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{{quote|If you were to strike up a friendship with a Japanese gamer and happened to ask him whether he owned a [[Nintendo Entertainment System|NES]] back in the '80s, you'd probably be met with a blank stare.|''{{wp|Official Nintendo Magazine}}''}}
{{quote|If you were to strike up a friendship with a Japanese gamer and happened to ask him whether he owned a [[Nintendo Entertainment System|NES]] back in the '80s, you'd probably be met with a blank stare.|''{{wp|Official Nintendo Magazine}}''}}
[[File:Family Computer Logo.png|left|250px]] The '''Family Computer''' (often shortened to '''Famicom''') is a third-generation video game console created by [[Nintendo]]. The console would be redesigned for the {{wp|Western world|West}} as the [[Nintendo Entertainment System]] (NES) in 1985. The Famicom was released in Japan on July 15, 1983; Taiwan in 1987; and Hong Kong in 1991. Because the latter region previously saw an official release of the NES, the Hong Kong release of the Famicom was marketed as a "second-generation" hardware revision, adding the ability to toggle between PAL 50 Hz and PAL 60 Hz output.<ref>{{cite|author=Dentifritz|date=September 16, 2012|url=https://scanlines16.com/en/blog-3/retro-gaming/nintendo-nes-famicom/famicom-from-taiwan-et-autres-histoires-sur-la-distribution-asiatique/|publisher=Scanlines16.com|title=Famicom from Taiwan and other exciting stories about the Asian distribution.|language=English|archive=http://archive.today/2025.01.21-070356/https://scanlines16.com/en/blog-3/retro-gaming/nintendo-nes-famicom/famicom-from-taiwan-et-autres-histoires-sur-la-distribution-asiatique/|accessdate=January 20, 2025}}</ref><ref>{{cite|author=Akfamilyhome|date=April 1, 2020|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IToY_73pRHU|publisher=YouTube|title=A History of Nintendo's Hong Kong Releases|language=Cantonese & English (English subtitles available)|archive=https://web.archive.org/web/20240525112253/https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IToY_73pRHU|accessdate=June 5, 2024}}</ref> Nintendo additionally arranged a deal with the Russian technology company Steepler in 1994 to permit the sale of a clone console called the Dendy in the former Soviet Union in exchange for providing equal distribution for the [[Super Nintendo Entertainment System]].<ref>{{cite|author=Игорь Пичугин|date=November 1, 1994|url=https://www.kommersant.ru/doc/94004|title=Соглашение Steepler и Nintendo|publisher=Газета "Коммерсантъ"|language=Russian|archive=https://web.archive.org/web/20190427025842/https://www.kommersant.ru/doc/94004|accessdate=June 1, 2024}}</ref><ref>{{cite|author=Семён Костин|date=December 14, 2021|url=https://dtf.ru/games/970617-legenda-o-slone-kak-it-kompaniya-steepler-sozdala-dendy-i-osnovala-rossiiskii-konsolnyi-rynok|title=Легенда о слоне: как IT-компания Steepler создала Dendy и основала российский консольный рынок|publisher=DTF|language=Russian|archive=https://web.archive.org/web/20240601223552/https://dtf.ru/games/970617-legenda-o-slone-kak-it-kompaniya-steepler-sozdala-dendy-i-osnovala-rossiiskii-konsolnyi-rynok|accessdate=June 1, 2024}}</ref><ref>{{cite|author=Олег Хохлов|date=August 9, 2016|title=Приставка Dendy: Как Виктор Савюк придумал первый в России поп-гаджет|url=https://secretmag.ru/business/trade-secret/nintendo-so-slonom-kak-viktor-savyuk-pridumal-pristavku-dendy.htm|publisher=Секрет фирмы|language=Russian|accessdate=December 9, 2024|archive=https://web.archive.org/web/20241201054908/https://secretmag.ru/business/trade-secret/nintendo-so-slonom-kak-viktor-savyuk-pridumal-pristavku-dendy.htm}}</ref>
