Family Computer: Difference between revisions

From the Super Mario Wiki, the Mario encyclopedia
Jump to navigationJump to search
m (Text replacement - "Super Mario Bros.: Peach-hime Kyushutsu Dai Sakusen!" to "Super Mario Bros.: Peach-hime Kyūshutsu Dai Sakusen!")
m (Text replacement - "(\| *)Jap([RMCN\d]* *=)" to "$1Jpn$2")
 
(74 intermediate revisions by 24 users not shown)
Line 1: Line 1:
{{merge to|Nintendo Entertainment System}}
{{system infobox
{{system infobox
|image=[[File:Famicom.jpg|250px]]
|image=[[File:Famicom.jpg|250px]]
|generation=Third
|generation=Third
|release='''Family Computer:'''<br>{{release|Japan|July 15, 1983}}'''Nintendo Classic Mini: Family Computer:'''<br>{{release|Japan|November 10, 2016}}
|release='''Family Computer:'''<br>{{flag list|Japan|July 15, 1983<ref>{{cite|author=Nintendo Co., Ltd.|date=March 31, 2003|title=Gaming for 5 to 95|url=https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/vprr/03/9999999997-03-043511|format=|timestamp=|location=|publisher=SEC.gov|language=English|website=|isbn=|page=|accessdate=December 9, 2024|archive=https://web.archive.org/web/20141229023442/http://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/vprr/03/9999999997-03-043511|deadlink=y}}</ref>|ROC|1987|British HK|1991}} '''Nintendo Classic Mini: Family Computer:'''<br>{{flag list|Japan|November 10, 2016}}
|ratings=Nintendo Classic Mini: Family Computer:{{ratings|cero=B}}
|ratings=Nintendo Classic Mini: Family Computer:{{ratings|cero=B}}
|discontinued='''Family Computer:'''<br>September 25, 2003<br>
|discontinued='''Family Computer:'''<br>September 25, 2003<ref name=Discontinue>http://www.webcitation.org/5nXieXX2B</ref><br>
'''Nintendo Classic Mini: Family Computer:'''<br>April 2017
'''Nintendo Classic Mini: Family Computer:'''<br>April 2017
|predecessor={{wp|Color TV-Game series|Color TV-Game}}
|predecessor={{wp|Color TV-Game}}
|successor=[[Family Computer Disk System]]<br>[[Super Nintendo Entertainment System|Super Famicom]]
|successor=[[Super Nintendo Entertainment System|Super Famicom]]
}}
}}
{{quote2|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.|British 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:NES Logo2.svg|left|125px|class=invert]]
[[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=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 '''Family Computer''' (often shortened to '''Famicom''') is the Japanese equivalent of the [[Nintendo Entertainment System]], or the NES. The Family Computer's controllers were attached to the main unit, unlike the NES, 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 half the size of the NES's, and were inserted in the top instead of through a door in the front (like on the NES). Instead of looking like a vertical cartridge, like the NES, it more closely resembles a [[Super Nintendo Entertainment System|SNES]] cartridge, but can be found in different colors, such as gray, yellow, and blue.


{{wp|Sharp Corporation}} has a long history of working with Nintendo. A few months after the July 1983 release of the Famicom, Sharp produced the {{wp|Sharp Nintendo Television|Sharp C1 Famicom TV}}, a combined console and TV unit. The following year, Sharp released the Playbox BASIC and [[Family BASIC]] accessories. They allowed users to program in {{wp|BASIC}} on their Family Computers. In February 1986, [[Family Computer Disk System]] accessory was released which enabled games to be played on the Family Computer in the form of a disk. Many newer games were released only on the Disk System that were never released on the NES or Family Computer. A few months later, Sharp released the {{wp|Twin Famicom}}, which combined the base console with the Disk System add-on in one piece of hardware. In 1987, the {{wp|Famicom 3D System}} accessory was released but like the future [[Virtual Boy]], it flopped. This too had a Sharp version for the Twin Famicom. In 1989, Sharp released the {{wp|Famicom Titler}} which combined the console with a video editor.
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]]''.


