An official Nintendo Entertainment System with HDMI? What a time to be alive.
http://www.nintendoworldreport.com/news/43024/nintendo-releasing-classic-nes-this-november
Nintendo will be releasing new hardware this November, but not what most expected.
The classic Nintendo Entertainment System will be reissued on November 11 in North America and Europe, with a suggested US MSRP of $59.99 (Australia $99.99). It will be a smaller version of the system that will come with a new Wii-compatible Classic Controller (in NES style) and 30 games. Existing Classic Controllers will plug into the controller ports, or the NES Classic Controller can be purchased separately for $9.99 (AU$19.99). The system will use HDMI (cable included) to plug into the TV.
The games included with the base unit are:
Suspend point functionality will be supported for the games as well.
PAL systems (Europe and Australia) will not include the AC adapter for the system, but the North American systems will.
Canadian pricing is $79.99 for the console and $12.99 for the controller.
Does it have a cartridge port? If it doesn't then this goes from must-buy to pretty much useless to me. A reliable first party NES would be fantastic but if it's not that why don't I just stick to the VC on the Wii or Wii U?
Seems like an obvious product idea either way that I'm surprised Nintendo didn't think of sooner.
I'm keep my eyes peeled for any information about a Japanese Famicom version being released here. Right now, it's only 9 am. t the earliest, NCL has ne information out for the day starting at 10 am.I remember all those Famicom game re-releases on GBA completely obliterating it in the sales.
So, If it doesn't have cartridges, what's under the flap?
edit: also, does it have the mystery port on the bottom?
So, those controllers are compatible with Wii/Wii U via Wiimotes which is some hot ****. Playing NES games with that sharp-edged, non ergonomic rectangle controller is how God intended it. PLEASE don't screw up that controller, Nintendo.
I'm definitely getting one of those controllers, but I'm probably getting the system too. Wii U emulation of NES games is, uhm, bad. Seriously, it was much better on the Wii. So hopefully they don't screw that up either.
Also if you want one, you better preorder. Demand for this thing is gonna be insane.
And if you ever need to step away from the NES Classic Edition in the middle of a tough level. Each game has multiple suspend pointshttp://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20160714005388/en/Relive-Glories-Nintendo%E2%80%99s-Ultimate-Retro-Gaming-Experience (http://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20160714005388/en/Relive-Glories-Nintendo%E2%80%99s-Ultimate-Retro-Gaming-Experience)
I'm also surprised there's been no Fami-Mini announcement. This is the type of thing that Japan would love and importers would love more.
Seems like an obvious product idea either way that I'm surprised Nintendo didn't think of sooner.
Cartridge support would only serve a smaller market than having the games preloaded. Those cartridges are finite in quantity and very limited in availability and only people who collect them would be able to use it.
Cartridge support would only serve a smaller market than having the games preloaded. Those cartridges are finite in quantity and very limited in availability and only people who collect them would be able to use it.
That would only be the case if it relied solely on cartridges. But there are still so many of those old carts still floating around that it would be more than worth it to include as a bonus feature along side those built-in games (which is exactly what the Genesis rerelease already offers). Seeing how all these games can already be played via the Wii Virtual Console, there's a plenty of reason to pass. But that little slot would easily clinch the deal.
Cartridge support would only serve a smaller market than having the games preloaded. Those cartridges are finite in quantity and very limited in availability and only people who collect them would be able to use it.
That would only be the case if it relied solely on cartridges. But there are still so many of those old carts still floating around that it would be more than worth it to include as a bonus feature along side those built-in games (which is exactly what the Genesis rerelease already offers). Seeing how all these games can already be played via the Wii Virtual Console, there's a plenty of reason to pass. But that little slot would easily clinch the deal.
"More than worth it" is an odd statement. I mean, you are asking for totally different and unrelated hardware to be added, presumably without any noticeable increase in cost. It could totally happen, and for a relatively small number of people it would be awesome... but I strongly doubt that most people would find the added cost to be justified.
Cartridge support would only serve a smaller market than having the games preloaded. Those cartridges are finite in quantity and very limited in availability and only people who collect them would be able to use it.
