Is the NES Still Sold?
Direct Answer: No, the Nintendo Entertainment System (NES) is no longer sold in its original form. Nintendo discontinued the production of NES consoles in North America and Europe in August 1995. However, various re-releases, emulators, and retro console systems have been made available over the years, which allow gamers to play NES games on new hardware.
History of the NES
The Nintendo Entertainment System (NES) was a groundbreaking console that revolutionized the gaming industry. Launched in North America in 1985, it was originally marketed as the Famicom in Japan. The console was a massive success, thanks to its iconic controller, charming games, and innovative features like the cartridge-based game system.
Discontinuation of NES Production
In August 1995, Nintendo discontinued the production of NES consoles in North America and Europe. The company had started to shift its focus to newer consoles, such as the Super Nintendo Entertainment System (SNES) and the Nintendo 64. Although the NES was discontinued, the console’s library of games continued to remain popular among gamers.
Re-Releases and Retro Console Systems
Over the years, various re-releases and retro console systems have been made available to allow gamers to play NES games on new hardware. Some of the notable re-releases include:
- NES Classic Edition: A mini retro console released in 2016, which includes 30 pre-installed NES games.
- SNES Classic Edition: A mini retro console released in 2017, which includes 21 pre-installed SNES games.
- Nintendo Virtual Console: A digital service that allows gamers to download and play NES games on their Wii, Wii U, and Nintendo 3DS consoles.
- RetroPie: An open-source retro gaming platform that allows gamers to emulate NES games on their own hardware.
Where to Buy NES Games
If you’re looking to play NES games, you can find them in various places:
- Online retailers: Online stores like Amazon, GameStop, and eBay sell NES games for various console systems.
- Vintage game stores: Specialty stores that sell used and rare games often have a selection of NES titles.
- Garage sales and thrift stores: You may be able to find NES games at thrift stores or garage sales, but be cautious of damaged or fake cartridges.
- Collector communities: Join online communities or forums focused on NES collectors to buy, trade, or auction NES games.
Authenticity and Compatibility Issues
When buying NES games, ensure that you purchase authentic games from reputable retailers to avoid compatibility issues and ensure the game is complete and not damaged. You can also check the cartridge’s packaging, manual, and documentation to verify its authenticity.
Conclusion
In summary, the NES is no longer sold in its original form, but re-releases, emulators, and retro console systems have made it possible to play NES games on new hardware. When buying NES games, ensure that you purchase authentic games from reputable retailers and check for compatibility issues.
Table of NES Re-Releases
| Re-Release | Release Year | Games Included |
|---|---|---|
| NES Classic Edition | 2016 | 30 games, including Super Mario Bros. and The Legend of Zelda |
| SNES Classic Edition | 2017 | 21 games, including Super Mario World and The Legend of Zelda: A Link to the Past |
| Nintendo Virtual Console | Varies | Thousands of games, including NES titles like Super Mario Bros. and The Legend of Zelda |
Bibliography
- Nintendo Life. (2016, November 11). Nintendo NES Classic Edition Review. Retrieved from https://www.nintendolife.com/reviews/nes/nes-classic-edition-review
- Polygon. (2017, September 29). Why the NES Classic Edition’s game selection is so lacking. Retrieved from https://www.polygon.com/2017/9/29/16343134/nes-classic-edition-game-selection-worst-come-back-every-bite-count