NES Classic

[sevin0seven]

..and now Nintendo just announced the official NES Classic Book after 7 days of the NES Mini Classic released:





their pushing it, hehe.

[mjmjr25]

So, guesses, folks? I'm going to throw out a number and say they end up selling... 10 million?

It's going to sell well. I'd think 1/3 of all parents in the 25-40 yo age range is going to grab this for their kids for Christmas. I think 10 million is high, but not by a lot.

7 million in N. America

[Anapan]

Having a niece and nephew with lots of friends, I know for a fact that most of the kids in my area have access to the early super mario games and handfuls of the other NES classics on their parent's original consoles or Computer, WII, Hacked Apple TV, Android Smart-tv or at least their Cellphones. They like to challenge their friends at retrogaming since my brother and I trained them well. The famous Classic NES games aren't as ubiquitous as Minecraft, but they're really common in a lot of their friend's homes. It'll be a hard sell for a lot of parents if it remains at that price. Mostly, they bought or installed the VC versions they cared about a long time ago.

I keep wondering what low-end technology is inside it - why it can't do CV3, why it won't be upgradable, what the limitations of the hardware really are. Despite my misgivings, I know I will buy at least one. More than anything I want to know if I can plug a nunchuck into it and play Pac-man (I went on a rant about how I couldn't play it on the PS Vita - still leaves a bad taste in my mouth). If it were any company but Nintendo, I'd ask everybody why they were so excited about an overpriced SoC EMU box with a limited gamelist. That's the reason - We expect that they have spent a fair amount of effort ensuring it does what the original does and keep hoping they didn't jump the shark.

[Gunstar Green]

I keep wondering what low-end technology is inside it - why it can't do CV3, why it won't be upgradable, what the limitations of the hardware really are.

I wouldn't read too much into Castlevania 3. As Super C seems to imply, Konami gave them what they felt like giving them. It's also possible they were just asking for too much to license Contra and CV3 on top of everything else. Who knows? I'm inclined to believe it was more of a business decision than a technology one anyway.

As for why it's not upgradable we can only speculate. Maybe it would have driven the price point higher than Nintendo was comfortable with especially if they're uncertain it will sell enough units to bother adding more games. That or they're just not interested in treating it like an alternate console and just want to keep it a one-shot product.

[CRTGAMER]

More than anything I want to know if I can plug a nunchuck into it and play Pac-man (I went on a rant about how I couldn't play it on the PS Vita - still leaves a bad taste in my mouth).

Based on the official Nintenendo Classic site, the Wii Classic Controllers work. Unclear if the Analog sticks or just the DPad though.

@BLU - Maybe include the Nintendo official site link in the OP?

https://www.nintendo.com/nes-classic



Play NES games the way they're meant to be played—with a full-size "original" controller. The included NES Classic Controller can also be used with NES Virtual Console games on your Wii™ or Wii U™ console by connecting it to a Wii Remote™ controller.



Games like Pac-Man™, TECMO BOWL, and Dr. Mario™ are even better with a buddy. And you won’t have to fight over a controller. Use your Classic Controller™ or Classic Controller Pro™ (sold separately), or buy a second NES Classic Controller.

Available Nov. 11, 2016

[samsonlonghair]

I keep wondering what low-end technology is inside it - why it can't do CV3, why it won't be upgradable, what the limitations of the hardware really are. Despite my misgivings, I know I will buy at least one. More than anything I want to know if I can plug a nunchuck into it and play Pac-man

I'm interested to know about the tech specs too. Regarding Pac-Man with a nunchuck, I'm going to guess no. I believe you need the "Start" button to start a game. Unless there's someway to remap the "Z" button or the "C" button, I'm going to guess you cannot play with a nunchuck.

[Tanooki]

Hmm I'd think that might be giving more credit than due with the nunchuk. Most probably won't even care or even register the fact some Wii parts will work with it as they'll be too busy with the built in gamepad which that version of Pac-Man (and the other 29 games) were made for.

[retrosportsgamer]

As for why it's not upgradable we can only speculate. Maybe it would have driven the price point higher than Nintendo was comfortable with especially if they're uncertain it will sell enough units to bother adding more games. That or they're just not interested in treating it like an alternate console and just want to keep it a one-shot product.

Here you go. Hardcore gamers aren't the market for this. There's a cost to add-on, and a logistical issue possibly for some consumers. It's a resource-heavy headache for Nintendo to do anything more than a one-shot nostalgia-fueled deal. This is an out-of-the-box, current TV (HDMI)-ready console with all your favorite NES memories (well most).

I think it's a brilliant money-maker for Nintendo going into the holiday season without much on the docket. It's priced as a nice holiday gift - something you can grab off the shelves at a Target, Walmart, etc without having to put much thought into it. Considering NES games are normally $4.99 on the virtual console, it's a bargain in that respect also.

[CRTGAMER]

Here you go. Hardcore gamers aren't the market for this. There's a cost to add-on, and a logistical issue possibly for some consumers. It's a resource-heavy headache for Nintendo to do anything more than a one-shot nostalgia-fueled deal. This is an out-of-the-box, current TV (HDMI)-ready console with all your favorite NES memories (well most).

The HDMI output a smart move for direct upscale plugin to big screens. Too bad the NES Classic does not also include direct composite/audio RCA outputs for continual plugin DURABILITY. This would have made it a more sensible readily PlugNPlay for on the go without need of adding a video converter; plugging into portable DVD player screens (very few have HDMI) and most any hotel TV. As it stands a nice compact unit that should stay at home under the big screen.

For now, the key interest to me are two spare NES Classic Controllers for my Wii. I'll eventually buy the NES Classic when the console goes "buyer closeout price" at Bed Bath which did this for numerous ATGames consoles. However, Nintendo owns this PluNPlay which tends to be price fixed at every store.

[Exhuminator]

What's going to make or break this for me, is how the upscaled games look over HDMI on HDTV.