There are several models of the Micro Genius, but the Micro Genius IQ-501 was particularly popular until the official introduction of competitors like Sega and Nintendo in the regions where it was sold. The games came in form of 60-pin cartridges, identical to those of the Japanese Famicom, which were inserted from the top into a cartridge port. A standard Micro Genius console package came with two wired controllers (avant-garde for its time) and sometimes a light gun. Some models also used an RF antenna to transmit signals wirelessly to a receiver inserted in the TV. Later incarnations came with IR wireless controllers.

Most versions of Micro Genius are compatible with Famicom cartridges but require a 72-pin to 60-pin adapter to play NES games, although certain models were produced in both 60-pin Famicom and 72-pin NES versions. It was often sold with cartridges containing multiple games.

A series of original Micro Genius games, such as Chinese Chess and Thunder Warrior, was produced in both Famicom and NES format, but pirated copies of Japanese games remained more popular in the countries where the console was sold.

The machine would be known as a Famiclone today, machines that are clones of the Nintendo Famicom.

Our unit has a serial number of 7011871 TXC T048

Manufacturer: Micro Genius
Date: 1991

This exhibit has a reference ID of CH23726. Please quote this reference ID in any communication with the Centre for Computing History.

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