Why is NES Called Famicom? Unraveling the Two Names of a Gaming Icon
The simple answer is that NES (Nintendo Entertainment System) and Famicom (Family Computer) are essentially the same console, but with different names and designs tailored for different markets. Famicom was the original name and design for the Japanese market, while NES is the re-designed and renamed version for the North American and other regions. Nintendo chose a new name and a very different look to disassociate itself from the video game crash of 1983 and market the system as an entertainment device. In short, the NES is the Famicom rebranded and redesigned for Western audiences.
The Genesis of the Famicom
The story begins in Japan in 1983 with the launch of the Family Computer, or Famicom for short. This console, with its distinctive cream and dark red color scheme, was the brainchild of Nintendo engineer Masayuki Uemura. Interestingly, the name “Family Computer” was suggested by Uemura’s wife, and the unique color scheme was inspired by a scarf worn by Nintendo president Hiroshi Yamauchi. This console was successful in Japan, setting the stage for its international debut.
However, the North American video game market was in a slump after the video game crash of 1983. Retailers were wary of consoles, and the word “video game” had acquired a negative connotation. Nintendo knew they would need a different approach to enter the US market successfully.
The Birth of the NES
To tackle the challenge of breaking into the Western market, Nintendo completely redesigned the Famicom. Masayuki Uemura once again led the design, drawing inspiration from VCRs, which were extremely popular in North America. The result was the Nintendo Entertainment System (NES), a console that looked nothing like its Japanese counterpart. The NES featured a front-loading design and a more sophisticated, almost appliance-like, grey case.
More than just aesthetics were changed. The Famicom had a 60-pin cartridge slot, while the NES utilized a 72-pin design, including pins dedicated to the 10NES lockout chip, which prevented unlicensed games from being played. The controller design also differed, with the NES controllers featuring a more rectangular shape, and the A/B buttons reversed (compared to the typical Japanese layout).
This rebranding and redesign worked wonders. The NES successfully penetrated the North American market, selling exceptionally well, and revitalizing the console industry. It proved that careful marketing and an entirely new design was key in overcoming the stigma attached to consoles at the time.
Famicom’s Legacy
While the NES became an international success, the Famicom remained a beloved and significant piece of gaming history. It was the first step in the long-lived Nintendo console legacy. Even today, the Famicom and its iconic design remain nostalgic for many gamers.
The Famicom also featured exclusive accessories and add-ons. One major addition was the Famicom Disk System, a peripheral that allowed games to be loaded from floppy disks instead of cartridges. This peripheral is notably absent from the NES version, highlighting the difference in product strategy between markets.
In essence, the two systems offer the same core gaming experience, yet through varied approaches, each adapted for its target markets. The design and hardware differences between the Famicom and NES highlight the strategic decision-making process that went into the two launches and also Nintendo’s understanding of regional differences in consumer preferences.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What is the main difference between the Famicom and NES?
The primary differences lie in their appearance, cartridge design, and controller styles. The Famicom has a red and cream top-loading design, a 60-pin cartridge slot, and controllers permanently attached to the console. The NES is a grey front-loading design with a 72-pin cartridge slot and detachable controllers.
Were the games the same for both the Famicom and NES?
While many games were shared between the two platforms, there were also a significant number of region-exclusive titles. Different regions and markets meant different tastes. Japan had unique releases, while North America and Europe had their own exclusives.
Why is the NES cartridge bigger than the Famicom cartridge?
The NES cartridge is larger due to its 72-pin design compared to the Famicom’s 60-pin design. The additional pins in the NES were used for the 10NES lockout chip and to connect cartridges directly to the expansion port at the bottom of the console.
Can you play Famicom games on an NES?
Not without an adapter. The different pin layouts and physical cartridge sizes make them incompatible. Specialized adaptors, however, do exist to circumvent this physical difference.
Why did Nintendo redesign the Famicom for the NES?
Nintendo redesigned the Famicom to avoid the stigma associated with video game consoles in North America after the 1983 video game crash. The NES’s design was inspired by VCRs to position it as a home entertainment device rather than just a gaming console.
Was the NES 8 or 16 bit?
The Nintendo Entertainment System (NES) was an 8-bit console.
Which came first: the NES or the Famicom?
The Famicom was released first in 1983 in Japan, while the NES was launched in North America in 1985. The NES was essentially an adapted and redesigned Famicom.
What does “Famicom” stand for?
Famicom is short for Family Computer.
Why is the Famicom red?
The red, gold, and white color scheme of the Famicom was inspired by two items that Hiroshi Yamauchi liked: a scarf and a set-top TV antenna from DX Antenna.
Why are the NES controller buttons “backwards”?
The A and B button placement was designed based on function, not alphabetization. The B button is for “Back,” hence placed to the left, while A is for “Accept,” hence placed to the right.
Was the NES marketed as a toy?
Nintendo intentionally rebranded the console to the NES to avoid the stigma of video games after the 1983 crash, and instead modeled it after VCRs. It was marketed as a home entertainment system.
How did the Famicom’s controllers differ from the NES?
The Famicom’s controllers were permanently attached to the console, and had a different, rounded design, while the NES controllers were detachable, rectangular in shape, and have reversed A and B button locations.
What was the Famicom Disk System?
The Famicom Disk System was a peripheral released only in Japan for the Famicom. It allowed games to be played from floppy disks, offering an alternative to traditional cartridges.
How much did the NES cost when it was released?
The NES was released in 1985 for $149.99, bundled with Super Mario Bros, Duck Hunt, a light gun, and an extra controller.
Was the NES the first gaming console?
The Magnavox Odyssey, released in 1972, was the first video game console. However, the NES is often credited with saving the home console market after the 1983 crash.
In conclusion, while the names and designs might differ, the NES and Famicom are two sides of the same coin—a pivotal moment in gaming history, showcasing how adapting to market differences can lead to significant success. Both systems, whether the Japanese Famicom or the North American NES, hold a special place in the hearts of millions of gamers worldwide, forever linked in legacy and impact.