What came with the original NES?

What Came with the Original NES? A Look Back at the Starter Kit

The Nintendo Entertainment System (NES) has been a beloved gaming icon for decades, revolutionizing the home console market when it first launched in the 1980s. But did you know exactly what came with the original NES package? In this article, we’ll delve back in time to explore what gamers got when they plugged in their NES console, and why it became so iconic.

The Action Set and The Deluxe Set***

The original NES system was initially released in 1985 and sold in two different bundles:

• Action Set (RRP $59.99): This Starter Kit came with a modified NES console, one matching controller, and a zapper (light gun for Duck Hunt).
• Deluxe Set (RRP $89.99): This premium package consisted of a modified NES console, two matching controllers (including one with a second controller extension), an AV cable, and the Nintendo World Championship Gold Cartridges.

The NES Cartridges: A Mix and Match Affair

• Launch Titles: The initial 18 launch titles were some of the most iconic early NES games, including Pac-Man, The Legend of Zelda, and Duck Hunt**, among others.
• Additional Titles: Nintendo produced over 600 new games between 1984 and 1995.
• Third-Party Developers: Independent game manufacturers like Konami, Square, and Capcom released multiple titles on the NES between 1985 and the mid-1990s.

The Controllers – A Symbol of Joy or Frustration?

• The Main Controller: The iconic DualShock controller design made up the NES controller’s look and feel.
• Controller Improvements: Mid-1990s consoles received enhanced controllers with mode select and turbo functions added.

The AV Options – RGB, S-VHS, and RCA Inputs

The NES system consisted of two main output connectivity options:

• Coaxial AV: Provides a cleaner, high-resolution signal
• Swappable Inputs: The early NES units had separate TV and Computer inputs
  A Cable Switched cable allowed gamers to switch between TV and Game modes with ease

Games and Expansion Cart

In addition to being a pioneering console for pixel art graphics and iconic platformers, the NES opened doors to various genre-driven games:

• Fighters and Shoot ‘Em Ups
• Zelda-Style Adventure Sequels
• Nintendo’s IPs: Games within the Mushroom Kingdom, World of Darkness, and Kingdom of Ice

In Summary, when you opened a box with the original NES Console, you knew you got:

• modified NES console
• original controller(s)
• cartridges (10-Yard-Fight, Baseball, Duck Hunt+)
• Zapper(light gun)

The original Nintendo Entertainment System (NES), released in 1985 was a complete package that defined innovation in home gaming and sparked a lifelong passion for nostalgic gamers like us! Now, do you want some more answers?