The Nintendo Entertainment System (NES), released in North America in 1985, single-handedly revitalized the home video game market after the devastating crash of 1983. Nintendo, a Japanese company with a history in playing cards and arcade games, took a bold gamble by introducing a console that was initially marketed as a toy rather than a sophisticated computer. This clever strategy, combined with a focus on high-quality games, proved to be a masterstroke.
The NES not only introduced iconic characters like Mario and Link to a global audience but also established many of the conventions that define console gaming to this day. Its simple yet effective design, coupled with a library of innovative and engaging games, captivated a generation of players. The console's success paved the way for Nintendo to become a dominant force in the video game industry, a position it continues to hold.
The impact of the NES extends far beyond mere commercial success. It fostered a sense of community among gamers, sparked creativity in game development, and laid the foundation for the modern video game industry. The NES remains a beloved console, fondly remembered for its classic games, innovative hardware, and the sheer joy it brought to millions.
1985
NINTENDO
NES
📜 History & Legacy
⚙️ Specifications
- ❖ CPU: Ricoh 2A03 (based on the MOS Technology 6502) running at 1.79 MHz
- ❖ GPU: Ricoh PPU (Picture Processing Unit)
- ❖ RAM: 2 KB of work RAM
- ❖ Storage: Game cartridges
- ❖ Media: ROM Cartridges
- ❖ Resolution: 256 x 240 pixels
- ❖ Color Palette: 54 colors (25 available at any one time)
- ❖ Sound: 5 channels (2 square waves, 1 triangle wave, 1 noise channel, 1 PCM channel)
🎮 Top 10 Games
- ★ Super Mario Bros.
- ★ The Legend of Zelda
- ★ Metroid
- ★ Castlevania
- ★ Mega Man 2
- ★ Final Fantasy
- ★ Contra
- ★ Tecmo Bowl
- ★ Punch-Out!!
- ★ Kirby's Adventure
🎥 Video Review
💡 Curiosities
- ? The NES was originally released in Japan as the **Family Computer (Famicom)** in 1983.
- ? The NES Zapper light gun only works on CRT televisions due to the way it detects light.
- ? The game *Donkey Kong* was originally going to be based on the *Popeye* cartoon, but Nintendo couldn't secure the licensing rights.
- ? Many early NES cartridges were grey, but Nintendo later introduced colored cartridges to differentiate games.
- ? The NES had an official modem accessory that allowed players to access online services, but it was not widely adopted.
- ? The NES was almost named the **Advanced Video System (AVS)**.
- ? R.O.B. (Robotic Operating Buddy) was released as a companion toy to the NES to help market the console as a toy for retailers.
- ? The Legend of Zelda cartridge had a gold color as it contained a battery for saving games.
- ? Nintendo's Miyamoto, creator of Mario and Zelda, originally wanted Mario to be able to shoot lasers.
- ? The original Famicom controllers had hardwired controllers. The NES controllers were detachable.