:NES Classic Edition

The NES Classic Edition is a dedicated console for emulating 30 Nintendo Entertainment System (NES) games.{{cite news|last1=Kickham|first1=Dylan|title=Nintendo to re-release classic NES 30 years after original system|url=http://www.ew.com/article/2016/07/18/nintendo-re-release-nes|access-date=October 17, 2016|work=Entertainment Weekly's EW.com|date=July 18, 2016|archive-date=June 30, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170630041531/http://ew.com/article/2016/07/18/nintendo-re-release-nes/|url-status=live}}{{cite news|last1=Russell|first1=Jon|title=Nintendo is launching a mini version of its iconic NES console with 30 classic games|url=https://techcrunch.com/2016/07/14/nintendo-is-launching-a-mini-version-of-its-iconic-nes-console-with-30-classic-games/|access-date=October 17, 2016|work=TechCrunch|date=July 14, 2016|archive-date=December 15, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171215021342/https://techcrunch.com/2016/07/14/nintendo-is-launching-a-mini-version-of-its-iconic-nes-console-with-30-classic-games/|url-status=live}} The console is distributed in two versions; one for Japan, featuring the likeness of the original Family Computer (Famicom),{{cite news|last1=Tumbokon|first1=Karen|title=Nintendo's Famicom Mini Console Is Coming To Japan|url=http://www.ibtimes.com/nintendos-famicom-mini-console-coming-japan-2424339|access-date=October 17, 2016|work=International Business Times|date=September 30, 2016|archive-date=October 18, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161018225331/http://www.ibtimes.com/nintendos-famicom-mini-console-coming-japan-2424339|url-status=live}} and one for the rest of the world, which looks like the original NES. For the NES version, all of the games are based on their US release, running at 60 Hz and using the names by which they were released in the United States. While the Famicom version's interface is only in Japanese, the NES version supports up to eight other languages,{{Efn|English, French, German, Spanish, Italian, Dutch, Portuguese and Russian{{cite web|title=How to Change the HOME Menu Language|url=https://en-americas-support.nintendo.com/app/answers/detail/a_id/17353|website=Nintendo Support|publisher=Nintendo|accessdate=April 28, 2024}}}} but neither affects the language for their games themselves.

Internally, the console uses an Allwinner R16 system on a chip with four ARM Cortex-A7 central processing cores and an ARM Mali 400 MP2 graphics processing unit. It includes 512 MB of flash storage and 256 MB of DDR3 memory.{{cite web | url = http://www.eurogamer.net/articles/digitalfoundry-2017-nintendo-classic-mini-nes-review | title = Nintendo Classic Mini NES review | first = John | last = Linneman | date = February 5, 2017 | access-date = September 28, 2017 | work = Eurogamer | archive-date = September 27, 2017 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20170927101025/http://www.eurogamer.net/articles/digitalfoundry-2017-nintendo-classic-mini-nes-review | url-status = live }}{{cite web|url=http://www.polygon.com/2016/11/11/13597620/nes-classic-edition-teardown|title=What's inside the NES Classic Edition|first=Christopher|last=Grant|date=November 11, 2016|access-date=September 28, 2017|website=Polygon|archive-date=September 29, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170929135107/https://www.polygon.com/2016/11/11/13597620/nes-classic-edition-teardown|url-status=live}}

For video output, the system features an HDMI connection, which puts out 720p at 60 Hz video for all games.

The controllers in the NES version of the console feature the Wii Nunchuk's connector, which allows the controller to be connected to the Wii Remote for use with Virtual Console games on the Wii and Wii U. Accessories for the Wii such as the Classic Controller can also be used.{{cite news|last1=Kamen|first1=Matt|title=Nintendo unveils the Classic Mini loaded with 30 NES games|url=https://www.wired.co.uk/article/nintendos-classic-mini-brings-back-nes-masterpieces|access-date=July 14, 2016|date=July 14, 2016|archive-date=June 23, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180623004754/https://www.wired.co.uk/article/nintendos-classic-mini-brings-back-nes-masterpieces|url-status=live}}{{cite news|last1=Paul|first1=Ian|title=Nintendo's releasing a miniature NES console packed with 30 classic games|url=http://www.pcworld.com/article/3095790/hardware/nintendos-releasing-a-miniature-nes-console-packed-with-30-classic-games.html|access-date=July 14, 2016|date=July 14, 2016|archive-date=July 15, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160715075807/http://www.pcworld.com/article/3095790/hardware/nintendos-releasing-a-miniature-nes-console-packed-with-30-classic-games.html|url-status=live}}{{cite news|last1=Grant|first1=Christopher|title=The mini NES Classic controller works with your Wii U Virtual Console games|url=http://www.polygon.com/2016/7/14/12189508/mini-nes-classic-controller|access-date=August 9, 2016|work=Polygon|date=July 14, 2016|archive-date=August 17, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160817234330/http://www.polygon.com/2016/7/14/12189508/mini-nes-classic-controller|url-status=live}} The controllers for the Famicom version are hardwired into the console like its original counterpart, so they cannot be used in conjunction with the Wii. This version's two controllers are also proportioned to the size of the console to fit into its holding slots on the sides, resulting in them being smaller than their NES counterpart. The microphone on the Player 2 controller is cosmetic and does not work.{{cite web|url=https://topics.nintendo.co.jp/c/article/d2923b54-8552-11e6-9b38-063b7ac45a6d.html|title=ファミコンが、手のひらサイズで|access-date=September 30, 2016|archive-date=September 30, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160930001135/https://topics.nintendo.co.jp/c/article/d2923b54-8552-11e6-9b38-063b7ac45a6d.html|url-status=live}}

