NES Classic Edition
The Nintendo Entertainment System: NES Classic Edition is a dedicated home video game console developed and published by Nintendo as a miniaturized replica of the original Nintendo Entertainment System (NES), released on November 11, 2016, in North America and Europe, and November 10 in Japan and Australia. Preloaded with 30 classic NES titles—including Super Mario Bros., The Legend of Zelda, Metroid, Donkey Kong, and PAC-MAN—it connects to modern high-definition televisions via an included HDMI cable and emulates the original 8-bit hardware for authentic gameplay.[1][2] Priced at $59.99 in the United States, the NES Classic Edition includes one wired NES-style controller, with support for a second controller (sold separately) or compatible Wii Classic Controllers, and introduces modern features such as up to four save states per game, a rewind function, and adjustable screen settings like a CRT filter to mimic vintage display effects.[2][3] The system powers via a micro-USB cable and AC adapter (adapter not included), emphasizing plug-and-play convenience for reliving 1980s gaming without the need for original cartridges or peripherals.[4] Despite its compact 5.3-by-3.1-by-1.7-inch design and instant commercial success—driven by nostalgia for the NES era that sold over 61 million units worldwide from 1985 to 1995—the console suffered from severe supply shortages during its initial launch, fueling secondary market scalping and resale prices exceeding $200. Nintendo discontinued production in April 2017 amid shifting focus to the similar Super NES Classic Edition, but high demand prompted a surprise re-release on June 29, 2018, with no changes to hardware or games, allowing broader access until supplies stabilized.[5][6] The NES Classic Edition's legacy underscores Nintendo's strategy of leveraging retro gaming to bridge generational appeal, influencing subsequent mini-console releases and ongoing NES emulation via Nintendo Switch Online.[7]Hardware
Design and features
The NES Classic Edition features a miniaturized replica design of the original Nintendo Entertainment System, retaining the iconic boxy shape and gray-and-black color scheme for nostalgic appeal. The console measures 1.7 by 5.1 by 3.9 inches (HWD) and weighs approximately 6 ounces, making it compact and lightweight compared to the full-sized original.[8][9] Internally, it is equipped with an Allwinner R16 quad-core ARM Cortex-A7 system-on-chip running at 1.2 GHz, 256 MB of DDR3 RAM, and 512 MB of NAND flash storage to handle emulation and data. The integrated Mali-400 MP2 graphics processor supports HDMI video output at 720p resolution and 60 Hz refresh rate, with options for a native 4:3 aspect ratio and an adjustable scanlines filter to mimic the look of classic CRT televisions.[10][11][12] The included controller is a wired replica of the original NES gamepad, connected via a 2.6-foot cable to one of two proprietary ports on the console; a second identical controller is available separately for two-player games. Power is supplied through a micro-USB input requiring an external AC adapter (not included), while video and audio are output solely via HDMI, with no support for legacy AV connections.[13][14] The emulation-based operating system provides up to four save states per game for instant progress preservation, along with a toggle between 50 Hz and 60 Hz display modes to suit PAL and NTSC standards. There are no built-in wireless capabilities, online connectivity, or expansion options, emphasizing a self-contained retro gaming experience.[12][15]Included games
The NES Classic Edition features a curated library of 30 pre-installed games drawn from the original Nintendo Entertainment System (NES) catalog, spanning 1983 to 1992 and including a balance of first-party Nintendo titles and third-party offerings from developers such as Capcom, Konami, and Namco. This selection emphasizes iconic action, platforming, adventure, and arcade-style games that defined the 8-bit era, with no additional expansions, downloadable content, or user-modifiable libraries provided. Notable inclusions are region-specific versions, such as Super Mario Bros. 2, which uses the Japanese Super Mario Bros.: The Lost Levels—previously unreleased in North America on the original NES hardware.[1] The full list of included games is as follows:| Game Title | Developer/Publisher | Original Release Year (NES) |
|---|---|---|
| Balloon Fight | Nintendo | 1985 |
| Bubble Bobble | Taito | 1988 |
| Castlevania | Konami | 1986 |
| Castlevania II: Simon's Quest | Konami | 1987 |
| Donkey Kong | Nintendo | 1985 |
| Donkey Kong Jr. | Nintendo | 1986 |
| Double Dragon II: The Revenge | Technōs Japan / Taito | 1988 |
| Dr. Mario | Nintendo | 1990 |
| Excitebike | Nintendo | 1985 |
| Final Fantasy | Square | 1990 |
| Galaga | Namco / Bandai | 1988 |
| Ghosts'n Goblins | Capcom | 1986 |
| Gradius | Konami | 1986 |
| Ice Climber | Nintendo | 1985 |
| Kid Icarus | Nintendo | 1987 |
| Kirby's Adventure | Nintendo | 1992 |
| Mario Bros. | Nintendo | 1983 |
| Mega Man | Capcom | 1987 |
| Mega Man 2 | Capcom | 1988 |
| Metroid | Nintendo | 1987 |
| Ninja Gaiden | Tecmo | 1989 |
| Pac-Man | Namco / Bandai | 1984 |
| Punch-Out!! Featuring Mr. Dream | Nintendo | 1990 (re-release) |
| StarTropics | Nintendo | 1990 |
| Super C | Konami | 1990 |
| Super Mario Bros. | Nintendo | 1985 |
| Super Mario Bros. 2 | Nintendo | 1988 (as The Lost Levels) |
| Super Mario Bros. 3 | Nintendo | 1988 |
| Tecmo Bowl | Tecmo | 1989 |
| The Legend of Zelda | Nintendo | 1987 |
| Zelda II: The Adventure of Link | Nintendo | 1988 |