Why the Famicom Became the NES: A Name Change Driven by Market Strategy
The simple answer to “Why was the Famicom name changed?” is that Nintendo rebranded their Japanese console, the Famicom, as the Nintendo Entertainment System (NES) for its North American release. This change was a strategic move designed to distance the console from the negative perception of video games in the US market following the 1983 video game crash. The Famicom, short for Family Computer, was successful in Japan, but Nintendo recognized that the American market was different and needed a different approach. The name “Family Computer” would not resonate with US consumers, who at the time saw “computer” as a very different product than a video game console. Therefore, the Famicom was given a brand new name and aesthetic to achieve success in a new market.
The Stigma of Video Games and the Need for a Fresh Start
The early 1980s saw a significant boom in the video game market in the US, followed by a dramatic crash in 1983. The market was flooded with low-quality games, leading to a rapid decline in consumer interest and trust. This crash left a lingering stigma surrounding video game consoles, which Nintendo needed to overcome. When the company prepared to enter the North American market in 1984, they originally planned to release a modified version of the Famicom called the Advanced Video System. However, the team recognized that the name, and even the Famicom’s design, wouldn’t resonate well with Americans, who often equated home computer with work, instead of play.
Therefore, the “Famicom” name, which emphasized the concept of a “Family Computer” was deemed unsuitable. The idea was to create a completely fresh image that was not associated with the video game market which was in a slump. The console had to be marketed not just as another game system, but as an entertainment device for everyone in the house. To this end, a new name and a new design was essential to change public perception and overcome the previous market’s negative image of video game consoles.
Rebranding as the Nintendo Entertainment System
Nintendo decided that the new console would not use the word “computer” in its name. Instead, they would introduce it as the Nintendo Entertainment System (NES). This name change wasn’t just about avoiding the negative connotations, it was about redefining what the console represented. The term “Entertainment System” suggested a device for a whole range of activities, not just video gaming. This repositioning was crucial in achieving success in the US market and in creating the new era of video game consoles. The entire rebranding aimed to present the console as a serious and sophisticated piece of home electronics, rather than just a toy.
The NES Design: VCR Inspiration and a New Aesthetic
Besides the name change, the visual design of the console was also altered significantly. The original Famicom had a distinct cream and dark red color scheme, inspired by a scarf worn by Nintendo president Hiroshi Yamauchi and a set-top TV antenna. However, this color scheme was replaced with a more sophisticated grey and black design for the NES. This more mature design was inspired by the look of VCRs, which were incredibly popular at the time.
VCR-Inspired Design
The Famicom had a top-loading cartridge slot, which resembled the type of computer system common at that time. However, the NES featured a front-loading slot, just like a VCR. This not only offered a more familiar and “mature” look, but also was intended to reduce the stigma and stereotype of video game systems. This design choice played a key role in the NES’s success as it made the console more appealing to a wide audience, in a market which saw video games as mere toys. The change in design also played a major role in redefining the console as an advanced piece of technology, which was crucial in avoiding market perception of the 1980s video game market crash.
The Impact of the Name Change
The decision to rebrand the Famicom as the NES was a masterstroke by Nintendo. It allowed them to enter the American market without the baggage of the previous video game crash. The new name and design were successful in creating an entirely new brand perception of the system. The NES not only saved the video game market in North America but also set the stage for Nintendo to become a global gaming giant. It proved that a strategic name change, coupled with the right design and marketing, could revitalize a dying industry and introduce a new era of video game console popularity. The careful rebranding of the Famicom as the NES and the decision to avoid the stigma associated with video games in the US contributed directly to the enormous success of Nintendo in the North American market.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What does Famicom stand for?
The name Famicom is short for Family Computer. It was intended to convey that the console was a home entertainment device suitable for the whole family.
Who came up with the name Famicom?
The name was suggested by the wife of Masayuki Uemura, the head of Famicom development, who thought it would better describe the function of the console.
When was the Famicom released in Japan?
The Famicom was released in Japan on July 15, 1983.
When was the NES released in North America?
The NES was released in North America in October 1985.
Was the Famicom successful in Japan?
Yes, the Famicom was extremely popular and successful in Japan. It sold millions of units and became a cultural phenomenon.
What were the original colors of the Famicom?
The Famicom had a distinctive cream and dark red color scheme, which was inspired by a scarf worn by Nintendo president Hiroshi Yamauchi.
Why did the NES look different from the Famicom?
The NES had a grey and black design inspired by VCRs. Nintendo wanted the NES to have a more serious and sophisticated look, to differentiate it from the toy-like image of video game consoles in the US at that time.
Was the NES a top-loading or front-loading console?
The NES was a front-loading console, also designed to emulate the design of VCRs at the time. This was a significant change from the top-loading design of the Famicom.
What was the Advanced Video System?
The Advanced Video System was the original name for the modified Famicom Nintendo planned to release in North America before rebranding as the NES.
Did Europe get the Famicom?
No, Europe did not get the Famicom. It received the Nintendo Entertainment System (NES). The NES was launched in Europe a year after the United States, starting in 1986.
Was the Famicom an 8-bit console?
Yes, both the Famicom and the NES are 8-bit consoles.
What was the Famicom Disk System?
The Famicom Disk System was a peripheral for the Famicom that used floppy disks instead of cartridges. It was released only in Japan in 1986.
When was the Famicom Disk System discontinued?
Nintendo officially discontinued the Famicom Disk System in 1990.
Was the NES a rebranding of the Famicom, or were they two separate systems?
The NES is a rebranded version of the Famicom specifically for the North American market. While they are essentially the same console, the design, name, and branding were different.
Could Famicom games be played on the NES?
Technically, the hardware was very similar, however, the game cartridges were different and required an adapter to play Famicom games on the NES.