NES Classic

[isiolia]

Just from what they've shown, the cut-down Wii theory doesn't make sense to me.

Why would they go through the expense of engineering a suitable SoC version of the system, excising nearly every feature, adding HDMI, and making sure it all runs on USB power...when they can pick and choose between cheap off-the-shelf solutions that already suit the purpose? I mean, a Raspberry Pi Zero could do the job, and it's $5 at retail.

If we were seeing a Gamecube or Wii plug-n-play setup, then that'd make a Wii-derived design far more likely. For NES games though, the bar is quite low.

[marurun]

Just from what they've shown, the cut-down Wii theory doesn't make sense to me.

Why would they go through the expense of engineering a suitable SoC version of the system, excising nearly every feature, adding HDMI, and making sure it all runs on USB power...when they can pick and choose between cheap off-the-shelf solutions that already suit the purpose? I mean, a Raspberry Pi Zero could do the job, and it's $5 at retail.

Because much of the hardware design is already done and in production. Because the software design is already done. Their VC emulator is already rather high quality for NES games. For a company like Nintendo, controlling the hardware and software is very important, and since they already have all the coding and technology, a stripped-down Wii would involve just a little more hardware work and then everything's done and still under Nintendo's control.

[isiolia]

Sure, but why would they go with the PowerPC 750 derived hardware when they've also got ARM-based platforms already, or whatever the NX is using.

If they were basing it on existing hardware/code, wouldn't it make a lot more sense to be using 3DS stuff? It's already using a low power, ultra cheap SoC, or they could find other variants off the shelf.

[Exhuminator]

wouldn't it make a lot more sense to be using 3DS stuff? It's already using a low power, ultra cheap SoC

I was thinking that as well. The 3DS VC has most of the 30 NES games in the list available. So the emulation using that chipset is already there. Also I remember reading Nintendo had ceased Wii production in 2013, meaning its chipset production is likely not active, but the 3DS chipset production is still going obviously. I wouldn't be surprised if the NES Classic is using a 3DS variant.

[nightrnr]

I gotta weigh in on this somewhere.

1st of all, I think people tend to have more fun when there is a limited selection of games to choose from. Emulation is all well and good after you have explored the must plays. But before that, a full rom set would leave someone with severe attention deficit. Back in the day of NES, most people only had like a dozen games to choose from in their collection (plus the occasional rental options). We HAD to focus on just a few titles and play them to fulfillment (and had an absolute blast).

2nd, this is a pretty stellar game selection, better than I could really hope for really. I'm kind of amazed that Final Fantasy is on there (and odd that Dragon Warrior isn't, but not complaining). And how did Mega Man 2 make the list with the Legacy Collection available on other systems (again, not complaining).
I have enjoyed 100's of hours with the better half of this collection.

3rd, impressed as I am, I'm not sure I will actually get this for these reasons:
-I am truly stuck in the 90's. I use mostly CRT TVs, so no HDMI options on my gaming TVs.
-I still have most of these games on NES carts (may as well put my money towards the few that I still want)
-I do emulate these on other systems (PS2, Xbox, Wii, N64, GBA, DS, PSP, take your pick)
-I am a little too exposed to these games already. I AM the crowd that have already played these much and turn to emulation for the lost bits, and for nostalgia while I'm at it.

Still, it would be neat to have this (a simple option) on hand to start the youngin's off gaming the way I grew up.

[Ziggy]

The main attraction to me is the size.



I own multiple NES consoles, a PowerPak so I don't have to worry about where my carts are, and I emulate sometimes as well. Still, a little NES emulation box that fits in the palm of your hand, looks like a toaster, and is either produced by or under authorization of Nintendo... Yes, please.

This thing can be easily tucked into a suitcase and used in hotel rooms, or taken to a friend's house, etc. Hell, you could even use it in the car, although I'd rather use something in the car even less cumbersome like a PSP. Still, if I were sharing the back seat with someone on a road trip, it would be pretty awesome to share a screen for some 2-player gaming. And if it's truly USB (5v) powered, then there's already a million car adapters available.

I hope they do a SNES version.

[Betagam7]

Surely Nintendo won't be stupid enough to pre-load the PAL version with all those terrible 50hz ports from the actual 80's.

Oh right...Virtual Console.

[Exhuminator]

So this morning while eating my cereal and having coffee, I was listening to Marketplace as I usually do. At some point one of the hosts brought up the NES Classic. All of the hosts became excited about owning it and saying how well it's going to sell for Nintendo. Finally the director had to step in and remind them that is a show about money and markets, not Nintendo games. I've never heard anything like that on Marketplace before.

This thing is gonna sell huge.

I'm stoked for the SNES Classic.

[TEKTORO]

No reason not get one and that price! Everybody is gonna have a Nintendo again like the good times (tears of joy).

Gonna get ahead of myself here, SNES Classic wishlist some games left off to be slightly realistic Why not Lol!

Bust a Move
Contra III: Alien Wars
Donkey Kong Country 1,2,3
Earthbound
F-Zero
Final Fantasy II
Gradius III
Kirby Super Star
Legend of Zelda Link To Past
Mario Paint
Mega Man X2
Ms. Pac Man
Pilot Wings
Rock n Roll Racing
Secret of Mana
Star Fox
Super Castlevania IV
Super Double Dragon
Super Ghouls n Ghost
Super Mario Kart
Super Mario World 1&2
Super Metroid
Super Punch Out!
Super Street Fighter II
Tecmo Super Bowl
Tetris & Dr Mario
Zombies ate my Neighbors

[Ziggy]

Super Mario World 1&2

Let me fix that for you:

Super Mario All Stars + Super Mario World
Super Mario World 2: Yoshi's Island

Mario Paint would be awesome, but they'd have to make a mouse controller for it. And if the game was built in they would have to include said mouse, being that it's a plug-and-play console after all. Not likely to happen.