View source for NES Zapper

{{short description|Video game light gun accessory}}
{{Use mdy dates|date=July 2024}}
{{Distinguish|Wii Zapper}}
{{Infobox computing device
| name = Zapper
| codename = 
| aka = 
| logo = 
| image = Nintendo-Entertainment-System-NES-Zapper-Gray-L.jpg
| caption = The Zapper's original design
| developer = [[Nintendo]]
| manufacturer = 
| family = 
| type = [[Light gun]]
| generation = [[Third generation of video game consoles|Third generation]]
| release date = {{Vgrelease|JP|February 18, 1984}} {{Vgrelease|NA|October 18, 1985}}
| retail availability = 
| lifespan = 1984~1998
| price = 
| discontinued = October 21, 1998
| units sold = 
| units shipped = 
| media = 
| os = 
| power = 
| soc = 
| cpu = 
| memory = 
| storage = 
| memory card = 
| display = 
| graphics = 
| sound = 
| input = 
| controllers = 
| camera = 
| touchpad = 
| connectivity = Cable
| currentfw = 
| platform = [[Nintendo Entertainment System]]
| service = 
| dimensions = 
| weight = 
| topgame = ''[[Duck Hunt]]''
| compatibility = 
| predecessor = Video Shooting Series light gun for [[Famicom]]
| successor = [[Super Scope]]
| related = 
| marketing_target = [[Toy]], then [[video game]]
| website = 
| language = 
| model_no = NES-005
}}
The '''Zapper''' is an electronic [[light gun]] accessory launched within the [[Nintendo Entertainment System]] (NES) in North America on October 18, 1985. It is a cosmetic redesign by [[Nintendo of America]]'s head designer Lance Barr, based on [[Gunpei Yokoi]]'s {{Nihongo|'''Video Shooting Series light gun'''|光線銃シリーズガン}}, which had been released in Japan for the [[Famicom]] on February 18, 1984. The Zapper requires compatible NES games, such as ''[[Duck Hunt]]'', ''[[Wild Gunman]]'', ''[[Gumshoe (video game)|Gumshoe]]'', and ''[[Hogan's Alley (video game)|Hogan's Alley]]''. Its internal optical sensor allows the player to aim at a television set and accurately shoot at in-game targets.

The Zapper bridged Nintendo's existing library of hit arcade [[light-gun shooter]] games into the NES's launch library. As distinct toys, the Zapper and [[R.O.B.]] (Robotic Operating Buddy) were key to the [[History of the Nintendo Entertainment System#1985: Redesign as the Nintendo Entertainment System|identity of the NES bundle]], for positioning the [[History of the Nintendo Entertainment System#1985–1986: North American launch|NES's 1985–1986 launch into the North American toy market]] instead of into the [[video game crash of 1983|crashed video game market]].

==Design==
[[File:Nintendo-Entertainment-System-NES-Zapper-Orange-L.jpg|thumb|The orange design that was released in 1989]]
The Video Shooting Series light gun was designed for [[Famicom]] by [[Gunpei Yokoi]] and [[Satoru Okada]] of [[Nintendo R&D1]],{{citation needed|date=January 2021}} modeled realistically after a [[revolver]].<ref name="FW">{{cite web |title=Video Shooting Series Light Gun |url=https://famicomworld.com/system/controllers/video-shooting-series-light-gun/ |website=Famicom World |quote=And before the NES Zapper light gun, Nintendo released its first official video game light gun called the Video Shooting Series light gun, fashioned like an old West revolver. |access-date=December 15, 2020 |archive-date=July 30, 2010 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100730084905/https://famicomworld.com/system/controllers/video-shooting-series-light-gun/ |url-status=live }}</ref> Its technology was based on the light gun toy used in Nintendo Beam Gun toy line, which in turn was based on the [[Colt Single Action Army]] [[revolver]].{{citation needed|date=July 2024}} The Video Shooting Series light gun is a [[double-action revolver]] with a moving hammer, which is automatically fired with a loud bang when the trigger is pulled without needing to cock the hammer.<ref name="FW"/> 

In North America, it was redesigned as the Zapper by [[Nintendo of America]]'s head designer Lance Barr, to match the NES's color scheme and to resemble a futuristic [[science fiction]] [[ray gun]].{{citation needed|date=January 2021}} It has a dark gray barrel and grip. In 1988, the Federal Toy Gun Law required that [[toy gun]]s be distinct from real guns,<ref name="Difficult">{{cite news |last1=Bishop |first1=Katherine |title=IDEAS & TRENDS; Legislators Find Even Fake Guns Difficult to Control |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1988/10/16/weekinreview/ideas-trends-legislators-find-even-fake-guns-difficult-to.html |access-date=January 22, 2022 |work=The New York Times |date=October 16, 1988 |page=7 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230404104039/https://www.nytimes.com/1988/10/16/weekinreview/ideas-trends-legislators-find-even-fake-guns-difficult-to.html |archive-date=April 4, 2023 |url-status=live}}</ref><ref name="Shootings">{{cite news |last1=Strom |first1=Stephanie |title=Shootings Lead Chain to Ban Toy Guns |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1994/10/15/business/shootings-lead-chain-to-ban-toy-guns.html |access-date=July 27, 2019 |work=The New York Times |date=October 15, 1994 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150526103841/http://www.nytimes.com/1994/10/15/business/shootings-lead-chain-to-ban-toy-guns.html |archive-date=May 26, 2015 |url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{Uscsub|15|5001}}</ref> so a revised Zapper with an orange barrel and grip was released in 1989.<ref name="Zapper Manual 1989">{{cite book |title=Zapper Manual 1989 |date=1989 |publisher=[[Nintendo of America]] |location=Redmond, Washington |url=https://www.digitpress.com/library/manuals/nes/Zapper%20(1989).pdf |access-date=July 3, 2021 |archive-date=October 23, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211023130759/https://www.digitpress.com/library/manuals/nes/Zapper%20(1989).pdf |url-status=live }}</ref>

