Nintendo NES Classic Edition announced, bundled with 30 games

Flushed with the runaway success that is Pokémon Go, Nintendo have launched a second product designed to stir up nostalgia. This time, they’ve got their eyes on the retro gaming market.

The Nintendo NES Classic Edition is a fully functioning mini-replica of the 1985 home console, packed with 30 classics from the 8-bit era. Modernized for modern TVs with an HDMI output, the device will launch on November 11 for a suggested retail price of US$59.99 (approximately SG$80).

Included in the package is an NES Classic Controller worth US$9.99. For two-player games, either a second Classic Controller or Classic Controller Pro may be used.

The list of games seem well curated, offering a mix of iconic franchises and ‘80s classics:

• Balloon Fight
• Bubble Bobble
• Castlevania
• Castlevania II: Simon’s Quest
• Donkey Kong
• Donkey Kong Jr.
• Double Dragon II: The Revenge
• 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

With The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild and the new Nintendo NX console slated for 2017, it seems appropriate to go back to roots with the very first NES and Zelda game. Alternatively, there’s always the loveable Bubble Bobble.

“We wanted to give fans of all ages the opportunity to revisit Nintendo’s original system and rediscover why they fell in love with Nintendo in the first place,” said Nintendo of America President and COO Reggie Fils-Aime in a press release. “The Nintendo Entertainment System: NES Classic Edition is ideal for anyone who remembers playing the NES, or who wants to pass on those nostalgic memories to the next generation of gamers.”

In what will probably be upsetting news to some, the NES Classic Edition supports multiple suspend points to save progress. What that implies is that the console is actually an emulator, so no, you won’t get the tactile satisfaction of slotting in a cartridge.

On the bright side, it’ll be the cheapest brand-name home console on the market, making it a tempting proposition for anyone who’d like an ode to video game history in their living rooms. You’re up next, Sony and Sega.