8-BIT ERA

NES

The 8-bit machine that rebuilt the American video game industry after the 1983 crash. Launched in New York City on October 18, 1985, the NES shipped with a lockout chip, the Seal of Quality — and a legendary library that made Super Mario, Zelda and Metroid household names.

NA LaunchOct 18, 1985Price$199.99CPU8-bit · 1.79 MHzRAM2 KBNA Library675 games

01HARDWARETHE MACHINE

Specs and official accessories for the Nintendo Entertainment System.

SYSTEM SPECS

CPURicoh 2A03 (MOS 6502-based) · 8-bit @ 1.79 MHz
PPURicoh 2C02 · 256×240 resolution · 64 sprites on screen
Colors25 simultaneous colors out of a 54-color palette
RAM2 KB work RAM + 2 KB video RAM
Audio5 channels — 2 square, 1 triangle, 1 noise, 1 DPCM
Media72-pin cartridges · 10NES lockout chip
ControllerD-pad · A/B · Start/Select · 2 ports
Lifespan1985–1995 · 61.9 million units sold worldwide

OFFICIAL ACCESSORIES

R.O.B.1985

Robotic Operating Buddy — the accessory that helped sell the NES as a 'toy'

Zapper1985

The light gun. Duck Hunt's best friend

NES Advantage1987

Arcade-style joystick with turbo fire

NES Max1988

Ergonomic pad with sliding disc controller

Power Pad1988

Dance-on floor mat for World Class Track Meet

NES Satellite1989

Wireless IR controller hub, 4 players

Four Score1990

Wired 4-player adapter for Gauntlet nights

Power Glove1989

Mattel's motion controller — it's so bad

02GAMESNORTH AMERICAN RELEASES

Every licensed NES game officially released in North America — from 10-Yard Fight to Zoda's Revenge.

TITLEPUBLISHERYEAR