==History==
{{Further|History of the Nintendo Entertainment System}}
The Video Shooting Series light gun was released for [[Famicom]] in Japan on February 18, 1984,<ref name="HighScore">{{cite book|last1=DeMaria|first1=Rusel|last2=Wilson|first2=Johnny L.|title=High Score! The Illustrated History of Electronic Games|page=232|year=2002|publisher=McGraw-Hill Professional|isbn=0-07-222428-2 | oclc=49981901 | url=https://archive.org/details/highscoreillustr0000dema | access-date=July 15, 2024}}</ref> bundled with ''[[Wild Gunman]]'',<ref name="HighScore" /> and a holster accessory was released.<ref name="FW"/>

===North America===
[[File:Nintendo Advanced Video System (retouched).jpg|thumb|The prototype Advanced Video System and its accessories, including a wireless light gun]]
In January 1985, at the Winter [[Consumer Electronics Show]] (CES), [[Nintendo of America]] presented the [[Advanced Video System]], a prototype American redesign of the Famicom, which was pitched as a high-end piece of consumer electronics.<ref name="VGHF">{{cite web |last1=Cifaldi |first1=Frank |title=The NES Launch Collection |url=https://gamehistory.org/nes-launch-collection-1985/ |website=Video Game History Foundation |access-date=July 13, 2024 |date=February 27, 2017 |archive-date=July 21, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220721182321/https://gamehistory.org/nes-launch-collection-1985/ |url-status=live }}</ref> Its bundle of wireless peripherals includes a computer keyboard, music keyboard, and a combination light wand and gun.<ref>Nintendo Advanced Video System Winter 1985 CES brochure. "We also make lots of other wireless peripherals for the Advanced Video System. Like a joystick. A combination light wand and gun. A data recorder. Even a keyboard. In fact, the only wires you'll find are the two cords that plug the cartridge into the wall and into your television."</ref><ref name="Ultimate History">{{cite book |last=Kent |first=Steven L. |author-link=Steven L. Kent |title=The Ultimate History of Video Games: The Story Behind the Craze that Touched our Lives and Changed the World |year=2001 |publisher=[[Three Rivers Press]] |location=Roseville, California |isbn=0-7615-3643-4 |url=https://archive.org/details/ultimatehistoryo0000kent/mode/2up |pages=286–297}}</ref> The "combination light wand and gun" has an adjustable handle for either mode.<ref>Nintendo Advanced Video System Winter 1985 CES brochure. "And because of a unique light sensor built into the cordless wand/gun, playing is as simple as pointing and shooting. It even has a two-position handle so you can use it as either a target gun or pointing wand."</ref> However, North American retailers were still apprehensive to re-enter the video game market after the [[video game crash of 1983]],<ref name="In Their Words">{{cite web |last1=Cifaldi |first1=Frank |title=In Their Words: Remembering the Launch of the Nintendo Entertainment System |url=https://www.ign.com/articles/2015/10/19/in-their-words-remembering-the-launch-of-the-nintendo-entertainment-system |website=IGN |date=October 19, 2015 |access-date=July 13, 2024 |archive-date=July 2, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190702083259/https://www.ign.com/articles/2015/10/19/in-their-words-remembering-the-launch-of-the-nintendo-entertainment-system |url-status=live }}</ref> placing no orders.<ref name="Ultimate History"/>

