Nintendo Entertainment System (Model NES-101) facts for kids
The NES-101 model is a special version of the famous Nintendo Entertainment System (NES). It was released by Nintendo in 1993. This console is often called the "New-Style NES" or "NES 2." It looks quite different from the original NES. One of its main features is that it loads game cartridges from the top, similar to the Super Nintendo Entertainment System (SNES). This design change aimed to make the console more reliable and easier to use.
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The NES-101: A New Look for Nintendo
The NES-101 was Nintendo's way of giving the classic NES a fresh look. It came out several years after the original NES. By 1993, the SNES was already popular. However, Nintendo still wanted to offer a simpler, more affordable NES console. This new model helped keep the NES relevant for a few more years. It allowed kids to enjoy the huge library of NES games without needing the older, bulkier system.
Why a New NES Model?
Nintendo decided to create the NES-101 for a few reasons. First, the original NES had some issues with its front-loading cartridge slot. Sometimes, games would not load properly. The top-loading design of the NES-101 aimed to fix this problem. Second, the new model was cheaper to make. This meant Nintendo could sell it at a lower price. This made the NES more accessible to families who might not have bought the original. It was a smart move to keep the NES brand alive.
Key Features of the NES-101
The NES-101 had several notable features that set it apart. It was smaller and more compact than the original NES. Its design was sleek and rounded. This made it look more modern, fitting in with the newer consoles of the time. The console was also lighter, making it easier to move around.
Top-Loading Design
The most obvious change was the top-loading slot for game cartridges. Instead of pushing games into a front slot, you simply dropped them into the top. This design was much more reliable. It reduced the common "blinking screen" issue that some original NES consoles had. This meant more playtime and less frustration for players.
The "Dogbone" Controller
The NES-101 also came with a redesigned controller. It was nicknamed the "Dogbone" controller because of its shape. This controller was more rounded and comfortable to hold than the original rectangular NES controller. It still had the same buttons: a D-pad, A and B buttons, and Start and Select. Many players found the Dogbone controller much nicer for long gaming sessions.
Comparing the NES-101 to the Original
While the NES-101 played all the same games as the original NES, there were some differences. The main goal of the NES-101 was simplicity and cost-effectiveness. This meant some features were changed or removed.
Video and Audio
The NES-101 only had a single RCA output for video and audio. This is often called "AV output." The original NES had both AV output and an RF modulator for older TVs. The NES-101 removed the RF modulator. This meant you needed a TV with RCA inputs to play. However, AV output usually provides a clearer picture than RF.
Reliability Improvements
The top-loading design was a big step up in reliability. The original NES used a mechanism that could wear out over time. This led to poor connections and games not starting. The NES-101's simple top-loading slot was much more durable. It made the console more dependable for playing your favorite NES games.
Images for kids
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Nintendo Family Computer
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The New-Style NES Controller
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The external RF modulator for the AV Famicom
