NES Programming with 6502 Assembly by Gustavo Pezzi

Ready to dive into the nitty-gritty of retro game development? This course throws you headfirst into programming for the Nintendo Entertainment System using 6502 assembly. It’s not just about making games; you’ll get a solid grasp of computer architecture by tinkering with the NES’s basic hardware. Think of it as a perfect playground for learning low-level programming.

🎯 What you’ll learn

• Master the 6502 assembly language.
• Understand the NES hardware architecture in detail.
• Build a complete toy homebrew game from scratch.
• Learn fundamental computer science concepts through practical application.

✅ Requirements

• Skills: Basic understanding of programming concepts (loops, functions) is helpful but not required.
• Tools: A code editor, CA65 assembler, and FCEUX emulator.
• Hardware: A computer running Windows, macOS, or Linux.

📝 Description

This course offers a deep dive into the Nintendo Entertainment System‘s inner workings, using 6502 assembly as your primary tool. You’ll start with the absolute basics of assembly language and computer architecture, then progressively build up to creating a functional game. The NES’s relatively simple hardware makes it an ideal platform for understanding how computers operate at a fundamental level. We’ll cover everything from CPU registers and memory management to the Picture Processing Unit (PPU) for graphics. By the end, you won’t just know assembly; you’ll understand the low-level dance that makes classic games tick.

🧑‍🎓 Who this course is for

• Anyone fascinated by retro game development and the NES.
• Developers looking to understand computer architecture and low-level programming.
• Hobbyists interested in creating homebrew games for classic consoles.
• Students who want a practical, hands-on introduction to assembly language.

🧑‍🏫 About the Author

Gustavo Pezzi is an award-winning university lecturer based in London, UK, and the founder of pikuma.com. With a strong academic background from institutions like Pittsburg State University, City University of London, and the University of Oxford, Gustavo specializes in teaching the fundamentals of computer science and mathematics. His passion lies in breaking down complex topics into accessible, practical lessons.

🏁 Final Result

• A completed, playable homebrew game for the Nintendo Entertainment System, showcasing your skills in 6502 assembly and NES hardware programming.
• A portfolio piece demonstrating your understanding of retro game development and low-level coding.