The console uses the Linux operating system, running a new NES emulation engine developed by Nintendo European Research & Development (NERD).{{cite news |last1=Vogel |first1=Mitch |title=NES Classic Edition Will Feature a Brand New Emulator Developed by NERD |url=http://www.nintendolife.com/news/2016/08/nes_classic_edition_will_feature_a_brand_new_emulator_developed_by_nerd |publisher=Nintendo Life |access-date=October 4, 2016 |date=August 27, 2016 |archive-date=October 5, 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161005111808/http://www.nintendolife.com/news/2016/08/nes_classic_edition_will_feature_a_brand_new_emulator_developed_by_nerd |url-status=live }} The emulation included limited support for some of the memory management controllers, aka mappers, used in NES cartridges to extend the ability of the console, such as for Super Mario Bros. 3, though not all known mappers were included with the emulation engine. The emulation engine was regarded as superior in both visual and audio support when compared to the Virtual Console emulations of NES titles.

A 320-page book called Playing with Power: Nintendo NES Classics, published by Prima Games, was released the same day as the console;{{cite news|last1=Humphries|first1=Matthew|title=Nintendo commissions official NES book to {{sic|compli|ment|nolink=y|Expected=complement}} Classic Mini console {{!}} Games {{!}} Geek.com|url=http://www.geek.com/games/nintendo-releasing-official-nes-book-to-compliment-classic-mini-console-1663572/|access-date=August 9, 2016|work=@geekdotcom|date=July 27, 2016|archive-date=August 1, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160801101510/http://www.geek.com/games/nintendo-releasing-official-nes-book-to-compliment-classic-mini-console-1663572/|url-status=live}} the book is a guide to some of the games included on the system. Nintendo of America brought back the Nintendo Power Line as an automated phone hotline from November 11 to 13 as a celebration of the launch of the system.{{cite news | url=http://kotaku.com/nintendo-brings-back-the-power-line-for-a-weekend-1788573658 | title=Nintendo Brings Back The Power Line For A Weekend | work=Kotaku | date=November 4, 2016 | access-date=November 4, 2016 | author=Schreier, Jason | archive-date=November 5, 2016 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161105094751/http://kotaku.com/nintendo-brings-back-the-power-line-for-a-weekend-1788573658 | url-status=live }}

{{Multiple image

| direction = vertical

| image1 = NES Mini Menu.png

| image2 = Famicom Mini Menu.png

| footer = Menus for the NES (top) and Famicom (bottom) versions. The NES version has an option for eight languages, while the Famicom version is in Japanese only.

| total_width = 325

| alt1 = The menu for the NES Classic Edition, showing its titles by release date. Pictured from left are Excitebike, Ice Climber, Super Mario Bros., Donkey Kong, Donkey Kong Jr. and Mario Bros.

| alt2 = The menu for the Nintendo Classic Mini: Family Computer, showing its titles by recently played. Pictured from left are Mega Man 2, Ice Climber, Castlevania, Atlantis no Nazo, Yie Ar Kung-Fu and Excitebike.

}}

Regardless of the model or region, the microconsole included 30 built-in games in all regions. Games that originally had different titles in the PAL regions use their respective American monikers, such as Ninja Gaiden (originally Shadow Warriors) and Super C (originally Probotector II: Return of the Evil Forces). From the 30 included titles, 22 are common between all regions, while the eight remaining ones are exclusive to either Japan or North America/PAL region respectively.{{cite news|last1=Jones|first1=Gary|title=NES Classic Edition: The final 30 games list revealed as Nintendo talk mini N64|url=http://www.express.co.uk/entertainment/gaming/690813/NES-classic-Edition-games-confirmed-Nintendo-N64|access-date=August 9, 2016|date=July 19, 2016|archive-date=August 12, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160812094021/http://www.express.co.uk/entertainment/gaming/690813/NES-classic-Edition-games-confirmed-Nintendo-N64|url-status=live}}

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The international Super Mario Bros. 2 was titled Super Mario USA in Japan, and is not to be confused with the Japanese Super Mario Bros. 2, which is known in other parts of the world as Super Mario Bros.: The Lost Levels.

