Nintendo Entertainment System: NES Classic Edition Review: A Retro Revival Done Right
Reliving the Golden Age of Gaming
The Nintendo Entertainment System (NES) holds a special place in the hearts of gamers everywhere. It’s the console that brought us iconic characters like Mario and Link and introduced millions to the joys of video gaming. The NES Classic Edition is Nintendo’s love letter to that golden age, offering a compact, modernized version of the original console, packed with a selection of its greatest hits. But does this mini-console live up to the legacy of its predecessor? Let’s dive in and find out.
Design: A Tiny Tribute to a Gaming Icon
The first thing that strikes you about the NES Classic Edition is just how small it is. This miniaturized version of the original NES is roughly the size of your palm, making it an adorable addition to any gaming setup. Despite its reduced size, the console retains the classic NES aesthetic, from the grey-and-black color scheme to the tactile feel of the power and reset buttons. It’s a perfect replica, shrunk down to modern proportions.
The controller is also a faithful reproduction of the original NES gamepad, with the same chunky D-pad, rubbery buttons, and that familiar rectangular shape. However, it comes with a modern twist: the controller connects via a Wii-style connector, allowing it to be used with a Wii or Wii U console if you’re feeling particularly nostalgic.
One minor drawback is the short length of the controller cable, which can make it difficult to sit at a comfortable distance from your TV. However, third-party extension cables are readily available and easily solve this issue.
Game Selection: A Curated Collection of Classics
The NES Classic Edition comes pre-loaded with 30 of the most beloved games from the NES era, including Super Mario Bros., The Legend of Zelda, Metroid, and Mega Man 2. Each game is faithfully emulated, preserving the original graphics, sound, and gameplay that made them classics in the first place.
The menu interface is clean and easy to navigate, allowing you to browse the game library by title or release date. You can also save your progress at any time, thanks to the addition of four save slots per game—a feature that wasn’t available on the original NES but is a welcome convenience for today’s players.
While the selection of games is excellent, it’s worth noting that there’s no way to add more titles to the console. The NES Classic Edition is a closed system, so what you see is what you get. That said, the included games are some of the best the NES had to offer, making it a great introduction to the console’s library for newcomers and a nostalgic trip down memory lane for veterans.
Performance: Nostalgia Without the Lag
When it comes to performance, the NES Classic Edition delivers a smooth and faithful gaming experience. The emulation is spot-on, with no noticeable input lag or graphical glitches, even on modern HDTVs. The games look as crisp and colorful as they did back in the 80s, thanks to the inclusion of an HDMI output, which ensures that the visuals are sharp and vibrant.
For purists, there’s also the option to apply a CRT filter, which mimics the look of an old-school television. This adds scanlines and a slight blur to the image, recreating the authentic feel of playing on an original NES. It’s a small touch, but it adds a lot to the overall experience for those who want to relive their childhood gaming sessions.
Functionality: Easy to Use, Hard to Put Down
Setting up the NES Classic Edition is a breeze. Simply plug it into your TV via the included HDMI cable, connect the power, and you’re ready to play. The console’s small size makes it easy to store, and its straightforward design means you can jump into a game within minutes of unboxing it.
The inclusion of save states is one of the best modern features of the NES Classic Edition. Not only does it make the notoriously difficult NES games more accessible, but it also allows you to pick up right where you left off, even if you need to take a break. This feature, combined with the timeless appeal of the games, makes the NES Classic Edition a console that’s hard to put down.
Final Thoughts: A Must-Have for Retro Gamers
The NES Classic Edition is more than just a nostalgia trip—it’s a thoughtfully designed homage to one of the most important consoles in gaming history. Whether you’re a lifelong Nintendo fan or someone who missed out on the NES the first time around, this mini-console offers an authentic, accessible way to experience the golden age of gaming.
With its excellent game selection, faithful design, and user-friendly features, the NES Classic Edition is a must-have for anyone who loves retro gaming. It’s a perfect blend of old and new, capturing the spirit of the original NES while making it more convenient for modern players. Click here to check out the Nintendo Entertainment System: NES Classic Edition on Amazon and start your journey through gaming history today.
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