Path: utzoo!utgpu!news-server.csri.toronto.edu!cs.utexas.edu!rice!uw-beaver!fluke!kurt From: kurt@tc.fluke.COM (Kurt Guntheroth) Newsgroups: comp.misc Subject: Re: HELP: programming Nintendo's Message-ID: <1990Jul17.154712.18961@tc.fluke.COM> Date: 17 Jul 90 15:47:12 GMT References: <4035@celery20.UUCP> <538@telxon.UUCP> Distribution: na Organization: John Fluke Mfg. Co., Inc., Everett, WA Lines: 17 1. Yes, the Nintendo is a 6502. There was an article in Byte about 18 months ago comparing the Nintendo, Sega, and another (NEC?) system in terms of processor, graphics modes, etc. 2. The Nintendo features an unusual connection between the game cartridge and the system. It is patented, and Nintendo has been vigorous about defending its patent rights. They use this to effectively limit competition in the lucretive software game, and to discourage everybody with a ROM blaster from making copies like they did with Atari cartridges. Although Nintendo permits third parties to develop software, the hefty licensing fee they charge for use of their connection has discouraged pretty much everybody. There was a lawsuit brought by Atari to force them to lower their license fees, but I don't know its status. I wouldn't consider a career writing games for the nintendo unless I wanted to move to Japan and work for them; something which Americans usually find unenjoyable.