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