A Question About The Original Famicom

[ReddMcKnight]

I know that the first model of Famicom has a special port on the front, for using the PAX Power Glove, and possibly other accessories, but do other Famicom Models have it? If not, what are the odds of finding a first model Famicom in working condition?

[Ziggy]

Yeah, the first model Famicom, the one with the attached controllers, has this front 15-pin port. The second model, the one that looks like the NES Top Loader, does not have this port (it instead has the same ports on the front of a NES). I think an FC Twin might also have the 15-port. I would suspect that it does, since it has the attached controllers (there must be a way to connect other accessories).

Finding a first model Famicom in working condition? Easy. eBay has a ton of them.

edit: If you do end up getting a Famicom, check out this adapter I made: http://www.racketboy.com/forum/viewtopi ... 25&t=25087 , You can make one of those for yourself, it's really easy and you don't need to solder.

[ApolloBoy]

The second model, the one that looks like the NES Top Loader, does not have this port (it instead has the same ports on the front of a NES).

It does actually, it's located on the right-hand side on the console.

[Ziggy]

Whoa, holy shit. Thanks for posting that info, I had no idea! I guess I just assumed, since I never read that anywhere, and never saw it in any pictures (just noticed that it has a cover on it).

[Breetai]

The second model, the one that looks like the NES Top Loader, does not have this port (it instead has the same ports on the front of a NES).

It does actually, it's located on the right-hand side on the console.

I can confirm that every Famicom model (all revisions of the original, and also the AV Famicom) has the 15-pin port. It was used for the Power Glove, light gun, 3rd party controllers (NES Max, although I forget the Japanese versions name, arcade sticks, Hudson Bee pad, etc.), keyboard, and whatever else came out for it.

I guess I just assumed...

The first three letters of assume are...
No worries, though.

The extra port is on the right side with a cover over it.

It's right on the front, with cover, on the original. It's very common to see Famicoms without that cover, as they were very easily lost.

[hashiriya1]

3D glasses also uses the port. I have the 3D glasses and they work fairly well (for 80s tech). That's cool about them is that I can still use a 3rd party controller even when I have the 3D glasses plugged in. I use a 3rd party (the Seta wireless controller) because Famicom controllers' cord is too damn short.