Nintendo AV Famicom (New Famicom, 1993)

The redesigned AV Famicom adds proper composite video output to Japan's Famicom, replacing the RF-only connector on the original model. The detachable controllers and superior video quality made this the preferred retro way to play Famicom games before HDMI adapters became common. The cartridge slot remains a top-loader, and power consumption stays around 3.6W. Below is the full connector layout.

Device Information

Manufacturer
Nintendo
Release Year
1993
Model Number
HVC-101
Category
Gaming Console

Available Ports

Connector Quantity Power (PD) Capabilities Label Notes
Nintendo AV Multi Out 1 — — AV Multi Out (Composite + Mono Audio) (rear) Nintendo AV Multi Out, the same socket as the Super Famicom and SNES. Carries composite video and mono audio only: no S-Video or RGB. Superior to RF output of original Famicom.
Famicom Controller Port 2 — — Controller Port (front) Detachable controller ports (unlike original Famicom). Uses NES-style connector.

Notes & Compatibility

Japanese market redesign also called ‘New Famicom’ or ‘AV Famicom’. Composite video and mono audio through the Nintendo AV Multi Out, the same socket as the Super Famicom (significant improvement over RF). Detachable controllers using standard NES-style ports (unlike original Famicom’s hardwired controllers). Top-loading 60-pin cartridge slot. Retains Famicom game compatibility. No expansion port. Superior video quality to both original Famicom and NES-101. An SNES or Super Famicom composite Multi Out cable fits; S-Video and RGB versions add nothing, since the console outputs neither. On a modern TV, feed the composite plug into a composite-to-HDMI converter.