After the poor reception at the Consumer Electronics Show, Nintendo revised its marketing strategy to avoid the crashed video game market in favor of the toy market, [[History of the Nintendo Entertainment System#1985: Redesign as the Nintendo Entertainment System|redesigning it as the Nintendo Entertainment System]]. Expensive wireless technology was abandoned,<ref>{{cite news |last1=Dodd |first1=Randall |title=Nintendo system tried to walk line between game and computer |url=https://infoweb.newsbank.com/apps/news/openurl?ctx_ver=z39.88-2004&rft_id=info%3Asid/infoweb.newsbank.com&svc_dat=WORLDNEWS&req_dat=C12EB6BE1393489FA580F5880B8B058E&rft_val_format=info%3Aofi/fmt%3Akev%3Amtx%3Actx&rft_dat=document_id%3Anews%252F0EB531CB4740DC75 |work=[[The Seattle Times]] |date=April 13, 1986 |page=K6 |via=[[NewsBank]]}}</ref> and the light gun and wand became the wired Zapper. The NES ports of Nintendo's existing hit arcade games ''[[Duck Hunt]]'' and ''[[Hogan's Alley (video game)|Hogan's Alley]]'' were used to position the NES as a [[gun game]] instead of a video game system, and [[Nintendo Research & Development 1]] developed the [[R.O.B.]] (Robotic Operating Buddy) accessory toy.<ref name="Ultimate History"/> On October 18, 1985, the NES was [[History of the Nintendo Entertainment System#1985–1986: North American launch|launched in the New York City test market]],<ref name="wired">{{cite web |url=https://www.wired.com/2010/10/1018nintendo-nes-launches/ |title=Oct. 18, 1985: Nintendo Entertainment System Launches |date=October 18, 2010 |magazine=[[Wired (magazine)|WIRED]] |access-date=July 13, 2024 |last1=Kohler |first1=Chris |archive-date=November 26, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201126134701/https://www.wired.com/2010/10/1018nintendo-nes-launches/ |url-status=live}}</ref><ref name="Ultimate History"/> bundled with the Control Deck, Zapper, R.O.B., two controllers, ''[[Duck Hunt]]'', and ''[[Gyromite]]''.<ref name="Ultimate History"/> After successful launch in New York, the NES was gradually rolled out to other major markets in the United States, starting with Los Angeles in February 1986 and followed by other major American cities,<ref name="CEJanuary86">{{cite magazine |magazine=[[Computer Entertainer]] |title=Nintendo's Market to Expand |date=January 1986 |volume=4 |issue=10 |via=[[Internet Archive]] |url=https://archive.org/details/computer-entertainer-4-10/page/n1/mode/2up |page=3 |access-date=July 16, 2024}}</ref><ref name="CEFebruary96">{{cite magazine |magazine=[[Computer Entertainer]] |title=Nintendo Update |date=February 1986 |volume=4 |issue=11 |via=[[Internet Archive]] |url=https://archive.org/details/computer-entertainer-4-11/page/n11/mode/2up |page=13 |access-date=July 16, 2024}}</ref> culminating in the nationwide launch in July 1986.<ref name="CEJuly96">{{cite magazine |magazine=[[Computer Entertainer]] |title=Nintendo Goes National |date=July 1986 |volume=5 |issue=4 |via=[[Internet Archive]] |url=https://archive.org/details/computer-entertainer-5-4/page/12/mode/2up |page=12 |access-date=July 16, 2024}}</ref>

In June 1986, the original launch bundle was rebranded as the Deluxe Set, and a cheaper bundle was launched with two controllers and ''[[Super Mario Bros.]]'' Now no longer bundled with every system, the Zapper and R.O.B. were made available for individual sale.<ref name="CEJune86">{{cite magazine |title=New Way to Buy Nintendo System |url=https://archive.org/details/computer-entertainer-5-3/page/12/mode/2up |magazine=[[Computer Entertainer]] |volume=5 |issue=3 |via=[[Internet Archive]] |date=June 1986 |page=13}}</ref> In January 1988, at the Winter CES, the orange Zapper revision was announced (as had been required by the Federal Toy Gun Law of 1987<ref name="Difficult"/><ref name="Shootings"/>) within the new Action Set bundle of the NES. Also announced was the third-party Zapper game ''[[Freedom Force (1988 video game)|Freedom Force]]''.<ref name="CEJan88">{{cite magazine | magazine=[[Computer Entertainer]] | title=Nintendo Makes Big Impression at CES | date=January 1988 | volume=6 | issue=10 | via=[[Internet Archive]] | url=https://archive.org/details/computer-entertainer-6-10/page/n9/mode/2up | page=10 | access-date=July 15, 2024}}</ref> In June, at the Summer CES, the Power Set was announced for release that year, bundling the orange Zapper.<ref name="CEJune88">{{cite magazine | magazine=[[Computer Entertainer]] | title=Activity at Nintendo's CES "Mega-Booth" | date=June 1988 | volume=7 | issue=3 | via=[[Internet Archive]] | url=https://archive.org/details/computer-entertainer-7-3/page/8/mode/2up | page=9 | access-date=July 13, 2024}}</ref> In 1989, the orange Zapper was released.<ref name="Zapper Manual 1989"/>

===Accessories and third-party counterparts===
[[File:Zapperscope.jpg|thumb|The Deluxe Sighting Scope on an orange NES Zapper]]
In North America, [[Bondwell]] released the Deluxe Sighting Scope, an accessory for the NES Zapper, under the brand name QuickShot.<ref>{{Cite web |url=http://www.videogameauctions.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/07/NES-nintendo-deluxe-sighting-Scope-QS-132-quickshot-accessory-CIB-boxed-Complete.jpg |title=Deluxe Sighting Scope box |access-date=15 November 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160304032939/http://www.videogameauctions.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/07/NES-nintendo-deluxe-sighting-Scope-QS-132-quickshot-accessory-CIB-boxed-Complete.jpg |archive-date=4 March 2016 |url-status=dead }}</ref> The scope is a [[sight (device)|sight]] that snaps onto the top of the NES Zapper.<ref>{{cite web |author1=Link |title=Nintendo NES Quickshot Sighting Scope |url=https://gamesniped.com/2007/10/17/nintendo-nes-quickshot-sighting-scope/ |website=GameSniped |access-date=19 February 2019 |date=17 October 2007 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210802094905/http://gamesniped.com/2007/10/17/nintendo-nes-quickshot-sighting-scope/ |archive-date=2 August 2021}}</ref>