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The NES Classic Edition was first released on November 10, 2016, in Japan and Australia,{{cite news|last1=Perez|first1=Angela|title=Nintendo New NES Release Date & Price in Australia|url=http://www.australianetworknews.com/nintendo-new-nes-release-date-price-in-australia/|access-date=August 8, 2016|date=July 15, 2016|archive-date=June 23, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180623023206/https://www.australianetworknews.com/nintendo-new-nes-release-date-price-in-australia/|url-status=live}} and November 11 in North America and Europe.{{cite news|last1=Perry|first1=Alex|title=The re-release of the original Nintendo has some amazing new features|url=http://www.businessinsider.com/nintendo-nes-classic-edition-features-2016-8|access-date=August 9, 2016|date=August 8, 2016|archive-date=August 9, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160809131707/http://www.businessinsider.com/nintendo-nes-classic-edition-features-2016-8|url-status=live}} With the limited supply, these initial shipments sold out almost immediately.{{cite web|url=http://www.kansascity.com/news/business/article116964998.html|title=Kansas City shoppers find bargains and long lines on Black Friday|quote=The new version has been out of stock since Nov. 11, when it sold out in a single day.|access-date=November 26, 2016|archive-date=November 26, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161126154226/http://www.kansascity.com/news/business/article116964998.html|url-status=live}}

Nintendo produced about 2.3 million NES Classic Editions over the next five months.{{cite web|url=http://www.gamasutra.com/view/news/297102/Nintendo_sold_23_million_NES_Classic_Editions.php|title=Nintendo sold 2.3 million NES Classic Editions|first=Alissa|last=McAloon|date=April 28, 2017 |access-date=April 28, 2017|archive-date=April 29, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170429080409/http://www.gamasutra.com/view/news/297102/Nintendo_sold_23_million_NES_Classic_Editions.php|url-status=dead}} By April 13, 2017, Nintendo announced it was ceasing production of the unit, with final shipments sent out within the next few days.{{cite web|url=http://nintendotoday.com/nes-classic-shipments-end-in-japan-and-europe-as-well/|title=NES Classic shipments end in Japan and Europe as well - NintendoToday|date=April 15, 2017|access-date=April 17, 2017|archive-date=April 18, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170418082647/http://nintendotoday.com/nes-classic-shipments-end-in-japan-and-europe-as-well/|url-status=live}}{{cite journal |last1=Lloyd |first1=Chris |title=NES Classic Killed |journal=Maximum PC |date=June 2017 |page=14}}

Nintendo's decision to stop production of the console was met with criticism due to consumer's lack of awareness of the limited availability of the console, as described below. Following the announcement of the Super NES Classic Edition, which served as a counterpart to the NES Classic Edition but for Super Nintendo Entertainment System (SNES) titles, Nintendo announced that it would also resume production of the NES Classic Edition in 2018.{{cite web |author=Erik Kain |url=https://www.forbes.com/sites/erikkain/2018/02/01/nintendo-is-bringing-back-the-nes-classic-for-a-very-silly-reason/#1d6d89907364 |title=Nintendo Is Bringing Back The NES Classic Edition For A Very Silly Reason |work=Forbes.com |access-date=2018-06-22 |archive-date=May 16, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180516020146/https://www.forbes.com/sites/erikkain/2018/02/01/nintendo-is-bringing-back-the-nes-classic-for-a-very-silly-reason/#1d6d89907364 |url-status=live }} Nintendo brought renewed shipments of the system on June 29, 2018, with production of the system expected to continue throughout the year.{{cite web | url = https://www.theverge.com/2017/9/12/16293664/nes-classic-coming-back-more-snes-stock | title = Nintendo is bringing back the NES Classic | first = Sam | last = Byford | date = September 12, 2017 | access-date = September 18, 2017 | work = The Verge | archive-date = September 13, 2017 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20170913174021/https://www.theverge.com/2017/9/12/16293664/nes-classic-coming-back-more-snes-stock | url-status = live }}{{cite web | url = https://www.theverge.com/2018/5/13/17350686/nintendo-nes-classic-mini-re-release-date | title = Nintendo is bringing back the NES Classic on June 29th | first = Sam | last = Byford | date = May 13, 2018 | access-date = May 13, 2018 | work = The Verge | archive-date = May 14, 2018 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20180514141929/https://www.theverge.com/2018/5/13/17350686/nintendo-nes-classic-mini-re-release-date | url-status = live }}{{cite web | url = https://www.usgamer.net/articles/nintendos-nes-classic-is-available-again-heres-where-to-buy-one | title = Nintendo NES Classic is Available: Here's Where to Buy One | first = Matt | last = Kim | date = June 29, 2018 | access-date = June 29, 2018 | work = USGamer | archive-date = June 29, 2018 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20180629211459/https://www.usgamer.net/articles/nintendos-nes-classic-is-available-again-heres-where-to-buy-one | url-status = live }}

