Nintendo's mini version of the classic NES console will be available in stores for just $99.99. Image Source: Nintendo

NES Classic Edition is just three days away from launch in the United States, and it’s time to take a closer look at the miniature replica of the original Nintendo Entertainment System (NES). The console will serve as the opener for the handheld/home hybrid Nintendo Switch.

Nintendo is all over the place. On Black Friday, the Japanese company will offer the new Nintendo 3DS for only $99.99. Rumors also surfaced suggesting that Nintendo would end production of the Wii U, but the company rapidly denied it. And now, the release of the NES Classic Edition will surely have fans crowding game stores. 

Released in the US during 1985, the first NES almost single-handedly revived the video game industry after the Atari shock. The equivalent to the Great Recession in the video game industry, the Atari shock lasted from 1983 to 1985.

The NES became one of the best-selling gaming console of all time with 61.91 million units sold worldwide. Super Mario Bros. came bundled with the console, becoming one of the best-selling video games of all times as well.

Nintendo's latest announcement introduced the Nintendo Switch, scheduled for launch in March 2017. However, Switch's features are yet to be compared with Nintendo's WiiU. Image Source: Ars Technica
Nintendo’s latest announcement introduced the Nintendo Switch, scheduled for launch in March 2017. However, Switch’s features are yet to be compared with Nintendo’s WiiU. Image Source: Ars Technica

NES Classic Edition supports HDMI and comes with a new replica controller

Anyone who owned the original NES will recognize the starry night background and bronze-colored italic text featured on the box art. Inside the nostalgic packaging comes the system with a new replica controller.

The NES Classic Edition supports HDMI display output, while the controller can connect to the Wii remote for playing Virtual Console games on Wii and Wii U. The console houses a brand new NES emulation engine which has been well-received by critics, claiming it’s superior to the NES Virtual Console emulation on the Wii U.

Nintendo drops news about the NES Classic Edition in new ad
Nintendo drops news about the NES Classic Edition in a new ad. Image credit: Mobipicker.

Based upon software emulation, the NES Classic Edition includes 30 built-in games. Unlike its predecessor, the system offers players Suspend Points on every title to save the game at any point.

NES Classic Edition titles, release date, and price

These 30 games are from both Nintendo and third parties. They include classics such as Final Fantasy, the first two entries of The Legend of Zelda, Donkey Kong plus Donkey Kong Jr., Kirby’s Adventure, the first two Castlevania, all three Super Mario Bros., and Pac-Man.

Other titles also on the system are Dr. Mario, Balloon Fight, Double Dragon II: The Revenge, Mega Man 2, Metroid, Ninja Gaiden, StarTropics, Bubble Bobble, Kid Icarus, Punch-Out!!, featuring Mr. Dream, Tecmo Bowl, and much more.

The NES Classic Edition will hit stores on November 10 in Australia and Japan, and on November 11 in North America and Europe. Nintendo’s remake console will have a $59.99 price tag.

Source: PC Magazine