In 1988, the Video Shooter was released in the United States by [[Placo Toys]]. The Video Shooter is a wireless light gun controller for the NES. The infrared receiver is a rigid panel plugged directly into the controller port of the NES; it was designed with the intention that the NES would be placed on top of the television in order to detect the Video Shooter. Multiple Video Shooters can be used with a single receiver. When the gun is fired, a red light on the back of the gun is illuminated to indicate that a shot has been fired. The gun has a clear plastic sight on top of the gun to assist in aiming shots.<ref>{{cite web |author1=Great Hierophant |title=Nerdly Pleasures: NES Satellite : Pinnacle of Early Wireless Controller Solutions |url=http://nerdlypleasures.blogspot.com/2015/10/nes-satellite-pinnacle-of-early.html |website=Nerdly Pleasures |publisher=BlogSpot |access-date=23 January 2022 |date=6 October 2015 |archive-date=March 21, 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170321035344/http://nerdlypleasures.blogspot.com/2015/10/nes-satellite-pinnacle-of-early.html |url-status=live }}</ref>

In late 1988, the Video Blaster was released in North America by [[Camerica]]. The Video Blaster has the same shape as the Famicom light gun, but different colors and is compatible with the NES controller port rather than the Famicom extension port. The Famicom light gun included weights to make it heavier, which this controller lacks; however, because the two controllers use the same mold, the Famicom light gun's weights can be transplanted to the Video Blaster to give it the same feel. The tip of the Video Blaster's barrel is painted orange, but this coloration is much less prominent than other light guns released in the United States after the passage of the Federal Toy Gun Law.

On February 20, 1989, [[Bandai]] released the Hyper Shot in Japan. In addition to functioning as a light gun, the controller has equivalents to most of the Famicom controller's buttons; it has B, Start and Select buttons, as well as a stick to input directions, but no A button. The controller was bundled with ''[[Space Shadow]]''. When used with ''Space Shadow'', the Hyper Shot can output game audio from its built-in speaker and use [[haptic technology|haptic feedback]] to simulate the [[recoil]] of firing a gun; while the Hyper Shot can be used as a controller and light gun for any game, ''Space Shadow'' is the only game to support the speaker and haptic feedback.<ref name="NL Hyper Shot">{{cite web |last1=McFerran |first1=Damien |title=Meet The Famicom Machine Gun Peripheral That Never Made It Out Of Japan |url=http://www.nintendolife.com/news/2016/03/meet_the_famicom_machine_gun_peripheral_that_never_made_it_out_of_japan |website=Nintendo Life |access-date=19 February 2019 |date=16 March 2016 |archive-date=March 18, 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160318124735/http://www.nintendolife.com/news/2016/03/meet_the_famicom_machine_gun_peripheral_that_never_made_it_out_of_japan |url-status=live }}</ref> ''Space Shadow'' requires the Hyper Shot and cannot be played with other light guns, as the game expects button input to come from the Famicom expansion port (which only the Hyper Shot can provide).

In 1989, [[Nexoft]] released The Dominator ProBeam in the United States, a wireless version of the NES Zapper. Unlike other third-party light gun products, the ProBeam is officially licensed by Nintendo, bearing the [[Nintendo Seal of Quality]]. The ProBeam uses the same infrared NES receiver as Nexoft's The Dominator MasterControl, a wireless controller including a joystick. The receiver connects to the NES via a cable connected to the controller port; the instructions recommend placing the NES and receiver on top of the television. The ProBeam is bright orange and has a built-in scope with crosshairs. It is heavier than the NES Zapper, but has a grip under the barrel to allow it to be wielded using two hands.<ref>{{cite web |title=NEXOFT The Dominator ProBeam Universal Wireless Infrared Video System for NES insert |url=https://gamescanner.wordpress.com/2013/09/09/nexoft-the-dominator-probeam-universal-wireless-infrared-video-system-for-nes-insert/ |website=GameScanner.org |publisher=Wordpress |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210308194105/https://gamescanner.wordpress.com/2013/09/09/nexoft-the-dominator-probeam-universal-wireless-infrared-video-system-for-nes-insert/ |archive-date=8 March 2021 |date=9 September 2013}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|title=Zapper Guide Part 1|url=https://www.angelfire.com/realm/thewarpzone/zapper1.html|website=The Warp Zone|publisher=Angelfire|access-date=23 January 2022|archive-date=November 5, 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131105235924/https://www.angelfire.com/realm/thewarpzone/zapper1.html|url-status=live}}</ref>

