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CPU
A custom central processing unit known as the 5A22, produced by Ricoh for Nintendo, handles the main computing for the Super Nintendo. Based on the 65C816 16-bit core manufactured by Western Design Center, this chip uses variable bus rates of 3.58 MHz, 2.68 MHz and 1.79 MHz depending on the memory needs of each instruction cycle that the chip receives. The 5A22 features direct memory access with eight independent channels that can transfer data at speeds of up to 2.68 megabytes per second. I/O circuitry is also included on the chip as well as a 16-bit multiplication and division unit.
Memory
Like many more modern computer components, the audio and video processing units in the Super Nintendo have their own devoted RAM. But the system also employs 128 KB of dynamic random access memory (DRAM).
Graphics
With 64 KB of devoted video random access memory, the Super Nintendo's picture processing unit operates at the same clock speed as the CPU, generating up to 32,768 colors -- 256 of which can be on the screen at any one time. Video is output either progressively or interlaced, based on the required resolution, up to 512 by 478 pixels. Sprites, movable blocks of pixels, created by the PPU must be between 8 by 8 and 64 by 64 pixels in size, with a maximum of 128 sprites per screen and 32 sprites per line. Video is output through the Super Nintendo's "Multi-out" port and separated into green, blue, red and composite analog outputs.
Audio
At the center of the Super Nintendo's audio processing unit is an 8-bit Sony SPC700 processor operating at 1.024 MHz and 64 kilobytes of static random access memory. This unit communicates with the CPU through four ports and produces eight-channel audio. All audio is routed through the same "Multi-out" port, divided into left and right "Audio out" pins.
Input
In addition to the included controllers, many input devices work with the Super Nintendo, including joypads, mice and gunlike controllers, and use the same seven-port input configuration.
Game Cartridges
Using a complex regional lockout system, Nintendo made sure that game cartridges released in the United States stayed in the United States and vice versa. In addition to their different shapes, game released in the US and abroad are checked with an internal regional lockout chip that prevents modified cartridges from working overseas.
Versions
Essentially the same internally as the Super Nintendo, Japanese gamers received Nintendo's first 16-bit system ahead of U.S. gamers with the November 1990 release of the Super Famicon. Europe didn't get a taste of 16-bit gaming until it received the restyled Super Nintendo in June 1992. A second version of the SNES, the SNS-101 or SNES 2, which was a smaller version of the system, was released to U.S. and Japanese gamers in 1997.
Physical Characteristics
Measuring approximately 9.5 inches by 8 inches by 3 inches tall, the boxy purple and gray Super Nintendo sits on four rubberized feet. Two sliding switches labeled "Power" and "Reset" are mounted atop the unit, forward of the game cartridge port. On the back of the unit are the "Power," "RF connector" and "Multi-out" ports.