In the first two calendar years, Nintendo sold only 440,000 Famicom units. Thanks to the release of ''[[Super Mario Bros.]]'', Nintendo sold 4 million units in 1985.<ref>[https://game.watch.impress.co.jp/docs/news/742615.html The Creator of the Famicom and the Designer of Super Mario are here!]. GAME Watch. Retrieved June 5, 2022.</ref>
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.
 
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==
===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]].
===Family BASIC===
{{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]]
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.
 
===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===
[[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>


==Nintendo Classic Mini: Family Computer==
==Nintendo Classic Mini: Family Computer==
[[File:NintendoClassicMini-FamilyComputer-Packshot.jpg|thumb|left|150px|The packaging of the Nintendo Classic Mini.]]
[[File:NintendoClassicMini-FamilyComputer-Packshot.jpg|thumb|left|150px|The packaging of the Nintendo Classic Mini.]]
{{main|Classics#Nintendo Classic Mini: Family Computer}}
{{main|Classics#Nintendo Classic Mini: Family Computer}}
On September 29, 2016, Nintendo announced the '''Nintendo Classic Mini: Family Computer''', the Family Computer counterpart of the [[Classics#NES Classic Edition|NES Classic Edition]],<ref>Nintendo. (September 29, 2016). [https://topics.nintendo.co.jp/c/article/d2923b54-8552-11e6-9b38-063b7ac45a6d.html ファミコンが、手のひらサイズで"再"登場！]. ''Nintendo''. Retrieved September 30, 2016.</ref> and was released alongside it in Japan on November 10, 2016. Like the NES Classic Edition, it includes 30 pre-installed Family Computer games, although with some differences in the game lineup, such as ''[[NES Open Tournament Golf|Mario Open Golf]]'' in place of ''[[Donkey Kong Jr. (game)|Donkey Kong Jr.]]'' Production for the console was discontinued in April 2017.<ref>Sephazon, R. (April 14, 2017). [http://www.nintendolife.com/news/2017/04/the_famicom_classic_edition_has_now_also_been_discontinued The Famicom Classic Edition Has Now Also Been Discontinued]. ''Nintendo Life''. Retrieved June 26, 2017.</ref>
On September 29, 2016, Nintendo announced the '''Nintendo Classic Mini: Family Computer''', the Family Computer counterpart of the [[Classics#NES Classic Edition|NES Classic Edition]],<ref>{{cite|date=September 29, 2016|url=www.nintendo.com/jp/topics/article/d2923b54-8552-11e6-9b38-063b7ac45a6d|language=ja|title=ファミコンが、手のひらサイズで"再"登場！|publisher=Nintendo|accessdate=May 31, 2024}}</ref> and was released alongside it in Japan on November 10, 2016. Like the NES Classic Edition, it includes 30 pre-installed Family Computer games, although with some differences in the game lineup, such as ''[[NES Open Tournament Golf|Mario Open Golf]]'' in place of ''[[Donkey Kong Jr. (game)|Donkey Kong Jr.]]'' Production for the console was discontinued in April 2017.<ref>{{cite|author=Sephazon, Robert|date=April 14, 2017|url=www.nintendolife.com/news/2017/04/the_famicom_classic_edition_has_now_also_been_discontinued|title=The Famicom Classic Edition Has Now Also Been Discontinued|language=en|publisher=Nintendo Life|accessdate=May 31, 2024}}</ref>
{{br|left}}
{{br|left}}


