Nintendo's Famicom redesigned as a 2003-era Family PC

Nicole Branagan, a curious collector, recently made an exciting discovery while browsing an online Goodwill store. Hidden among a sea of everyday items was a unique piece of gaming history - a Famiclone, a European market clone of the iconic Nintendo Famicom.

Upon receiving the Famiclone, Branagan was immediately struck by its intriguing design. The device, which takes the form of a keyboard with cut-outs for an alarm clock and a patched over hatch on the rear, suggests it was part of a range of similar devices. The Famiclone, surprisingly, came in its original box, further adding to its allure.

Inside the Famiclone, Branagan found typical epoxied-over chips, hinting at its origins. Further investigation revealed that the Famiclone likely uses a V.R. Technology's VTxx-series, a system-on-a-chip unit known for being used in these Famiclone consoles. The manufacturer of the V.R. Technology's VTxx-Series Famiclone is V.R. Technology, a company based in Taiwan.

However, the manufacturer and further products by V.R. Technology remain unknown for now. The provided custom software's impact on elevating the Famiclone is debatable, but one thing is certain - the Famiclone can be used to play a typical array of Famicom/NES games, thanks to its compatible cartridge slot.

Despite its limitations, such as remapped keys and no save ability, the Famiclone is a fascinating entry in the Famiclone family. Its discovery brings to light the half-serious attempt to make an educational family computer using these consoles in the early 2000s.

Nintendo Famicom and similar NES clone consoles are ubiquitous, but the V.R. Technology Famiclone, with its unique design and origins, stands out as a rare and intriguing find. Branagan's up-close investigation and teardown of the Famiclone not only adds to our understanding of this device but also serves as a reminder of the enduring appeal of these classic gaming consoles.