That would only be the case if it relied solely on cartridges. But there are still so many of those old carts still floating around that it would be more than worth it to include as a bonus feature along side those built-in games (which is exactly what the Genesis rerelease already offers). Seeing how all these games can already be played via the Wii Virtual Console, there's a plenty of reason to pass. But that little slot would easily clinch the deal.
"More than worth it" is an odd statement. I mean, you are asking for totally different and unrelated hardware to be added, presumably without any noticeable increase in cost. It could totally happen, and for a relatively small number of people it would be awesome... but I strongly doubt that most people would find the added cost to be justified.
The added number of sales would in no way justify the cost. That market is too niche. And it would require a totally separate set of parts that would have to wedged in there. And it would likely make the thing notably bigger (or have the carts stick out).
Cartridge support would only serve a smaller market than having the games preloaded. Those cartridges are finite in quantity and very limited in availability and only people who collect them would be able to use it.
That would only be the case if it relied solely on cartridges. But there are still so many of those old carts still floating around that it would be more than worth it to include as a bonus feature along side those built-in games (which is exactly what the Genesis rerelease already offers). Seeing how all these games can already be played via the Wii Virtual Console, there's a plenty of reason to pass. But that little slot would easily clinch the deal.
"More than worth it" is an odd statement. I mean, you are asking for totally different and unrelated hardware to be added, presumably without any noticeable increase in cost. It could totally happen, and for a relatively small number of people it would be awesome... but I strongly doubt that most people would find the added cost to be justified.
The added number of sales would in no way justify the cost. That market is too niche. And it would require a totally separate set of parts that would have to wedged in there. And it would likely make the thing notably bigger (or have the carts stick out).
I full-heartedly disagree. Sure, it would require a completely different design, but it could definitely be done for the roughly the same price if they either dropped or reduced the suspended save feature or the HDMI (which is kinda overkill anyways). Remember, the retro Genesis plug and play has a cartridge slot for old games and only costs $40 (though the hardware quality is complete shite from what I hear). I assure you, there are more than enough people with old carts that would buy it in an instant if it had the slot but won't without it. Whereas having it certainly wouldn't stop any one who just wants the pre-loaded games from still buying it.
I think if you have cartridges, you should just use an original NES. Thats what they are for.
The Mini NES is aimed at people who have no interest in buying or using old hardware. They just want somethat simple that works and has a bunch of games on it. Thats exactly what Nintendo have made.
If you want online functionality to download more games, thats what the Wii U is for.
ExceI think if you have cartridges, you should just use an original NES. Thats what they are for.
The Mini NES is aimed at people who have no interest in buying or using old hardware. They just want somethat simple that works and has a bunch of games on it. Thats exactly what Nintendo have made.
If you want online functionality to download more games, thats what the Wii U is for.
Yes, because all NESes still work... Oh wait, no they don't and that's the whole point. By that same logic you might as well say if you want to play an old NES game at all you should be doing it on an actual NES. If it truly was aimed at those uninterested in old hardware, they wouldn't be trying emulate the original design with identical controllers. The reality is the Wii Virtual Console is the place for old games on modern hardware. This new Classic NES, is intended for nostalgia. And those with fond memories of the old hardware very likely had the original at one time. And if so, likely still have old cartridges that they haven't been able to play in years. Anyone who thinks it's too niche a market is forgeting how popular the system was back in the day and underestimating how many homes still have original carts stored away in box-- it's big.
If it truly was aimed at those uninterested in old hardware, they wouldn't be trying emulate the original design with identical controllers. The reality is the Wii Virtual Console is the place for old games on modern hardware. This new Classic NES, is intended for nostalgia.
...
... I wonder how long the cable will be on the new NES controller. The normal length probably isnt going to be enough
Kinda off topic: does anyone know if there's an Atari 2600 emulator box thingy that has built-in or downloadable games? I'm not that keen on acquiring a bunch of old cartridges but I would really like to play some old Atari games with the right controllers. I have a bunch available on an iPad but the touch screen controls just don't cut it.
...
I like your idea of an actual first-party NES replacement. That would be great.
But there are a bunch of retro consoles that play NES games on the market now, not to mention a bunch of old NES consoles available as well. Pricing of those consoles don't convince me that what you say regarding pricing of a new production line would be accurate. (Oh right, but there is that $40 Genesys console that offers terrible build quality and poor emulation... let's throw that into the comparison just for fun.)