==Appearances in the ''Mario'' franchise==
==Appearances in the ''Super Mario'' franchise==
*In ''[[Super Mario Bros.: Peach-hime Kyūshutsu Dai Sakusen!]]'', [[Mario]] himself owns a Famicom, on which he plays an unnamed video game which bears some similarities to ''[[Super Mario Bros.]]'' [[Princess Peach]] and [[Bowser|King Koopa]] also teleport through the television to which the Famicom is connected, although they do not appear to have any role at all in the game Mario is playing.
*In ''[[Super Mario Bros.: Peach-hime Kyūshutsu Dai Sakusen!]]'', [[Mario]] himself owns a Famicom, on which he plays an unnamed video game which bears some similarities to ''[[Super Mario Bros.]]'' [[Princess Peach]] and [[Bowser]] also teleport through the television to which the Famicom is connected, although they do not appear to have any role at all in the game Mario is playing.
*In ''[[WarioWare, Inc.: Mega Microgame$!]]'', 9-Volt owns a Famicom system which can be seen in the upper-left corner of the screen during his introduction cutscene.
*In ''[[WarioWare, Inc.: Mega Microgame$!]]'', 9-Volt owns a Famicom system which can be seen in the upper-left corner of the screen during his introduction cutscene.
*In ''[[Paper Mario: The Thousand-Year Door]]'', during [[Princess Peach]]'s Interlude after Chapter 5, [[TEC-XX]] asks Peach to drink an invisibility potion in order to secretly enter [[Sir Grodus]]'s Chamber and upload important data on a disk into the room's computer. When this happens, the computer screen shows the Famicom Disk System boot-up sequence which is then shortly followed up by an animation and some music from an unknown game.
*In ''[[Paper Mario: The Thousand-Year Door]]'', during [[Princess Peach]]'s Interlude after Chapter 5, [[TEC]] asks Peach to drink an invisibility potion in order to secretly enter [[Grodus]]'s chamber and upload important data on a disk into the room's computer. When this happens, the computer screen shows the Famicom Disk System boot-up sequence.
*In the Japanese version of ''[[WarioWare: Smooth Moves]]'', the microgame [[Super Nostalgic Entertainment System]] uses a Family Computer instead.
*In the Japanese version of ''[[WarioWare: Smooth Moves]]'', the microgame [[Super Nostalgic Entertainment System]] uses a Family Computer instead. The Famicom controller also appears as a sound effect icon in the [[Sound Studio]].
*In ''[[Super Paper Mario]]'', a Famicom can be seen on a shelf in one of [[Francis]]' rooms in his [[Fort Francis|fort]], among other Nintendo systems.
*In ''[[Super Paper Mario]]'', a Famicom can be seen on a shelf in one of [[Francis]]' rooms in his [[Fort Francis|fort]], among other Nintendo systems.
*In ''[[WarioWare: D.I.Y.]]'', a green Family Computer cartridge makes up the bottom screen of the title screen. Also, the designs and colors of the cartridges in this game are based on those of the Famicom.
*In ''[[WarioWare: D.I.Y.]]'', a green Family Computer cartridge makes up the bottom screen of the title screen. Also, the designs and colors of the cartridges in this game are based on those of the Famicom.
*In ''[[WarioWare Gold]]'', the Famicom appears as a collectible Nintendo [[List of souvenirs in WarioWare Gold|souvenir]].
*In ''[[WarioWare Gold]]'', the Famicom appears as a collectible Nintendo [[list of souvenirs in WarioWare Gold|souvenir]].
*In ''[[WarioWare: Get It Together!]]'' in [[9-Volt]]'s Nintendo Classics level, the boss that appears in the intermission before the boss microgame has a Famicom controller for a face.
*In ''[[WarioWare: Get It Together!]]'' in [[9-Volt]]'s Nintendo Classics level, the boss that appears in the intermission before the boss microgame has a Famicom controller for a face.
<br>
<gallery>
<gallery>
TheGreatMissionMarioPlayer.png|thumb|''Super Mario Bros.: Peach-hime Kyūshutsu Dai Sakusen!''
TheGreatMissionMarioPlayer.png|thumb|''Super Mario Bros.: Peach-hime Kyūshutsu Dai Sakusen!''
Line 41: Line 62:
</gallery>
</gallery>


==Game gallery==
==Gallery==
===Logos===
<gallery>
Family Computer Logo.png|Family Computer logo
Famicom Family logo.svg|Famicom Family logo
</gallery>
 
===''Super Mario'' games===
This gallery does not include [[Family Computer Disk System]] or [[Nintendo Entertainment System]] games.
 
