Difference between revisions of "Famicom"
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− | The '''Family Computer''', in Japanese (ファミリーコンピュータ Famiri Konpyuta), but better known as the '''Famicom''', is a third generation [[video games|video game]] console developed by [[Nintendo]] and sold in Japan from 1983-07-15 to 2003-09-25 and serviced | + | The '''Family Computer''', in Japanese (ファミリーコンピュータ Famiri Konpyuta), but better known as the '''Famicom''', is a third generation [[video games|video game]] console developed by [[Nintendo]] and sold in Japan from 1983-07-15 to 2003-09-25 and serviced until 2007-10-31. The Famicom was re-engineered for markets outside of the Asian region as the [[Nintendo Entertainment System]] and, specifically to South Korea, as the Hyundai Comboy (현대 컴보이 Hyeondae Keomboi). |
The Famicom uses a Ricoh 2A03 processor, which is a [[MOS 6502]] modified to eliminate decimal mode (to avoid licensing issues) and include a custom audio processing unit. It also uses a custom video processing chip called the Picture Processing Unit. | The Famicom uses a Ricoh 2A03 processor, which is a [[MOS 6502]] modified to eliminate decimal mode (to avoid licensing issues) and include a custom audio processing unit. It also uses a custom video processing chip called the Picture Processing Unit. |
Revision as of 20:16, 1 October 2019
The Family Computer, in Japanese (ファミリーコンピュータ Famiri Konpyuta), but better known as the Famicom, is a third generation video game console developed by Nintendo and sold in Japan from 1983-07-15 to 2003-09-25 and serviced until 2007-10-31. The Famicom was re-engineered for markets outside of the Asian region as the Nintendo Entertainment System and, specifically to South Korea, as the Hyundai Comboy (현대 컴보이 Hyeondae Keomboi).
The Famicom uses a Ricoh 2A03 processor, which is a MOS 6502 modified to eliminate decimal mode (to avoid licensing issues) and include a custom audio processing unit. It also uses a custom video processing chip called the Picture Processing Unit.
Contents
Status
I do not own and have never played a real-life Famicom, but I have played a lot of games through emulators.
Differences Between the Famicom and NES
The differences between the two consoles are notable enough that I have separate pages for each.
- The Famicom console was considerably smaller than the NES.
- The Famicom controllers are smaller than the those for the NES.
- The console's two controllers were wired into the main unit for the Famicom, while they are removable on the NES.
- The second-player controller lacks a start and select button and instead features a speaker and microphone, however, very few games used them.
- Famicom game cartridges used a top-loader design while the NES used a spring-loaded insert design.
- Famicom cartridges were smaller and had fewer connection pins.
- Famicom game boxes were originally designed wider than taller, the opposite of NES boxes.
- The Famicom did not feature the special lock-out chip of the NES.
Games
- See all Famicom Games.
These are the Famicom games that are both important to me and distinct enough from their American release to mention:
- Goonies - FC - Japan.jpg
Hardware
Review
I don't really know enough about the console to warrant a review at this time.
Media
Videos
- youtube.com/watch?v=PKXr_DbqHsU - Famicom commercials.