Nintendo releasing mini NES HDMI pre-loaded w/ games!

[bigbadboaz]

Yeah I noticed that, 10$ for NES quality controllers is good, but to use them for anything else than this (likely very poor) device you need to attach it to a Wiimote... which is pretty expensive and basically has all the functions of a NES controller anyway. Maybe some hardware mod would make them usable for other stuff, but eh... I think just buying a NES30 is a better choice.

All true.. but for $10, the novelty value of using these for NES VC games is there. I'm also thinking of PC use via an adapter.

Really, I'm just amazed Nintendo's releasing anything for $9.99

[ZellSF]

Really don't get peoples excitement over this, did you all get into a frenzy when Atari Flashback was announced?

The Atari Flashback 2 was at least clone hardware, this will likely just be emulation.

[Fudoh]

given the piss poor performance of many clone systems especially in regards to audio I think a nice clean ARM based emulation approach is best to achieve good audio and video quality. While this is clearly more of a gimmick for a few hours of enjoyment and not a proper "console" I hold it in high regard that Nintendo actually uses HDMI, when not even the Wii Mini supports anything but composite video.

This thing makes a hell of a gift and it's likely good enough for a few hours of excitement. IMO a perfect move on Nintendo's side!

[RGB32E]

^ This!

Really don't get peoples excitement over this, did you all get into a frenzy when Atari Flashback was announced?

Nope, since it's not Nintendo! I expect that this product will be of a higher quality than the various AtGames licensed products. It was a nice feature to use their current 'controller ports' from the Wii on the NES Classic! At $9.99 for the controllers, I can only hope that they're built to the same quality as the originals, but have no expectation that they will. Then again, at least we won't have to wait multiple years from announcement to get an HDMI outputting NES...

[AndehX]

Wow, imagine if you can mod these new controllers to work on a classic NES xD

[Astraea FGA Mk. I]

I will get one if only for the NES classic controller, maybe two.
I have a worry about the EU version, certain games are released as the PAL version by Nintendo on WiiU and 3DS virtual console, including Balloon fight.
Super Metroid is another because only the PAL version had European language options.
Will this silly policy extend to other of Nintendo's sold emulations?

[FBX]

I'm getting one for the collector aspect. And it wouldn't surprise me if some of the clever hackers/modders find a way to install an SD card reader on the thing.

[AndehX]

the controllers can be purchased seperately for $9.99 so this might be an excellent solution for brand new NES controllers, if they can be modded to work on the NES/Toploader

[bobrocks95]

After the shit they've put out on the Wii U, I don't think we can count on quality emulation. A huge disappointment after the work they put in on the original Wii. I'm not expecting much until we get some real hands-on reports.

They had M2 handle GBA emulation which I've heard is really good. Other than that all I've really heard about is darkening on NES games, is everything else really that bad?

I think people who expect any sort of quality from a Nintendo device these days is going to be disappointed.

I must have missed the memo, when did Nintendo stop putting out quality physical products? The Wii U Pro Controller is imo far and away the best controller this generation, for example.

Yeah I noticed that, 10$ for NES quality controllers is good, but to use them for anything else than this (likely very poor) device you need to attach it to a Wiimote... which is pretty expensive and basically has all the functions of a NES controller anyway. Maybe some hardware mod would make them usable for other stuff, but eh... I think just buying a NES30 is a better choice.

I'm guessing you don't have Wiimotes lying around? I think every person I know has a Wii and 2+ Wiimotes. Plus the D-Pad isn't so great on one and it's uncomfortable to hold sideways, an OEM NES controller would be a much better option.

the controllers can be purchased seperately for $9.99 so this might be an excellent solution for brand new NES controllers, if they can be modded to work on the NES/Toploader

The communication protocol is probably much different between the two so it'll take some sort of chip in-between, but at the very least you can get a wiimote accessory to USB adapter right off the bat (and then maybe another back to NES???).

[Guspaz]

Darkening on NES games, but also excessively soft upscaling.

There are already adapters for various controllers *to* the wiimote acessory protocol (including NES, if you want to use a real NES controller with this thing), so I would imagine that doing the other direction wouldn't be too difficult. RaphNet's stuff is largely based on programmable microcontrollers, and he already sources male NES plugs and female wiimote sockets, so I imagine that producing such an adapter would largely be a firmware development effort for him. Alternatively to an adapter, you could do what people do to make USB NES controllers: get rid of the original controller cord, put an NES controller cord on it, and stick the conversion chip right in the controller itself. From the outside, it appears to be a stock NES controller.

