30 years ago, Nintendo officially released the Nintendo Entertainment System, popularly known as Nintendo NES. 2016 marks the platform's 30th anniversary, and because of that, Nintendo is going to be releasing a miniature, digital version of the same classic console: the NES Classic Edition. This small game box is reminiscent of the original NES that became popular during the 1980's, but this new version is a lot smaller than the original. It conveniently fits in the palm of your hand. The NES Classic Edition is already for sale now, and because of this, we've gathered together everything we know about it so far:
It's small (like literally)
The first thing we need to address, and as already mentioned above, is that the NES Classic Edition is really SMALL. Which is why despite the similar looks to the first NES, you actually can't use classic NES cartridges with it. Instead, it will come with a selection of 30 games that are already built into the hardware itself.
Here are the games that are on the NES Classic Edition
If you're wondering what these games are, it's just some of Nintendo's best. With thirty games in total, here are the 30 game titles that is expected to be included in the NES Classic Edition: Balloon Fight, Castlevania, Bubble Bobble, Castlevania II: Simon's Quest, Donkey Kong Jr., Double Dragon II: The Revenge, Donkey Kong, Dr. Mario, Galaga, Excitebike, Final Fantasy, Gradius, Ice Climber, Kid Icarus, Ghosts in Goblins, Kirby's Adventure, Zelda II: The Adventure of Link, Mario Bros., The Legend of Zelda, Mega Man 2, Tecmo Bowl, Metroid, Super Mario Bros. 3, Ninja Gaiden, Super Mario Bros. 2, Pac-Man, Super Mario Bros., Punch-Out!! Featuring Mr. Dream, Super C, and StarTropics.
You won't be able to use your old NES gamepads
Sad to say, you won't be able to use your old, original NES gamepads with the new one. BUT the NES Classic Edition also comes with a new version of the classic gamepad that you're used to. It will be looking and feeling the same as the original ones. If you truly need a secondary gamepad, Nintendo is also selling them separately at $10 apiece. Since the new versions of the classic NES gamepad use plugs similar to the original Wii/Wii U, you can actually use it with those systems to play classic games as well. Aside from just giving you a bunch of classic NES games all in one place, the NES Classic Edition also adds 'suspend points.'
The NES Classic Edition is already out!
There will be up to four save slots per game, and the way you access them will be by pushing the reset button on the console itself. Additionally, since these games are digital renditions of the original games, Nintendo is able to do some rhythmic stuff on a system level. You can actually play these games in their original 4:3 resolution. You can also play them in CRT Mode, which matches the kind of screen you'd encounter in an arcade. The NES Classic Edition is already live and purchasable and is available for only $60.
