NA launch, 1985)<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.nintendolife.com/news/2015/10/feature_the_nes_launch_in_north_america_-_october_18th_1985|title=Feature: The NES Launch in North America - October 18th, 1985|website=Nintendo Life|date=18 October 2015|access-date=11 June 2024}}</ref>
| cpu            = [[Ricoh 2A03]] (NTSC) / [[Ricoh 2A07]] (PAL), based on [[MOS Technology 6502]] @ 1.79 MHz (NTSC) / 1.66 MHz (PAL)
| cpu            = [[Ricoh 2A03]] (NTSC) / [[Ricoh 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
| memory        = 2 KB RAM, 2 KB video RAM
| storage        = ROM cartridges (max 1 MB, typical 8–512 KB)
| storage        = ROM cartridges (up to 1 MB with mappers)
| display        = 256 × 240 px, 48 colours (palette of 54), 25 on-screen simultaneously
| display        = 256 × 240 px, 48 colours (24 on-screen), 25 sprites per scanline
| sound          = 5-channel mono (2 pulse, 1 triangle, 1 noise, 1 DPCM); expansion audio via cartridge (Famicom)
| dimensions    = NES: 254 × 203 × 89 mm<br>Famicom: 150 × 220 × 60 mm
| weight        = NES: 1.4 kg<br>Famicom: 1.1 kg
| os            = None
| 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]]
| predecessor    = [[Color TV-Game]]
| successor      = [[Super Nintendo Entertainment System]]
| successor      = [[Super Nintendo Entertainment System]]
| model          = NES-001 (NTSC), NES-101 (top-loader), HVC-001 (Famicom)
| codename      = AVS (prototype)
| codename      = GameCom, 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]]. Launched in 1983 (Japan) and 1985 (North America), it revitalised the video game industry after the crash of 1983 and became one of the most influential consoles of all time, selling over 61 million units worldwide.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.nintendo.co.jp/corporate/release/en/2020/200507.html|title=Consolidated Sales Transition by Region|publisher=Nintendo|date=7 May 2020|access-date=11 June 2024}}</ref>
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>


== 🧠 Architecture and Processor ==
== 🧠 Architecture and Processor ==
The NES is powered by the [[Ricoh 2A03]] (NTSC) or [[Ricoh 2A07]] (PAL) microprocessor, both based on the [[MOS Technology 6502]] core. The CPU runs at 1.79&nbsp;MHz (NTSC) or 1.66&nbsp;MHz (PAL), and integrates audio generation hardware. The Famicom and NES share the same core architecture, with minor regional differences (notably in the lockout chip and video output).
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 system architecture is simple and highly efficient, with direct memory access between the CPU and the Picture Processing Unit (PPU), and a cartridge interface that allows for hardware expansion via "mappers" (memory management controllers).
=== System Architecture at a Glance ===
* '''CPU:''' Ricoh 2A03/2A07 (6502-based, no decimal mode)
* '''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 ==
== 💾 Memory and Storage ==
The NES contains:
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.
* '''2 KB internal RAM''' (work RAM, or WRAM)
 
* '''2 KB video RAM''' (VRAM, within the PPU)
=== Memory Map (Physical) ===
* Additional RAM and hardware could be added via cartridges (e.g., battery-backed save RAM, extra VRAM, custom chips)
* $0000–$07FF: 2&nbsp;KB internal RAM (mirrored)
* Games are stored on ROM cartridges, typically 8–512 KB, with some later titles reaching up to 1 MB using advanced mappers.
* $2000–$2007: PPU registers (mirrored)
* $4000–$4017: APU and I/O registers
* $4020–$FFFF: Cartridge space (PRG-ROM, PRG-RAM, mappers)


== 🖥️ Display and Graphics ==
== 🖥️ Display and Graphics ==
The NES uses a custom [[Picture Processing Unit]] (PPU), the Ricoh 2C02 (NTSC) or 2C07 (PAL), supporting:
The NES uses the Ricoh 2C02 (NTSC) or 2C07 (PAL) PPU, supporting:
* Resolution: 256 × 240 pixels (NTSC), 256 × 240/256 (PAL)
* '''Resolution:''' 256 × 240 pixels (NTSC), 256 × 240 or 256 × 288 (PAL)
* Colour palette: 54 colours (48 usable), 25 on-screen at once (including background)
* '''Colours:''' 54 total, 48 usable, 24 on-screen at once (including background and sprites)
* Sprites: Up to 64 per frame, 8 per scanline
* '''Sprites:''' 8 × 8 or 8 × 16 pixels, up to 64 per frame, 8 per scanline
* Hardware scrolling, tile-based backgrounds, and palette swapping
* '''Scrolling:''' Hardware support for horizontal and vertical scrolling
* Advanced cartridges enabled effects such as split-screen scrolling and expanded colour use
 
=== 📺 Video Modes & Timing ===
* NTSC: 60.10 Hz, 262 scanlines
* PAL: 50.00 Hz, 312 scanlines


