The Japanese company Nintendo, perhaps, boasts the richest history in the gaming industry. It’s no joke – it was founded 1889, and electronic games started in 1978, when the competitors in this market almost was not. Recently, the Japanese often give in to nostalgia and unexpected release products for their fans. A striking example was the range of game consoles, Nintendo Mini Classic, breathing new life into classic consoles in a compact form factor and with a lot of great games on Board. Today I’d like to tell you about the second console in the series, the Super Nintendo Entertainment System.
Warm memories of my childhood of the early 90s, when my friends and I have been glued to the TV screen and held my breath, took a fascinating video games brought to our country the clones popular in the West and in Japan games consoles. After a wave of 8-bit devices, they were replaced by 16-bit. At that time my parents gave me a Taiwanese clone of the Sega Mega Drive. And a real shock for me was the moment when one of my friends came to visit me with their brand new console, the Super Nintendo Entertainment System (SNES). She’s out of my 16-bit Sega old lady almost all over: the graphics for the time were just bonkers, the quality of the sound struck to the heart, and it simply had no analogues on the American console.
The first encounter with 16-bidou Nintendo has left a deep trace in my soul. Since cost this console in our country, decent money, not comparable with the price of cheap clones of other consoles, my family afford could not. I played it exclusively from their friends, and later on computer emulators. To buy my own SNES I had as a student, when the console was already not so relevant. However, this did not stop me back to the wonderful games for it and spend a lot gorgeous 16-bit evenings in front of a TV as an adult.
Last fall, Nintendo announced the first console series Nintendo Mini Classic. It is not surprising, was the 8-bit Nintendo Entertainment System 1985 year – the same console, in Taiwan clone where we all played under the name synonymous Dendy. The console was packaged with a gaming controller (second can be purchased separately), and 30 great video games. Among them were such hits as Castlevania, Metroid, Excitebike, Super Mario Bros., The Legend of Zelda, Final Fantasy, Ninja Gaiden, and others.
After the sale of the console is literally swept off the shelves where the Nintendo was not ready. Due to the small number of copies (in all there were 2.3 million boxes) console began to be sold on the eBay auction for the fabulous price. While the original cost only $ 59 NES Mini can be found on eBay for $ 1,000. Such success did not go unnoticed, so the Japanese decided not to stop there. However, this time they promised that they will significantly increase the circulation to the enterprising “outbid” could no longer cash in on the collectors. Nintendo Mini Classic: NES has promised to release for sale again, but only at the beginning of 2018.
Nintendo Classic Mini: Super Nintendo Entertainment System – very long and difficult-to-remember name, so in further text we will reduce it at least to the SNES Mini. So, in my review I’d like to tell you about the features of this extraordinary attachment, and briefly tell about those games that get included with it each and every buyer. The cost of the console, personally I liked: a total of 4999 rubles. Given that this is an official licensed product and not a cheap Chinese clone from AliExpress – the money is absolutely ridiculous. If you calculate the cost of iron and all the built in console games are much more significant amount.
So, traditionally begin my review with a study package. I specifically did a couple of comparative pictures of both boxes series consoles Nintendo Classic Mini, so you can see how they look harmoniously next to each other. Their sizes are identical. Both packaging are made in a similar style, contain on the surface of roughly the same elements. Front surface, for example, shows us the console, its name, age restrictions (SNES Mini in Europe and Russia it is recommended that children 12 years and above), and also number of games which comes with the console.
And here is the back surface of the package entirely dedicated to games and only games. Here we see the cover of the original boxes with cartridges. That’s what they looked like in the 90s, which gives the packaging a peculiar charm. Immediately catch the eye increased in relation to the other “covers” Super Mario World, The Legend of Zelda: A Link to the Past and Super Mario Kart. These games Nintendo is most proud of since the time they became a real cultural phenomenon. It should be noted that the versions of consoles, released for Japan and Europe/US have slightly different sets of games (as in the case of NES Mini). But personally, I think the European set is significantly nicer, that got the Japanese.
Unpack the box and extracted its contents to the outside.
