Family Computer
Japan
Hong Kong
Taiwan JapanThe Family Computer (ファミリーコンピュータ), commonly abbreviated as Famicom (ファミコン), is a video game console manufactured and released by Nintendo on July 15, 1983. It was Nintendo's second home console after the Color TV-Game series, and retailed for ¥14,800 on release.
History
Following the success of arcade games like Donkey Kong and Popeye, Nintendo developed a new home video game system. While Nintendo had previously released the Color TV-Game series of dedicated game consoles, the Famicom was set out to work more like a computer, with cartridges containing programs.
While the Famicom had a rocky start, with it being surpassed by SEGA's SG-1000 in both software and sales, the Famicom had the support of third parties that developed games for the platform, resulting in a "boom" period in the mid 80's. The Famicom continued to sell well through the late 80's, with large amounts of games releasing every year. A During this time, more powerful 16-bit consoles entered the market, such as NEC's PC Engine and SEGA's Mega Drive.
In the face of declining Famicom sales, Nintendo released the Super Famicom, which continued Nintendo's success in the Japanese video game market. Nintendo officially discontinued support for the Famicom, alongside the Super Famicom in Japan, on September 25, 2003.
