Nintendo Entertainment System: Difference between revisions
No edit summary |
|||
| Line 38: | Line 38: | ||
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. | 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 == | ||
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. | 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 == | ||
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. | 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 == | ||
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. | 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 == | ||
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. | 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 == | ||
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. | 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 == | ||
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. | 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 == | ||
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]] | 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 === | ||
<gallery mode="packed"> | <gallery mode="packed"> | ||
File:Nintendo-NES-Mk1-Motherboard-Top.jpg|NES-001 (front-loader) motherboard | File:Nintendo-NES-Mk1-Motherboard-Top.jpg|NES-001 (front-loader) motherboard | ||
| Line 65: | Line 65: | ||
</gallery> | </gallery> | ||
=== | === Schematics === | ||
<gallery mode="packed"> | <gallery mode="packed"> | ||
File:NES-001-Schematic---Cartridge,-Controller,-Zapper.png|Cartridge, Controller, Zapper | File:NES-001-Schematic---Cartridge,-Controller,-Zapper.png|Cartridge, Controller, Zapper | ||
| Line 73: | Line 73: | ||
</gallery> | </gallery> | ||
== | == Gallery == | ||
<gallery mode="packed"> | <gallery mode="packed"> | ||
File:NES-Console-Set.png|Nintendo Entertainment System (NES) with controller | File:NES-Console-Set.png|Nintendo Entertainment System (NES) with controller | ||
Revision as of 20:30, 9 August 2025
| Official Nintendo Entertainment System logo | |
| Top: NES Control Deck (with detachable controllers) Bottom: Family Computer ("Famicom") main unit (with hardwired controllers) | |
| Specifications | |
|---|---|
| Developer | Nintendo Research & Development 2 |
| Manufacturer | Nintendo |
| Type | Home video game console |
| Released | Release dates:JP: July 15, 1983 • NA: October 18, 1985 • EU: September 1, 1986 |
| Discontinued | Release dates:JP: September 25, 2003 • NA: August 14, 1995 • EU: 1995 |
| Intro 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 / Firmware | None (game cartridge-based) |
| Predecessor | Color TV-Game |
| Successor | Super 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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
-
NES-001 (front-loader) motherboard
-
Famicom HVC-CPU-07 motherboard
Schematics
-
Cartridge, Controller, Zapper -
Controller Ports -
CPU, PPU, RAM, CIC -
Power, AV, RF Switch
Gallery
-
Nintendo Entertainment System (NES) with controller
-
Family Computer (Famicom) main unit
-
NES controller
-
Famicom controllers (I & II)
