• Home
  • Our Books
  • Our Film
  • Games
  • Apps
  • About Us
  • Contact Us
  • Login

Perspectives on all eras of videogames, computers, technology, and pop culture since 2003

Login

Login
Armchair ArcadeArmchair Arcade
Armchair ArcadeArmchair Arcade
  • Home
  • Our Books
  • Our Film
  • Games
  • Apps
  • About Us
  • Contact Us
  • Login

Nintendo announces the mini NES Classic Edition and here’s why it’s brilliant

NES Classic Edition
NES Classic Edition

Nintendo announces the mini NES Classic Edition and here’s why it’s brilliant

July 14, 2016 Posted by Bill Loguidice Editorial, News No Comments

Videogame hell has frozen over and something tons of Nintendo fans have been clamoring for for years has finally happened. Nintendo will be releasing a TV game version of their classic NES console called the NES Classic Edition on November 11. It will be a miniature version of the iconic boxy NES design that forgoes the cartridge port for 30 built-in (and truly legendary) first and third party titles. Instead of composite output it will support HDMI out, and instead of two original style controller ports it will have Wii compatible ports. One classic style controller is included, which presumably will also work on the Wii or Wii U.

NES Classic Edition and optional second gamepad

NES Classic Edition and optional second gamepad

I admit that while I always said this would be a way for Nintendo to make easy money, I didn’t expect them to actually go through with it because it would cannibalize sales on their Virtual Console digital store for their modern platforms. Unfortunately for Nintendo, the Wii U hasn’t sold and the 3DS is in its inevitable decline, so this holiday season was looking pretty bleak outside of external initiatives like Pokémon GO. With the NX not coming out until at least March 2017, this is the perfect product to help with the continued rehabilitation of the Nintendo name leading up to that new system’s release.

Outside of the so-called Nintendo faithful, who are passionate about Nintendo’s first party games, there hasn’t been a lot for other gamers with more diversified tastes to feel good about the brand in recent years. The NES Classic Edition is a brilliant nostalgia play that should sell millions this holiday season and create good vibes all around until Nintendo launches the NX. That’s wonderful momentum and something I’m not sure Nintendo could have gotten any other way.

While there are obviously a plethora of ways to play classic NES games, from emulation to excellent clone systems and everything in-between, there’s something special about a Nintendo-led product. I mean, just look at it! And for $60, and no doubt slightly less during holiday sales and specials, it goes near impulse buy territory.

Perhaps the best part about this upcoming release is that it points to TV game versions of the SNES and other Nintendo consoles, and perhaps even a dedicated portable version of the classic Game Boy, just with a modern screen that’s actually enjoyable to use. This to me is the Nintendo that everyone – not just the Nintendo faithful – can feel good about. The prospects for a successful NX launch increased dramatically in the past week.

Here’s the full 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™

 

Related

Tags: 3DSclassic minimariomega manNESnes classic editionNintendonxtecmo bowlwii uzelda
No Comments
Share

About Bill Loguidice

Bill Loguidice is a Founder and Managing Director for Armchair Arcade, as well as a critically acclaimed technology author and journalist.  He is also the co-founder of creative services firm, Armchair Creative Services, and a noted videogame and computer historian and subject matter expert. See full bio

You also might be interested in

HORI Compact Playstand for Nintendo Switch
HORI Compact Playstand for Nintendo Switch

Review: HORI Compact Playstand for Nintendo Switch

Aug 4, 2017

In looking for a good stand for my Nintendo Switch[...]

Nintendo's Mario
Nintendo's Mario

Infographic – Making Mario: The Creation and Evolution of Mario

Sep 9, 2015

What follows is a rather nice infographic for Nintendo’s iconic Mario,[...]

Atari Gamestation Go (My Arcade)
Atari Gamestation Go (My Arcade)

Atari GameStation Go Preorders Plus Full 200+ Game List!

Sep 8, 2025

This is the type of handheld I was trying to get made for years, and now, My Arcade and Atari have finally done it with the GameStation Go.

Leave a CommentCancel reply

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.