Nintendo is offering Product A - a quick and easy blast of nostalgia that comes in a small, stand-alone package and doesn't require any extra purchases (ok, maybe buy a second controller) to start playing right away.
You want Product B - a niche product aimed at hardcore collectors who already have games or are keen to start tracking them down and collecting, that isn't as small or convenient.
Both are good ideas, but they are different ideas and it sounds like Nintendo has clear goals about where they are going with this product. Get over it.... I wonder how long the cable will be on the new NES controller. The normal length probably isnt going to be enough
This is a good point. There are clearly ports for controllers on the mini-console, so I'm assuming no wireless. Not a deal breaker, but it does make you wonder about cords and cables.
Thanks! This is very helpful.Kinda off topic: does anyone know if there's an Atari 2600 emulator box thingy that has built-in or downloadable games? I'm not that keen on acquiring a bunch of old cartridges but I would really like to play some old Atari games with the right controllers. I have a bunch available on an iPad but the touch screen controls just don't cut it.
Yes - there are a couple available and they aren't half bad from what I've read. Different versions offer different games and overall quality though, so do a bit of research before buying.
Helpful links:
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Atari_Flashback (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Atari_Flashback)
http://forum.digitpress.com/forum/showthread.php?172384-Atari-Flashback-Which-One(s (http://forum.digitpress.com/forum/showthread.php?172384-Atari-Flashback-Which-One(s))
Some versions are even pretty easy to hack and add a console port to, apparently. Not sure if that's something you care about - for Atari I'd rather just get the convenience of everything in one box, but others will disagree.
...
I like your idea of an actual first-party NES replacement. That would be great.
But there are a bunch of retro consoles that play NES games on the market now, not to mention a bunch of old NES consoles available as well. Pricing of those consoles don't convince me that what you say regarding pricing of a new production line would be accurate. (Oh right, but there is that $40 Genesys console that offers terrible build quality and poor emulation... let's throw that into the comparison just for fun.)
Nintendo is offering Product A - a quick and easy blast of nostalgia that comes in a small, stand-alone package and doesn't require any extra purchases (ok, maybe buy a second controller) to start playing right away.
You want Product B - a niche product aimed at hardcore collectors who already have games or are keen to start tracking them down and collecting, that isn't as small or convenient.
Both are good ideas, but they are different ideas and it sounds like Nintendo has clear goals about where they are going with this product. Get over it.... I wonder how long the cable will be on the new NES controller. The normal length probably isnt going to be enough
This is a good point. There are clearly ports for controllers on the mini-console, so I'm assuming no wireless. Not a deal breaker, but it does make you wonder about cords and cables.
Clearly you didn't actually read my last post, because I already explained how this wouldn't be a "Product B". You said it yourself, "Product A" is a stand alone package that doesn't require any extra purchases and that's precisely what this would be as it would be in addition to the built-in games. It would merely be an optional bonus feature which would appeal to a large enough portion and guarantee more sales to people who'd otherwise be on the fence. If you believe otherwise it's likely because you're failing to take into account how many mainstream people still have access to old carts. Believe it or not, probably 50% of mainstream owners of an original NES still have access to at least SOME of the original cartridges. Of course, there would be no market for new NES hardware that would REQUIRE old carts, but that's not what we're talking about here. People who this feature would actually appeal to is FAR beyond the hardcore collectors you're picturing.
It's pretty clear to me that the reason isn't Nintendo taking the extra effort to include a slot Nintendo is most likely just because this was thrown together as a last minute cash-in. They've already got VC emulation versions for all these games so they're just easily throwing on simplified Wii hardware to have something ready for Christmas. If they took their time they could easily make a version that used original chipsets or a reliable enough emulator to run games from carts, and it would sell significantly better.
... I wonder how long the cable will be on the new NES controller. The normal length probably isnt going to be enough
This is a good point. There are clearly ports for controllers on the mini-console, so I'm assuming no wireless. Not a deal breaker, but it does make you wonder about cords and cables.
Wii U Pro Controller USB cables were ridiculously long. Ditto Smash Gamecube controller cables. I wouldn't be too worried.