Announced this morning to much fanfare, the classic-playing mini-NES is an exciting prospect for both old and new Nintendo fans. It’s a $99.95 device that plays 30 classic NES games ranging from Final Fantasy to Super Mario Bros. If you don’t like that list, you’re out of luck: Nintendo says this mini NES won’t be getting other games even after launch.
Addressing some of my questions today, a Nintendo spokesperson said that the console won’t be able to connect to the internet and that the company has no plans to support it with new NES games in the future. Also, in case you were wondering, the cartridge slot doesn’t actually open!
Our questions and Nintendo’s answers:
Will the mini-NES be able to connect to the internet?
No. The console is a standalone device, so it cannot connect to the internet or any external storage devices. The game lineup was chosen to provide a diverse mix of popular and recognisable NES games that appeal to a wide variety of players. Everyone should be able to find multiple games to enjoy.
On the same note: Does Nintendo plan to sell other NES games for the mini-NES beyond the 30 it comes preloaded with?
No. The console is a standalone device, so it cannot connect to the internet or any external storage devices. The 30 games included with the system were chosen to provide a wide variety of top-quality, long-lasting game-play experiences.
Are there plans for other mini-consoles, like a mini-SNES or mini-N64?
We have nothing to announce at this time.
Just because people have been asking: Safe to say it can’t play old cartridges, right? (Based on the image it looks like an NES cartridge would have around the same width as the entire console.) Does it open up at all?
The console does not use physical media and therefore the Chamber Lid does not open.
You can see the full list of NES games the Mini-NES will play here.
Comments
21 responses to “The Mini-NES Won’t Get Games Beyond The Ones That Were Announced”
I wonder if the emulation will look better than wii and wii U VC
Eh, that’s fine. It’s not like its a re-release of a console. Seems to be just like a toy….
Yeah, it’s essentially one of those controllers you used to be able to get that hook up to your TV via A/V cable and play a bunch of pre-loaded Atari games.
I call BS… Modders will figure out a way to get the whole NES library onto the machine… I’m sure of it. If there’s one thing I trust, it’s old-school nerds getting shit done!
hells yeah
This a thousand times over.
Sure, but it might require soldering on a JTAG harness. If it is too involved, it might just be easier to use some other device to emulate the games.
Not really BS because Nintendo are stating on official releases.
2 seconds after this hits the shelves modders will have done something to get the full emulated experience on it.
so might be worth getting two units just in case.
No need to even wait for the thing to release. there is already an alternative solution using a Raspberry Pi and a 3D printed case.
http://www.lifehacker.com.au/2016/07/build-your-own-mini-nes-with-a-raspberry-pi-and-this-3d-printed-case/
I have a large chunk of the included games already on Wii/WiiU Virtual Console so really just want the controller.
You’re in luck, they’re selling the controllers separately, they just connect to a Wiimote the same as a classic controller.
https://www.ebgames.com.au/wiiu-217650-NES-Classic-Mini-Controller-Wii-U
Apparently they’re restricting orders to just one per customer though.
Found this little nugget on the EB Games site.
https://www.ebgames.com.au/wiiu-217390-Nintendo-Classic-Mini-NES-Wii-U
So, it’s not enough to just buy the console, we have to buy a separate power pack too. Nicely done Nintendo.
Reckon most people would rather just run an emulator on their PC with one of these.
http://www.ebay.com.au/itm/like/172236822412?lpid=107&chn=ps
I assume Nintendo is expecting people using this to have a TV that sports a USB port.
Meanwhile EB is coverring their asses.
Literally nothing makes this seem worthwhile.
If it still had a cartridge slot, then it might be interesting.
For now, though, it’s a wasted opportunity.
wait, it doesnt have a cartridge slot?
ffs nintendo
It’s a toy, perfect for small kids if you want them to start from the ’80s era. Although adding some more extra futures (like the ability to upgrade firmware, downloading games, connectivity with blue-tooth,wi-fi etc) could signify a golden era for retro gaming. Too bad, home-brew retro developers could make games for it if there was an easy way for it.
Have to add, Nintendo possibly delivered the console like this to keep the costs to a minimum.
Guys, it’s $100! It’s a perfect little retro box for playing some of the best old school games. A contained, neat little system to satisfy those that want to play old school retro games in that classic style, legitimately.
As someone who came into games in the N64 era, I’m super keen to get my hands on one of these to try out some of the originals in series’ that I now love, in a way that is reminiscent of how they used to be played when they came out, without having to fiddle around with emulators and getting controllers to work. This is a perfect example of a plug and play option to play 30-40 year old games. I love it.
I’m surprised Nintendo missed the opportunity to at least include an SD card reader so they can sell extra game packs.
Still a bit keen for it though.
Yup, I’ll take one of these for my 6 year old!
Hopefully someone will put release a 3rd party dogbone controller for it, they were heaps better than the original controllers imo. It would have been good if it had just used the same controller ports as the original NES though.
No big deal to me, it’s already got a great library as it is. Not like there aren’t ways (Virtual Console for example) to get other NES games on other devices anyway.