NES Zapper

Zapper
The Zapper's original design
DeveloperNintendo
TypeLight gun
GenerationThird generation
Release date
  • NA: October 18, 1985
Lifespan1984~1998
DiscontinuedOctober 21, 1998
ConnectivityCable
PlatformNintendo Entertainment System
Marketing targetToy, then video game
Best-selling gameDuck Hunt
Model NumberNES-005
PredecessorVideo Shooting Series light gun for Famicom
SuccessorSuper Scope

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 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, and 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 identity of the NES bundle, for positioning the NES's 1985–1986 launch into the North American toy market instead of into the crashed video game market.