Japan, the birthplace of Nintendo, has released a NES Classic Edition version of another classic gaming console - the FamiCom.
The FamiCom Mini, which was first released back in Sept., looks exactly like the original and bigger version of the console albeit smaller. It still sports the iconic white and maroon colors.
The original FamiCom had slots on its sides to keep the controller pads. In keeping with the theme, the miniaturized version had to shrink the two controllers which may not bode well for people with huge hands. Forbes also called out the consoles short cables which is an issue with the mini NES as well.
Like the NES Classic Edition, the FamiCom mini has 30 pre-installed games. The titles are:
- Atlantis no Nazo
- Balloon Fight
- Bumping Sumo
- Castlevania
- Donkey Kong
- Double Dragon II The Revenge
- Downtown Nekketsu March Soreyuke
- Dr. Mario
- Excitebike
- Final Fantasy III
- Galaga
- Gradius
- Ice Climber
- Kirby's Adventure
- Makai Village (aka Ghost n' Goblins)
- Mario Open Golf
- Mega Man 2
- Metroid
- Ninja Gaiden
- Pac-Man
- Solomon's Key
- Super Mario Bros.
- Super Mario USA (aka Super Mario Bros. 2)
- Super Mario Bros. 3
- Super Tamashito Luo (aka Super Contra)
- River City Ransom
- The Legend of Zelda
- Tsuppari Ozumo
- Yie Ar Kung-Fu
- Zelda II: The Adventure of Link
The FamiCom or Family Computer first came out in 1983 and has sold an estimated 20 million units since then. The FamiCom remains one of the most popular consoles ever especially in Japan. This is why Nintendo released the mini version exclusively in the country while opting to release the NES Classic Edition in the West.
The similarities between the two gaming icons do not end with their sizes. Both consoles are hard to find. In the United States, there has been a huge demand for the mini NES has but with a limited supply, fans have expressed their disappointment. Over in Japan, more than 260,000 units have reportedly been sold since it was launched. Unfortunately, many more fans are struggling to get their hands on the mini console.
The low supply has forced some to look at alternatives to the FamiCom Mini and NES Classic Edition. To experience the nostalgia of playing retro games, look at this list.
The FamiCom Mini sells for $60 each unit and an additional fee may be necessary for shipping costs since it is only available in Japan.