Upon its re-release in June 2018, the NES Classic Mini sold more units than the PS4, Xbox One, and the Nintendo Switch.{{cite web |url=https://mashable.com/2018/08/02/nes-classic-edition-sold-more-ps4-xbox-one-june-2018/ |title=The NES Classic Edition is still wildly popular |last=Krol |first=Jake |publisher=Mashable |date=August 2, 2018 |access-date=August 3, 2018 |quote=Nintendo answered the call of nostalgia in 2016 with the highly limited NES Classic Edition. It's a palm-sized version of the original console that doesn't have an actual cartridge slot, and instead came pre-loaded with 30 classic NES games including Donkey Kong and Balloon Fight. Demand was gigantic: So much so, the console was re-released in June of 2018 and beat out the PS4, Xbox One, and the Nintendo Switch for units sold. |archive-date=August 3, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180803004805/https://mashable.com/2018/08/02/nes-classic-edition-sold-more-ps4-xbox-one-june-2018/ |url-status=live }}

Combined sales of the NES and SNES Classic editions by September 30, 2018, exceeded 10 million units.{{cite web | url = https://www.destructoid.com/nes-and-snes-classic-consoles-pass-the-10-million-global-sales-mark-529201.phtml | title = NES and SNES Classic consoles pass the 10 million global sales mark | first = Chris | last = Moyse | date = October 31, 2018 | access-date = October 31, 2018 | work = Destructoid | archive-date = August 3, 2020 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20200803100729/https://www.destructoid.com/nes-and-snes-classic-consoles-pass-the-10-million-global-sales-mark-529201.phtml | url-status = live }}

On December 13, 2018, Reggie Fils-Aimé affirmed that both the NES and SNES Classic Editions would not be restocked after the 2018 holiday season, nor does Nintendo anticipate producing any similar mini-console version of its other home consoles in the near future.{{cite web | url = https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/heat-vision/nintendo-president-smash-bros-classic-console-future-switch-1167948 | title = Nintendo of America President on Switch's Big Risk, 'Smash Bros.' Success and Classic Consoles' Future | first = Patrick | last = Shanley | date = December 11, 2018 | access-date = December 13, 2018 | work = The Hollywood Reporter | archive-date = December 12, 2018 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20181212064355/https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/heat-vision/nintendo-president-smash-bros-classic-console-future-switch-1167948 | url-status = live }}

Aside from criticism regarding the controller cord being too short as well as minor emulation glitches, especially with sound, the NES Classic Edition has been well-received.{{cite web |url=http://www.animenewsnetwork.com/review/game/nes-classic-edition/.108810 |title=NES Classic Edition - Game Review |quote=Most of the games sound nearly the same as their NES versions, but devoted fans will notice a few deviations, whether it's the oddly muffled beat of the first-level music in Kid Icarus or the slightly tinnier clangs of a heart counter winding back after a Castlevania level. The games are also based on their Virtual Console versions, so StarTropics renames its yoyo weapon a “star.” |access-date=November 26, 2016 |archive-date=November 21, 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161121060458/http://www.animenewsnetwork.com/review/game/nes-classic-edition/.108810 |url-status=live }}{{cite web|url=http://hackaday.com/2016/11/13/linux-on-your-nes-classic-edition/|title=Linux On Your NES Classic Edition|date=November 13, 2016 |quote=Nintendo look as though they may have something of a hit on their hands with their latest console offering.|access-date=November 26, 2016|archive-date=November 26, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161126195601/http://hackaday.com/2016/11/13/linux-on-your-nes-classic-edition/|url-status=live}}

