Nintendo Entertainment System

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Family Computer logo

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Nintendo Famicom Tietokonemuseo

Nintendo Entertainment System (NES) is an 8-bit third-generation video game console that was developed and manufactured by Nintendo. It was first released in Japan as the Family Computer (Famicom) on July 15, 1983, and was later introduced to the North American market during 1985, in Europe during 1986, and Australia in 1987. The NES was an instant success globally, revitalizing the video game industry following the video game crash of 1983, and laid the foundation for Nintendo as a leading figure in the video game industry.

History

The development of the NES began in 1983, following the success of the arcade game Donkey Kong. Nintendo wanted to create a home console that could play arcade-quality games. The result was the Family Computer (Famicom) in Japan, which saw immense success shortly after its launch. Due to the video game crash of 1983 in the United States, Nintendo was initially hesitant to enter the American market. However, by redesigning the Famicom to appeal to Western tastes, renaming it the Nintendo Entertainment System (NES), and implementing a rigorous game approval process to ensure high-quality games, Nintendo successfully launched the NES in the US.

Design

The NES featured a front-loading cartridge slot, a design choice made to make the system resemble a VCR and less like a traditional video game console, to appeal to a broader audience following the video game crash. The original Japanese version, the Famicom, featured a top-loading design and was smaller in size. The NES used a custom-made 8-bit microprocessor and had 2 KB of RAM for game data. Games for the NES were stored on cartridges, which also sometimes included additional memory or custom chips to enhance gameplay.

Impact

The NES is credited with reviving the video game industry after the 1983 crash, thanks to its high-quality game library and strict quality control measures. It introduced several franchises that would become iconic in the gaming world, including Super Mario Bros., The Legend of Zelda, and Metroid. The NES also popularized the use of control pads for gaming, moving away from the joysticks that were common at the time.

Game Library

The NES boasted a vast library of games, with over 700 titles released in the United States. Nintendo implemented a licensing system, requiring all games to be approved by the company and to carry the "Official Nintendo Seal of Quality." This system helped to ensure that games met certain standards of quality, a move that restored consumer confidence in video game products.

Legacy

The influence of the NES on the video game industry and popular culture cannot be overstated. It established Nintendo as a dominant force in the video game market, introduced characters and franchises that are still beloved today, and set the standard for future video game consoles in terms of design, control, and game quality. The NES has been succeeded by several consoles, but remains a nostalgic and revered system among gamers.

See Also

• Super Mario Bros.
• The Legend of Zelda
• Metroid
• Video game console generations
• Video game crash of 1983