Recent Posts

  • Commodore 64 Ultimate (2025) sales update – prices go up January 1st!
  • The Importance of Expert Plumbing Services for St. Louis Homeowners
  • GUNNAR x Amazon Studios Reveal New Fallout Glasses for Season 2 – Pre-order now!
  • Honeycomb Aeronautical’s Echo Aviation Controller now available for Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024 and more!
  • Maono PD200W wireless podcast microphone raw demo, review, and sale details!
  • Rokid AR glasses and spatial computing discount deals for the holidays!
  • Kith x Backbone limited-edition smartphone controller launch now live!
  • Commodore 64 Ultimate gets even better with 100 games+ on USB – ships soon!
  • Evercade announces TAITO Arcade 3 and The Turrican Collection cartridges, plus updated game list!
  • Casual Casino Games: Best Picks for Quick 5-Minute Sessions

Recent Comments

  • Best IPTV: Top 10 IPTV Services in in 2025. - Télévision Français on How Do I Set up an IPTV Streaming Service?
  • Setting Up IPTV: Step-by-Step Guide for Perfect Installation in 2025 - Télévision Français on How Do I Set up an IPTV Streaming Service?
  • IPTV for Firestick: Best IPTV Apps for Fire TV in in 2025 - Télévision Français on How Do I Set up an IPTV Streaming Service?
  • Best IPTV: Top 10 IPTV Services in 2025 - Télévision Français on How Do I Set up an IPTV Streaming Service?
  • Why VR Casinos Will Replace Traditional Gambling Forever – Tech Enthusiasts Take Note - Smart Home Rig - Smart Home News on Emerging Trends in Online Casinos for 2025: The Role of Virtual Reality and Augmented Reality
  • Leveraging Technology to Improve Proposal Success Rates in Government Contracting – Hour Timesheet on The Role of Technology in Streamlining the Proposal Management Process
  • Best IPTV Service – Top Streaming 2025 on How Do I Set up an IPTV Streaming Service?
  • Emma on Should You Be Focusing More On Local Marketing?
  • Maono PD200W wireless podcast microphone on sale now! - fullSTEAMahead365 on Maono PD200W wireless podcast microphone raw demo, review, and sale details!
  • Sharon Hill on Never before seen Hulk Hogan and Andre the Giant WWF photos from 1981!

Archives

Categories

Explore

android (47) apple (37) ar (40) Arcade (174) Atari (78) atgames (173) book (99) books (98) casino (579) commodore (34) esports (48) firmware (43) Flashback (45) gambling (603) Gaming (43) home arcade (115) htc vive (42) humble bundle (282) humble store (67) ios (37) led (35) legends (40) legends arcade family (46) legends pinball (39) legends ultimate (71) Microsoft (43) Nintendo (79) PC (34) pc gamer (67) pc gaming (53) pinball (43) playstation (59) PS4 (37) retro (34) Sega (40) slots (93) sony (55) steam (147) switch (36) technology (37) update (42) virtual pinball (36) virtual reality (117) viveport (42) vr (123)

Affiliates

+ Amazon

The everything store

+ Loaded (Formerly CDKeys)

Digital Games for PC and Console on Sale!

+ Castlemania Games

Retro and modern video game store! Use coupon code BILLLOGUIDICE for 10% off!

+ ACEMAGIC

Amazing PC, mini PC, and laptop deals

+ Planet Fitness

$1 down, no contract, great gyms everywhere!

+ Humble Bundle

Game deals, including name your price bundles

+ Playasia (Play-Asia.com)

Import games and collectibles

+ DJI Store

Amazing drones and related technology

+ Razer

Amazing PC gamer products!

fullSTEAMahead365 Your total news and information resource for all things Science, Technology, Engineering / Mathematics, Art, and Medicine / Health.

Human Advancement Never Stops.

Key Site Statistics

Posts published: 2,738
Latest publish date: December 22, 2025 @ 9:39 pm
Registered user count: 99,026

Contact Us

If you have a question, would like to provide feedback, or otherwise wish to get in touch with us, use this form.

Send Message

Blog Posts by Date

July 2016
M T W T F S S
 123
45678910
11121314151617
18192021222324
25262728293031
« Jun   Aug »

Social Media and RSS

Support Armchair Arcade

All editorial content © 2003 - 2025 Armchair Arcade, Inc., an Armchair Creative Services, LLC, property. All rights reserved unless otherwise indicated. All trademarks and copyrights are retained by their respective owners. No content is to be removed or reused from the Armchair Arcade Website for commercial purposes without explicit permission from the principal Armchair Arcade staff, or the original trademark or copyright holders. Armchair Arcade, Inc., is not responsible for the content of any external sources or links. Further, endorsement of any external sources or links is neither implied nor suggested.

We thank you for your support and encourage you to contact us for any reason, including, but not limited to, questions, concerns, business endeavors, or praise. Especially praise.

Armchair Creative Services, LLC, may earn compensation for sales from links on posts through affiliate and other programs. Editorial rigor and objectivity standards are strictly adhered to and any compensation has no effect on coverage or opinions.

Prev Next