One of many "plug-n-play" consoles on the market, the demand for NES Classic Edition was notably large, with various retailers collectively selling approximately 196,000 units in its first month,{{cite web|url=https://gamerant.com/nintendo-nes-classic-sales-wii-u/|title=Nintendo NES Classic is Selling Almost 6 Times as Fast as Wii U|date=December 17, 2016 |quote=The NES Classic sells an impressive 196,000 units in the US in the month of November, significantly outpacing the sales of Nintendo’s eighth generation Wii U console.|access-date=January 18, 2017|archive-date=January 18, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170118140604/https://gamerant.com/nintendo-nes-classic-sales-wii-u/|url-status=live}} remarkably selling out within hours of availability.{{cite news|url=https://time.com/4568238/nes-classic-sold-out/|title=People Are Selling Nintendo's NES Classic Edition For Hundreds of Dollars|quote=Nintendo’s NES Classic Edition is out today, as in sold out today, as in chances are if you’re just stepping out the door to pick one up, it’s probably too late.|access-date=January 18, 2017|archive-date=January 18, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170118221614/http://time.com/4568238/nes-classic-sold-out/|url-status=live}} Nintendo reported 1.5 million units had been sold by the end of 2016.{{cite web|url=http://www.siliconera.com/2017/02/01/nes-classic-edition-surpasses-1-5-million-units-global-sales/|title=NES Classic Edition Surpasses 1.5 Million Units In Global Sales|date=February 1, 2017|access-date=February 1, 2017|archive-date=February 1, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170201143648/http://www.siliconera.com/2017/02/01/nes-classic-edition-surpasses-1-5-million-units-global-sales/|url-status=live}} On April 28, 2017, Nintendo revealed that 2.3 million consoles were sold in total. Following the rerelease of the console, Nintendo had sold about 1.3 million additional units through June 30, 2018.{{cite web | url = https://www.eurogamer.net/articles/2018-07-31-nintendo-switch-sales-near-20m-down-slightly-on-last-year | title = Nintendo Switch sales near 20m, down slightly on last year | first = Tom | last = Phillips | date = July 31, 2018 | access-date = July 31, 2018 | work = Eurogamer | archive-date = July 31, 2018 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20180731183501/https://www.eurogamer.net/articles/2018-07-31-nintendo-switch-sales-near-20m-down-slightly-on-last-year | url-status = live }} Combined sales of the NES and SNES Classic editions by September 30, 2018, exceeded 10 million units.{{cite web|last=Moyse|first=Chris|date=October 31, 2018|title=NES and SNES Classic consoles pass the 10 million global sales mark|url=https://www.destructoid.com/nes-and-snes-classic-consoles-pass-the-10-million-global-sales-mark-529201.phtml|access-date=October 31, 2018|work=Destructoid|archive-date=August 3, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200803100729/https://www.destructoid.com/nes-and-snes-classic-consoles-pass-the-10-million-global-sales-mark-529201.phtml|url-status=live}}

Despite the positive reception, journalists were confused about Nintendo's decision to discontinue the unit as announced in April 2017. Nintendo did not say at launch that the system was meant to be only a limited run, and its messaging for it seemed to suggest it would be a product with a longer production life. The company clarified, when announcing the discontinuation, that "NES Classic Edition wasn’t intended to be an ongoing, long-term product. However, due to high demand, we did add extra shipments to our original plans."{{cite web | url = http://www.ign.com/articles/2017/04/13/nintendo-discontinues-the-nes-classic-edition | title = Nintendo Discontinues the NES Classic Edition | first = Jose | last = Otero | date = April 13, 2017 | access-date = April 25, 2017 | work = IGN | archive-date = April 24, 2017 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20170424221547/http://www.ign.com/articles/2017/04/13/nintendo-discontinues-the-nes-classic-edition | url-status = live }} The lack of availability of the unit since launch, with shipments immediately selling out when they reach stores, also suggested Nintendo was not prepared for the demand for the product.{{cite web | url = http://www.polygon.com/2017/4/25/15359738/nes-classic-edition-sales-strategy | title = Nintendo's NES Classic strategy threatens to hurt the rest of its business | first = Samit | last = Sarkar | date = April 25, 2017 | access-date = April 25, 2017 | work = Polygon | archive-date = April 26, 2017 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20170426060644/http://www.polygon.com/2017/4/25/15359738/nes-classic-edition-sales-strategy | url-status = live }} Nintendo of America's CEO Reggie Fils-Aimé later stated that "We just didn't anticipate how incredible the response would be", having considered the sales of other similar retro-consoles, but they had to discontinue the unit as "we've got a lot going on right now and we don’t have unlimited resources."{{cite magazine | url = https://time.com/4759594/nes-classic-millions-sales/ | title = Nintendo Says it Sold Over 2 Million NES Classics | first = Matt | last = Peckham | date = April 28, 2017 | access-date = April 28, 2017 | magazine = Time | archive-date = April 28, 2017 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20170428170256/http://time.com/4759594/nes-classic-millions-sales/ | url-status = live }}{{cite web | url = https://www.ft.com/content/7bafad44-95cd-11e7-a652-cde3f882dd7b | title = Component bottlenecks hit Nintendo's Switch | first1 = Tim | last1 = Bradshaw | first2 = Leo | last2 = Lewis | date = September 9, 2017 | access-date = September 9, 2017 | work = Financial Times | archive-date = September 10, 2017 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20170910034903/https://www.ft.com/content/7bafad44-95cd-11e7-a652-cde3f882dd7b | url-status = live }}

