NES Advantage
Encyclopedia
The NES Advantage is an arcade style controller
released by Nintendo
for the Nintendo Entertainment System
in 1987. The device is meant to rest on a flat surface at a comfortable level, such as a tabletop or the floor, with the player seated behind it. This way, it could be used like an arcade game
joystick
—with the left hand using the joystick and the right hand operating the buttons.
controls for the A and B buttons which could be toggled on or off with a button; users can adjust the rate of the turbo (i.e., how quickly the A or B button is pressed) by adjusting the respective turbo dials located above both buttons.
It features a pseudo–slow motion
feature in which users can toggle on and off by pressing the "slow" button. However, the slow motion feature does not work with all games, and it does not work with games compatible with the NES Zapper
or R.O.B.
. The slow button works by very rapidly pressing the start button, which could lead to problems when the player attempts to do an action while the game (e.g., jumping or firing). This feature was not compatible with games with start menus or pause screens. The slow motion feature was unique at release, though it became a popular feature on later controllers.
The device has two wires to plug into both controller ports. By toggling a switch between "Player 1" and "Player 2", the Advantage can be shared with another player for games where two players alternate gameplay.
, an NES Advantage was used to control the Statue of Liberty.
Arcade style controller
An arcade controller is a collective set of input devices designed primarily for use in an arcade cabinet. A typical control set consists of a joystick and a number of push-buttons. Less common setups include devices such as trackballs or steering wheels...
released by Nintendo
Nintendo
is a multinational corporation located in Kyoto, Japan. Founded on September 23, 1889 by Fusajiro Yamauchi, it produced handmade hanafuda cards. By 1963, the company had tried several small niche businesses, such as a cab company and a love hotel....
for the Nintendo Entertainment System
Nintendo Entertainment System
The Nintendo Entertainment System is an 8-bit video game console that was released by Nintendo in North America during 1985, in Europe during 1986 and Australia in 1987...
in 1987. The device is meant to rest on a flat surface at a comfortable level, such as a tabletop or the floor, with the player seated behind it. This way, it could be used like an arcade game
Arcade game
An arcade game is a coin-operated entertainment machine, usually installed in public businesses such as restaurants, bars, and amusement arcades. Most arcade games are video games, pinball machines, electro-mechanical games, redemption games, and merchandisers...
joystick
Joystick
A joystick is an input device consisting of a stick that pivots on a base and reports its angle or direction to the device it is controlling. Joysticks, also known as 'control columns', are the principal control in the cockpit of many civilian and military aircraft, either as a center stick or...
—with the left hand using the joystick and the right hand operating the buttons.
Design
The NES Advantage features adjustable turboTurbo button
A turbo button refers to a button on a piece of electronic equipment, which makes the equipment run faster in some way. Although the name is based on that of a forced induction air compressor which makes a car go faster, automotive turbochargers are not manually operated, but are directly linked...
controls for the A and B buttons which could be toggled on or off with a button; users can adjust the rate of the turbo (i.e., how quickly the A or B button is pressed) by adjusting the respective turbo dials located above both buttons.
It features a pseudo–slow motion
Slow motion
Slow motion is an effect in film-making whereby time appears to be slowed down. It was invented by the Austrian priest August Musger....
feature in which users can toggle on and off by pressing the "slow" button. However, the slow motion feature does not work with all games, and it does not work with games compatible with the NES Zapper
NES Zapper
The NES Zapper, also known as the Beam Gun in Japan, is an electronic light gun accessory for the Nintendo Entertainment System and the Japanese Famicom. It was released in Japan for the Famicom on and alongside the launch of the NES in North America in October 1985...
or R.O.B.
R.O.B.
R.O.B. , released in Japan as the , is an accessory for the Nintendo Entertainment System. It was released in July 1985 in Japan and later that year in North America. It had a short product lifespan, with support for only two games which comprised the "Robot Series"; Gyromite and Stack-Up. R.O.B...
. The slow button works by very rapidly pressing the start button, which could lead to problems when the player attempts to do an action while the game (e.g., jumping or firing). This feature was not compatible with games with start menus or pause screens. The slow motion feature was unique at release, though it became a popular feature on later controllers.
The device has two wires to plug into both controller ports. By toggling a switch between "Player 1" and "Player 2", the Advantage can be shared with another player for games where two players alternate gameplay.
In pop culture
In the film Ghostbusters IIGhostbusters II
Ghostbusters II is a 1989 science fiction comedy film produced and directed by Ivan Reitman. It is the sequel to the 1984 film Ghostbusters and follows the further adventures of a group of parapsychologists and their organization which combats paranormal activities...
, an NES Advantage was used to control the Statue of Liberty.