I think this is an interesting product that I would probably buy if it was actually available in stores as new stock of old games is something I would like to patronize, but it's far from flawless:
First, let's not fool ourselves into thinking this is really a miniature N.E.S. If it was, I could understand the current situation. As things are however, it uses entirely different hardware. Nintendo actually made a miniaturized N.E.S. up until 1993 under the model number NES-101, which is often called the "top loader", and those clone systems like the Hyperkin Retron more closely resemble the actual hardware than this (presently) overglorified emulator. I would have personally preferred it if Nintendo could've used their familiarity with the system to improve the design of the ubiquitous Nintendo on a Chip that's even used in most of the Atari Flashback plug 'n play systems. Actually, I would've preferred an authorized multi-cart myself but I suppose that might be asking for too much.
Second, regarding the game lineup, I have two main concerns: Most of these games are not in dire need of additional hardcopies, due to numerous rereleases. Megaman II is the biggest offender on this front, because you can buy new copies of the Megaman Legacy Collection for a practically identical copy of the game, although Kirby's Adventure isn't too far behind it because we also saw it on Kirby's Dream Collection for the Wii. The other is that many of these are just N.E.S. ports of arcade games. That list includes Bubble Bobble, Donkey Kong, Donkey Kong Jr., Double Dragon II The Revenge, Galega, Ghosts 'n Goblins, Gradius, Pacman and Temco Bowl. Some of those games are good choices regardless but if you really want to represent the N.E.S. specifically, I would make a few substitutions:
Ghosts 'n Goblins, despite being a good game, can be axed in favor of Castlevania 3, which clone consoles are notorious for being unable to play. You already have I and II, so why not round out the collection with what might be the best entry on the console? River City Ransom is probably better than Double Dragon II here, esp. since the Famicom edition of this device has it, and we didn't even get the original Double Dragon anyway. Pacman is much too widely available, even on plug 'n play systems like this: If you want to have a maze game, why not have The Adventure of Lolo on it instead? I would also like to replace Galega for the same reason as Pacman, but I'm not sure what vertical shoot 'em up better represents the N.E.S. Research suggests that Crisis Force would be excellent if it was released in the west, but Nintendo would is obviously not considering giving us a game that was only released on the Famicom.
Third, I'm disappointed at the lack of hardware features. Wiimote compatibility would have solved the cord problem, and a Composite Video Broadcast Signal (C.B.V.S.) output would have enabled us to use it with real C.R.Ts. like a real N.E.S. The Raspberry Pi 3 suggests Nintendo could have done at least this much for us, as that board has those features at $35, and the Retrobit Generations all but affirms that C.B.V.S was definitely an option for a product such as this.
Fourth, the japanese counterpart has Final Fantasy III for the N.E.S. on it. I want an English translation of that game so much, and the Nintendo D.S. version doesn't count.
Quote ("Dynamic Threads") But this product? I have no idea what the point is. Locally, I have a store called Oogie Games and they specialize in old gaming. Tons of old NES games and accessories, as well as new, third party NES consoles (as the copyright expired and anyone can make and sell them now). Regardless, you can just find all of this stuff online and while I understand, the actual, original copies of some of the pre-loaded games are hundreds upon hundreds of dollars, I can also just go download most of them, either illegally or legally at this point, really.
This is actually a quite clever product when it is sold at the advertised price. If there are people who respect and honor the copyright of these games like I do, this is the cheapest you could hope to purchase this collection of games games. As you have acknowledged, it can save money but just consider how much money can be saved: On Virtual Console, they'd cost $150 altogether and the complete collection is about http://venturebeat.com/2016/11/11/nes-classic-edition-can-save-retro-gamers-hundreds-of-dollars/, you could buy all of the games off of virtual console, plus a Wii and a Wiimote. At the http://www.dailydot.com/parsec/where-to-buy-nes-classic/, but whether it'll be better or worse than an actual N.E.S. in this regard is perhaps more circumstantial.
Quote ("Rangers51") I'm not sure if she'll be at all excited about a console that plays 8-bit games and has a wired controller.
I'd suggest buying a wireless controller if you ever get your hands on the N.E.S. Classic Edition. http://nyko.com/products/miniboss-for-nes-classic-edition are both interesting options for the N.E.S. Classic Edition, esp. since Nintendo only gave us one controller per system anyway, meaning that you would need another controller to be able to play two player modes.
Quote ("Sabin") I heard that supply is way below demand nationwide. Unexpected rise in interest, or tactical marketing to increase demand? Time will tell.
It has been sold out ever since its release. It's probably a mixture of both. It doesn't seem like that long ago when these games were in relatively low demand, so it's not hard to imagine the Nintendo execs. doing something special that they though only a few people would take interest in, yet at the same time, this is not the first time they have run short on stock for a product. |