[[File:LaserScope.jpg|thumb|The LaserScope]]
In 1990, [[Konami]] released the [[LaserScope]], a headset accessory for use with the NES Zapper, in the United States and Japan.<ref name="gamesniped LaserScope">{{cite web|author1=Link|title=NES Nintendo Konami Laserscope Headset|url=http://www.gamesniped.com/2009/08/07/nes-nintendo-konami-laserscope-headset/|website=GameSniped|access-date=15 November 2014|date=7 August 2009|archive-date=17 August 2009|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090817014211/http://www.gamesniped.com/2009/08/07/nes-nintendo-konami-laserscope-headset/|url-status=dead}}</ref> It is voice-activated, firing a shot whenever the wearer says "fire", although some reviewers criticized its ability to do so.<ref>{{cite web|title=Laserscope|url=http://nesplayer.com/database/accessories/laserscope.htm|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080327074616/http://nesplayer.com/database/accessories/laserscope.htm|url-status=dead|archive-date=27 March 2008|website=NES Player|access-date=15 November 2014}}</ref><ref name=forbes>{{cite web|last1=Ewalt|first1=David M.|title=The Konami LaserScope|url=https://www.forbes.com/sites/davidewalt/2012/05/29/the-konami-laserscope/|website=Forbes|access-date=15 November 2014|date=29 May 2012|archive-date=June 1, 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120601011245/https://www.forbes.com/sites/davidewalt/2012/05/29/the-konami-laserscope/|url-status=live}}</ref>  The headset also includes stereo headphones for use with the NES<ref>{{cite book |title=Popular Science |date=1991 |publisher=Bonnier Corporation |page=[https://archive.org/details/bub_gb_eyPfgGGTfGgC/page/n11 10] |url=https://archive.org/details/bub_gb_eyPfgGGTfGgC |access-date=19 February 2019}}</ref> and an eyepiece with a crosshair that sits in front of the wearer's right eye.<ref name=i-mockery>{{cite web|author1=-RoG-|title=The Konami LaserScope!|url=http://www.i-mockery.com/minimocks/nes/7.php|website=I-Mockery|access-date=15 November 2014|archive-date=August 16, 2004|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20040816034632/http://www.i-mockery.com/minimocks/nes/7.php|url-status=live}}</ref> It was designed for the game ''[[Laser Invasion]]'', but works with any game compatible with the NES Zapper.<ref name=forbes/><ref>{{cite news|title=Blizzard of improved products unveiled at electronics show|url=https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=Y69dAAAAIBAJ&sjid=q10NAAAAIBAJ&pg=1243%2C478657|access-date=15 November 2014|agency=AP|publisher=Observer-Reporter|date=2 June 1990|quote=Susan Bach, marketing coordinator for Konami Inc., demonstrates the Laser Scope voice command headset, a hands-free unit for use with all Nintendo zapper games.|archive-date=March 8, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210308183337/https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=Y69dAAAAIBAJ&sjid=q10NAAAAIBAJ&pg=1243%2C478657|url-status=live}}</ref> In the United States, ''Laser Invasion'' came with a coupon for a $5 discount for the LaserScope.<ref name="gamesniped LaserScope"/>

