Most people assumed that Nintendo would soon be sharing information about their next console release following a somewhat reserved E3 2016 showing, but that speculation largely revolved around their next generation console tentatively dubbed the Nintendo NX.
Instead, Nintendo shocked the gaming world recently when they announced that they plan to release a miniature version of their classic NES system dubbed the Nintendo Classic Mini: Nintendo Entertainment System. Though the measurements of this hardware have not yet been revealed, the promotional images of the device suggest that it will be able to almost fit into the palm of your hand.
The console will launch with one wired NES classic controller, an HDMI cable that will allow the console to play on most modern televisions and 30 pre-installed games. This miniature NES will retail for $59.99 while an additional controller will go for $9.99. For those that own a Wii Remote, you will also be able to hook your NES classic controller to it in order to play Virtual Console NES games on the Wii or Wii U via the controller.
Currently, the NES Mini is expected to launch on November 11, 2016. It will include the following games:
- Balloon Fight™
- BUBBLE BOBBLE
- Castlevania™
- Castlevania II: Simon’s Quest™
- Donkey Kong™
- Donkey Kong Jr. ™
- DOUBLE DRAGON II: THE REVENGE
- Dr. 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™
At this time, Nintendo does not plan to add more titles to the NES Mini through a hardware expansion or by allowing the device to connect to the internet to download additional games such as we saw in the Wii and Wii U. Furthermore, they are emphasizing that this is not an exact NES replication and will not be able to play traditional NES cartridges.
While Nintendo is not commenting on any plans to release similar devices for their other systems at this time, the NES mini’s “Nintendo Classic” branding does suggest that the success of this system may dictate whether or not they expand upon this product line in the future.
