NES Classic Edition

The NES Classic Edition (known as the Nintendo Classic Mini: Nintendo Entertainment System in Europe and Australia) is a small console designed in the likeness of the Nintendo Entertainment System, and is the first entry to the Classics series. For this iteration, it uses an HDMI cable, which is packaged with the console and, rather than using cartridges, includes 30 NES titles pre-installed. The games feature suspend points, allowing the player to resume where they last left off at a later time. The console also comes with a controller based on the original NES Controller, but with a connector based on those used by Wii Nunchuks, which can also be used to play Virtual Console NES games on Wii or Wii U by connecting it to a Wii Remote. The NES Classic Edition also supports Wii Classic Controllers. It was released in Australia on November 10, 2016, and in the Americas and Europe on November 11, 2016. In 2017, the system received a successor, the SNES Classic Edition.

A Japanese version of the NES Classic Edition, the Nintendo Classic Mini: Family Computer, was released exclusively in Japan on the same day. Similar to its overseas equivalent, it includes 30 pre-installed Family Computer games, although some of the games are different from those on the NES Classic Edition due to region exclusivity. While playing a game, players are able to save to up to four Restore Points at any time. It was released in Japan alongside the NES Classic Edition on November 10, 2016. In addition, a special gold-colored version was released marking the anniversary of Weekly Jump.

History
The NES Classic was announced on July 14, 2016. The Japanese counterpart, the Nintendo Classic Mini: Family Computer, was announced on September 29, 2016.

Upon the system's release, stores sold out of the NES Classic Edition, as well as the Nintendo Classic Mini: Family Computer, almost immediately after they went up for sale. Nintendo had recognized this and stated that there would be a "steady flow of additional systems through the holiday shopping season and into the new year." On April 2017, a Nintendo representative informed IGN that the system was being discontinued, and the final shipments would be sent out that month. In September of that year, Nintendo announced that the system would be re-released in summer 2018. It was eventually confirmed to be re-released on June 29, 2018. Production was confirmed to be discontinued in December 2018, with no more stock to be made available after the holiday season.

Trivia

 * During the release of the NES Classic Edition, Nintendo temporarily revived the Nintendo Power Line from November 11, 2016 to November 13, 2016. When contacted, clips recorded by former Nintendo Game Play Counselors would play, giving hints, tips, and their behind-the-scenes stories for various games. Two of the games featured were Super Mario Bros. and Super Mario Bros. 3.