1986
NINTENDO

FAMICOM DISK SYSTEM

MESA
FAMICOM DISK SYSTEM

📜 History & Legacy

The Famicom Disk System (FDS), released by Nintendo in Japan on February 21, 1986, was an ambitious attempt to expand the capabilities of the already wildly successful Family Computer (Famicom). This add-on utilized floppy disks instead of cartridges, offering larger storage capacities, rewritable media for save games, and a lower manufacturing cost per game. The FDS connected to the Famicom via the cartridge slot, and games were loaded from the floppy disk drive to the system's RAM. The system's distinctive feature was the use of a bi-directional magnetic head to write data on both sides of the disk. This innovation allowed for increased storage capacity. The system was initially very popular, with many publishers adopting the format. The FDS also introduced a unique disk writer kiosk system where users could rewrite disks with new games for a small fee.

Despite its initial success, the Famicom Disk System eventually faded in popularity. Several factors contributed to this decline, including the rise of larger capacity cartridges, the increasing availability of battery-backed RAM in cartridges (eliminating the need for floppy disk saves), and the issue of piracy, as disks were easier to copy than cartridges. While its life span was relatively short, the FDS played a significant role in the history of video games, showcasing Nintendo's willingness to innovate and experiment with new technologies and distribution methods. Its legacy can be seen in the save game features that became standard in later consoles and the early experiments with digital distribution.

⚙️ Specifications

  • ❖ CPU: Ricoh 2A03 (same as Famicom)
  • ❖ RAM: 64KB (for game data)
  • ❖ Storage: Double-sided 128KB floppy disks (64KB per side)
  • ❖ Sound: Additional sound channel (FM synthesis)
  • ❖ Media: Proprietary floppy disks

🎮 Top 10 Games

  • ★ The Legend of Zelda
  • ★ Metroid
  • ★ Castlevania
  • ★ Kid Icarus
  • ★ Famicom Detective Club Part II: Ushiro ni Tatsu Shōjo
  • ★ Ai Senshi Nicol
  • ★ Akumajou Dracula
  • ★ Risa no Yōsei Densetsu
  • ★ Tantei Jingūji Saburō: Shinjuku Chūō Kōen Satsujin Jiken
  • ★ Esper Dream

💡 Curiosities

  • ? Did you know? The Famicom Disk System used a unique sound channel that was not present in the original Famicom, allowing for more complex audio.
  • ? Did you know? The system's disks were initially sold in vending machines.
  • ? Did you know? The system had a battery backup to save game data.
  • ? Did you know? The write kiosks allowed users to rewrite disks with new games for a small fee.
  • ? Did you know? The Famicom Disk System was only released in Japan.
  • ? Did you know? The system connected to the Famicom via the cartridge slot.
  • ? Did you know? The original price of the Famicom Disk System was 15,000 yen.
  • ? Did you know? Piracy was a significant problem for the Famicom Disk System due to the ease of copying floppy disks.
  • ? Did you know? Some games required you to flip the disk over to continue playing.
  • ? Did you know? The Famicom Disk System's unique sound chip was later used in the Game Boy Advance.