We love the idea of plug-and-play consoles, but we don’t always love the execution. The ones we’ve tested often suffer similar issues – inaccurate hardware, poor video output and underwhelming game line-ups.
The Nintendo Classic Mini: Nintendo Entertainment System looks like it might just sidestep those problems when it arrives on 11th November this year. In fact, we’d anticipate it doing rather well, particularly in North America. The console features 30 built-in games, removable NES controllers (which can also connect to your Wii/Wii U for Virtual Console games), HDMI output, and it’s all powered by USB. It’ll cost $60 in North America, with a UK price to be determined.
Nintendo has managed to negotiate an excellent line-up of third-party games to include on the device too, showing an excellent understanding of what made the NES special rather than relying on its own properties. Here’s 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