According to an April 2017 report by Eurogamer, the discontinuation of the NES Classic was in part to transition the production line to a SNES Classic system designed similarly to the NES Classic but featuring games from the SNES, to be launched in late 2017, though Nintendo did not confirm this information.{{cite web | url = http://www.eurogamer.net/articles/2017-04-19-sources-nintendo-to-launch-snes-mini-this-year | title = Sources: Nintendo to launch SNES mini this year | first = Tom | last = Phillips | date = April 19, 2017 | access-date = April 25, 2017 | work = Eurogamer | archive-date = April 24, 2017 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20170424013449/http://www.eurogamer.net/articles/2017-04-19-sources-nintendo-to-launch-snes-mini-this-year | url-status = live }} While journalists agreed Nintendo would likely be more prepared to produce a larger number of SNES Classic systems, Nintendo's decision with the NES Classic may have influenced consumers to be wary of trying to buy a system produced in low volumes, or give the impression of artificial scarcity with the product as part of a longer-term strategy to keep consumers demanding Nintendo products.{{cite web | url = https://www.theverge.com/2017/4/13/15294494/nintendo-nes-classic-edition-console-discontinued-strategy | title = Nintendo doesn't want your money — it wants your soul | first = Nick | last = Statt | date = April 13, 2017 | access-date = April 25, 2017 | work = The Verge | archive-date = April 23, 2017 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20170423234611/http://www.theverge.com/2017/4/13/15294494/nintendo-nes-classic-edition-console-discontinued-strategy | url-status = live }}{{cite web | url = https://arstechnica.com/gaming/2017/05/nintendo-figured-2-3-million-nes-classics-was-enough-it-wasnt/ | title = Nintendo figured 2.3 million NES Classics was enough (it wasn't) | first = Kyle | last = Orland | date = May 1, 2017 | access-date = May 1, 2017 | work = Ars Technica | archive-date = May 1, 2017 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20170501154212/https://arstechnica.com/gaming/2017/05/nintendo-figured-2-3-million-nes-classics-was-enough-it-wasnt/ | url-status = live }} When the Super NES Classic Edition was officially announced in June 2017, Nintendo said it "will produce significantly more units of Super NES Classic Edition than we did of NES Classic Edition" to avoid a similar shortage issue, but reaffirmed that it was not anticipated to be an ongoing product.{{cite web | url = http://kotaku.com/nintendo-announces-snes-classic-1796418700 | title = Nintendo Announces SNES Classic, Which Comes With 21 Stellar Games | first = Jason | last = Schreier | date = June 26, 2017 | access-date = June 26, 2017 | work = Kotaku | archive-date = June 26, 2017 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20170626165013/http://kotaku.com/nintendo-announces-snes-classic-1796418700 | url-status = live }} In December 2018, Fils-Aimé affirmed that both the NES and SNES Classic Editions will not be restocked after the holiday season, nor does Nintendo anticipate producing any similar mini-console version of its other home consoles in the future.

Shortly after the NES Classic Edition's release, hackers discovered ways to unofficially add up to 700 titles to the system's library,{{cite web | title = NES Classic can be hacked to play 700 games, but you might as well burn your receipt | url = https://www.theinquirer.net/inquirer/news/3003623/nes-classic-can-be-hacked-play-700-games-but-you-might-as-well-burn-your-receipt | author = Dave Neal | publisher = The Inquirer | date = January 31, 2017| access-date = August 23, 2018 | archive-date = August 24, 2018 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20180824002317/https://www.theinquirer.net/inquirer/news/3003623/nes-classic-can-be-hacked-play-700-games-but-you-might-as-well-burn-your-receipt }} as well as enable emulation support for other consoles. Games from various consoles, such as the Nintendo 64 and 32X, have been successfully made to run on the NES Classic Edition.{{cite web|last1=Jones|first1=Brad|title=Hackers Tweak NES Classic Edition to Play Games From Other Consoles|url=http://www.digitaltrends.com/gaming/nes-classic-game-boy-genesis/|website=Digital Trends|date=February 16, 2017 |access-date=March 7, 2017|archive-date=March 8, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170308134148/http://www.digitaltrends.com/gaming/nes-classic-game-boy-genesis/|url-status=live}}

