How does the gun on the original Nintendo work?

Question

How does it know when you hit a duck, or miss one?

A lazer? a sensor?

Answer 1

When you fire the Zapper the screen quickly turns black and the targets you're supposed to hit then turn white. If you're pointing at a target the gun senses a bright light coming in the barrel and sends "Hit!" to the NES. In the case of multiple ducks, the screen will flash once for each duck so it can figure out which one you hit (assuming you're aiming at one). All this happens quickly enough you don't notice it. Interestingly enough, if you fiddle with your TV settings or aim at a light you may be able to rig it so you score a hit every time.

Answer 2

Basically, there is a light sensor on the gun. A game like Duck Hunt is a great example of this. When you press the trigger, the screen will go black except where there is a target, those parts are shaded white. If the gun sees white it counts it as a hit, if it sees black a miss.

Answer 3

It used a light sensor. If you look at the screen, there was a brief flashing square over the targets whenever you shot the gun. If the light lined up, it registered as a hit.

Answer 4

It works just like a TV remote...sensor...

Answer 5

Isn't it light sensor or something?

Answer 6

It captures the color of the screen.

Answer 7

it's smart like that.

try using the sight too, that always helps