What Was the SNES Called in Japan? Unveiling the Super Famicom
The Super Nintendo Entertainment System (SNES), a cornerstone of 16-bit gaming, wasn’t universally known by that name. In Japan, this legendary console was called the Super Famicom (SFC). This simple difference in name reflects not only a geographical distinction but also encapsulates a fascinating piece of gaming history. The Super Famicom wasn’t merely a translated name; it was the console’s identity in its native market, and it came with its own unique characteristics, including a different design and slightly different game library. Understanding this distinction is key for any retro gaming enthusiast.
The Super Famicom: A Closer Look
The Super Famicom, released in Japan in 1990, was the successor to the hugely successful Famicom (known as the Nintendo Entertainment System (NES) in North America). This console maintained Nintendo’s dominance in the gaming market while offering significantly enhanced graphics and sound capabilities. While the internal hardware was largely the same as its international counterpart, the external design was noticeably different. Most prominently, the Super Famicom sported a rounded, more colorful design compared to the rectangular, gray aesthetics of the North American SNES.
Design Differences
The visual differences between the Super Famicom and the SNES aren’t merely cosmetic. The most striking difference lies in the controllers. The Super Famicom controller features colorful face buttons, using red, yellow, green, and blue for its A, B, X, and Y buttons, which are set at a slant. This design choice, compared to the purple and lavender of the SNES, gives the Super Famicom a distinctly playful and vibrant look. Many collectors and fans actually prefer the Super Famicom’s design for its colorful aesthetics. The console itself has more rounded contours, making it less boxy than the SNES.
Game Library and Regional Differences
While many games were released on both systems, there were some notable titles that remained exclusive to each region. The Super Famicom had a unique selection of games that weren’t available on the North American SNES, and vice versa. Additionally, some games may have had slight alterations in gameplay or even graphics when comparing the Japanese and North American releases. These differences, even if subtle, contribute to the overall appeal of both versions for collectors and gaming historians.
FAQs: Delving Deeper into the World of the SNES and Super Famicom
1. What does “Famicom” mean?
The name “Famicom” is a shortened version of “Family Computer”. The original idea was to create an affordable system that could be used by families at home, a contrast to expensive personal computers. It was proposed by the wife of Masayuki Uemura, who was a key developer of the system.
2. Was the Famicom released before the NES?
Yes, the Famicom was developed in 1982 and launched in Japan in 1983, while the Nintendo Entertainment System (NES) was released in North American test markets on October 18, 1985, following a redesign of the system.
3. Is the Super Famicom the same as the Super NES Classic?
While both share the same game library (with some exceptions), the Super Famicom Classic has a different design than the US SNES Classic. The most prominent difference is the colorful face buttons on the controller, mirroring the original Super Famicom. The game list also differs slightly.
4. Can Super Famicom games be played on a North American SNES?
Generally, no. The cartridges are physically different and have different regional lockouts. However, there are adapters available, such as the My Arcade Super Cartridge Converter, that allow you to play Super Famicom games on the original SNES system.
5. What system was the main competitor to the SNES?
The primary competitor to the SNES during the 16-bit era was the Sega Mega Drive (known as the Sega Genesis in North America). The rivalry between Nintendo and Sega defined the early 1990s console wars.
6. Why was the American SNES purple?
The color scheme of the North American SNES was a deliberate design choice to differentiate it from the Super Famicom. The buttons were colored to match the console’s redesign; the X and Y buttons are lavender with concave faces, and the A and B buttons are purple with convex faces.
7. How did Nintendo adapt the Famicom to become the NES?
Following the North American video game crash of 1983, Nintendo redesigned the Famicom to better appeal to the American market. The redesigned system had a larger case, a top-loading cartridge slot, and different controllers, and it was re-branded as the NES.
8. Was the SNES released in Japan?
Yes, the SNES was released in Japan as the Super Famicom in 1990. It was released in 1991 in North America and later in Europe and other regions.
9. Is Nintendo still selling the SNES Classic?
No, Nintendo stopped production of the SNES Classic in 2019, along with the NES Classic. These retro consoles are no longer sold by Nintendo.
10. What was Sega called in Japan before becoming Sega?
Sega began as Standard Games. Following a move to Japan in 1952, the company was renamed Service Games of Japan. Service Games of Japan later merged with Rosen Enterprises to create Sega Enterprises.
11. What is the oldest video game console ever?
The Magnavox Odyssey was the first video game console, released in 1972. It predates both the Famicom/NES and the SNES/Super Famicom.
12. What is the Japanese name for the GameCube?
The Nintendo GameCube is called ニンテンドーゲームキューブ (Nintendō Gēmukyūbu) in Japan. The official abbreviation is NGC in Japan, rather than GCN as it is in North America and Europe.
13. Was the N64 a successor to the SNES?
Yes, the Nintendo 64 (N64) was the direct successor to the Super Nintendo Entertainment System. It was the last major console to utilize cartridges as its primary storage format until the Nintendo Switch.
14. Was the SNES a 16-bit console?
Yes, the Super Nintendo Entertainment System (SNES) is a 16-bit home video game console. This designation refers to the console’s processing power and its ability to handle more complex graphics than 8-bit systems.
15. What was the largest SNES game ever made?
The largest SNES games, Tales of Phantasia and Star Ocean, contain 48 Megabits of ROM data, showcasing the upper limit of the system’s capabilities. The smallest games contained 2 Megabits.
Conclusion
The difference between the SNES and the Super Famicom is more than just a name. It represents two different versions of the same iconic console, each with its own distinct visual design and some unique regional games. Understanding that the SNES was known as the Super Famicom in Japan provides a deeper appreciation for the console’s history and its impact on global gaming culture. For collectors and enthusiasts, owning both versions adds an extra layer to the retro gaming experience, offering a glimpse into the nuances of different markets and their individual preferences. Whether you’re a die-hard collector or just curious about gaming history, the distinction between the SNES and the Super Famicom is an essential part of the story.