<gallery>
<gallery>
FC Dr. Mario.jpg|''[[Dr. Mario (game)|Dr. Mario]]''
FC DK.png|''[[Donkey Kong (game)|Donkey Kong]]''
Famicomdkalternate.jpg|''[[Donkey Kong (game)|Donkey Kong]]''
FC DK new.png|''Donkey Kong'' alternate cartridge
Famicom dk.jpeg|''Donkey Kong'' alternate cartridge
FC DKJ.png|''[[Donkey Kong Jr. (game)|Donkey Kong Jr.]]''
Famicomdkjralternate.jpg|''[[Donkey Kong Jr. (game)|Donkey Kong Jr.]]''
Famicom dkjr.jpeg|''Donkey Kong Jr.'' alternate cartridge
Famicom dkjr.jpeg|''Donkey Kong Jr.'' alternate cartridge
FC DKjr. Math.jpg|''[[Donkey Kong Jr. Math]]''
FC MB.png|''[[Mario Bros. (game)|Mario Bros.]]''
Mario Bros. Famicom cart.jpg|''Mario Bros.'' alternate cartridge
DKJr Sansū Lesson cartridge.jpg|''[[Donkey Kong Jr. + Jr. Sansū Lesson]]''
DKJr Sansū Lesson cartridge.jpg|''[[Donkey Kong Jr. + Jr. Sansū Lesson]]''
Famicom Dk3.jpeg|''[[Donkey Kong 3]]''
FC DKJM.png|''[[Donkey Kong Jr. Math]]''
FC Pinball.png|''[[Pinball (game)|Pinball]]''
FC Golf old.jpg|''[[Golf]]''
FC Golf new.png|''Golf'' alternate cartridge
FC DK3.png|''[[Donkey Kong 3]]''
FamilyBASICcartridges.jpg|[[Family BASIC]] and Family BASIC V3 cartridges
FamilyBASICcartridges.jpg|[[Family BASIC]] and Family BASIC V3 cartridges
FC Golf old.jpg|''[[Golf]]''
FC Wrecking Crew.png|''[[Wrecking Crew]]''
FC Golf new.jpg|''Golf'' alternate cartridge
FC SMB.png|''[[Super Mario Bros.]]''
MarioBros.Famicomalternatecart.jpg|''[[Mario Bros. (game)|Mario Bros.]]''
FC SMB3.png|''[[Super Mario Bros. 3]]''
Mario Bros. Famicom cart.jpg|''Mario Bros.'' alternate cartridge
FC Dr. Mario.png|''[[Dr. Mario (game)|Dr. Mario]]''
FC Mario Open Golf.jpg|''[[NES Open Tournament Golf|Mario Open Golf]]''
FC MOG.png|''[[NES Open Tournament Golf|Mario Open Golf]]''
FC Pinball.jpg|''[[Pinball (game)|Pinball]]''
FC Yoshi.png|''[[Yoshi (game)|Yoshi]]''
PlayboxBASICcartridge.jpg|[[Family BASIC|Playbox BASIC]]
FC SMUSA.png|''[[Super Mario Bros. 2|Super Mario USA]]''
Super Mario Bros. Famicom cart.png|''[[Super Mario Bros.]]''
FC YC.png|''[[Yoshi's Cookie]]''
Famicon smb3.jpg|''[[Super Mario Bros. 3]]''
FC WW.png|''[[Wario's Woods (Nintendo Entertainment System)|Wario's Woods]]''
Famicon smUSA.jpg|''[[Super Mario Bros. 2|Super Mario USA]]''
</gallery>
FC Wario's Woods.jpg|''[[Wario's Woods]]''
 
