The original Nintendo Entertainment System uses a 72-pin proprietary cartridge slot and outputs composite video and mono audio from two RCA jacks on the side, plus RF on the rear. On a modern TV, use the composite jacks — the RF output produces muddy, dim picture quality that wastes the NES's actual capabilities. The two controller ports on the front accept standard NES controllers or a four-player multitap for local multiplayer gaming. Here's the complete port breakdown.
Device Information
- Manufacturer
- Nintendo
- Release Year
- 1985
- Model Number
- NES-001
- Category
- Gaming Console
Source: manufacturer product page · Last updated: · How we verify port data →
Available Ports
| Connector | Quantity | Power (PD) | Capabilities | Label | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Composite Video (RCA) | 1 | — | — | Composite Video Out (side) | Yellow RCA jack for composite video output. |
| RCA Audio (Mono) | 1 | — | — | Audio Out (Mono) (side) | White/red RCA jack for mono audio output. |
| RF Antenna Input (Coaxial) | 1 | — | — | RF Out (rear) | RF modulator output for antenna/coax TV connection via included RF switch box. |
| NES Controller Port | 2 | — | — | Controller Port (front) | 7-pin connector for NES controllers and accessories (Zapper, R.O.B., Power Pad). |
| NES Expansion Port | 1 | — | — | Expansion Port (bottom) | 48-pin expansion connector. Rarely used – supported Famicom-to-NES adapters and some third-party devices. |
Notes & Compatibility
North American version of Famicom. Front-loading Zero Insertion Force (ZIF) cartridge slot prone to connector wear (‘blinking red light’ issue). 72-pin cartridge connector (vs Famicom’s 60-pin). 10NES lockout chip for licensed game authentication. Composite AV output with mono audio and RF output. Expansion port on bottom rarely used commercially. No S-Video or RGB from the factory; an internal NESRGB mod adds both. On a modern TV, the composite jacks into a composite-to-HDMI converter beat RF. The audio jack is mono, so one RCA plug into a stereo input plays from one speaker; a Y-splitter feeds both channels.
Common questions
How many ports does the Nintendo Entertainment System (NES, 1985) have?
The Nintendo Entertainment System (NES, 1985) has 6 ports in total: 1 × Composite Video (RCA), 1 × RCA Audio (Mono), 1 × RF Antenna Input (Coaxial), 2 × NES Controller Port and 1 × NES Expansion Port.
What kinds of ports does the Nintendo Entertainment System (NES, 1985) have?
By connector family, the Nintendo Entertainment System (NES, 1985) has 3 Proprietary, 2 Video (Legacy) and 1 Audio.
What video connections does the Nintendo Entertainment System (NES, 1985) have?
The Nintendo Entertainment System (NES, 1985) has 2 ports that can carry video: 1 × Composite Video (RCA) and 1 × RF Antenna Input (Coaxial).
Does the Nintendo Entertainment System (NES, 1985) have HDMI?
No. The Nintendo Entertainment System (NES, 1985) has no HDMI port. It does carry video over 1 × Composite Video (RCA) and 1 × RF Antenna Input (Coaxial).
Does the Nintendo Entertainment System (NES, 1985) have a headphone jack?
No. The Nintendo Entertainment System (NES, 1985) has no 3.5 mm headphone jack. Its audio connections are 1 × RCA Audio (Mono) and 1 × RF Antenna Input (Coaxial).