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Rocky Bergen

ARTIST & DESIGNER
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The AVS was Nintendo’s first concept for a western 8-bit console based off of the Famicom.

Nintendo AVS (1985 Prototype) - Papercraft Design

March 4, 2019

It's hard to imagine a time when Nintendo was not a household name but in 1985 the company was widely unknown to western audiences. The Nintendo Famicom had released in Japan almost two years earlier and took the country by storm. Looking to expand their successes in other markets Nintendo was looking to partner with a company to develop a Famicom for the west.

Nintendo had initially teamed up with gaming-giant Atari in 1984 to help develop and market the Nintendo’s console. Atari was not convinced that Nintendo could succeed and used this agreement to stall Nintendo's 8-bit development in North America while secretrly developing their own "next-generation" 8-bit console, the 7800.

Nintendo, desperate to find distribution partners, took their prototype to the 1985 Consumer’s Electronics Show (CES) in Las Vegas. This prototype was called the Nintendo Advanced Video System or AVS.

You can assemble your own free paper Nintendo AVS model which can be found at the end of this post.

“The evolution of a species is now complete.”

Nintendo marketed the AVS as an evolution in the gaming industry making reference to the law's of survival in the animal kingdom in their promotional materials. The AVS promised graphics that would appear three-dimensional, challenging gameplay and a system designed to fit in with existing hi-fi equipment. This system was no mere plaything - this was serious business.

“Introducing the Nintendo® Advanced Video System™.”

While internally not much different from the Japanese Famicom or the NES that would eventually be released, the AVS featured many accessories meant to make it feel more like a home computer than a games console. The game crash of 1983 had killed consumer confidence in game consoles and western hardware developers were looking for ways to revive the industry. Home computers were a rapidly growing market in the mid-80's, so it was common for computer companies at the time to boast the additional benefits of educational and productivity titles as an incentives to purchase a computer over a game console.

“It’s the only system you can buy with no strings attached.”

The AVS was intended to be a completely wireless device. One of the common complaints of games consoles in the 80's was the mess of wires that invaded living room. The joysticks, light gun, data recorder and keyboards were all connected to the system via an infrared connection. The only wires involved would be one to power the system and one to connect to the television. The idea being, by creating a completely wireless setup, the AVS would be easier for parents to clean around.

“It can play the best games.”

While not naming any names, Nintendo slyly compares their competition’s graphics to primitive cave paintings. The marketing of the AVS relies heavily on the idea that games would appear more dimensional through the use of colour, perspective and shadow. While these claims may seem a little grandiose in 2019, it was hard to argue that the graphics this new machine were a cut above what had been previously seen on any home console.

“It can play target games.”

The AVS light gun could be converted into a wand or pointing device similar to a Wii controller. This was the first time consumers were able to interact with their home televisions in this way. By converting from a gun to a wand, the controller’s functionality could be extended to a pointer, sword or wand-like device.

“It can create new games.”

The idea of going beyond a passive gaming experience was key to Nintendo’s marketing strategies for the AVS. For the first time ever on a home console you would be able to build you own courses in Excitebike and save them to your data recorder to play another day. Nintendo had recently released Famicom BASIC (and keyboard) in Japan and planned to bring it to the AVS with the promise of teaching you step-by-step how to code your own BASIC games for the system.

“It can even play music.”

The Famicom’s sound chip allowed for a wider range of audio than the competition at the time. By contrast to the AVS’s multi-channel audio, the new Atari 7800 system was still using the same tired sound chips Atari used in the 2600 back in 1977.

The Nintendo keyboard was playable without a connection the the AVS with its own built-in speaker and integrated sound chips. When connected to the AVS, the system could visualize the notes played and provide music lessons. The data recorder could be used to record and playback these sessions.

“Which is why 90% of the Japanese market won’t play anything else.”

Nintendo had a clear lead over Sega’s aging SG series. The Sega Mark III which came out later 1985 did little to interrupt Nintendo’s early 8-bit console dominance in Japan. Nintendo promised to take everything that had made the Famicom a success in Japan and make it even better for the western release. Nintendo had gone a bit crazy with accessories for the Famicom so they already had developed a keyboard, data recorder and Famicom BASIC, all of which would be enhanced for the west.