FC Wrecking Crew.jpg|''[[Wrecking Crew]]''
===Miscellaneous===
FC Yoshi.jpg|''[[Yoshi (game)|Yoshi]]''
<gallery>
Famicon yc.jpeg|''[[Yoshi's Cookie]]''
Made in Wario site 9-Volt controller.gif|Pictogram of a Famicom controller from the official [[WarioWare (series)|''Made in Wario'']] website
Nintendo Museum Nintendo Classics.png|Photo of the "Nintendo Classics" exhibit at the [[Nintendo Museum]]
Nintendo Museum Big Controller.png|Photo of the "Big Controller" exhibit at the Nintendo Museum
</gallery>
</gallery>
==Names in other languages==
{{foreign names
|Jpn=ファミリーコンピュータ
|JpnR=Famirī Konpyūta
|JpnM=Family Computer
|Jpn2=ファミコン
|Jpn2R=Famikon
|Jpn2M=Famicom
|Chi=紅白機
|ChiR=Hóngbái jī
|ChiM=Famicom
|Dut=
|DutM=
|FreA=
|FreAM=
|FreE=
|FreEM=
|Ger=
|GerM=
|Ita=
|ItaM=
|Kor=
|KorR=
|KorM=
|Rus=
|RusR=
|RusM=
|SpaA=
|SpaE=
|SpaEM=
}}


==References==
==References==
{{NIWA|DragonQuest=Famicom|FireEmblem=Nintendo Entertainment System|MetroidWiki=Famicom|NWiki=1|StarfyWiki=Famicom|StrategyWiki=Category:NES|WikiBound=Nintendo Entertainment System|ZeldaWiki=Famicom}}
{{Wikipedia}}
<references/>
<references/>


==External links==
{{NIWA|FireEmblem=Family Computer|MetroidWiki=Famicom|NWiki=1|StarfyWiki=Famicom|StrategyWiki=Category:NES|WikiBound=Nintendo Entertainment System|ZeldaWiki=Famicom}}
*[https://www.nintendo.com/jp/famicom/index.html Official Famicom 40th Anniversary site (Nintendo JP)]
{{NES}}
{{NES}}
{{Consoles}}
{{Systems}}
[[Category:Japan-only systems]]
[[Category:Systems]]
[[Category:Systems]]
[[it:Family Computer]]

Latest revision as of 13:40, January 7, 2025

Family Computer
Family Computer
Generation Third generation
Release date Family Computer:
Japan July 15, 1983[1]
ROC 1987[?]
British HK 1991[?]
Nintendo Classic Mini: Family Computer:
Japan November 10, 2016[?]
Discontinued Family Computer:
September 25, 2003[2]

Nintendo Classic Mini: Family Computer:
April 2017

Ratings Nintendo Classic Mini: Family Computer:
CERO:B - Twelve years and older
Predecessor Color TV-Game
Successor Super Famicom
“If you were to strike up a friendship with a Japanese gamer and happened to ask him whether he owned a NES back in the '80s, you'd probably be met with a blank stare.”
—Official Nintendo Magazine
The logo for the Family Computer

The Family Computer (often shortened to Famicom) is a third-generation video game console created by Nintendo. The console would be redesigned for the 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.[3] 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.[4][5][6]

A few months after the July 1983 release of the Famicom, Sharp produced the Sharp C1 Famicom TV, a combined console and TV unit packaged with Donkey Kong Jr. + Jr. Sansū Lesson.

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.

By the release of Super Mario Bros., Nintendo had already sold over four million units.[7] 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.[2]

Accessories[edit]

Famicom Controller[edit]

Famicom 3D System
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. A Button and B Button are stationed on the right, the Start Button and Select Button 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 Start Button and Select Button 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 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[edit]

Main article: Family BASIC

In 1984, Sharp released the Playbox BASIC and Family BASIC accessories, allowing users to program in BASIC on their Family Computers, and included characters of the Super Mario franchise as programmable sprites. It consists of a large cartridge and a keyboard.