Basically, the opposite of this:

[Josh128]

Bobs and Fudohs thoughts echo my own sentiments about it. If it were anything other than an official Nintendo product, I wouldnt give it much more than a passing glance.

1.) Hopefully the controllers are the exact same dimensions (not a "mini" version) as the OEM NES controllers and have the same "feel". Anything less would be quite a buzzkill.

2.) It would be cool if the emulation is top notch, cooler if it is some custom hardware that can run the games natively. Looking forward to a tear down/tech article .

3.) Lag will be a big question. Some pretty twitch games are included, zero lag would be phenomenal.

4.) Nintendo will likely have this thing locked down harder than Alcatraz, cracking it will very likely be not be easy and/or impossible.



Given Nintendos history and business practices regarding profit margins, $60 US doesnt leave much room for hope for any of this-- one can certainly hope though.

[Ikaruga11]

Yeah I noticed that, 10$ for NES quality controllers is good, but to use them for anything else than this (likely very poor) device you need to attach it to a Wiimote... which is pretty expensive and basically has all the functions of a NES controller anyway. Maybe some hardware mod would make them usable for other stuff, but eh... I think just buying a NES30 is a better choice.

The NES Classic Controllers are only $10? I'll have to buy a few then.

It's perfect for playing Virtual Console and some WiiWare games on the Wii.

[bobrocks95]

4.) Nintendo will likely have this thing locked down harder than Alcatraz, cracking it will very likely be not be easy and/or impossible.

Their track record on security has been getting better but still isn't exactly sterling. You can run both Wii U and 3DS backups now, and of course the Wii is cracked open as wide as can be. The only hindering factor is that it will require a hardmod if anything given the lack of storage (unless as someone mentioned they pull a Neo Geo X and wire in an SD card internally).

[yxkalle]

I hope the 8Bitdo will get support for this type of controller, or maybe wired classic controllers are already supported?

[tusecsy]

I hear Nintendo is using FBX's natural color palette

Honestly, they should just instead release a classic NES with HDMI output... done correctly, no emulation. Full ability to play the old cartridge games, and a 30-in-1 cartridge included. Heck even put an SD slot on the cartridge so you can use it to download new games from their Nintendo store. Oh, and wireless controllers (and wireless zapper, with full ability to kill the dog).

That'd sell like craaaaaazy.

This guy gets it. They could sell SD games (samson, snow bros, etc) for 5-10$ and pile them up next to the amiibos. Still, this is a move in the right direction, just wondering how the chip is gonna operate if it will be fpga of the original nes or just some crappy emulation.

Side note, how amazing would a consolized GBA type thing be. It's an untapped goldmine of 32-bit snesy goodness and theres never been a good way to play them at home properly (i don't care about 3 part gamecube contraptions that still looks mediocre). Someone at Nintendo feel free to steal this idea....

Also wtf would you want to mod one of the controllers to work on an old NES, just buy an original they're like 5$.

[firepro4life52]

People should just buy a Retro Freak console. Runs all 8 and 16 bit systems and games great with nice upscaling and scanlines. It's pretty much the be all end all emulation box. Also lets you use original controllers and add roms to the SD card

[Guspaz]

Side note, how amazing would a consolized GBA type thing be. It's an untapped goldmine of 32-bit snesy goodness and theres never been a good way to play them at home properly (i don't care about 3 part gamecube contraptions that still looks mediocre).

GBI is pretty much an ideal solution, with native 1:1 pixel output of GBA games. I'd hardly call it a "3 part gamecube contraption that still looks mediocre", I'd call it "an easy and near-perfect solution that would be difficult to improve on".

[Einzelherz]

I'm amused by those in this thread poopooing on the build quality of current Nintendo consoles while praising how great the new NES controllers will be. 90% certain they're going to be like other 3rd party knock offs.

[low_budget]

The atari flashback 2 was relatively easy to mod and add a cartridge slot. I could hope this system has that ability, but nintendo would likely design the mini NES to be "mod unfriendly."

Maybe it has an official NOAC? I think that approach to making the console would be much better than an ARM based emulator box.

I would be interested in seeing the first teardown pictures of one for sure.