The NES Classic Edition's very limited stock during its original release in 2016 was one of its main criticisms,{{cite web|url=https://www.forbes.com/sites/erikkain/2016/12/20/its-time-to-give-up-on-getting-a-mini-nes-classic-edition-this-holiday-season/#1c5e65862c8c|title=It's Time To Give Up On Getting A Mini NES Classic Edition This Christmas|first=Erik|last=Kain|website=Forbes |access-date=April 27, 2017|archive-date=April 27, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170427195353/https://www.forbes.com/sites/erikkain/2016/12/20/its-time-to-give-up-on-getting-a-mini-nes-classic-edition-this-holiday-season/#1c5e65862c8c|url-status=live}} with some stores receiving fewer than 10 units at a time. This, coupled with the extremely high demand, prompted internet scalpers to buy as many as they could, so they could resell them with extreme price markups. In the US, prices were commonly set between $200 and $500, compared to its launch price of $59.99. The separate controller that could be bought without the console suffered the same fate, often being included with the main unit.{{cite web | url = https://www.polygon.com/2016/11/17/13663930/nes-classic-scalpers | title = Nintendo could beat NES Classic scalpers in two ways (but probably won't) | first = Ben | last = Kuchera | date = November 17, 2018 | access-date = June 22, 2018 | work = Polygon | archive-date = June 22, 2018 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20180622220303/https://www.polygon.com/2016/11/17/13663930/nes-classic-scalpers | url-status = live }} The limited supply of NES Classic was compared to the situation around Amiibo shortages, which similarly were offered by Nintendo in limited quantity and led to scalping and high resale prices, frustrating fans.{{cite web | url = https://www.polygon.com/2016/11/11/13603856/nes-classic-stock-shortages-scalpers-nintendo | title = NES Classic shortages rile fans, line the pockets of scalpers | first = Brian | last = Crecente | date = November 11, 2016 | access-date = June 22, 2018 | work = Polygon | archive-date = June 22, 2018 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20180622220347/https://www.polygon.com/2016/11/11/13603856/nes-classic-stock-shortages-scalpers-nintendo | url-status = live }}{{cite web | url = https://www.smh.com.au/technology/thousands-spurned-as-nintendos-classic-mini-nes-is-sold-out-everywhere-20161116-gsq6f0.html | title = Thousands spurned as Nintendo's Classic Mini NES is sold out everywhere | first = Tim | last = Biggs | date = November 16, 2016 | access-date = June 22, 2018 | work = Sydney Morning Herald | archive-date = June 23, 2018 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20180623004841/https://www.smh.com.au/technology/thousands-spurned-as-nintendos-classic-mini-nes-is-sold-out-everywhere-20161116-gsq6f0.html | url-status = live }}

When Nintendo announced it was discontinuing the NES Classic Edition in April 2017, Nintendo enthusiasts and some outlets such as Polygon and The Verge believed that Nintendo planned on a limited release of the NES classic to drive artificial scarcity and increase sales, but which got out of hand with scalpers and secondary sales which have backfired on them.{{cite web|url=https://www.polygon.com/2016/11/11/13597938/nes-classic-edition-shortage|title=NES Classic Edition shortages prove Nintendo is either underhanded or incompetent|first=Christopher|last=Grant|date=November 11, 2016|website=Polygon|access-date=June 26, 2017|archive-date=June 27, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170627181356/https://www.polygon.com/2016/11/11/13597938/nes-classic-edition-shortage|url-status=live}}{{cite web | url = https://www.polygon.com/2017/4/25/15359738/nes-classic-edition-sales-strategy | title = Nintendo's NES Classic strategy threatens to hurt the rest of its business | first = Samit | last = Sarkar | date = April 25, 2017 | access-date = June 22, 2018 | work = Polygon | archive-date = June 22, 2018 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20180622220341/https://www.polygon.com/2017/4/25/15359738/nes-classic-edition-sales-strategy | url-status = live }}{{Cite web | url = https://www.theverge.com/2017/4/13/15294494/nintendo-nes-classic-edition-console-discontinued-strategy | title = Nintendo doesn't want your money — it wants your soul | first = Nick | last = Statt | date = April 13, 2017 | access-date = June 22, 2018 | work = The Verge | archive-date = June 22, 2018 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20180622220319/https://www.theverge.com/2017/4/13/15294494/nintendo-nes-classic-edition-console-discontinued-strategy | url-status = live }} Nintendo denied these claims, stating that it was limited by its own rate of production with other hardware products, and that "It's definitely not intentional in terms of shorting the market".{{Cite web | url = https://arstechnica.com/gaming/2017/06/nintendo-switch-shortages-are-definitely-not-intentional/ | title = Nintendo: Switch shortages are "definitely not intentional" | first = Kyle | last = Orland | date = June 22, 2017 | access-date = June 22, 2018 | work = Ars Technica | archive-date = June 22, 2018 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20180622220303/https://arstechnica.com/gaming/2017/06/nintendo-switch-shortages-are-definitely-not-intentional/ | url-status = live }}

Following the April 2017 discontinuation, consumers found that several bootleg versions of the NES Classic Edition appeared on third party auction sites, typically produced by Chinese companies. Some of these bootlegs have been found to be near-identical in hardware and software, which could confuse consumers who were looking to purchase a Classic Edition.{{cite web | url = https://arstechnica.com/gaming/2017/07/bootleg-nes-classics-flood-market-to-fill-demand-that-nintendo-wont/ | title = Bootleg NES Classics flood market to fill demand that Nintendo won't | first = Kyle | last = Orland | date = July 12, 2017 | access-date = July 12, 2017 | work = Ars Technica | archive-date = July 12, 2017 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20170712160247/https://arstechnica.com/gaming/2017/07/bootleg-nes-classics-flood-market-to-fill-demand-that-nintendo-wont/ | url-status = live }} One of these is called the Mini Game Anniversary Edition Entertainment System,[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bIj4HeeM3P4 NES Classic Edition Clone, MINI GAME Anniversary Edition Entertainment System 620 Games - Quick Look & Teardown - March 2, 2018]- YouTube. which actually is a Famiclone, and therefore only provides composite video out.

