Can NES Play Famicom? A Comprehensive Guide to Cross-Compatibility
The short answer is: yes, with some caveats. While the Nintendo Entertainment System (NES) and the Family Computer (Famicom) are fundamentally the same console, they have key differences that prevent direct cartridge interchangeability. The primary barrier is their different cartridge pin configurations. The NES utilizes a 72-pin connector, while the Famicom employs a 60-pin connector. This mechanical difference requires an adapter to bridge the gap.
The Pin Difference: Understanding the Challenge
The 72-pin NES cartridge is physically larger than its 60-pin Famicom counterpart. This isn’t just a cosmetic difference; it’s about the electrical connection. The extra pins on the NES were added for a few reasons:
- 10NES Lockout Chip: Four pins are dedicated to Nintendo’s 10NES lockout chip, a security measure designed to prevent unlicensed games from playing on the console.
- Expansion Port Access: Ten pins were allocated to connect cartridges directly to the expansion port on the bottom of the NES, potentially for peripherals or future expansion plans.
- Physical Size: The larger cartridge form factor was also a deliberate design choice for the North American market.
The Famicom, being designed for the Japanese market, didn’t need these extra pins, resulting in a more compact cartridge design.
Bridging the Gap: Using Adapters
To play a Famicom game on an NES, you will invariably require a 60-to-72-pin adapter. These adapters essentially convert the pinout of the Famicom cartridge to match the NES console’s requirements. There are various adapters available on the market, and they come in different forms. Some are simple pass-through devices, while others might have built-in features to bypass lockout chips.
Types of Adapters:
- Simple Pass-Through Adapters: These are basic converters that map the 60-pin signals to the correct pins on the 72-pin connector. They work reasonably well for most games, but may encounter issues with certain titles.
- Enhanced Adapters with Lockout Chip Bypass: These more sophisticated adapters often include circuitry that bypasses the 10NES lockout chip, increasing compatibility and allowing games that might otherwise be unplayable on the NES to run.
Considerations When Using Adapters
- Reliability: Not all adapters are created equal. Some may have poor build quality, leading to connection issues or even damage to the cartridge or console. It’s important to research and choose reputable adapter brands.
- Game Compatibility: While most Famicom games will work on an NES with an adapter, some specific titles might not be fully compatible due to differences in mapper chips or lockout systems.
- Physical Fit: Some adapters might not fit perfectly within the NES cartridge slot, requiring slight modification or careful handling.
Famicom Top Loaders and Compatibility
An AV Famicom (or Famicom Top Loader) presents a slightly different scenario. Unlike the original Famicom, it is inherently top-loading like a top-loading NES. It also requires a 60-to-72 pin adapter to play NES games. While not designed to play NES cartridges directly, they can effectively play NES games with an adapter, or if you remove the top shell and loading tray from a standard NES, a famicom cartridge can be inserted into it.
Why Bother? The Allure of Famicom Games
So, why would you want to go to the trouble of using an adapter to play Famicom games on an NES? There are several compelling reasons:
- Vast Library: The Famicom library is significantly larger than the NES library, boasting a wealth of games that were never released in North America.
- Unique Gaming Experiences: Many Famicom games offer different gameplay experiences, aesthetics, and soundtracks than their NES counterparts, making them a treasure trove for retro game enthusiasts.
- Collecting: For collectors, Famicom games are a must-have for completing their collections and exploring the full spectrum of 8-bit gaming history.
- Novelty: The very act of using an adapter adds a layer of novelty and discovery to retro gaming, letting gamers experience hardware and software in new and unconventional ways.
- Color Variety: Official Famicom cartridges were often produced in a wider array of colors compared to the predominantly grey NES cartridges, adding a splash of visual appeal to any collection.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Are Famicom and NES the Same Console?
Yes and no. They’re fundamentally the same hardware with the same CPU and graphics chip, but they have different cartridge connectors, designs, and market branding.
2. Can You Play NES Games on a Regular Famicom?
No, not directly. Similar to playing Famicom games on an NES, you would require a 72-to-60 pin adapter, which is also available, though not as commonly used.
3. What is the Difference Between NES and Famicom Cartridges?
The key difference is the number of pins on the cartridge connector: 72 pins for NES and 60 pins for Famicom. The NES also has the 10NES lockout chip which Famicom does not.
4. Can Famicom Top Loader Play NES Games?
Yes, with a 60-to-72-pin adapter. All Famicoms, including top-loading versions, are inherently 60-pin systems that require an adapter for NES game compatibility.
5. Is it Safe to Use Adapters?
Yes, but only if you use a high-quality adapter. Poorly made adapters may damage your system or cartridges. Research before purchasing.
6. Why is the NES Bigger Than the Famicom?
The NES is larger due to its 72-pin cartridge connector, additional internal circuitry (like the lockout chip), and overall design. The Famicom was smaller due to its 60-pin cartridges and simplified design.
7. How Many NES Famicom Games Are There?
There are 1395 officially licensed games for both systems combined, with many being exclusive to either region.
8. Which Came First, NES or Famicom?
The Famicom came first, launched in Japan in 1983. The NES was launched in North America in 1985 following the video game crash.
9. Are NES Emulators Legal?
Emulators themselves are legal. However, downloading copyrighted ROMs is illegal, unless you own the original game.
10. Does the Famicom Power Glove Work on NES?
The Famicom Power Glove uses a DB15 connector, while the NES uses a standard connector. It requires a specialized DB15 to NES adapter to function with an NES.
11. Can You Use an NES AC Adapter for a Famicom?
No, absolutely not. Using an NES AC adapter on a Famicom will permanently damage the Famicom due to voltage differences. Famicom uses DC while NES uses AC. Use the correct adapter for each console.
12. What Does Famicom Stand For?
Famicom is short for Family Computer.
13. Why is the NES Called Famicom in Japan?
The NES was initially developed as the Famicom in Japan. It was rebranded as the Nintendo Entertainment System for the North American market due to cultural differences.
14. What was the Last Game Released on the NES?
The last licensed game on the NES was the PAL-exclusive The Lion King in 1995. The last Famicom game was Takahashi Meijin no Bugutte Honey released in 1994.
15. Are NES Clones Legal?
Yes, hardware clones are generally legal, as patents on the original NES hardware have expired. Trademarks, however, are still in effect, so the clone console can’t use the Nintendo logos or be marketed as an official Nintendo console.