Videogame console colors

Methodology

On this page I aim to document as precisely as I can the colors used on a selection of video game consoles. To insure accuracy:
  • The color must be identified using a physical color deck (and never a computer screen!) of a standard color matching system such as RAL or Pantone.
  • Identification is performed under daylight.
  • Reference consoles/peripherals should be in great condition (not yellowed)
Warning: All information provided on this page comes without warranty of any kind, expressed or implied, including, but not limited to, the implied warranties of merchantability and fitness for a particular purpose.

If you have additional colors to contribute, please let me know and I'll update the page. Make sure to follow the methodology given here for accuracy and reproducible results. Please also supply if possible a picture of the color card next to part in question.


Nintendo Famicom

SampleDescription

Game console and controllers

Exact match:
RAL 3032
Pearl ruby red / Rouge rubis nacré
Approximations:
HTML: #711521




Nintendo NES

SampleDescription

A/B Buttons

Exact match:
RAL 3020
Traffic red / Rouge signalisation
Approximations:
HTML: #C1121C




Super Famicom

SampleDescription

A Button

Exact match:
RAL 3020
Traffic red / Rouge signalisation
Approximations:
HTML: #C1121C

B Button

Exact match:
RAL 1003
Signal Yellow / Jaune de sécurité
Approximations:
HTML: #F7BA0B

Y Button

Exact match:
RAL 6029
Mint green / Vert menthe
Approximations:
HTML: #007243

X Button

Exact match:
RAL 5002
Ultramarine blue / Bleu outremer
Approximations:
HTML: #00387b

Body gray

Close match:
Pantone 421 C
Approximations:
HTML: #b2b4b2

D-Pad gray

Close match:
Pantone 425 C
Approximations:
HTML: #54585a

Button zone gray

Close match:
Pantone 424 C
Approximations:
HTML: #707372


Note: I found the grays very difficult to match. The pantone colors I give seem very close, but I am not entirely satisfied and therefore label them as close matches.


Super Nintendo

SampleDescription

B/A Buttons and Power/Reset

Exact match:
Pantone 7671C
Approximations:

RAL 5022
Night blue / Bleu nocture
HTML: #514689

Y/X Buttons

Exact match:
Pantone 2705C
Approximations:

RAL 4005
Blue lilac / Lilas bleu
HTML: #a7a4e0
Pantone color

Pantone color

Pantone color

Pantone color

RAL similar colors

RAL similar colors




References

I used the following tools and references:
  • RAL classic K5 color deck
  • Pantone plus series, formula guide, coated.
  • List of RAL colors on Wikipedia (for RGB values): http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_RAL_colors


FAQ

Here are some common questions I received since creating the page in 2015. (Section added in 2023)

Q: Why not also list colors for <insert name of console here>? Why is the color of certain elements omitted?
A: At the time, I was only interested in the colors listed here. I do not recall why. I know I had very little time. But I thought that what I had was still potentially useful information, so I created this page.

Q: Why do you not update the page to add colors for <insert missing console or thing here>?
A: Because I no longer have access to any color decks.

Q: Why are some colors given in RAL, while others in Pantone? Why not do all Pantone?
A: Good question. It has been a while, but if I recall correctly, for certain elements I was only able to find good matches in RAL. If you know the Pantone numbers for missing colors, and if those were obtained using the methodology above, let me know and I'll gladly add them.

Q: I think color for X is wrong.
A: Sure. Even though I tried my best, some colors could be slightly off. As stated at the top of the page, the information here comes without warranty. Please kindly let me know which color you think is correct. At this point I cannot double-check my selections since I no longer have access to color decks, and even if I still had those, they would be long past their "expiracy" date.