== 🔊 Sound Capabilities ==
== 🔊 Sound Capabilities ==
The NES audio subsystem provides five channels:
The NES sound hardware is integrated into the CPU and provides five channels:
* 2 × pulse wave (square) channels
* 2 pulse wave generators (variable duty cycle)
* 1 × triangle wave channel
* 1 triangle wave generator
* 1 × noise channel
* 1 noise generator (white noise)
*
* 1 DPCM (delta pulse-code modulation) channel for sample playback
 
== 🎮 Input/Output and Expansion ==
* '''Controllers:''' NES uses 7-pin connectors (detachable); Famicom uses hardwired controllers
* '''Expansion:''' Famicom features a 15-pin expansion port for peripherals (e.g., keyboards, light guns)
* '''Cartridge slot:''' 72-pin (NES), 60-pin (Famicom)
* '''Video output:''' NES: RF & composite (later models); Famicom: RF only (original), AV (HVC-101)
* '''Audio output:''' Mono (NES); Famicom expansion audio via cartridge slot
 
== 🧰 General Maintenance ==
* Clean cartridge contacts with isopropyl alcohol and a soft cloth
* Avoid blowing into cartridges (


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{{Navbox-AppleVintage}}

Revision as of 14:13, 4 May 2025





Specifications
Manufacturer
Type
CPU
Memory
Storage
Display
Sound
OS / Firmware

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Template:Redirect-multi Template:Use dmy dates

Nintendo Entertainment System / Family Computer


Top: NES Control Deck (North America/Europe)
Bottom: Family Computer ("Famicom", Japan)
Specifications
DeveloperNintendo R&D2
ManufacturerNintendo
TypeHome video game console
ReleasedRelease dates:JP: July 15, 1983 • NA: October 18, 1985 • EU: September 1, 1986
DiscontinuedJP: September 25, 2003
NA: August 14, 1995
EU: 1995
Intro priceJP: ¥14,800 (Famicom, 1983)
NA: US$179.99 (1985, Deluxe Set)
CPURicoh 2A03 (NTSC) / Ricoh 2A07 (PAL), based on MOS Technology 6502 @ 1.79 MHz (NTSC) / 1.66 MHz (PAL)
Memory2 KB RAM, 2 KB video RAM
StorageROM cartridges (up to 1 MB with mappers)
Display256 × 240 px, 48 colours (24 on-screen), 25 sprites per scanline
Sound5-channel mono (2 pulse, 1 triangle, 1 noise, 1 DPCM)
DimensionsNES: 254 × 203 × 89 mm
Famicom: 150 × 220 × 60 mm
WeightNES: 1.4 kg
Famicom: 1.1 kg
OS / FirmwareNone
PredecessorColor TV-Game
SuccessorSuper Nintendo Entertainment System
CodenameAVS (prototype)
Model no.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.[1]

🧠 Architecture and Processor

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 MHz (NTSC) or 1.66 MHz (PAL). It features a 16-bit address bus, allowing access to 64 KB of memory space, and integrates basic sound generation hardware.

System Architecture at a Glance

  • CPU: Ricoh 2A03/2A07 (6502-based, no decimal mode)
  • PPU: Ricoh 2C02 (NTSC) / 2C07 (PAL) Picture Processing Unit
  • RAM: 2 KB internal work RAM
  • VRAM: 2 KB video RAM (on mainboard), plus additional on-cartridge RAM for some games
  • Cartridge bus: 72-pin (NES) / 60-pin (Famicom)

💾 Memory and Storage

The NES includes 2 KB of onboard RAM and 2 KB of video RAM. Game cartridges typically contain ROM (up to 1 MB with memory mappers), and many include additional RAM (battery-backed for save games) and custom hardware to enhance graphics or sound.

Memory Map (Physical)

  • $0000–$07FF: 2 KB internal RAM (mirrored)
  • $2000–$2007: PPU registers (mirrored)
  • $4000–$4017: APU and I/O registers
  • $4020–$FFFF: Cartridge space (PRG-ROM, PRG-RAM, mappers)

🖥️ Display and Graphics

The NES uses the Ricoh 2C02 (NTSC) or 2C07 (PAL) PPU, supporting:

  • 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

  • NTSC: 60.10 Hz, 262 scanlines
  • PAL: 50.00 Hz, 312 scanlines

🔊 Sound Capabilities

The NES sound hardware is integrated into the CPU and provides five channels:

  • 2 pulse wave generators (variable duty cycle)
  • 1 triangle wave generator
  • 1 noise generator (white noise)
  • 1 DPCM (delta pulse-code modulation) channel for sample playback

🎮 Input/Output and Expansion

  • Controllers: NES uses 7-pin connectors (detachable); Famicom uses hardwired controllers
  • Expansion: Famicom features a 15-pin expansion port for peripherals (e.g., keyboards, light guns)
  • Cartridge slot: 72-pin (NES), 60-pin (Famicom)
  • Video output: NES: RF & composite (later models); Famicom: RF only (original), AV (HVC-101)
  • Audio output: Mono (NES); Famicom expansion audio via cartridge slot

🧰 General Maintenance

  • Clean cartridge contacts with isopropyl alcohol and a soft cloth
  • Avoid blowing into cartridges (


  1. ↑ The Ultimate History of Video Games, Three Rivers Press
    ISBN 0-7615-3643-4, p. 352}
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