Nintendo Family Computer (Famicom)

Summary

In parallel to the video game crash in the West, Nintendo introduces Famicom in Japan, an abbreviation for Family Computer. In fact, the console is supposed to be a home computer at first, but Nintendo’s president Hiroshi Yamauchi assumes that a floppy disk drive or keyboard would deter less tech-aware people.

The Famicom is an outstanding success and makes Nintendo the world’s largest console and video game manufacturer. Numerous game series that continue to this day began on this console.

The design of the controllers comes directly from Nintendo’s successful Game & Watch games. The control with a cross on the left and two or more buttons on the right is still the standard for all controllers of all manufacturers.

The second controller has a microphone, found only on the original Japanese model. In The Legend of Zelda, for example, players can use loud shouting to drive away a particular type of enemy.