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NES Satellite

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
The NES Satellite

The NES Satellite is a multiplayer adaptor (multitap) accessory for the Nintendo Entertainment System designed by Rare Coin-It and produced by Nintendo.[1] It was released in North America in December 1989 at an MSRP of US$39.95;[2][3] it was also featured in the NES Sports Set console bundle, which retailed for $150.[4] The adapter was released in Sweden in February 1991 for 525 kr.[5]

Nintendo initially revealed the NES Satellite to journalists in June 1989;[6] it was mentioned in the July–August 1989 issue of Nintendo Power and previewed in the following September–October issue.[7][8] With select supporting games, the Satellite allows up to four controllers to input simultaneously on the NES.[9] It also acts as an infrared wireless range extender adaptor for all wired controllers, extending the usable range from 3 feet (for a standard controller) to 15 feet.[4][10] A small infrared receiver plugs into the two controller ports on the front of the NES. The main Satellite unit is powered by six C-cell batteries and must have a line of sight to the receiver. The unit has four controller ports which accommodate any type of wired NES controllers. The unit provides "Turbo" selectors for both the A and B buttons.

A similar four-player adaptor called the NES Four Score was released a few months later in March 1990, although it does not allow wireless play.[3][11]

Games

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These licensed games are compatible with the NES Satellite's four-player abilities.

These homebrew games are also compatible.

Notes

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  1. ^ Up to three simultaneous players
  2. ^ Up to four players, alternating
  3. ^ Two simultaneous players, with one using one or two controllers

See also

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References

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  1. ^ White, David (September 1990). "Nintendo Expands Horizons". Electronic Gaming Monthly. No. 3. Sendai Publications. p. 50.
  2. ^ "Product Introductions Launch Nintendo Into New Decade" (Press release). Las Vegas: Nintendo of America. January 6, 1990.
  3. ^ a b "Availability Update". Computer Entertainer. Vol. 8, no. 10. January 1990. p. 22.
  4. ^ a b Brooks, Andree (May 4, 1991). "Picking Out a Home Video Game System". The New York Times. p. 1-48. Retrieved December 24, 2015.
  5. ^ "NES Satellite". Nintendo-Magasinet. No. 1. Atlantic Förlags. January 1991. p. 7. ISSN 1101-5209.
  6. ^ "Nintendo Showcases New Games, Accessories". Computer Entertainer. Vol. 8, no. 3. June 1989. p. 9.
  7. ^ "Pak Watch: NES Satellite". Nintendo Power. Nintendo of America. July–August 1989. p. 87.
  8. ^ "NES Satellite". Nintendo Power. Nintendo of America. September–October 1989. p. 28.
  9. ^ "Up to Four Players with NES Satellite". Computer Entertainer. Vol. 8, no. 6. September 1989. p. 12.
  10. ^ "NES Satellite - Nerd Bacon Reviews". nerdbacon.com. 25 September 2014. Retrieved 2015-06-27.
  11. ^ "Nintendo and Licensees show huge number of new games". Computer Entertainer. Vol. 8, no. 10. January 1990. p. 11.