Family Computer vs. Nintendo Entertainment System

Attribute	Family Computer	Nintendo Entertainment System
Release Date	July 15, 1983	October 18, 1985
Region	Japan	North America
Design	Red and white color scheme	Gray and black color scheme
Controller	Hardwired controllers	Detachable controllers
Games	Over 1000 games released	Over 700 games released

Introduction

The Family Computer (Famicom) and the Nintendo Entertainment System (NES) are two iconic gaming consoles that revolutionized the video game industry in the 1980s. Both consoles were developed by Nintendo and have a rich history of gaming excellence. In this article, we will compare the attributes of the Famicom and NES to see how they stack up against each other.

Design

The Famicom was released in Japan in 1983 and featured a red and white color scheme with a top-loading cartridge slot. It had a sleek and compact design that made it stand out from other gaming consoles of its time. On the other hand, the NES was released in North America in 1985 and had a more boxy and angular design with a front-loading cartridge slot. The NES also featured a gray color scheme that became synonymous with the Nintendo brand.

Controller

The Famicom controller had a simple design with a rectangular shape and a built-in microphone for certain games. It had a D-pad for movement and two action buttons for gameplay. The NES controller was similar in design to the Famicom controller but had a more rounded shape and a different color scheme. Both controllers were comfortable to hold and responsive for gameplay.

Games

One of the most important aspects of any gaming console is its library of games. The Famicom and NES both had a wide variety of games that catered to different tastes and preferences. Some of the most popular games on the Famicom included Super Mario Bros., The Legend of Zelda, and Metroid. The NES also had a strong lineup of games, including classics like Duck Hunt, Mega Man, and Castlevania.

Graphics

When it comes to graphics, the Famicom and NES were limited by the technology of their time. Both consoles had 8-bit graphics that were considered state-of-the-art in the 1980s. The Famicom had a slightly better color palette than the NES, which gave games on the Famicom a more vibrant and colorful look. However, both consoles were capable of producing detailed sprites and smooth animations that were impressive for their time.

Sound

Another important aspect of gaming consoles is their sound capabilities. The Famicom and NES both had a distinctive sound chip that produced memorable and iconic music in their games. The Famicom had a slightly different sound chip than the NES, which gave its games a unique audio quality. Both consoles were able to produce catchy tunes and sound effects that added to the overall gaming experience.

Legacy

Both the Famicom and NES have left a lasting legacy in the gaming industry. The Famicom was a huge success in Japan and helped to establish Nintendo as a major player in the video game market. The NES was even more successful in North America and became one of the best-selling gaming consoles of all time. The success of the Famicom and NES paved the way for future Nintendo consoles like the Super Nintendo and Nintendo 64.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the Family Computer and Nintendo Entertainment System are two legendary gaming consoles that have had a significant impact on the video game industry. While they share many similarities in terms of design, controller, games, graphics, and sound, each console has its own unique attributes that set it apart. Whether you prefer the sleek design of the Famicom or the iconic gray color scheme of the NES, both consoles have a special place in the hearts of gamers around the world.