==Gameplay==
The Zapper can be pointed at a television set to interact with on-screen targets in games that support it. Games and game modes that support the Zapper are primarily [[shooting gallery game]]s, although the sidescrolling [[platformers]] ''[[Gumshoe (video game)|Gumshoe]]'' and ''[[Baby Boomer (video game)|Baby Boomer]]'' also support it.<ref name="paste"/> In some games, it can be used on the title screen to select a mode and start the game.<ref>{{citation |quote=Point the Zapper away from the screen and shoot. The arrow will move from one game to another. When the arrow points to the game you want, shoot directly at the screen. The game will start. |title=Zapper Manual |publisher=[[Nintendo]] |year=1985 |id=US-2}}</ref> Some games require the Zapper to be played (such as ''[[Duck Hunt]]'',<ref>{{cite book |title=Duck Hunt Instruction Booklet |publisher=Nintendo |year=1985 |page=2 |url=http://www.digitpress.com/library/manuals/nes/Duck%20Hunt.pdf |access-date=February 19, 2019 |quote=This game requires the Zapper™, Light Gun Attachment. |archive-date=March 3, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190303120546/http://www.digitpress.com/library/manuals/nes/Duck%20Hunt.pdf |url-status=live }}</ref> ''[[To the Earth]]'',<ref name="paste">{{cite web |last1=Martin |first1=Garrett |title=Ranking Every NES Zapper Game |url=https://www.pastemagazine.com/games/nintendo/best-nes-zapper-games |website=Paste |access-date=February 19, 2019 |date=August 24, 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210421050241/https://www.pastemagazine.com/games/best-nes-zapper-games/ |archive-date=April 21, 2021}}</ref> and ''[[Shooting Range (video game)|Shooting Range]]''<ref>{{cite book |title=Shooting Range Instruction Booklet |publisher=Bandai |url=https://www.gamesdatabase.org/Media/SYSTEM/Nintendo_NES/Manual/formated/Shooting_Range_-_1989_-_Bandai.pdf |access-date=February 19, 2019 |quote=This game requires the Zapper™ Light Gun Attachment. |archive-date=February 20, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190220062937/http://www.gamesdatabase.org/Media/SYSTEM/Nintendo_NES/Manual/formated/Shooting_Range_-_1989_-_Bandai.pdf |url-status=live }}</ref>), some can be played using either the Zapper or a controller (such as ''[[Operation Wolf]]''<ref>{{cite web |last1=McFerran |first1=Damien |title=Review: Operation Wolf (Virtual Console / NES) |url=https://www.nintendolife.com/reviews/2008/02/operation_wolf_virtual_console |website=Nintendo Life |access-date=February 19, 2019 |date=February 5, 2008 |archive-date=February 20, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190220062814/http://www.nintendolife.com/reviews/2008/02/operation_wolf_virtual_console |url-status=live }}</ref> and ''[[Mechanized Attack]]''<ref name="paste"/><ref>{{cite book |title=Mechanized Attack Instruction Manual |date=1990 |publisher=SNK |page=3 |url=https://www.thegameisafootarcade.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/02/Mechanized-Attack-Game-Manual.pdf |access-date=February 19, 2019 |quote=The game may be played using either the NES Zapper or Controller. |archive-date=February 20, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190220002841/http://www.thegameisafootarcade.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/02/Mechanized-Attack-Game-Manual.pdf |url-status=live }}</ref>), and some have specific shooting-oriented levels that can be played using either the Zapper or a controller (such as ''[[The Adventures of Bayou Billy]]'',<ref>{{cite web |last1=Smith |first1=A. |title=The Adventures of Bayou Billy - NintendoComplete Reviews and Media |url=http://www.nintendocomplete.com/adventures-of-bayou-billy/ |website=Nintendo Complete |access-date=February 19, 2019 |date=August 2, 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200217010429/http://www.nintendocomplete.com/adventures-of-bayou-billy/ |archive-date=February 17, 2020 |url-status=dead}}</ref> ''[[Track & Field II]]'',<ref name="paste"/><ref name="gangeekstyle">{{cite web |author1=Kementari |title=Le Zapper Nes |url=https://gangeekstyle.com/2015/02/dossier-zapper-nes/ |website=Gangeek Style |access-date=November 18, 2023 |language=fr-FR |date=February 19, 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150226110004/https://gangeekstyle.com/2015/02/dossier-zapper-nes/ |archive-date=February 26, 2015}}</ref> and ''[[Chiller (video game)|Chiller]]''<ref name="paste"/>).

Some NES games were [[co-promotion|co-promoted]] with or designed for particular alternative light gun accessories. In North America, ''[[Laser Invasion]]'' came with a coupon for a discount for the LaserScope headset,<ref name="gamesniped LaserScope"/><ref>{{cite web |title=#75 – Laser Invasion |url=https://takeontheneslibrary.com/finished/75-laser-invasion/ |website=Take on the NES Library |access-date=February 19, 2019 |date=May 14, 2018 |archive-date=February 20, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190220003408/http://takeontheneslibrary.com/finished/75-laser-invasion/ |url-status=live }}</ref> although it can also be played with the regular Zapper.<ref name=forbes/> The Japan-only ''Space Shadow'' was bundled with, and can uniquely use the speakers and [[haptic technology|haptic feedback]] of, the Hyper Shot light gun.<ref name="NL Hyper Shot"/>

==Operation==
{{Further|Light gun}}
When the Zapper's trigger is pressed, the game causes the entire screen to become black for one frame. Then, on the next frame, all valid targets that are on screen are drawn all white as the rest of the screen remains black. The Zapper detects this change in light level and determines if any of the targets are in its hit zone. If a target is hit, the game determines which one was hit based on the time of the flash, as each target flashes for one video frame, one after another.<ref>{{cite web |last1=Adams |first1=Cecil |title=In Nintendo's "Duck Hunt," how does the TV know when you've hit a duck? |url=http://www.straightdope.com/columns/read/2304/in-nintendos-duck-hunt-how-does-the-tv-know-when-youve-hit-a-duck/ |website=The Straight Dope |date=May 11, 2001 |access-date=February 8, 2019 |archive-date=September 14, 2008 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080914194008/http://www.straightdope.com/columns/read/2304/in-nintendos-duck-hunt-how-does-the-tv-know-when-youve-hit-a-duck/ |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=How does the light gun for a video game work? |url=https://electronics.howstuffworks.com/question273.htm |website=HowStuffWorks |date=April 1, 2000 |access-date=February 8, 2019 |archive-date=April 30, 2003 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20030430120815/https://electronics.howstuffworks.com/question273.htm |url-status=live }}</ref><ref name=Patent>{{cite patent | inventor1-last = Okada | inventor1-first = Satoru | title = Video target control and sensing circuit for photosensitive gun | issue-date = March 21, 1989 | patent-number = 4813682 | country-code = US}}</ref>

The Zapper can only be used on [[CRT display]]s; it will not work on [[LCD]]s, [[plasma display]]s or other [[flat panel display]]s due to [[display lag]].{{cn|date=November 2023}}

