On March 2017, Nintendo will release the much awaited and highly anticipated Nintendo Switch. But despite this imminent launch, many have taken to grab the NES Classic Edition, which is currently old out. With these two affordable devices coming from the same veteran console manufacturer, there is the question of which among them will reign supreme and/or which one is worth the purchase.
The Nintendo Switch has been at the tips of everyone's tongue for quite a while now. There were talks about whether or not Nintendo would even be able to release the same within its promise of March 2017. And when the company finally released the teaser video of the console, sighs of relief were heard all around - both because the device was coming out as scheduled and because it seemed set to deliver on its hype.
The official video, which has been viewed more than 20 million times on YouTube, showed just what the Nintendo Switch would be able to do. Depending on the needs and wants of the user, the console could act as a home docked device, which could in turn be played solo or with a partner. The device, however, can also be played on the go. And while the screen will be smaller, multiple players can still take part in a single game. And if these were not enough, the console will be able to connect to others of its kind, theoretically resulting in a Switch party.
Before is official announcement, it was speculated that the device would be a hybrid one. But Nintendo truly delivered. But despite these, C|Net reports that the console will not be as expensive as its competitors. Various retailers have leaked that the Nintendo Switch will only be priced at US$250.
Then there is the NES Classic Edition, which was available for maybe about a day. The throwback device, which is a miniature version of the Nintendo Entertainment System from 1985, sold out within hours of the unit going on sale on both stores and online shops. The real sell, of course, is that it quenches as a nostalgic thirst that every veteran player has felt.
The revamped console comes to life with 30 of the most popular retro games of its era. As noted by The Guardian, these include "The Legend Of Zelda," the first three "Super Mario Bros." titles, "Donkey Kong," "Pac-Man" and "Final Fantasy." It is as simple as it is charming and sports only the necessary HDMI, USB and controller ports.
The controllers - which are a remarkable mirror of the original - need to be connected to the device, which may pose some problems. But that is part of the NES Classic Edition's appeal. It is so well curated in respect to the original Nintendo Entertainment System, which arguably saved console gaming.
And while it can be argued that various emulators exist, the NES Classic Edition gives its games a modern look over. Not in terms of content or control, but in terms of graphics. The images, though endearingly pixelated, are more defined and are sharper. They look as if the pixelated images were intended, but that the game was developed in present day. And it only sells for US$60.
While the NES Classic Edition brings to life something of the past, the Nintendo Switch is likely to be the future of gaming. Each device caters to a particular want in gaming - one of a morphing console and the other of a blast from the past. One is not better than the other, but the Nintendo Switch is sure to be of more use. The NES, while a charming console, will not be used for hours on end anymore.