Inside I found a manual console, as well as a coupon for 300 platinum coins for My club Nintendo. Those who are not aware, let me explain: these coins can then be redeemed for various rewards from Nintendo like discounts on games, Wallpapers and other nice stuff.
Very pleased that bundled with the SNES Mini are just two of the controller. In the box with the Mini NES controller only had one, so to play together with friends had to buy a second further.
The build quality of the gamepad is pleased. One gets the feeling that you are holding the original controller from the 90s. Even can not think that this is a “remake” 2017 release. Quality plastic material, colorful buttons, even rubber keys, Start and Select is exactly the same as it once was. Take a look for yourself.
The SNES controller, by the way, could boast the presence of two additional L and R buttons located on its top face, which today are called “triggers” or “bumpers”.
Cable connector was designed by engineers still Nintendo for the Wii console. Since then, the Japanese actively use it in some of their projects. And indeed, why reinvent the wheel, if you already have everything ready and proven? Due to this controller compatible with NES Mini console, Wii and Wii U. the Only thing I want to criticize the manufacturer – is the length of the wires. She became noticeably longer than the NES Mini, but its still not enough. And to solve this problem you have to buy a long HDMI cable and put the console closer to the sofa. Other ways I have not yet invented.
Specially made comparative photos of the new controller (top) and original controller SNES in 1992 (bottom). If you do not take into account the slightly yellowed case and frayed buttons of the original controller – it is virtually impossible to distinguish.
The console is equipped with HDMI cable and USB power cable. Sad that, as in the case of NES Mini in the box I found a power supply. Nintendo decided to sell it separately so as not to increase the cost of the kit console. You have to use the charging from the iPhone or to plug the cable into a free port on other consoles. I agree, it’s not very convenient.
The body of the console has been recreated with such precision that it makes you wonder about the fact that Nintendo engineers are some fantastic device, capable of reducing items. SNES Mini looks and feels in the hand just fine. Materials, build quality – all at the highest level. Of course, it is impossible to push the cartridge, and the inside set is not the original hardware from the 90s, and a tiny motherboard with a SNES emulator. However, before our official product made by the same people who gave us the happiest 16-bit childhood.
Of the ports on the console, there is only power in, HDMI-out, and hidden behind a sliding plastic panel are two ports for gamepads. Yes, open the lid of the console looks not so beautiful. But what to do?
I suggest again to admire this beauty. Agree – she’s great!
I made a couple of shots in order so you can compare SNES Mini with original console. Next they look like parent and child. What can I say: the updated console is comparable in size with the game cartridge for SNES. Take a look for yourself.
But for comparison NES Mini and NES original from my collection. Here the difference in size is striking even more. NES for its time was a box of considerable size.
Well both console series Nintendo Mini Classic in one family photo.
The time has come to talk about software console, and the games that were written in her memory. So, as in the case of NES Mini SNES baby greets us very friendly menu, where the games you can scroll horizontal and sort them according to several characteristics. For example, by the presence of cooperative gameplay, alphabetically, by developers and even by year.
Each game has four slots for saving. And can be saved at any time. It is very convenient. Unlike the NES Mini players now have the ability to rewind game time for a couple of minutes ago, if they missed some important item or unsuccessfully jumped over the abyss. Made it is not very convenient, but in any case, this opportunity will appeal to fans of perfect playthroughs. Because the level will not have to start from the beginning.
As in the previous console, you can choose from three types of display symbols in the games. Retro is an imitation of CRT TVs with a clearly visible interlace. This method probably will appeal to people who in the 90s played on old TVs. Nostalgia car and small truck. You can also enable the 4:3 format with a slightly stretched picture or not – the original resolution with square pixels. All this is displayed on the screen in 720p, and in order to occupy space at the edges, the developers offer you to choose one of 11 decorative frames. In some games I notice some small problems with the emulation. Somewhere a tiny slowdown makes itself felt, and somewhere subtle eye graphical artifacts slip. Nothing critical, but I just had to tell you about it. Gameplay all this does not prevent, the overall impression will not spoil.
