In July, Nintendo announced a pint-sized edition of its NES console that’s set to come pre-loaded with some of the system’s most iconic games. Now, the company has unveiled its Japanese equivalent — a plug-and-play version of the Family Computer, better known as the Famicom.
The red-and-white color palette and distinct physical design of the Famicom will surely make this release very attractive to collectors. Thankfully, the system is powered by a USB connection, which should make it very easy for importers to get the console up and running outside of Japan.
However, completionists will have to purchase both the Japanese and American variants of the classic console to build as large a library as possible. Both are pre-loaded with slightly different line-ups — and neither is able to download any additional games beyond its standard library.
The Famicom’s list of exclusives includes Final Fantasy III, River City Ransom, Mario Club Golf, Solomon’s Key, Yie Ar Kung-Fu, Downtown Street Challenge, Atlantis no Nazo, and Tsuppari Sumo. Meanwhile, Final Fantasy, Kid Icarus, Castlevania 2, Punch-Out!!, Bubble Bobble, StarTropics, Temco Bowl, and Donkey Kong Jr. are exclusive to the NES Classic Edition.
Both systems feature a variety of classics like Super Mario Bros., Super Mario Bros. 3, Metroid, The Legend of Zelda, Mega Man, Galaga, Ghosts ‘n Goblins, Castlevania, and many more, according to a report from Eurogamer.
Nintendo certainly seems to be approaching these throwback consoles the right way. Between their lovingly detailed appearance, and the excellent selection of first and third-party games on offer, both the NES Classic Edition and the Nintendo Classic Mini Famicom are sure to please nostalgic gamers.
Depending on the success of these releases, it will certainly be interesting to see whether Nintendo chooses to release plug-and-play versions of more recent consoles.
The Nintendo Classic Mini Famicom will be available in Japan from November 10, and will retail for 5,980 yen, or about $59 at the current exchange rate.