[[File:Family Computer Logo.png|left|250px]] The '''Family Computer''' (often shortened to '''Famicom''') is a third-generation video game console created by [[Nintendo]]. It was released in Japan on July 15, 1983; Taiwan in 1987; and Hong Kong in 1991. Because the latter region previously saw an official release of its {{wp|Western world|Western}} counterpart, the [[Nintendo Entertainment System]] (or NES), the Hong Kongese release of the Famicom was marketed as a "second-generation" hardware revision, adding the ability to toggle between PAL 50 Hz and PAL 60 Hz output.<ref>{{cite|author=Akfamilyhome|date=April 1, 2020|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IToY_73pRHU|publisher=YouTube|title=A History of Nintendo's Hong Kong Releases|language=Cantonese & English (English subtitles available)|archive=https://web.archive.org/web/20240525112253/https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IToY_73pRHU|accessdate=June 5, 2024}}</ref> Nintendo additionally arranged a deal with the Russian technology company Steepler in 1994 to permit the sale of a clone console called the Dendy in the former Soviet Union in exchange for providing equal distribution for the [[Super Nintendo Entertainment System]].<ref>{{cite|author=Игорь Пичугин|date=November 1, 1994|url=https://www.kommersant.ru/doc/94004|title=Соглашение Steepler и Nintendo|publisher=Газета "Коммерсантъ"|language=Russian|archive=https://web.archive.org/web/20190427025842/https://www.kommersant.ru/doc/94004|accessdate=June 1, 2024}}</ref><ref>{{cite|author=Семён Костин|date=December 14, 2021|url=https://dtf.ru/games/970617-legenda-o-slone-kak-it-kompaniya-steepler-sozdala-dendy-i-osnovala-rossiiskii-konsolnyi-rynok|title=Легенда о слоне: как IT-компания Steepler создала Dendy и основала российский консольный рынок|publisher=DTF|language=Russian|archive=https://web.archive.org/web/20240601223552/https://dtf.ru/games/970617-legenda-o-slone-kak-it-kompaniya-steepler-sozdala-dendy-i-osnovala-rossiiskii-konsolnyi-rynok|accessdate=June 1, 2024}}</ref><ref>{{cite|author=Олег Хохлов|date=August 9, 2016|title=Приставка Dendy: Как Виктор Савюк придумал первый в России поп-гаджет|url=https://secretmag.ru/business/trade-secret/nintendo-so-slonom-kak-viktor-savyuk-pridumal-pristavku-dendy.htm|publisher=Секрет фирмы|language=Russian|accessdate=December 9, 2024|archive=https://web.archive.org/web/20241201054908/https://secretmag.ru/business/trade-secret/nintendo-so-slonom-kak-viktor-savyuk-pridumal-pristavku-dendy.htm}}</ref> The console would be redesigned for the West as the Nintendo Entertainment System. The Family Computer's controllers were attached to the main unit and could be stored on the sides of the system. Player One's controller can pause the game, and Player Two's controller has audio controls. The cartridges were about half the size of NES Game Paks, and were inserted in the top of the console. Famicom cartridges more closely resembles an audio cassette rather than a video cassette for NES Game Paks, and Famicom cartridges can be found in different colors, such as red, yellow, and blue. By the release of ''[[Super Mario Bros.]]'', Nintendo had already sold over four million units.<ref>{{cite|language=ja|url=www.ndw.jp/post-714|title=上村雅之さん 大いに語る。 ファミリーコンピュータ インタビュー(後編)(2013年10月号より)|publisher=[[Nintendo DREAM|''Nintendo DREAM Web'']]|accessdate=June 18, 2023}}</ref> The redesigned '''New Famicom''' (often called the '''AV Famicom''') would release in Japan on December 1, 1993. The Famicom sold 19.35 million units in Japan and would be discontinued on September 25, 2003.<ref name=Discontinue />


