Nintendo Entertainment System

Nintendo Entertainment System / Family Computer

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.

📷 Motherboard Images

• NES-001 (front-loader) motherboard
  NES-001 (front-loader) motherboard
• Famicom HVC-CPU-07 motherboard
  Famicom HVC-CPU-07 motherboard

📚 Technical Documentation

• NESdev Wiki: NES Reference Guide
• NESdev.org
• Console5: NES Service Information

📷 Gallery

• 
  Nintendo Entertainment System (NES) with controller
• 
  Family Computer (Famicom) main unit
• 
  NES controller
• 
  Famicom controllers (I & II)

🧪 Related Pages

• Super Nintendo Entertainment System
• Famicom Disk System
• List of NES games