We Went Hands-On With The NES Classic Edition! Here’s What To Expect

Since it was announced, one of the most anticipated gaming products this holiday season has been the NES Classic Edition. As a literal blast from the past, this mini console comes pre-loaded with 30 games from years past, including games from the Super Mario Bros., Legend of Zelda and Final Fantasy. Packaged with an HDMI cable for modern TV’s and capture devices, it looks to deliver a way to bring classic gaming into the modern era with ease.

Once I got the chance to sit down and actually play with it, the late 80’s came rushing back, as if the time where controllers only had two buttons and 1080P was replaced with 8-Bits never left. Playing the classic Castlevania, the emulation was picture perfect, fitting just right with these modern HDTV’s. The controller felt lighter than I remember, with the same rectangular block so many of us grew up with, to the point where it feels awfully weird not to have shoulder buttons anymore. That didn’t keep me from slaying Dracula’s worst minions with ease, but making the switch after so many years definitely takes a slight mental adjustment.

For those who want to switch up their viewing experience, the unit will have three different aspect ratios to choose from while playing. The standard mode is a pixel perfect recreation of the old days of gaming, meaning there will be a ton of empty space towards the left and right side. If you want to make sure no space is wasted, you can opt for the full screen option in exchange for some stretched out models, or an in between mode that keeps the characters more proportioned while using up more of the screen.

Using an AC adapter that can plug in to either a wall socket or a USB charger, you should never have trouble finding a place to power the thing. Keeping in mind how many games that the $59.99 price point gets you, I can see this being the perfect travel companion when you’re traveling to a hotel, a friend’s place, or if you just want to show off the mini console. Throw in the fact that the controller works as a Classic Controller for Wii and Wii U Virtual Console games means you’ll get even more mileage out of your purchase.

What games are you most looking forward to re-playing, and will you be with us in line when the unit releases on November 11? Share your thoughts below!