Sharp Twin Famicom
Type Console Developer Sharp Corporation
Release Date 01-Jul-86 Region(s) Japan
Initial Price $299 USD Games Released Famicom (1,040+), Famicom Disk Cards (220+)
  1. History & Reviews
  2. Models & Clones
  3. Console Ratings
  4. Specs & Manuals
  5. Other Media
  6. Web Resources
DW FACTS
     by Dark Watcher
The Twin Famicom from Sharp was released around 1986 in Japan as a product licensed by Nintendo.  It was basically a combination Nintendo Famicom and Family Computer Disk System.  The console was released in two versions (2 models each), which are nearly identical.  The 505 series feature longer controller cords, a rapid fire function built into the controllers and a power LED mounted into the power button (thanks Frank!).

The console shared the same successes as both single units, but was also suddenly killed in 1988 when Nintendo literally took them off the shelves due to rampant illegal copying of game disks.  With the combined library of 180 disk games, and the enormous amount of carts released, this console was definitely a keeper.  It was never released outside of Japan and sold for 32,000 Yen.
MODELS
     Officially licensed releases
Sharp Twin Famicom AN-500R
 		Sharp Twin Famicom AN-500B
Sharp Twin Famicom AN-505-RD
 		Sharp Twin Famicom AN-505-BK
CLONES
     Non-licensed hardware releases
No clones were released for this system.
CONSOLE RATINGS
     by 98PaceCar
Consoles are rated based upon the available technology at the time of its release.  A 10 point scale is utilized, with 10 being excellent.

CRITERIA RATING NOTES & COMMENTS
Console Design 06 Having a Famicom with a built in Famicom Disk Drive should be a great way to cover your Famicom needs, but short controller cords and a larger footprint than a normal Famicom with the drive attached detracts from an otherwise very attractively designed package.
Console Durability 06 Just like the normal Famicom Disk, the Sharp Twin is susceptible to the band not eh drive breaking.  Outside of this, the console seems sturdy.
Controllers 06 The controllers for the Sharp Twin are almost as good as the stock Famicom controllers, but short cables make them a bit uncomfortable to use.
Graphics 07 The whole of the Famicom library can be played on the Sharp Twin.  This gives the player access to some amazingly good graphics.
Audio 08 Some of the games available pumped out very memorable tunes that still stand up to game music of today.  The Sharp Twin is just as capable as the Famicom in this regard.
Media 08 Famicom carts are well built and seem to be in generally good shape when you find them.  Smaller than NES carts, I think they are more attractive and interesting.
Game Library 09 There are too many great games on the Famicom to list.  Everybody should spend some time with the library at some point in their gaming career.
Gamer Value 05 The Sharp Twin can cover your Famicom needs in a single box with a single AC adaptor which is nice, but it suffers from the same typical failure as the Famicom Disk.  It's usually possible to get a base Famicom and Famicom Disk for less than the cost of a Sharp Twin, making it hard to recommend for a gamer.
Collector Value 07 The Sharp Twin is certainly more uncommon than a normal Famicom, which adds some value to the collector.  For the Famicom collector, the Sharp Twin is a must own.
SPECS & MANUALS
     For the hardware enthusiasts out there - all the detail you\we love.
Processor Type  Processor Speed  Other Processor Information RAM \ Video RAM
Ricoh 2A03 (modified 6502) 1.79 MHz Ricoh RP2C02 PPU (5.37 MHz) 2 KB (34 KB in FDS Mode) \
2 KB (10 KB in FDS Mode)
Screen Resolution Color Palette Polygons \ Sprites Audio
256 x 240 54 (25 at one given time) 64 sprites 5 channel (two square wave, one triangle, one noise, one  PCM)
Media Format Media Capacity Games Released Other Supported Formats
Cartridge \ Famicom Disk Card Varies Famicom (1,040+), Famicom Disk Cards (220+) None
Internal Storage External \ Removable Storage Game Controllers Other Game \ Peripheral Devices
None Via FDS Disk Cards D-Pad, 2 Action Buttons, Start \ Select buttons None
Controller Ports Network Ports Other Ports Audio \ Video
Two (2) hardwired None Expansion Port RF, Composite
Power Supply - External Other Outputs  Other Details \ Notes
Input: AC 100V, 50\60Hz, 21 VA
Output: DC 7.6V, 1.25a - C +		 None Cassette \ Disk switch
Manuals
Not available.  Can you help us out?  You will definitely receive full credit for your contribution.  Email MG@videogameconsolelibrary.com.
OTHER MEDIA
     Peripherals, Promotions, Commercials, Brochures, Etc.
Sharp Twin Famicom Television Commercial & System Start Up
Sharp Twin Famicom Advertisements
WEB RESOURCES
     Highly recommended websites for this system
Video Games are Rad

Nice review from a retro gaming collector		 Classic Gaming by Kusoge

Belt replacement and other details		 Famicom Dojo

Details and some videos
DISCUSS
     Visitor insights and feedback
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