The Nintendo Entertainment System |
Released: July 1983, 26 years ago
CPU Speed: Ricoh 2A03 1,8 MHz
Memory: 2 KB RAM / 2 KB VRAM
Video: 256x240 / 53 colors
Game Controller: Gamepad
Price in 1983: $199
The third generation home video gaming console was simply referred to as the Nintendo Entertainment System in the North America, Europe and Australia. It's original title, under which it was released in the majority of the eastern nations, was the Family Computer or Famicom. Since it was distributed by Hyundai Electronics, it was also known as the Hyundai Comboy in countries such as South Korea.
The NES, as it was usually abbreviated, has been largely credited with the revival of home video gaming. It was initially released in 1983 in Japan and it actually fed off the popularity of some arcade hits that were ported to its format. Donkey Kong, Donkey Kong Jr. and Popeye spurred the NES into the spotlight after the system was reworked to make it less "glitchy".
The NES was released in New York City in 1985, and Nintendo sent with it a small library of games that spanned a variety of genres. Of course, Super Mario Bros. "the company's flagship series" was included, but it also offered sports games (10-Yard Fight, Baseball, and Tennis) as well as classic arcade hits like Pinball, Kung Fu, and Duck Hunt.
The Nintendo Entertainment System had an awesomely long run. Nintendo of America finally abandoned the ship in light of newer and more popular models in 1995. Japan's Nintendo Famicom, however, was produced until 2003. The fact that an 8-Bit gaming system could remain so competitive and popular after the turn of the century is a true testament to both the popularity and durability of this system.
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