==Reception==
In February 1988, in a review of ''[[Gotcha! The Sport!]]'', ''Computer Entertainer'' magazine commented that there was "always demand for a gun game [...] We know our Nintendo owners love games they can use with their Zappers".<ref name="CEFeb88">{{cite magazine | magazine=[[Computer Entertainer]] | title=The Video Game Update | date=February 1988 | volume=6 | issue=11 | via=[[Internet Archive]] | url=https://archive.org/details/computer-entertainer-6-11/page/n11/mode/2up | page=12 | access-date=July 16, 2024}}</ref> In July 1988, ''Computer Entertainer'' opined that ''[[Freedom Force (1988 video game)|Freedom Force]]'' was [[Sunsoft]]'s "best game yet. And they've made the best use yet of the Zapper light gun by building a game around a theme that's as topical as the evening news: the taking of hostages by terrorists". Most of its survey respondents who own a game console also had a [[light gun]].<ref name="CEJuly88">{{cite magazine | magazine=[[Computer Entertainer]] | title=The Video Game Update: Nintendo Software | date=July 1988 | volume=7 | issue=4 | via=[[Internet Archive]] | url=https://archive.org/details/computer-entertainer-7-4/page/10/mode/2up | page=10 | access-date=July 13, 2024}}</ref> In August 1988, [[Antic (magazine)|''Antic'' magazine]] praised the Zapper's accuracy compared to the poor horizontal accuracy of the [[Atari XG-1 light gun]], saying "if something is lined up in [Zapper's] sights, that's exactly what you hit".<ref name="Antic2">{{cite magazine | magazine=[[Antic (magazine)|Antic]] | title=First look inside the Atari XE Game system | first=Matthew | last=Ratcliff | url=https://archive.org/details/1988-08-anticmagazine/page/n43/mode/2up?q=%22XG-1%22 |access-date=March 1, 2021 | volume=7 | issue=4 |date=August 1988 |pages=43–45}}</ref>

Regarding Nintendo's [[Trojan Horse]] strategy to convince retailers to stock the NES by marketing it as a toy for its launch, historian Chris Kohler said "The gambit worked like a charm, and nobody missed R.O.B. or the Zapper once players realized that games played with the standard video game controller, like ''[[Super Mario Bros.]]'', were much more fun."<ref name="Power-Up">{{cite book|last=Kohler|first=Chris|title=Power-Up: How Japanese Video Games Gave the World an Extra Life|date=2004|publisher=Brady Games|location=Indianapolis, IN|isbn=0-7440-0424-1|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=VuA7DQAAQBAJ|page=214}}</ref> Other commentators give more weight more to the promise to buy back any unsold stock. In the 2001 book ''[[The Ultimate History of Video Games]]'', [[Steven L. Kent]] argues that "most of the 500 retailers who sold the NES that Christmas might not have taken the merchandise if it were not for a risky offer made by [[Minoru Arakawa|[Nintendo of America President Minoru] Arakawa]] himself—a money-back guarantee."<ref name="Ultimate History"/>{{rp|297}}

==Legacy==
The [[Wii Zapper]] peripheral for the [[Wii]] console is a plastic casing for the [[Wii Remote]] attached to a Nunchuk that is held like a gun for point-and-shoot gameplay. It is not technically or visually similar to the Zapper. The [[Wii U]] [[Virtual Console]] re-releases of NES games can use the Wii Remote's pointer as a virtual Zapper.<ref>{{cite web |last1=Olney |first1=Alex |title=Review: Duck Hunt (Wii U eShop / NES) |url=http://www.nintendolife.com/reviews/wiiu-eshop/duck_hunt_nes |website=Nintendo Life |access-date=February 8, 2019 |date=December 25, 2014 |archive-date=December 26, 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141226011836/http://www.nintendolife.com/reviews/wiiu-eshop/duck_hunt_nes |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite web |last1=Brown |first1=Tom |title=Three more NES Zapper games heading to the North American Wii U eShop |url=https://nintendowire.com/news/2016/01/06/three-more-nes-zapper-games-heading-to-the-wii-u-virtual-console-tomorrow/ |website=Nintendo Wire |access-date=February 8, 2019 |date=January 6, 2016 |archive-date=February 9, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190209134644/https://nintendowire.com/news/2016/01/06/three-more-nes-zapper-games-heading-to-the-wii-u-virtual-console-tomorrow/ |url-status=live }}</ref>

