What Color Was the Original North American NES Console?

The original North American Nintendo Entertainment System is iconic for its distinct gray boxy design. This article explores the specific color scheme of the launch model, detailing the shades of gray, black, and red that defined the hardware. It also touches on why this design was chosen compared to the Japanese counterpart and how it evolved during the system’s lifespan.

The Iconic Gray Box Design

When Nintendo launched the console in North America in 1985, they deliberately moved away from the bright red and white color scheme of the Japanese Famicom. The original model, known as the NES-001, featured a light gray plastic body. This was accented by a dark gray or black trim along the front and sides. The design was intended to resemble a VCR or other home electronics of the era, making it more appealing to American retailers and parents who were wary of video game toys following the 1983 crash.

Distinctive Button Colors

While the body was predominantly gray, the controller ports and power controls introduced bold contrasting colors. The power button and the reset button were a bright, vibrant red. This splash of color became a signature element of the hardware. The controllers themselves followed the gray theme, featuring a light gray body with black directional pads and select/start buttons, along with red A and B buttons.

Differences in Later Models

It is important to distinguish the original launch console from the later redesign. In 1993, Nintendo released the NES-101, often referred to as the “top loader.” This newer model maintained a gray color scheme but was significantly smaller and featured a darker, more uniform gray plastic without the black trim of the original. However, when collectors and historians refer to the original North American NES, they are referencing the large gray box with the black accents and red buttons released in the mid-1980s.

Conclusion

The original North American NES console was primarily light gray with black trim and red buttons. This specific color palette helped differentiate it from previous game consoles and positioned it as a sophisticated entertainment system. The gray design remains one of the most recognizable industrial design choices in video game history.