The Nintendo Entertainment System (1983–1990) represents the genesis of modern melodic structure in gaming. The system’s audio architecture was built around the Ricoh 2A03 processor, which offered a mere five channels: two pulse wave channels for melody and harmony, one triangle wave channel for bass, one noise channel for percussion, and one Delta Modulation Channel (DPCM) for low-quality samples. This severe limitation forced a "melody-first" approach. Composers could not rely on texture or timbre to carry a piece; the melody had to be strong enough to stand alone.