A few months after the July 1983 release of the Famicom, {{wp|Sharp Corporation|Sharp}} produced the {{wp|Nintendo Entertainment System models#Sharp Nintendo Television|Sharp C1 Famicom TV}}, a combined console and TV unit packaged with ''[[Donkey Kong Jr. + Jr. Sansū Lesson]]''.
A few months after the July 1983 release of the Famicom, Sharp produced the {{wp|Nintendo Entertainment System models#Sharp Nintendo Television|Sharp C1 Famicom TV}}, a combined console and TV unit packaged with ''[[Donkey Kong Jr. + Jr. Sansū Lesson]]''. The following year, Sharp released the Playbox BASIC and [[Family BASIC]] accessories, allowing users to program in {{wp|BASIC}} on their Family Computers, and included characters of the [[Super Mario (franchise)|''Super Mario'' franchise]] as programmable sprites.


Famicom cartridges were about half the size of NES Game Paks, and were inserted in the top of the console. The cartridges more closely resembles an audio cassette rather than a video cassette for NES Game Paks, and Famicom cartridges can be found in different colors, such as red, yellow, and blue.
In February 1986, the [[Family Computer Disk System]] accessory was released, and it enabled games to be played on the Famicom in the form of a Disk Card. Many newer games that were never released on the Famicom or NES were released only on the Disk System, such as ''[[Super Mario Bros.: The Lost Levels]]''.
 
By the release of ''[[Super Mario Bros.]]'', Nintendo had already sold over four million units.<ref>{{cite|language=ja|url=www.ndw.jp/post-714|title=上村雅之さん 大いに語る。 ファミリーコンピュータ インタビュー(後編)(2013年10月号より)|publisher=[[Nintendo DREAM|''Nintendo DREAM Web'']]|accessdate=June 18, 2023}}</ref> The redesigned '''New Famicom''' (often called the '''AV Famicom''') would release in Japan on December 1, 1993. The Famicom sold 19.35 million units in Japan and would be discontinued on September 25, 2003.<ref name=Discontinue />


==Accessories==
==Accessories==
===Famicom Controller===
===Famicom Controller===
[[File:Famicom-controller-I.jpg|upright=1.11|thumb|left|150px|The Player 1 Famicom Controller.]]  
[[File:Famicom-controller-I.jpg|upright=1.11|thumb|left|150px|The Player 1 Famicom Controller.]]  
The Famicom Controller is the basic controller that is hard-wired into the Family Computer. They could be stored on the sides of the system. Controller 1 has four buttons and a directional pad on a round-shaped case. {{button|nes|A}} and {{button|nes|B}} are stationed on the right, the {{button|nes|start}} and {{button|nes|select}} is in the middle, and the D-pad is on the left of the controller. This controller can pause the game. Controller 2 has two buttons with {{button|nes|start}} and {{button|nes|select}} being replaced with a volume slider and microphone. Nintendo later released a different form of the Famicom, the New Famicom (also known as the AV Famicom), which used a "dog-bone" design similar to the [[Super Nintendo Entertainment System#SNES Controller|Super Famicom controller]]. This design combines elements of the [[Game Boy]] and [[Super Nintendo Entertainment System|Super Famicom]] controller. Unlike the original Famicom controller, the New Famicom controllers used the same controller plugs as the ones found on the [[Nintendo Entertainment System]].
The Famicom Controller is the basic controller that is hard-wired into the Family Computer. Controller 1 has four buttons and a directional pad on a round-shaped case. {{button|nes|A}} and {{button|nes|B}} are stationed on the right, the {{button|nes|start}} and {{button|nes|select}} is in the middle, and the D-pad is on the left of the controller. Controller 2 has two buttons with {{button|nes|start}} and {{button|nes|select}} being replaced with a volume slider and microphone. Nintendo later released a different form of the Famicom, the New Famicom (also known as the AV Famicom), which used a "dog-bone" design similar to the [[Super Nintendo Entertainment System#SNES Controller|Super Famicom controller]]. This design combines elements of the [[Game Boy]] and [[Super Famicom]] controller. Unlike the original Famicom controller, the New Famicom controllers used the same controller plugs as the ones found on the [[Nintendo Entertainment System]].
===''Family BASIC''===
===Family BASIC Data Recorder===
{{main|Family BASIC}}
In 1984, Sharp released the ''Playbox BASIC'' and ''Family BASIC'' accessories, allowing users to program in {{wp|BASIC}} on their Family Computers, and included characters of the [[Super Mario (franchise)|''Super Mario'' franchise]] as programmable sprites. It consists of a large cartridge and a keyboard.
 
====Family BASIC Data Recorder====
[[File:FamilyBASICDataRecorder.png|thumb|150px|The Family BASIC Data Recorder along with a cassette tape and cables]]
[[File:FamilyBASICDataRecorder.png|thumb|150px|The Family BASIC Data Recorder along with a cassette tape and cables]]
The Family BASIC Data Recorder is a cassette tape deck released alongside ''Family BASIC''. It can be powered by 4 AA batteries or a 6 volt power adapter. The Data Recorder features two 3.5mm mono data ports that you plug into the Famicom Keyboard's "write" and "save" ports. In ''Family BASIC'', the Data Recorder is used to save and load programs. Several games used the Data Recorder including the Famicom game ''[[Wrecking Crew]]''. When the game was later released for the [[Family Computer Disk System|Disk System]], it saved data onto the Disk Card.
The Family BASIC Data Recorder is a cassette tape deck released alongside ''[[Family BASIC]]'' in 1984. It can be powered by 4 AA batteries or a 6 volt power adapter. The Data Recorder features two 3.5mm mono data ports that you plug into the Famicom Keyboard's "write" and "save" ports. In ''Family BASIC'', the Data Recorder is used to save and load programs. Several games used the Data Recorder including the Famicom game ''[[Wrecking Crew]]''. When the game was later released for the [[Family Computer Disk System|Disk System]], it saved data onto the Disk Card.
 