The AVS, the system we could have known.

When Nintendo released the Nintendo Entertainment System later that same year, most of the next-geneation bells and whistles were simplified or removed from the AVS prototype to focus on Nintendo’s core strength, its games. Instead of becoming an early multi-media catch-all, Nintendo went in the complete opposite direction and adopted a model of quality and simplicity. Nintendo chose to ignore the buzz that consumers wanted home computers and decided to create a console experience people would want.

At the end of the day it is hard to argue the success the NES had in North America and many parts of the world (UK gamers, I know, I know..) but I have to wonder what the market might look like today if the AVS had come to out as first envisioned. The biggest difference between a home computer and a home console in 1985 was its marketing. By limiting the user experience to playing games on the NES, Nintendo was able to build partnerships with many excellent developers and focus on creating high-quality, exclusive titles. It was the NES’s simplicity of use and selection of games that ultimately won back old consumers and helped grow the industry we know today.

Keyboard, Data Recorder, and Console - stacked with cover (front)

Keyboard, Data Recorder, and Console - stacked with cover (rear)

The AVS was stackable in order to save space in an entertainment system when not in use. A keyboard cover would sit on the top of the stack creating a clean appearance. Note the lack of external connections on the rear of the unit as all the connections would be made via RF. Both the keyboard and data recorder were battery powered.

Nintendo Basic

While Nintendo BASIC did not appear in Nintendo’s promotional materials, I mocked-up a few additional support items to help further imagine what AVS carts might have looked like.

Famicom carts mocked to match the NES cart colours and artwork seen on early releases.

The AVS zapper could be converted to a pointing device.

This papercraft is also transformable.

I think my paper models do a good job of connecting people with their personal nostalgia for computers in their past. I also feel that though the filter of paper, all of these fantastic machines becomes equally possible. Even though this machine only exists as a single prototype on display at Nintendo of America’s New York headquarters, you can now print out and exhibit your very own AVS.

If you liked this post please consider leaving a like (it makes me very happy) and follow me at @rockasoo on everything.

You can download the Nintendo AVS pattern here.

In Nintendo, papercraft, Prototype, Industrial Design, Design, art, videogame Tags NES, Nintendo, avs, prototype, papercraft, paperart, design, industrial design, Living Room

Nintendo GameCube - Family Portrait

Nintendo GameCube Papercraft

July 21, 2018

I was inspired to make my own GameCube Mini after hearing rumors about such a project being planned by Nintendo. While I remain skeptical that such a project is on Nintendo's short list, my new papercraft is free and available for download here.

As much as I like drawing computers from the 80's, the GameCube represented a welcomed departure for all that beige.

Indigo was the most common GameCube colour and the one I own.

Black and Indigo were the base-level GameCube models.

The Platinum GameCube was the system's premium configuration.

I think Nintendo knocked it out of the park with the simple and colourful design!

The Spice-coloured GameCube was exclusive to Japan.

GameCube Development Kits came in many colours including Emerald Blue.

Thanks for reading all the way to the end of the post. I make pixel art and other tech-related papercraft projects. Please check out a few posts just below for more.

If you would like to see more posts like this, consider leaving a like on this post it really encourages me to keep creating!

In art, Design, Industrial Design, Nintendo, paper craft, videogame Tags pattern, papercraft, paperart, Nintendo, GameCube, millenials, console, pepakura
Faux and Rockasoo with their two cats, Cheeseburger and Ezra.

Faux and Rockasoo with their two cats, Cheeseburger and Ezra.

My 8-Bit Future

February 24, 2018
The Living Room *ruffed* out. Bruce, the Blue Heeler, says hello.

The Living Room *ruffed* out. Bruce, the Blue Heeler, says hello.

Trying to distinguish feminine from masculine in 8-bits is a challenge.

Trying to distinguish feminine from masculine in 8-bits is a challenge.

