NES

Nintendo Entertainment System

Specs:

CPU Ricoh 2A03 @ 1.79 MHz Ricoh 2A07 @ 1.66 MHz
Display 256 × 240 px
Graphics PPU (Ricoh 2C02)
Release date: October 18, 1985

Technical Specifications

1. CPU (Central Processing Unit)

  • Model: Ricoh 2A03 (NTSC) / Ricoh 2A07 (PAL)
  • Clock Speed: 1.79 MHz (NTSC) / 1.66 MHz (PAL)
  • Architecture: 8-bit, based on the MOS Technology 6502 processor.
  • Sound Channels: Integrated APU (Audio Processing Unit) with 5 channels:
    • 2 pulse wave generators.
    • 1 triangle wave generator.
    • 1 noise generator.
    • 1 DPCM channel (sampled sound).

2. Memory (RAM)

  • Work RAM: 2 KB internal RAM.
  • VRAM (Video RAM): 2 KB used for tile and sprite rendering.
  • Cartridge RAM: Some cartridges had their own RAM chips, allowing for save functionality in certain games (e.g., The Legend of Zelda).

3. PPU (Picture Processing Unit)

  • Model: Ricoh RP2C02 (NTSC) / Ricoh RP2C07 (PAL)
  • Resolution:
    • NTSC: 256×240 pixels.
    • PAL: 256×240 pixels (but 50 Hz refresh rate, compared to NTSC’s 60 Hz).
  • Colors: 48 available colors + 5 grayscale options.
  • Sprites: Capable of displaying up to 64 sprites at a time, with a limit of 8 per scanline (leading to “sprite flickering” in some games).
  • Scrolling: Horizontal and vertical scrolling support (though vertical scrolling was tricky for developers to implement).

4. Controllers and Input

  • Standard Controller:
    • Dimensions: 122 mm × 53 mm × 17 mm.
    • Buttons: 4 action buttons (A, B, Start, Select) and a directional pad (D-pad).
    • Ports: 2 controller ports.
    • Innovations: The NES was the first console to feature a D-pad (directional pad) as the primary control method.

5. Storage Media

  • Cartridges: NES games were stored on ROM cartridges, typically ranging from 8 KB to 1 MB.
  • Save Data: Certain games utilized a battery-backed RAM chip to store save data (e.g., Zelda).

6. Sound Capabilities

The NES featured an APU (Audio Processing Unit) integrated within the CPU that supported 5 sound channels. Developers could get creative with its limitations to produce iconic music and sound effects.


Key Technical Accessories

1. Zapper Light Gun

  • Technology: Photodiode-based light detection.
  • Functionality: Used in light gun shooter games, most famously Duck Hunt.
  • Compatibility: Only worked with CRT TVs (not modern flat screens).

2. Power Pad

  • Technology: Pressure-sensitive pad.
  • Functionality: Used in physical games like Track & Field and World Class Track Meet.

3. R.O.B. (Robotic Operating Buddy)

  • Purpose: An early attempt to integrate robotics into gaming.
  • Games: Gyromite and Stack-Up were specifically designed for use with R.O.B.

Hardware Revisions and Regional Differences

  • NTSC vs. PAL: The NES had different versions for the NTSC and PAL regions, with differences in video output, CPU speed, and game timing (due to the 50 Hz refresh rate in PAL systems).
  • Famicom: The original Japanese version of the NES, known as the Famicom (Family Computer), had a different design, featuring hard-wired controllers and a microphone on controller 2.

Legacy and Impact

The NES is a console that defined an era, introducing franchises like Super Mario Bros., The Legend of Zelda, and Metroid. It established standards in video game development and home console design that endure to this day.


Favorite NES Games

What are your favorite NES games? Share your memories and discoveries in the comments below! From speed-running tips to secret level exploits, let’s relive the golden age of gaming together.

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