A very limited gold Nintendo Classic Mini: Family Computer Weekly Shōnen Jump 50th Anniversary Version{{Cite web |last=McFerran |first=Damien |date=July 13, 2018 |title=Hardware Review: The Shōnen Jump 50th Anniversary Famicom Classic Mini Is Gorgeous, But Pointless |url=https://nintendolife.com/news/2018/07/hardware_review_the_shnen_jump_50th_anniversary_famicom_classic_mini_is_gorgeous_but_pointless |access-date=April 8, 2024 |website=Nintendo Life}} was developed by M2 and released only in Japan on July 7, 2018. Celebrating the 50th anniversary of Shueisha's Weekly Shōnen Jump manga magazine, the special edition features 20 Famicom games largely based on Shōnen Jump manga properties, including Dragon Ball, Saint Seiya, and Kinnikuman.{{cite web |date=2018-05-13 |title=Nintendo Makes Famicom Mini Shonen Jump Edition for Magazine's 50th Anniversary - News |url=https://www.animenewsnetwork.com/news/2018-05-13/nintendo-makes-famicom-mini-shonen-jump-edition-for-magazine-50th-anniversary/.131442 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180513184040/https://www.animenewsnetwork.com/news/2018-05-13/nintendo-makes-famicom-mini-shonen-jump-edition-for-magazine-50th-anniversary/.131442 |archive-date=May 13, 2018 |access-date=2018-06-22 |publisher=Anime News Network}}{{Cite web | url = https://arstechnica.com/gaming/2018/07/hands-on-with-nintendos-weirdest-and-maybe-rarest-classic-console-yet/ | title = Hands-on with Nintendo's weirdest, and maybe rarest, classic console yet | first = Sam | last = Machkovech | date = July 12, 2018 | access-date = July 12, 2018 | work = Ars Technica | archive-date = July 12, 2018 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20180712113111/https://arstechnica.com/gaming/2018/07/hands-on-with-nintendos-weirdest-and-maybe-rarest-classic-console-yet/ | url-status = live }}

This edition of the console includes the following games:

{{div col|colwidth=35em}}

• Kinnikuman: Muscle Tag Match (1985)
• Dragon Quest (1986)
• Hokuto no Ken (1986)
• Dragon Ball: Shenlong no Nazo (1986)
• Kinnikuman: Kinniku-sei Ōi Sōdatsusen (1987)
• Saint Seiya: Ōgon Densetsu (1987)
• Captain Tsubasa (1988)
• Saint Seiya: Ōgon Densetsu Kanketsu-hen (1988)
• Sekiryūō (1989)
• Famicom Jump: Hero Retsuden (1989)
• Sakigake!! Otokojuku Shippū Ichi Gō Sei (1989)
• Ankoku Shinwa: Yamato Takeru Densetsu (1989)
• Tenchi o Kurau (1989)
• Hokuto no Ken 3: Shin Seiki Sōzō: Seiken Retsuden (1989)
• Dragon Ball 3: Goku Den (1989)
• Captain Tsubasa Vol. II: Super Striker (1990)
• Dragon Ball Z: Kyōshū! Saiyajin (1990)
• Magical Taluluto-kun FANTASTIC WORLD!! (1991)
• Famicom Jump II: Saikyō no Shichinin (1991)
• Rokudenashi Blues (1993)

{{div col end}}

Within two days, over 110,000 units of the Shōnen Jump Version had been sold.{{cite web | url = http://www.siliconera.com/2018/07/16/shonen-jump-50th-anniversary-golden-mini-famicom-sells-110000-units-in-two-days/ | title = Shonen Jump 50th Anniversary Golden Mini: Famicom Sells 110,000 Units In Two Days | author = Sato | date = July 16, 2018 | access-date = July 16, 2018 | work = Siliconera | archive-date = July 17, 2018 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20180717100016/http://www.siliconera.com/2018/07/16/shonen-jump-50th-anniversary-golden-mini-famicom-sells-110000-units-in-two-days/ | url-status = live }} Reviewing for Nintendo Life, Damien McFerran criticized the unchanged design flaws from the Famicom version, along with the quality of selected titles. He did praise the packaging and called the gold casing "utterly gorgeous". McFerran noted the wide third party licensing put into this release and speculated whether Nintendo would release more third party titles on their services in the future.

{{notes}}

{{Reflist}}

{{Commons category|Nintendo Classic Mini}}

• {{Official website | https://www.nintendo.com/nes-classic|Official North American website}}{{dead link|date=September 2023}}
• {{Official website|https://www.nintendo.co.jp/clv/index.html|Official Japanese website}}
• [https://www.nintendo.co.jp/clv/manuals/en/index.html NES Classic Edition Manuals]

{{Other generation game consoles}}

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{{Nintendo Entertainment System}}

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