The NES Classic Edition Will Let You Play It Loud Next Month

Did you play with power back in the 80s? Good news: you’ll get to relive those years next month with the Nintendo Entertainment System: NES Classic Edition!

It was quite a surprise when it was first announced, but it was a pleasant one. Atari and SEGA often re-release their back catalogs in makeshift retro consoles, and this is Nintendo’s first time entering that market. It’s also nice to see the most prolific third-parties from the era contribute to this collection.

First, we should take a moment to admire the 30-game list:

• 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

Most of them are solid, mainstream titles, and I’m sure they carry a lot of nostalgic value for those who grew up during the NES’s heyday. Granted, because they’re so emblematic of the era, you’ve probably played the majority of them, but nostalgia can be a strong pull. (Interestingly, the Japanese equivalent to the NES Classic Edition features a slightly different list.)

Nintendo’s digital Virtual Console platform emulates their classic titles as well, though dedicated fans will inform you that the Wii U’s Virtual Console is less than perfect. Thankfully, the NES Classic Edition’s emulation appears to be of a higher quality.

In order to promote their upcoming holiday stocking stuffer, Nintendo uploaded a new trailer last week showcasing the user interface and some new features.

The NES Classic Edition will offer three display modes:

• CRT filter will add a scan line to replicate the visuals of ancient televisions.
• 4:3 will provide the accurate aspect ratio the games were built around.
• Pixel Perfect mode will dutifully render each pixel “as a perfect square.”

Adding another modern luxury, the NES Classic Edition will accommodate Suspend Points. Need to stop playing? Or do you want to preserve a memory? Either way, you can save up to four moments per game by hitting the system’s Reset button. You can continue where you left off at the NES Classic Edition’s HOME Menu.

Furthermore, all 30 titles have been assigned their own QR Code, and scanning one will allow you to access the respective game’s manual on your smart device or computer. (Notably, StarTropics kind of requires its manual at a certain spot.)

As a reminder, the miniature unit will cost $59.99, and it’ll be packaged with an AC Adapter, an HDMI cable, and one NES Classic Controller, which will replicate the rectangular controller we all know too well. Additional NES Classic Controllers will cost $9.99, although a Classic Controller or a Classic Controller Pro will also be compatible with Nintendo’s little box of fun. Additionally, the NES Classic Controller can plug into your Wii Remote for use with the Wii and Wii U Virtual Consoles.

The Nintendo Entertainment System: NES Classic Edition is set to launch on Nov. 11. Alternatively, if you still have your NES cartridges, then perhaps you’d prefer RetroUSB’s AVS NES System.

Will you partake in some retro gaming this November?