Family Computer Network System
Famicom with modem | |
| Developer | Nintendo |
|---|---|
| Type | modem peripheral |
| Generation | Third generation |
| Released |
|
| Lifespan | 3 years |
| Discontinued |
|
| Units shipped | 130,000 |
| Removable storage | ROM card |
| Controller input | Famicom controller with numeric keypad |
| Connectivity | Dial-up modem |
| Online services | Nomura Securities |
| Best-selling game | Betting on horse racing |
| Predecessor | Cartridge, Disk Fax kiosks |
| Successor | Satellaview |
| Related | 64DD |
The Family Computer Network System (Japanese: ファミリーコンピュータ ネットワークシステム, Hepburn: Famirī Konpyūta Nettowāku Shisutemu), also known as the Famicom Net System and Famicom Modem, is a peripheral for Nintendo's Family Computer video game console, and was released in September 1988 only in Japan. Predating the modern Internet, its proprietary dial-up information service accessed live stock trades, video game cheats, jokes, weather forecasts, betting on horse racing, and a small amount of downloadable content. The device uses a ROM card storage format, reminiscent to the HuCard for the TurboGrafx-16 and the Sega Card for the Master System.
Nintendo gained experience with this endeavor which led directly to its satellite based Satellaview network for the Super Famicom in the early 1990s.