Faux's trailer is the world map. The limitations of the NES will ultimately determine the level of detail I am able to give to this world.

Faux's trailer is the world map. The limitations of the NES will ultimately determine the level of detail I am able to give to this world.

NES 8-bit game design has always been on the bucket list. I am hoping NESmaker will be the key to giving it a go. Getting familiar with a different graphics mode is always exciting to me, and the opportunity to tell a meaningful story with an old Nintendo makes the whole prospect that much more attractive.

In Nintendo, Game Dev, Retro Tags 8-bit, Nintendo, NES, retro, game dev, pixel art
Final Mock-up of Super Mario Bros. 3 for the Commodore 64!

Final Mock-up of Super Mario Bros. 3 for the Commodore 64!

Retro Challenge 2016/10 - Day 31 - FINAL

October 31, 2016

It was a lot of had work but I have finally completed the Retro Challenger for 2016. It was a fun experience as always. Perhaps one day I will team up with a programmer and Super Mario will find another home on the Commodore.

But that'll be for another Challenge. Thanks a million for all the support!

In Commodore, Graphics, nintendo, Retro Tags super mario, mario, Nintendo, nes, commodore, C64, game dev, pixel art, retrochallenge
Some adjustments had to accommodate the wide pixels but I think this would be playable.

Some adjustments had to accommodate the wide pixels but I think this would be playable.

Retro Challenge 2016/10 - Day 29

October 29, 2016

Thought I was finished? So did I, well almost. The SMB3 experience would not be complete without the Battle Game which is a shout out to the original Mario Bros. game.

In Commodore, Industrial Design, Graphics, nintendo Tags mario, super mario, nes, Nintendo, C64, commodore, pixel art, game dev, retrochallenge
Mario kicks some Larry Koopa butt!

Mario kicks some Larry Koopa butt!

Retro Challenge 2016/10 - Day 27

October 27, 2016

I felt Canadian's in the 80's were quick to abandon old computer tech in favour of game consoles and eventually PCs. I was playing with my Commodore 64 for years after it had fallen out of favor. The 16-bit computer era practically passed us by. There is a lot of beauty wrapped up in limitation so I believe I will continue to appreciate what 8-bit and 16-bit system do.

In Commodore, Graphics, Retro Tags mario, super mario, nes, Nintendo, commodore, C64, pixel art, game dev, retrochallenge
Can Mario get past all the projectiles in one piece?

Can Mario get past all the projectiles in one piece?

Retro Challenge 2016/10 - Day 25

October 25, 2016

I remember playing Super Mario Bros 3 for the first time. I rented it from out Canadian Tire (CT rented out games in our small town). I remember it like it was yesterday. My younger sister and I sat in front of our television and were transfixed as we played through the whole experience. I always had similar times with the Commodore so it only seems fitting to pay tribute to two of my favourite systems.

In Commodore, Graphics, Retro, nintendo Tags C64, commodore, game dev, pixel art, mario, super mario, Nintendo, retrochallenge
If you can get enough coins, the Hammer Bro on the Map Screen will become a Coin Ship

If you can get enough coins, the Hammer Bro on the Map Screen will become a Coin Ship

Retro Challenge 2016/10 - Day 23

October 23, 2016

Mario reaches the final bonus stage before reaching the castle.

In Commodore, Graphics, nintendo Tags commodore, C64, Nintendo, nes, mario, super mario, pixel art, game dev, retrochallenge
Mario meets Toad once again in the second Mushroom House.

Mario meets Toad once again in the second Mushroom House.

Retro Challenge 2016/10 - Day 21

October 21, 2016

The leaf is green on the map screen and in the Mushroom Houses but red in the game. I wonder why this is?

In nintendo, Commodore, Graphics Tags commodore, Nintendo, c64, nes, mario, super mario, game dev, pixel art, retrochallenge
Mario defeats the the Hammer Bro to receive a Star.

Mario defeats the the Hammer Bro to receive a Star.

