Nintendo Entertainment System (NES)
The revolutionary 8-bit gaming console that revitalized the video game industry
Quick Facts
- Released
- 1983 (Japan, as Famicom)
- 1985 (North America)
- 1986 (Europe)
- Discontinued
- 2003 (Japan)
- 1995 (North America)
- Units Sold
- 61.91 million worldwide
- Best-selling Game
- Super Mario Bros. (40.24 million)
Overview
The Nintendo Entertainment System (NES) revolutionized the home video game industry after the video game crash of 1983. Known as the Family Computer (Famicom) in Japan, this 8-bit console introduced iconic gaming franchises and innovative gameplay mechanics that continue to influence game design today.
Technical Specifications
CPU
- Ricoh 2A03 (MOS 6502 core)
- 1.79 MHz (NTSC)
- 1.66 MHz (PAL)
Graphics
- Resolution: 256 × 240 pixels
- 52 colors available
- Sprites: up to 64 on screen
- Sprite size: 8×8 or 8×16 pixels
Audio
- 5 audio channels
- 2 pulse waves
- 1 triangle wave
- 1 noise channel
- 1 PCM channel
Memory
- 2 KB Work RAM
- 2 KB Video RAM
- Game Pak: Up to 1 MB ROM
Iconic Games
Super Mario Bros.
1985The game that defined platform gaming and launched the Mario franchise. Features precise controls, innovative level design, and iconic music.
The Legend of Zelda
1986A revolutionary action-adventure game featuring non-linear gameplay, battery save feature, and vast world exploration.
Metroid
1986Pioneered the "Metroidvania" genre with its atmospheric sci-fi setting and exploration-based gameplay mechanics.
Final Fantasy
1987The first entry in what would become one of gaming's most beloved RPG series, featuring turn-based combat and epic storytelling.
Mega Man 2
1988Widely considered the best in the series, featuring perfect platforming mechanics and memorable robot masters.
Dragon Quest III
1988A landmark JRPG that popularized the genre in Japan with its class system and epic quest.
Castlevania III: Dracula's Curse
1989The series' pinnacle on NES, featuring multiple playable characters and branching paths.
Super Mario Bros. 3
1988Revolutionized the series with power-ups, world map, and diverse level design. Often considered the best NES game.
Contra
1987Defined co-op action gaming with its fast-paced gameplay and iconic spread gun power-up.
Legacy
The NES's impact on video game history cannot be overstated. It introduced numerous innovations that became industry standards:
- The D-pad controller design
- Quality assurance through Nintendo's Seal of Quality
- Third-party developer licensing model
- Franchise-based game development
Many of the franchises born on the Nintendo Entertainment System (NES) continue to be major forces in gaming today, demonstrating the lasting influence of this revolutionary console.