[FBX]

Side note, how amazing would a consolized GBA type thing be. It's an untapped goldmine of 32-bit snesy goodness and theres never been a good way to play them at home properly (i don't care about 3 part gamecube contraptions that still looks mediocre).

GBI is pretty much an ideal solution, with native 1:1 pixel output of GBA games. I'd hardly call it a "3 part gamecube contraption that still looks mediocre", I'd call it "an easy and near-perfect solution that would be difficult to improve on".

Agreed. GBI makes the GBP an awesome way to play GBA.

[tusecsy]

Side note, how amazing would a consolized GBA type thing be. It's an untapped goldmine of 32-bit snesy goodness and theres never been a good way to play them at home properly (i don't care about 3 part gamecube contraptions that still looks mediocre).

GBI is pretty much an ideal solution, with native 1:1 pixel output of GBA games. I'd hardly call it a "3 part gamecube contraption that still looks mediocre", I'd call it "an easy and near-perfect solution that would be difficult to improve on".

So I need a gamecube (which is made completely obsolete by my wii), a gameboy player, and some hacked memory card thing. So...3 part contraption like I said. And GBI is very very far from perfect. I want something half the size of the gameboy player itself with an hdmi out. A dedicated little GBA console without all the extra garbage.

[Guspaz]

Or just send it off to somebody to put an HDMI port and modchip in the thing, and then it takes no effort. I don't get why you think it being multiple components is a problem, the player bolts on to the bottom of the cube, they become a single unit. Literally with a screw. So modded, you've got a box, you put a GBA game in, you turn it on, and your HDTV shows your GBA game. GBI is pretty much perfect when it comes to GBA games, running them with ideal image quality on what original GBA hardware. What about it do you find so critically wrong?

It seems like you want Nintendo to make a brand new product from scratch that would be identical to something that already exists, just smaller. Well, that's completely pointless. There's already such a thing as a smaller console to play GBA games. It's called a GBA.

[tusecsy]

Or just send it off to somebody to put an HDMI port and modchip in the thing, and then it takes no effort. I don't get why you think it being multiple components is a problem, the player bolts on to the bottom of the cube, they become a single unit. Literally with a screw. So modded, you've got a box, you put a GBA game in, you turn it on, and your HDTV shows your GBA game. GBI is pretty much perfect when it comes to GBA games, running them with ideal image quality on what original GBA hardware. What about it do you find so critically wrong?

It seems like you want Nintendo to make a brand new product from scratch that would be identical to something that already exists, just smaller. Well, that's completely pointless. There's already such a thing as a smaller console to play GBA games. It's called a GBA.

now you're just repeating yourself.

there's a gba with video output? i mustve missed it.

[ZellSF]

I'm amused by those in this thread poopooing on the build quality of current Nintendo consoles while praising how great the new NES controllers will be. 90% certain they're going to be like other 3rd party knock offs.

Nintendo have made really shitty hardware (3DS, Wii U) with very competent controllers.

I think people who expect any sort of quality from a Nintendo device these days is going to be disappointed.

I must have missed the memo, when did Nintendo stop putting out quality physical products? The Wii U Pro Controller is imo far and away the best controller this generation, for example.

After the Gamecube. No one's said anything negative about their controllers, but their console and handheld hardware otherwise? Terrible.

Yeah I noticed that, 10$ for NES quality controllers is good, but to use them for anything else than this (likely very poor) device you need to attach it to a Wiimote... which is pretty expensive and basically has all the functions of a NES controller anyway. Maybe some hardware mod would make them usable for other stuff, but eh... I think just buying a NES30 is a better choice.

I'm guessing you don't have Wiimotes lying around? I think every person I know has a Wii and 2+ Wiimotes. Plus the D-Pad isn't so great on one and it's uncomfortable to hold sideways, an OEM NES controller would be a much better option.

I have Wiimotes. I'm not a fan of having one controller dangling from the one I'm using though.

So I need a gamecube (which is made completely obsolete by my wii), a gameboy player, and some hacked memory card thing. So...3 part contraption like I said. And GBI is very very far from perfect. I want something half the size of the gameboy player itself with an hdmi out. A dedicated little GBA console without all the extra garbage

Would be nice, but it is not happening. If you want to play GBA on a console, get a GC+GB player+GCI setup. Or an emulator console.

[Guspaz]

there's a gba with video output? i mustve missed it.

