- Name
- NES Power Pad
- Aliases
NES Power Pad
An NES peripheral that allows games to be controlled by hitting pressure sensors inside a mat, ideally with one's feet.
Accessory Images Related Pages
Overview
A family drifts through space while enjoying Bandai's original version of the device
The Power Pad is a controller for the Nintendo Entertainment System (Platform), consisting of a flexible mat with pressure sensors that function as buttons. It was first released by Bandai in Japan (Location) in 1986 under the name Family Trainer. In 1988 it was released in North America (Location) as Family Fun Fitness. It became the Power Pad when Nintendo bought the rights that same year, and re-released it alongside World Class Track Meet. Although other similar step controllers existed (notably, the 'Foot Craz' for the Atari 2600), the Power Pad was the first commercially successful controller of this type.
The pad is double-sided, with side A having eight buttons and side B having twelve buttons. Power Pad games primarily test the player's speed, timing, coordination, and memory, though it also enabled music-focused gameplay that would serve as a precursor to rhythm games such as Dance Dance Revolution (Franchise).
Namco Bandai later released a Power Pad-like device for the Wii (Platform) in 2008 called the Active Life, which worked in conjunction with the Wii Remote (Accessory).
Power Pad Games
Athletic World - 1986
- Athletic World (Game)
- Dance Aerobics (Game)
- Jogging Race
- Famitre Daiundokai
- Fuun! Takeshi Jo Ni
- Meiro Daisakusen
- Manhattan Police
- Rai Rai! Kyonshis
- Running Stadium
- Short Order/Eggsplode!
- Street Cop (Game)
- Super Team Games
- Totsugeki! Fuun Takeshi Jo
- World Class Track Meet (Stadium Events (Game))