Family BASIC Data Recorder[edit]

Data Recorder for the Family BASIC
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 Disk System, it saved data onto the Disk Card.

Family Computer Disk System[edit]

Main article: Family Computer Disk System
Family Computer and Family Computer Disk System
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.[8][better source needed]

Famicom 3D System[edit]

Famicom 3D System
The Famicom 3D System with its adapter next to it

The 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 Twin Famicom. The Famicom 3D System was compatible with a select few games including a 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.[9]

Nintendo Classic Mini: Family Computer[edit]

Nintendo Classic Mini: Family Computer
The packaging of the Nintendo Classic Mini.
Main article: Classics § Nintendo Classic Mini: Family Computer

On September 29, 2016, Nintendo announced the Nintendo Classic Mini: Family Computer, the Family Computer counterpart of the NES Classic Edition,[10] and was released alongside it in Japan on November 10, 2016. Like the NES Classic Edition, it includes 30 pre-installed Family Computer games, although with some differences in the game lineup, such as Mario Open Golf in place of Donkey Kong Jr. Production for the console was discontinued in April 2017.[11]

Appearances in the Super Mario franchise[edit]

  • Super Mario Bros.: Peach-hime Kyūshutsu Dai Sakusen!

    Super Mario Bros.: Peach-hime Kyūshutsu Dai Sakusen!

  • WarioWare: Smooth Moves (Japan)

    WarioWare: Smooth Moves (Japan)

  • Super Paper Mario

    Super Paper Mario

  • WarioWare: Get It Together!

    WarioWare: Get It Together!

Gallery[edit]

Logos[edit]

  • Family Computer logo

    Family Computer logo

  • Famicom Family logo

    Famicom Family logo

Super Mario games[edit]

This gallery does not include Family Computer Disk System or Nintendo Entertainment System games.

Miscellaneous[edit]

  • Pictogram of a Famicom controller from the official Made in Wario website

    Pictogram of a Famicom controller from the official Made in Wario website

  • Photo of the "Nintendo Classics" exhibit at the Nintendo Museum

    Photo of the "Nintendo Classics" exhibit at the Nintendo Museum

  • Photo of the "Big Controller" exhibit at the Nintendo Museum

    Photo of the "Big Controller" exhibit at the Nintendo Museum

Names in other languages[edit]

Language Name Meaning Notes
Japanese ファミリーコンピュータ[?]
Famirī Konpyūta 		Family Computer
ファミコン[?]
Famikon 		Famicom
Chinese 紅白機[?]
Hóngbái jī 		Famicom

References[edit]

  1. ^ Nintendo Co., Ltd. (March 31, 2003). Gaming for 5 to 95. SEC.gov (English). Archived December 29, 2014, 02:34:42 UTC from the original via Wayback Machine. Retrieved December 9, 2024.
  2. ^ a b http://www.webcitation.org/5nXieXX2B
  3. ^ Akfamilyhome (April 1, 2020). A History of Nintendo's Hong Kong Releases. YouTube (Cantonese & English (English subtitles available)). Retrieved June 5, 2024. (Archived May 25, 2024, 11:22:53 UTC via Wayback Machine.)
  4. ^ Игорь Пичугин (November 1, 1994). Соглашение Steepler и Nintendo. Газета "Коммерсантъ" (Russian). Retrieved June 1, 2024. (Archived April 27, 2019, 02:58:42 UTC via Wayback Machine.)
  5. ^ Семён Костин (December 14, 2021). Легенда о слоне: как IT-компания Steepler создала Dendy и основала российский консольный рынок. DTF (Russian). Retrieved June 1, 2024. (Archived June 1, 2024, 22:35:52 UTC via Wayback Machine.)
  6. ^ Олег Хохлов (August 9, 2016). Приставка Dendy: Как Виктор Савюк придумал первый в России поп-гаджет. Секрет фирмы (Russian). Retrieved December 9, 2024. (Archived December 1, 2024, 05:49:08 UTC via Wayback Machine.)
  7. ^ 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）. Nintendo DREAM Web (Japanese). Retrieved June 18, 2023.
  8. ^ Nakamanga (September 30, 2019). Famicom and Disk System Hong Kong Version - Commercial. YouTube. Retrieved January 2, 2025.
  9. ^ Plunkett, Luke (April 30, 2010). Nintendo's First 3D Technology Shot A Spaceship At Mario's Face. Kotaku (English). Retrieved November 28, 2024.
  10. ^ September 29, 2016. ファミコンが、手のひらサイズで"再"登場！. Nintendo (Japanese). Retrieved May 31, 2024.
  11. ^ Sephazon, Robert (April 14, 2017). The Famicom Classic Edition Has Now Also Been Discontinued. Nintendo Life (English). Retrieved May 31, 2024.

