# Satellaview

> add-on for the video game console Super Famicom

**Wikidata**: [Q1193565](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q1193565)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Satellaview)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/satellaview

## Summary
The Satellaview was an add-on for the Super Famicom video game console, functioning as a product model, online service, and online shop. It is classified as a video game accessory and a satellite modem. Developed by Nintendo Research & Development 2, it allowed the Super Famicom to receive data via satellite.

## Key Facts
*   **Release Date**: April 23, 1995
*   **Discontinuation Date**: June 30, 2000
*   **Units Sold**: 2,500,000
*   **Developer**: Nintendo Research & Development 2
*   **Manufacturer**: Nintendo
*   **Classification**: Video game accessory, satellite modem, product model, online service, online shop
*   **Parent Category**: Video game accessory
*   **Related Entity**: Nintendo

## FAQs
### Q: What is the Satellaview?
A: The Satellaview is an add-on for the Super Famicom video game console. It functioned as an online service and online shop, utilizing satellite modem technology to deliver content.

### Q: When was the Satellaview available?
A: The Satellaview was released on April 23, 1995. It was later discontinued on June 30, 2000.

### Q: Who developed and manufactured the Satellaview?
A: The Satellaview was developed by Nintendo Research & Development 2, a former team within Nintendo. It was manufactured by Nintendo.

### Q: How many Satellaview units were sold?
A: Approximately 2,500,000 Satellaview units were sold during its operational period.

## Why It Matters
The Satellaview holds significance as an early and ambitious attempt at console-based online content delivery and digital distribution. As an add-on for the Super Famicom, it transformed the console into an "online service" and "online shop" by leveraging satellite modem technology. This allowed users to download games, magazines, and other content directly to their console, a pioneering concept for its time in the mid-1990s. Its existence demonstrates Nintendo's early exploration into networked gaming and digital media, predating widespread broadband internet access for home consoles. While ultimately discontinued, the Satellaview laid groundwork for future online initiatives in the video game industry, showcasing an innovative approach to extending a console's capabilities beyond physical media.

## Notable For
*   Being an add-on for the Super Famicom, extending its capabilities.
*   Functioning as an early console-based online service and online shop.
*   Its innovative use of satellite modem technology for content delivery.
*   Being developed by Nintendo Research & Development 2.
*   Selling 2.5 million units during its operational lifespan.

## Body

### Overview
The Satellaview, also known by aliases such as Nintendo Satellaview, BS-X, and BS-XW, was an add-on designed for the Super Famicom video game console. It was classified as a product model, an online service, and an online shop, and specifically as a video game accessory and a satellite modem. Its primary function was to enable the Super Famicom to receive digital content via satellite broadcasts.

### Development and History
The Satellaview was developed by Nintendo Research & Development 2, a former team within Nintendo responsible for software and peripherals. Nintendo Research & Development 2 was established in 1970 and is based in Japan, operating within the video game industry. The device was manufactured by Nintendo, a Japanese multinational video game and consumer electronics company founded in 1889. The Satellaview was officially launched on April 23, 1995, and its service was discontinued on June 30, 2000.

### Classification and Functionality
The Satellaview is categorized as a video game accessory and a satellite modem. It served as an extension to the Super Famicom, allowing it to connect to a satellite broadcasting service. This connection facilitated its role as an online service and online shop, enabling the delivery of digital content directly to the console.

### Sales
During its operational period, the Satellaview achieved sales of 2,500,000 units.

### Associated Entities
The Satellaview is closely related to Nintendo, the company that manufactured it and whose subsidiary developed it. Nintendo is a prominent entity in the video game industry, headquartered in Kyoto, Japan.

### Identifiers and Visuals
*   **Logo**: https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/Special:FilePath/Satellaview_logo.svg
*   **Image**: https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/Special:FilePath/Satellaview_with_Super_Famicom.jpg
*   **Schematic**: https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/Special:FilePath/Satellaview_system.png
*   **Title (Japanese)**: サテラビュー (Saterabyū)
*   **Freebase ID**: /m/028_my
*   **TV Tropes ID**: UsefulNotes/Satellaview
*   **Fandom Wiki ID**: satellaview (English)
*   **Wikipedia Title**: Satellaview
*   **Commons Category**: Satellaview
*   **Niconicopedia ID**: サテラビュー
*   **Pixiv Encyclopedia ID**: サテラビュー
*   **Giant Bomb ID (former scheme)**: 3045-98
*   **Internet Game Database Platform ID**: satellaview
*   **LaunchBox Games Database Platform ID**: 168

## References

1. Freebase Data Dumps. 2013