Very pleased me, the fact that all of the complete game is us version. They are better than European what are coming with a frequency of 60 Hz. And that, you know, several more pleasant than the European 50 Hz. By the way, in North America, the SNES Mini was released in a completely different enclosure. You can see both versions of the console just below the photo. The American console, even the main menu stylized in its design, which is quite logical. But we have to admit that the European design still looks more interesting with all these colourful flowers.
The time has come to talk about games. Initially, you offer 20 great games for every taste. But in the console is initially hidden from you. If you run the game Star Fox and pass her first level menu automatically rasplachivaetsya secret game Star Fox 2. It is interesting that in the 90s its development was completed, but sales Nintendo decided not to release. They were afraid that the game will look flawed in the background of the new console Nintendo 64, which is much more effective in working with three-dimensional graphics than the SNES. In any case, Star Fox 2 will be a pleasant surprise for fans of the original game, and just fun to touch the project with such an unusual destiny. Yes, on the Internet many years walks fused pirate ROM Star Fox 2, but here we are dealing with the original licensed game from Nintendo that much nicer.
Daring racing fans will enjoy such hits as Super Mario Kart and F-Zero, and fans of the plumber Mario will meet with your favorite characters in the games Super Mario World, Super Mario RPG and Yoshi’s Island. The genre of fighting games in the collection represent Street Fighter II and Super Punch-Out! Those who like long adventures will be no residue to dissolve in the worlds of The Legend of Zelda: A Link to the Past, Super Metroid, Final Fantasy VI (FF III), Secret of Mana and, of course, in a wonderful game Earthbound.
The list goes on. Here to you and Super Ghouls ‘n Goblins, and Contra III: The Alien Wars, and the two rosy-cheeked Kirby game, Kirby Super Star and Kirby’s Dream Course. Great platformer Donkey Kong Country and Mega Man X will make you remember what hardcore was video games in the 90s And Super Castlevania IV will once again find yourself in a gloomy castle, full of all kinds of monsters and undead. In General, selection of games, in my opinion, is quite diverse and can satisfy any man, nostalgic for a happy childhood. Of course, I was very disappointed that the selection was not my favorite games Chrono Trigger, Tales of Phantasia or Star Ocean. But, as they say, is pure improvement.
If you still want to add to the list of these games – there is such a possibility. And thanks for this must be our compatriot, programmer under the name ClusterM who hacked the firmware for NES and SNES Mini Mini and wrote a handy utility Hakchi 2 in order to push these consoles for more Roma games. Surprising is the fact that the developers of Nintendo has provided the opportunity of hacking their consoles and even left for curious hackers a friendly greeting in the program code. Like, guys, welcome and hope you enjoy learning our products. Piracy, of course, they are not encouraged, but understand that to fight the desire of people to extend the built-in game line – it is useless and counterproductive.
Pros:
- Excellent selection 16-bit greatest hits from the 90’s.
- A classic design recreated just fine.
- The quality of materials and workmanship is beyond praise.
- Now included not one, but two of the controller.
- The function rewind is very useful in games.
- The ability to save progress at any time.
- Very friendly and intuitive interface.
- Games work on the American frequency of 60 Hz.
- A nice bonus in the form of the legendary game Star Fox 2.
- Low cost for such a great kit.
- In the console you can pour more games.
Cons:
- The cables from the controllers is still not long enough.
- Minor problems with the emulation of some games.
- In the kit there is still no power supply.
- In the list of games yet, something was missing.
The SNES Mini is the best in the console. And one may grumble that today there is a mountain of free emulators for the personal computer. Here we are still talking about a completely different. I mean 100% original gamepads, as well as the aesthetic side of the question when near your TV is a tiny Hello from the 90’s. we should Not forget about the convenient interface with possibility to save games and rewind time, and, of course, about 21 great licensed video game. The main value of the SNES Mini is in this collection, able to connect with everyone who ever played on this console. At the end of it all, just for 4999 rubles anyone can buy a ticket to childhood. And I think this is a very small price for such magic.
Browse Nintendo game console Classic Mini: SNES
Sergey Grey