External links[edit]

Family Computer coverage on other NIWA wikis:
[Edit]
Family Computer / Nintendo Entertainment System games
Super Mario franchise Donkey Kong (1983) • Mario Bros. (1983) • Pinball (1984) • Golf (1984) • Family BASIC† (1984) • Family BASIC V3† (1985) • Wrecking Crew (1985) • Super Mario Bros. (1985) • Super Mario Bros. 2 (1988) • Super Mario Bros. 3 (1988) • Dr. Mario (1990) • NES Open Tournament Golf (1991) • Mario is Missing!* (1993) • Mario's Time Machine* (1994)
Donkey Kong franchise Donkey Kong (1983) • Donkey Kong Jr. (1983) • Donkey Kong Jr. + Jr. Sansū Lesson† (1983) • Donkey Kong Jr. Math (1983) • Donkey Kong 3 (1984) • Donkey Kong Classics* (1988)
Yoshi franchise Yoshi (1991) • Yoshi's Cookie (1992)
Wario franchise Wario's Woods (1994)
Family Computer Disk System Golf (1986) • Super Mario Bros. (1986) • Super Mario Bros.: The Lost Levels‡ (1986) • I am a teacher: Super Mario Sweater‡ (1986) • All Night Nippon: Super Mario Bros.‡ (1986) • Golf: Japan Course‡ (1987) • Golf: U.S. Course‡ (1987) • Yume Kōjō: Doki Doki Panic‡ (1987) • Famicom Grand Prix: F1 Race‡ (1987) • Donkey Kong^ (1988) • Famicom Grand Prix II: 3D Hot Rally‡ (1988) • Donkey Kong Jr.^ (1988) • Mario Bros. Returns^ (1988) • Wrecking Crew^ (1989) • Pinball^ (1989)
Miscellaneous Nintendo World Championships 1990* (1990) • Nintendo Campus Challenge* (1991)
* NES only
† Famicom only
‡ Disk System only
^ Disk Writer only
[Edit]
Video game systems and add-ons
Nintendo home consoles Family Computer/Nintendo Entertainment System (Family BASIC, Family Computer Disk System) • Super Famicom/Super Nintendo Entertainment System (Satellaview, Super Game Boy) • Nintendo 64 (Nintendo 64DD) • Nintendo GameCube (Game Boy Player) • Wii (Virtual Console, WiiWare) • Wii U (Virtual Console) • Nintendo Switch
Nintendo handhelds Game & Watch • Game Boy • Virtual Boy • Game Boy Color • Game Boy Advance • Nintendo DS (Nintendo DSi, DSiWare) • Nintendo 3DS (Virtual Console) • Nintendo Switch
Other MS-DOS • VS. System • Nintendo PlayChoice-10 • Nintendo Super System • Nelsonic Game Watch • Super Mario Bros. Watch • Gamewatch Boy • Philips CD-i • Mini Classics • Triforce • Visteon Dockable Entertainment System • Classics • LodgeNet • Nintendo Sound Clock: Alarmo
Retrieved from "https://www.mariowiki.com/index.php?title=Family_Computer&oldid=4498896"