Family BASIC

Family BASIC is an accessory for the Family Computer (Famicom) created by Hudson Soft and Sharp Corporation. It allowed users to create programs in the BASIC programming language. This accessory came with a special designed cartridge, keyboard, and the Data Recorder, similar in function to that of a Commodore computer of that era. On February 21, 1985, 3.0 version was released.

The keyboard plugs into a 15-pin expansion port on the front of the Famicom and the Data Recorder plugs into the back of the keyboard labeled "SAVE" and "LOAD." If one does not have the Data Recorder or spare cassette tape (or finds cassette tape technology too inconvenient), one can just use the microphone and headphone jacks of a computer or similar device to record the analog signal coming from the keyboard with their preferred audio recording program and then play it back when the game is requesting data to be loaded.

Three games are compatible with the Data Recorder:
 * Excitebike
 * Mach Rider
 * Wrecking Crew

This accessory features cameo appearances of Mario and Lady when the Family BASIC cartridge is being played.

Version 3.0 mini-games
Version 3 came with four mini-games:


 * Game 0 "Heart": There is an outline of a heart that can be filled by speaking or breathing into microphone of controller 2. When done, Mario and Lady will come together.


 * Game 1 "Penpen Maze": The player controls the penguin from Pinball, on a grid. The object is to collect numbers in order while avoiding two Sidesteppers. The player starts off with three traps that can temporarily stun the Sidesteppers.


 * Game 2 "Mario World": Mario has to collect numbers sequentially and apples through a single screen of platforms, ladders, and springs while avoiding the two Nitanitas. However, collecting all the items does not end the game. The Time Limit will simply run out, forcing a Game Over.


 * Game 3 "Star Killer": This is an endless space shooter on a wraparound screen for 1 or 2 players. Enemies can include Fighter Flies, Fires, and Kuros.

Trivia

 * In the GBA game WarioWare Inc.: Mega Microgame$!, 9-Volt's microgame Family Basic includes the Family BASIC keyboard, where the objective is to type in the requested numbers or letters.