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1982-1985: From Commodore to nes
First on the list is the Commodore 64. This lesser-known console was released in 1982.
The Commodore 64, AKA the C64, got its name from its 64 kilobytes of RAM. It's known as a revolutionary console of its time!
Its graphics are produced using a VIC-II chip, which features 16 colors, eight hardware sprites per scanline (enabling up to 112 sprites per PAL screen), scrolling capabilities, and two bitmap graphics modes. Not very exciting when compared to later consoles.
Its graphics are produced using a VIC-II chip, which features 16 colors, eight hardware sprites per scanline (enabling up to 112 sprites per PAL screen), scrolling capabilities, and two bitmap graphics modes. Not very exciting when compared to later consoles.
Next are the Family Computer (or Famicom), and the Nintendo Entertainment System. These two were released in 1983 in Japan and in 1985 in the US, respectively.
The cartridges for the Famicom were originally going to be the same size as a cassette tape, but they're twice as big. The design of the two controllers were based off of Game & Watch arcade machines. The second controller features a microphone, which puts the player's voice through the TV speakers.
Upon its initial release, the Famicom was actually called back due to a bad chip set; the problem was eventually fixed and the Famicom's popularity skyrocketed.
Upon its initial release, the Famicom was actually called back due to a bad chip set; the problem was eventually fixed and the Famicom's popularity skyrocketed.
The Nintendo Entertainment System (often abbreviated as NES) was released in four different sets: the Deluxe Set, Basic Set (the console and controllers themselves), Action Set, and Power Set.
The Deluxe Set included a R.O.B. (Robotic Operating Buddy), a light gun known as the NES Zapper, and two games: Gyromite and Duck Hunt.
The Action Set contained the console, the controllers, Super Mario Bros, and Duck Hunt.
The Power Set contained the console, the controllers, an NES Zapper, a Power Pad, Super Mario Bros, Duck Hunt, and World Class Track Meet.
The Deluxe Set included a R.O.B. (Robotic Operating Buddy), a light gun known as the NES Zapper, and two games: Gyromite and Duck Hunt.
The Action Set contained the console, the controllers, Super Mario Bros, and Duck Hunt.
The Power Set contained the console, the controllers, an NES Zapper, a Power Pad, Super Mario Bros, Duck Hunt, and World Class Track Meet.