As Nintendo itself puts it: “The classic NES is back in a familiar-yet-new form as a mini replica of Nintendo’s original home console. Relive past glories, defeat the boss that you could never beat, or simply enjoy the classic titles of yesteryear anew.” You may also see it called the ‘Nintendo NES Classic Edition’ or just ‘NES Mini’, but they’re all the same thing. Just don’t confuse it with Nintendo’s rumoured SNES Classic, the follow-up console.
When will the NES Classic be released?
While the NES Classic was technically launched in November 2016, the retro console became almost impossible to come by thanks to widespread stock shortages and the eventual announcement from Nintendo that it had discontinued the NES Classic altogether. Following outrage from fans, Nintendo announced in late 2017 that the NES Classic would be back in 2018. Nothing was heard again until May 2018, when Nintendo confirmed the 2018 release date of the NES Classic: 29 June 2018.
How much is the NES Classic, and where can I buy it?
We’d advise against it and just wait until it re-launches at the end of June, at which point you’ll be able to buy it from a range of retailers for the original RRP.
NES Classic specs and features
Although it’s a NES (Nintendo Entertainment System), the new console features modern specs including HDMI so you won’t need to be searching the web for SCART adapters or such like. It’s also powered by a USB cable, although the AC adapter for the USB cable isn’t supplied in the box. The console is pretty low-tech so can’t access the internet for things like the eShop, nor can it take any existing cartridges you might have. What is in the box is a single NES Mini controller which has the same shape and style as the original NES controller. You can play two-player games by getting a second or using a Wii Classic Controller/Classic Controller Pro. A cool feature of the NES Mini controller is that it can be used to play Virtual Console NES games on a Wii or Wii U console – you simply plug it into the bottom of the Wii Remote. Nintendo said players needn’t worry about losing any hard-earned progress either because each game has multiple suspend points, so you can start where you left off easily.
Nintendo Classic Mini NES games
Included with the Nintendo Classic Mini is a total of 30 games including classics such as Kirby’s Adventure, Castlevania, Donkey Kong, The Legend of Zelda and Super Mario Bros. See below for the full list: • Balloon Fight • BUBBLE BOBBLE • Castlevania • Castlevania II: Simon’s Quest • Donkey Kong • Donkey Kong Jr. • DOUBLE DRAGON II: THE REVENGE • Dr. Mario • Excitebike • FINAL FANTASY • Galaga • GHOSTS‘N GOBLINS • GRADIUS • Ice Climber • Kid Icarus • Kirby’s Adventure • Mario Bros. • MEGA MAN 2 • Metroid • NINJA GAIDEN • PAC-MAN • Punch-Out!! Featuring Mr. Dream • StarTropics • SUPER C • Super Mario Bros. • Super Mario Bros. 2 • Super Mario Bros. 3 • Tecmo Bowl • The Legend of Zelda • Zelda II: The Adventure of Link Lewis Painter is a Senior Staff Writer at Tech Advisor. Our resident Apple expert, Lewis covers everything from iPhone to AirPods, plus a range of smartphones, tablets, laptops and gaming hardware. You’ll also find him on the Tech Advisor YouTube channel.
