Overview
The ducks fly. The dog laughs. Duck Hunt introduced millions to light gun gaming as an NES pack-in title. Aim the Zapper at flying ducks, pull the trigger, and either celebrate a hit or suffer the dog’s mocking laughter. Simple, addictive, and forever associated with that infuriating hound.
Fast facts
- Developer: Nintendo R&D1.
- Pack-in: Bundled with NES.
- Peripheral: NES Zapper required.
- Infamous: The laughing dog.
Game modes
| Mode | Challenge |
|---|
| Game A | One duck at a time |
| Game B | Two ducks simultaneously |
| Game C | Clay pigeon shooting |
Gameplay mechanics
| Element | Function |
|---|
| Aim | Point Zapper at screen |
| Shoot | Pull trigger |
| Rounds | 10 ducks per round |
| Quota | Must hit minimum |
| Shots | Three per duck |
How the Zapper works
| Step | Process |
|---|
| 1 | Pull trigger |
| 2 | Screen goes black (one frame) |
| 3 | Targets flash white |
| 4 | Zapper detects light |
| 5 | Position determines hit/miss |
The dog
| Behaviour | Trigger |
|---|
| Sniffing | Round start |
| Jumping | Duck hit |
| Presenting | Shows caught ducks |
| Laughing | All ducks missed |
| Shooting | Impossible (much desired) |
Difficulty progression
| Round | Speed | Behaviour |
|---|
| Early | Slow | Predictable |
| Middle | Faster | More erratic |
| Late | Very fast | Challenging |
Technical requirements
| Requirement | Reason |
|---|
| CRT television | Zapper needs phosphor |
| No LCD/LED | Modern TVs incompatible |
| Light level | Room lighting affects accuracy |
Cultural impact
| Aspect | Legacy |
|---|
| Pack-in status | Near-universal NES memory |
| Dog meme | Enduring internet presence |
| Smash Bros. | Duck Hunt duo playable |
See also