The Wii U game ''[[Splatoon (video game)|Splatoon]]''<ref name="N-ZAP '85 Splatoon1">{{cite web |last1=Webster |first1=Andrew |title=Nintendo turned the NES Zapper into a paintball gun for Splatoon |url=https://www.theverge.com/2015/6/1/8700457/splatoon-nes-zapper |website=The Verge |access-date=February 8, 2019 |date=June 1, 2015 |archive-date=October 24, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221024040229/http://www.theverge.com/2015/6/1/8700457/splatoon-nes-zapper |url-status=live }}</ref><ref name="N-ZAP '89 Splatoon1">{{cite web |last1=Navarro |first1=Maxfield |title=Splatoon paints NES Zapper orange tonight with free N-ZAP '89 shooter and Octobrush roller weapons |url=https://www.neoseeker.com/news/27076-splatoon-paints-nes-zapper-orange-tonight-with-free-n-zap-89-shooter-and-octobrush-roller-weapons/ |website=Neoseeker |access-date=June 26, 2023 |date=July 17, 2015 |archive-date=June 26, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230626120123/https://www.neoseeker.com/news/27076-splatoon-paints-nes-zapper-orange-tonight-with-free-n-zap-89-shooter-and-octobrush-roller-weapons/ |url-status=live }}</ref> and its [[Nintendo Switch]] sequels ''[[Splatoon 2]]''<ref name="N-ZAP '85 Splatoon2">{{cite web |author1=Iggy |title=N-ZAP 85 Arrives In Splatoon 2 Tomorrow |url=https://nintendosoup.com/n-zap-85-arrives-splatoon-2-tomorrow/ |website=NintendoSoup |access-date=February 8, 2019 |date=December 8, 2017 |archive-date=October 9, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221009123635/https://nintendosoup.com/n-zap-85-arrives-splatoon-2-tomorrow/ |url-status=live }}</ref><ref name="N-ZAP '89 Splatoon2">{{cite web |last1=Moyse |first1=Chris |title=N-Zap 89 pulls its clunky trigger in Splatoon 2 tonight |url=https://www.destructoid.com/n-zap-89-pulls-its-clunky-trigger-in-splatoon-2-tonight-476878.phtml |website=destructoid |access-date=February 8, 2019 |date=December 8, 2017 |archive-date=August 4, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200804174225/https://www.destructoid.com/n-zap-89-pulls-its-clunky-trigger-in-splatoon-2-tonight-476878.phtml |url-status=live }}</ref> and ''[[Splatoon 3]]''<ref name="N-ZAP '85 Splatoon3">{{cite web |last1=Gregoire |first1=Jesse |title=Splatoon 3 best weapons to ink the competition |url=https://www.theloadout.com/splatoon-3/weapons-best |website=The Loadout |access-date=June 26, 2023 |date=December 22, 2022 |archive-date=June 26, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230626120129/https://www.theloadout.com/splatoon-3/weapons-best |url-status=live }}</ref><ref name="N-ZAP '89 Splatoon3">{{cite web |last1=Norman |first1=Jim |title=Splatoon 3: Fresh Season 2023 - Every New Weapon, Stage, And Feature |url=https://www.nintendolife.com/guides/splatoon-3-fresh-season-2023-every-new-weapon-stage-and-feature |website=Nintendo Life |access-date=June 26, 2023 |date=February 24, 2023 |quote=N-Zap '89 — New design for the classic N-Zap '85. Comes with an Autobomb sub-weapon and Super Chump special. |archive-date=June 26, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230626120123/https://www.nintendolife.com/guides/splatoon-3-fresh-season-2023-every-new-weapon-stage-and-feature |url-status=live }}</ref> all include a family of weapons called the N-ZAP, which are recreations of the Zapper's design. The N-ZAP '85 and N-ZAP '89 use the gray and orange colors of the Zapper respectively, with the model numbers referencing the years both Zapper models released. The N-ZAP '83 appears in ''Splatoon'' and ''Splatoon 2'' only, with the red and gold from the original Famicom controller, but shaped like the Zapper.<ref name="N-ZAP '83 Splatoon1">{{cite web |last1=Tapp |first1=Jaxson |title=Famicom style N-Zap coming to Splatoon |url=https://nintendowire.com/news/2016/06/02/famicom-style-n-zap-coming-splatoon/ |website=Nintendo Wire |access-date=February 8, 2019 |date=June 2, 2016 |archive-date=February 9, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190209124624/https://nintendowire.com/news/2016/06/02/famicom-style-n-zap-coming-splatoon/ |url-status=live }}</ref><ref name="N-ZAP '83 Splatoon2">{{cite web |last1=Sheehan |first1=Gavin |title=Splatoon 2 Will Be Getting Classic Weapons Added Again |url=https://www.bleedingcool.com/2019/01/28/splatoon-2-will-be-getting-classic-weapons-added-again/ |website=Bleeding Cool |access-date=February 8, 2019 |date=January 28, 2019 |archive-date=February 9, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190209125554/https://www.bleedingcool.com/2019/01/28/splatoon-2-will-be-getting-classic-weapons-added-again/ |url-status=live }}</ref>

==See also==
* [[Light Phaser]] for [[Sega]]'s [[Master System]]

==References==
{{Reflist}}

==External links==
{{Commons category|NES Zapper}}
*[https://www.mobygames.com/attribute/sheet/attributeId,280/ List of NES games supported by the Zapper] from [[MobyGames]]

{{Nintendo Entertainment System}}
{{NES Zapper}}
{{Nintendo hardware|NES}}

{{DEFAULTSORT:Nes Zapper}}
[[Category:Nintendo Entertainment System accessories]]
[[Category:Light guns]]
[[Category:Products introduced in 1984]]
[[Category:Nintendo controllers]]