Nintendo Entertainment System
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| Top: NES Control Deck (North America/Europe) Bottom: Family Computer ("Famicom", Japan) | |
| Specifications | |
|---|---|
| Developer | Nintendo R&D2 |
| Manufacturer | Nintendo |
| Type | Home video game console |
| Released | Release dates:JP: July 15, 1983 • NA: October 18, 1985 • EU: September 1, 1986 |
| Discontinued | JP: September 25, 2003 NA: August 14, 1995 EU: 1995 |
| Intro price | JP: ¥14,800 (Famicom, 1983) NA: US$179.99 (1985, Deluxe Set) |
| CPU | Ricoh 2A03 (NTSC) / Ricoh 2A07 (PAL), based on MOS Technology 6502 @ 1.79 MHz (NTSC) / 1.66 MHz (PAL) |
| Memory | 2 KB RAM, 2 KB video RAM |
| Storage | ROM cartridges (up to 1 MB with mappers) |
| 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) |
| Dimensions | NES: 254 × 203 × 89 mm Famicom: 150 × 220 × 60 mm |
| Weight | NES: 1.4 kg Famicom: 1.1 kg |
| OS / Firmware | None |
| Predecessor | Color TV-Game |
| Successor | Super Nintendo Entertainment System |
| Codename | AVS (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 (
- ↑
The Ultimate History of Video Games, Three Rivers Press
- ISBN 0-7615-3643-4, p. 352}