The Nintendo Entertainment System (NES), released as the Family Computer (Famicom) in Japan, is an 8-bit third-generation home video game console developed and manufactured by Nintendo. Launched in July 1983 (Japan) and October 1985 (North America), the NES revitalised the video game industry after the crash of 1983, introducing iconic franchises and a robust licensing model. Its hardware design, based on a custom MOS 6502 CPU and Picture Processing Unit (PPU), enabled advanced scrolling, sprite handling, and sound for its era.
🧠 Architecture and Processor
The NES is powered by the Ricoh 2A03 microprocessor (NTSC) or 2A07 (PAL), both based on the MOS Technology 6502 core, running at 1.79 MHz (NTSC) or 1.66 MHz (PAL). The CPU integrates basic audio circuitry and communicates with the Picture Processing Unit (PPU) for graphics. The Famicom and NES differ slightly in pinout and region lockout, but share the same core architecture.
💾 Memory and Storage
The system includes 2 KB of onboard RAM (work RAM) and 2 KB of video RAM (VRAM) for the PPU. Game cartridges typically contain ROM (up to 1 MB with memory mappers) and may include additional RAM or custom chips to expand capabilities. Save data is stored via battery-backed SRAM on select cartridges.
🖥️ Display and Graphics
The NES outputs a resolution of 256×240 pixels (NTSC/PAL), displaying up to 25 colours simultaneously from a palette of 54 (NTSC) or 52 (PAL). The PPU supports hardware scrolling, up to 64 sprites (8 per scanline), and tile-based backgrounds. Graphics are generated via pattern tables and attribute tables, with colour emphasis and limited palette effects.
🔊 Sound Capabilities
Audio is generated by a 5-channel programmable sound generator: two pulse wave channels, one triangle wave, one noise channel, and one DPCM channel for sample playback. Some cartridges provide additional sound hardware (e.g., VRC6, FDS) for expanded audio, especially on the Famicom.
🎮 Input/Output and Expansion
The NES features two controller ports (7-pin proprietary), a 72-pin cartridge slot (60-pin on Famicom), RF/composite AV output, and a rear expansion port (unused outside Japan). The Famicom includes a microphone on controller II and a bottom expansion slot for peripherals (e.g., Disk System, keyboard).
🧰 General Maintenance
NES consoles are prone to connector wear (ZIF cartridge slot), requiring cleaning or replacement for reliable operation. Power supplies and AV cables are user-replaceable. Famicom units may require periodic cleaning of hardwired controller contacts.
🧾 PCB Schematics & Service Guide
Official service manuals and schematics are available for both NES and Famicom models, detailing motherboard layouts, pinouts, and common failure points (e.g., 72-pin connector, voltage regulators).
Capacitor failure is uncommon but may occur in ageing units. Standard electrolytic capacitors (e.g., 220µF, 10V) are used in power filtering and AV circuits. Refer to service manuals for values and replacement procedures.
Retrobrite
Yellowing of NES/Famicom plastic cases can be reversed using retrobrite techniques (hydrogen peroxide and UV light). Care should be taken to avoid overexposure and warping.
NES Control Deck with controller
Family Computer (Famicom) main unit