===Family Computer Disk System===
{{main|Family Computer Disk System}}
[[File:Famicomdisksystemconsole.jpg|upright=1.11|thumb|left|150px|The Family Computer Disk System featuring the RAM Adapter and disk drive.]]
In February 1986, the Family Computer Disk System add-on was released, and it enabled software to be played on the Famicom in the form of yellow Disk Card floppy disks. These disks could not only hold more data than typical cartridges at the time, but were rewritable through the Disk Writer kiosks. Later, Nintendo would create blue Disk Card floppy disks with a protective shutter which were primarily used for Disk Fax competitions. Nintendo would continue to support the Disk System up until 1993 with rewrite services through the Disk Writer continuing by mail until 2003.
 
Several games were never released on the Famicom or NES but were only released on the Disk System, such as ''[[Super Mario Bros.: The Lost Levels]]''. Sometime in the early 1990s, Nintendo would partner with Simon & Toys Limited to distribute the Disk System in Hong Kong.<ref>{{cite|author=Nakamanga|date=September 30, 2019|url=youtu.be/MXuVDUUmYyo|title=Famicom and Disk System Hong Kong Version - Commercial|publisher=YouTube|accessdate=January 2, 2025}}</ref>{{better source}}
 
===Famicom 3D System===
===Famicom 3D System===
[[File:Famicom 3D System.png|thumb|200px|The Famicom 3D System with its adapter next to it]]
[[File:Famicom 3D System.png|thumb|200px|The Famicom 3D System with its adapter next to it]]
The '''{{wp|Famicom 3D System}}''' is an accessory introduced in 1987 for the Famicom that connects to the system via an adapter that plugs into the expansion port. A version of the Famicom 3D System was also distributed by Sharp for the {{wp|Twin Famicom}}. The Famicom 3D System was compatible with a select few games including a ''[[Super Mario (franchise)|Super Mario]]'' game for the Disk System, ''[[Famicom Grand Prix II: 3D Hot Rally]]''. The 3D System was a commercial failure and was never released outside of Japan.<ref>{{cite|author=Plunkett, Luke|date=April 30, 2010|url=kotaku.com/nintendos-first-3d-technology-shot-a-spaceship-at-mario-5527760|language=en|title=Nintendo's First 3D Technology Shot A Spaceship At Mario's Face|publisher=Kotaku|accessdate=November 28, 2024}}</ref>
The '''{{wp|Famicom 3D System}}''' is an accessory introduced in 1987 for the Famicom that connects to the system via an adapter that plugs into the expansion port. A version of the Famicom 3D System was also distributed by {{wp|SHARP}} for the {{wp|Twin Famicom}}. The Famicom 3D System was compatible with a select few games including a ''[[Super Mario (franchise)|Super Mario]]'' game for the [[Family Computer Disk System]], ''[[Famicom Grand Prix II: 3D Hot Rally]]''. The 3D System was a commercial failure and was never released outside of Japan.<ref>{{cite|author=Plunkett, Luke|date=April 30, 2010|url=kotaku.com/nintendos-first-3d-technology-shot-a-spaceship-at-mario-5527760|language=en|title=Nintendo's First 3D Technology Shot A Spaceship At Mario's Face|publisher=Kotaku|accessdate=November 28, 2024}}</ref>


==Nintendo Classic Mini: Family Computer==
==Nintendo Classic Mini: Family Computer==
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==Names in other languages==
==Names in other languages==
{{foreign names
{{foreign names
|Jpn=ファミリーコンピュータ
|Jap=ファミリーコンピュータ
|JpnR=Famirī Konpyūta
|JapR=Famirī Konpyūta
|JpnM=Family Computer
|JapM=Family Computer
|Jpn2=ファミコン
|Jap2=ファミコン
|Jpn2R=Famikon
|Jap2R=Famikon
|Jpn2M=Famicom
|Jap2M=Famicom
|Chi=紅白機
|Chi=紅白機
|ChiR=Hóngbái jī
|ChiR=Hóngbái jī

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