On the 11th there was a knock on the door, the Nintendo Classic Mini NES arrived as punctual as ever, so it was time to analyze each of its details, so that the readers of Actualidad Gadget can learn about the new little whim that the Japanese company has put in your hands. Because, We bring you the most complete unboxing and review of the Nintendo Classic Mini NES, so that you can weigh your purchase as much as possible, at least when there is stock of it, since the first units of the console have been sold out, causing authentic chaos among users who had made their reservations at renowned distributors such as GAME. So, don’t miss our video and our review of the Nintendo Classic Mini NES, so you can get to know it thoroughly.
We are going to start in parts, and in the first place we must know what the Nintendo Classic Mini NES is and why it has caused so much furor
Nintendo Classic Mini NES, the return of the prodigal son
Retro consoles are more fashionable than ever, especially since more than 20 years have passed since the first major releases in history. Nintendo has taken good advantage of the pull of this type of product, and got down to work to present a reduced, functional and, above all, reliable version of its Nintendo Entertainment System. This is how he presented us this Nintendo Classic Mini NES, a console of ultra-small size, which, however, maintained the size of the original controller so that we can evoke the classic feelings of when we played this console that revolutionized the market in a difficult time for video games.
This console hit the market on November 11 at a price of €60, causing an almost instant loss of stock and the consequent movement of speculators on second-hand websites.
Modern technology and old games
We are faced with the first problem when it comes to selling this console like churros, connectivity. Nintendo has managed to solve it well, it is practically difficult not to find a television without an HDMI connection, the most popular digital audio and video connection of the moment. Because decided to do without any kind of analog connection on the Nintendo Classic Mini NES, so the connection of the console to the playback medium will be an HDMI cable that will be included in the console box.
However, the digital connection will make us not appreciate the content in the same way as in the past. But Nitendo has easily fixed that, as the Nintendo Classic Mini NES includes three video modes:
- CRT: A mode that adapts the screen as much as possible to our television, simulating tube televisions
- 4:3: Screen cut to classic 4:3 development size
- pixel-perfect: A game mode in which the pixels of the video game are enhanced to offer the modern experience.
It is obvious, the console is designed to play in CRT or 4:3, in my opinion the mode that best evokes the past when we played on this console is CRT.
Low consumption and no power outlet
In the European edition of the console we will not find a power outlet (plug), the console will only come with a microUSB to USB cable. This is because the console requires really little energy to work, so with the USB included in our television we can play quietly. But nevertheless, the North American version of the console does include a power outlet, a strange wink that we don’t quite understand from Nintendo, especially in a €60 device, considering that even the Chromecast that costs less and is smaller includes a power outlet.
However, as we have said, By connecting the Nintendo Classic Mini NES to the TV’s USB, we’ll have plenty of power to play the console. It is true that we lose a USB, but at least Nintendo has seen fit to provide a cable of quite remarkable quality and of a considerable size so that we are not forced to stick to the television when we want to play. Or yes, in another section we are going to talk about the size of the control cable, something that has not left us too happy.
Retro and mini design, respecting the original
The design is what we liked the most about the console, in fact, its popularity is not only due to the fact that it includes Nintendo’s signature, the good work respecting the original design has been praised by everyone. The console is a complete reproduction of the original Nintendo Entertainment System console., despite the fact that the cartridge lid cannot be opened, for obvious reasons, since we will not be able to include external cartridges, we will only be able to play the games that the console has reinstalled. The console is no larger than a foot.
The control has been a spectacular detail, it respects plastic materials and colors, providing a sensation of spectacular robustness and rarely seen today in this type of product. Unfortunately the control is wired, the reality is that including wireless controls would have been a spectacular detail, although it might have made the console lose its retro air. However, the control cable is ridiculously short, only 30cm, which will be more than insufficient for most rooms today, especially with the screen sizes we handle. On the other hand, many games will be compatible for two players, you can buy another controller for €10 and it includes two connections.
The operating system is intuitive and allows you to save games
Nintendo wanted to make the system as simple as possible. Extremely simple, when you start the console a menu will open with the display options and the list of games. We will navigate quickly knowing if the game has support for two players and little else. It is impossible to get lost, in fact, to return to the game selection menu we only have one option, approach the console and press its “reset” button.
For the more casual gamers, you can save game, for this they will only have to press the button «select» anywhere in the game and a restore point will be created that we can store in the console’s memory and start it whenever we want.
List of Nintendo Classic Mini NES games
- Balloon Fight
- BUBBLE BOBBLE
- Castlevania
- Castlevania II: Simon’s Quest
- Donkey Kong Donkey Kong Jr.
- DOUBLE DRAGON II: THE REVENGE
- Dr Mario
- excite bike
- 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
- Star Tropics
- 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
Editor’s opinion
The Nintendo Classic Mini NES is what it is, a limited console that intends to adorn our living room while alluding to the feeling of the most jubones (oldschool). The console costs €60, price of almost any toy.
However, we must remember that these types of games they will not meet the needs of the smallest or most casual of the gaming era, the difficulties are what they are, dying is common and the difficulty increases gradually. On the other hand, it has given me several hours of fun, and those that remain, far ahead of new generation titles that have come to us today.
If you liked the Nintendo Classic Mini NES, you like retro games and you also want to have a really beautiful and useful device, you should buy it.