Why, yes. Nintendo did release a product that had all the GBA hardware with dedicated video output. They called it the "Game Boy Player". It can be used to get low-latency video output over composite, s-video, RGB, component, or HDMI, at either 240p or 480p output. You can use a variety of controllers directly or with adapters, including original portable GBAs.

Yes, I'm repeating myself, but you've repeatedly shit on the product a whole bunch without ever giving a single reason why, so you've not said anything new to respond to.

[Josh128]

I'm amused by those in this thread poopooing on the build quality of current Nintendo consoles while praising how great the new NES controllers will be. 90% certain they're going to be like other 3rd party knock offs.

Nintendo have made really shitty hardware (3DS, Wii U) with very competent controllers.

3DS shitty? Wii U shitty? In what world?? My kids have an original 3DS and have dropped it, bit it, left it in hot cars etc. Thing still works like the day we bought it. Hinge is still fine. Not aware of all the hardware failures you are alluding to. Xbox 360 and PS3 at launch = THAT is shitty quality, not 3DS and Wii U.

I think people who expect any sort of quality from a Nintendo device these days is going to be disappointed.

I must have missed the memo, when did Nintendo stop putting out quality physical products? The Wii U Pro Controller is imo far and away the best controller this generation, for example.

After the Gamecube. No one's said anything negative about their controllers, but their console and handheld hardware otherwise? Terrible.

How? Nintendos products are known for their reliability. Not aware of any quality control issues with consoles after GC. Source?

[FBX]

So I need a gamecube (which is made completely obsolete by my wii), a gameboy player, and some hacked memory card thing. So...3 part contraption like I said. And GBI is very very far from perfect.

1. Gamecube is BETTER than wii at its own software PQ-wise. See here: http://retrorgb.com/gamecubevswii.html

2. The GBP and the SD Media Launcher are cheap and easy to obtain. I recall paying $20 for the GBP via ebay, and $35 for the SD Media Launcher via the Code Junkies web site. So for a total of $55, I turned my Gamecube into a superb GBA experience.

3. I'd like to know how GBI.ULL or even GBI.LL are "very very far from perfect". Have you even played GBA games this way? It's fan-fucking-tastic from my end. I made a Framemeister profile for GBA at 5x scale for the GBI.LL and it looks and plays beautifully.

[blizzz]

Their track record on security has been getting better but still isn't exactly sterling. You can run both Wii U and 3DS backups now, and of course the Wii is cracked open as wide as can be. The only hindering factor is that it will require a hardmod if anything given the lack of storage (unless as someone mentioned they pull a Neo Geo X and wire in an SD card internally).

The 3DS is completely open. You can exchange the bootloader and gain complete hardware access before any Nintendo code runs. With A9LH a hacked 3DS boots as fast as a normal one and has all benefits of CFW, while still running on the most up to date firmware. And if anything goes wrong you can start homebrew before the system menu loads and reflash a backup.

Given that the NES Mini is just a budget gadget I don't expect any major security hurdles. I think it's highly likely that hackers will be able to add a SD reader. If that will be practical for your average user is another thing.

[Guspaz]

The reason they put such attention to security in consoles like the Wii U and 3DS is because there are retail games that they don't want people to pirate. If the Mini NES has no support for extra games, then there isn't really a piracy concern, because nobody is selling games for the device that might be pirated.

[ZellSF]

Nintendo have made really shitty hardware (3DS, Wii U) with very competent controllers.

3DS shitty? Wii U shitty? In what world?? My kids have an original 3DS and have dropped it, bit it, left it in hot cars etc. Thing still works like the day we bought it. Hinge is still fine. Not aware of all the hardware failures you are alluding to. Xbox 360 and PS3 at launch = THAT is shitty quality, not 3DS and Wii U.

I must have missed the memo, when did Nintendo stop putting out quality physical products? The Wii U Pro Controller is imo far and away the best controller this generation, for example.

After the Gamecube. No one's said anything negative about their controllers, but their console and handheld hardware otherwise? Terrible.

How? Nintendos products are known for their reliability. Not aware of any quality control issues with consoles after GC. Source?

I judge a product's quality on other factors than its destructibility. You should have determined that by the mention of after Gamecube being where things went downward.

This mini NES might be indestructible too, but it'll have the cheapest off the shelf parts Nintendo can find that Nintendo has an emulator prewritten for. The people who are expecting Nintendo do put resources into making new quality NES clone hardware are IMO way optimistic.