Retro Challenge 2016/10 - Day 19

October 19, 2016

The NES uses 2x2 tiles (16x16px) to define its world whereas my Commodore version uses 3x2 tiles (12x16px). This can make certain objects, like the rotating hammer especially challenging and interesting to translate.

In Commodore, Graphics, nintendo, Retro Tags nes, Nintendo, mario, super mario, commodore, C64, retrochallenge, pixel art, game dev
8 of the 9 memory card games puzzles solved

8 of the 9 memory card games puzzles solved

Retro Challenge 2016/10 - Day 17

October 17, 2016

Mario takes a break from stomping Goombas to play a card game with Toad.

In Commodore, Graphics, nintendo Tags retrochallenge, mario, super mario, nes, Nintendo, commodore, C64, pixel art, game dev
Mario has an encounter with a Koopa Troopa shell.

Mario has an encounter with a Koopa Troopa shell.

Retro Challenge 2016/10 - Day 14

October 14, 2016

World 1-6 represents the final numbered level in the Grass Lands. Do you remember all the other areas hidden in World 1? Stay tuned for the answer!

In Commodore, Graphics, nintendo Tags Nintendo, commodore, C64, nes, mario, super mario, retrochallenge, game dev, pixel art
Nothing can withstand Mario's powerful butt-slide.

Nothing can withstand Mario's powerful butt-slide.

Retro Challenge 2016/10 - Day 12

October 12, 2016

Mario goes spelunking, takes a dip, and flies into coin-filled clouds in World 1-5.

In Commodore, Graphics, nintendo Tags super mario, mario, retrochallenge, nes, Nintendo, commodore, C64, pixel art, game dev
Mario has made it to Boom Boom's fortress

Mario has made it to Boom Boom's fortress

Retro Challenge 2016/10 - Day 10

October 11, 2016

It is nice to see a change of palette as Mario braves this fire-filled fortress.

In nintendo, Commodore, Graphics Tags super mario, mario, commodore, retrochallenge, c64, game dev, pixel art, Nintendo, nes
I was always so bad at this!

I was always so bad at this!

Retro Challenge 2016/10 - Day 9

October 11, 2016

While I don't know if the Commodore can move this many pixels at once, the demoscene knows.

In Commodore, Graphics, nintendo Tags retrochallenge, C64, commodore, nes, Nintendo, mario, super mario, pixel art, game dev
Strange and wonderful things!

Strange and wonderful things!

Retro Challenge 2016/10 - Day 8

October 8, 2016

Mario has discovered another Mushroom House, this one more secret than last.

In Commodore, Graphics, nintendo Tags retrochallenge, commodore, C64, nes, Nintendo, mario, super mario, pixel art, game dev
First auto-scrolling level of the game.

First auto-scrolling level of the game.

Retro Challenge 2016/10 - Day 7

October 7, 2016

This level focuses on platforms and brick assets. Mario receives his first 5-up of the game.

In Commodore, Graphics, nintendo Tags retrochallenge, commodore, C64, Nintendo, nes, mario, super mario, pixel art, game dev
Only basic power-ups are available in Mushroom House 1.

Only basic power-ups are available in Mushroom House 1.

Retro Challenge 2016/10 - Day 6

October 6, 2016

Today's entry represents a well deserved break for both Mario and myself.

In Commodore, Graphics, nintendo Tags retrochallenge, commodore, C64, nes, Nintendo, mario, super mario, game dev, pixel art
World 1-3 - Highlights

World 1-3 - Highlights

Retro Challenge 2016/10 - Day 5

October 5, 2016

Mario soars to new heights and goes behind the scenes to find a big surprise. Well it was to me, once upon a time.

In Commodore, Graphics, nintendo Tags retrochallenge, C64, commodore, Nintendo, nes, mario, super mario, pixel art, game dev
World 1-2 Highlights

World 1-2 Highlights

Retro Challenge 2016/10 - Day 4

October 4, 2016

There are a few unique elevations on these hills. It was a bit confusing at first but eventually I figured it out.

Tags retrochallenge, commodore, C64, NES, Nintendo, mario, super mario, pixel art, game dev
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