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Nintendo Classic NES sells out on launch day, here’s some alternatives
There’s been huge demand for the Classic NES Mini on launch day with stores selling out almost immediately due to limited supplies. Nintendo has promised extra units in the run up to Christmas but there’s no firm dates yet and no pre-ordering available.
The NES Classic edition makes a great gift for an avid retro gamer, or indeed anyone who grew up with one in the 80s. Prices on ebay are running at over $300, which really takes the affordability and fun out of what should be a fun little $59 gift, so what’s the best alternative?
Create DIY retro gaming station using a Raspbery Pi
If your giftee is a tech savvy gaming geek, then you can put together RetroPie DIY Kit that they can use to create the ultimate retro gaming system. RetroPie itself is a piece of software that can easily be installed on the hugely popular homebrew computer kit, the Raspberry Pi. RetroPie gives you a nice easy to use way to access emulators for over 50 different consoles and gaming systems including classics such as the NES, SNES, Genesis, Neo Geo, Commodore 64, Game Boy and Atari.
What you’ll need to buy:
- A RaspberryPi starter kit
- A couple of fun retro controllers
To get it up and running will take a little bit of work, but it’s not too difficult for anyone that knows their way around a computer and it’s an interesting little project if you’re a bit geeky like me. The folks at RetroPie have a complete setup guide to help make it a bit easier. You could of course set this all up yourself if you’re a technical guru!
Getting the games
Unlike the NES Classic Mini, RetroPie doesn’t actually come with any games. The games themselves are called ROMs, and you can easily find them to download for free by searching the internet. Technically it’s only legal to download ROMs if you own the original game software, but that rule is generally ignored.
Taking it one step further
Want to get seriously crafty? How about making a complete bartop arcade machine? Instructables have some excellent examples and guides. If you’re looking for something a little easier to assemble then check out Retro Built Games who have a range of kits from bare bones parts to a fully assembled kit.
What other options are there?
If the DIY route isn’t for you, how about getting an original NES with a bunch of classic carts off ebay? Polygon has a good guide on getting old consoles hooked up to newer HD TVs here. There’s also a few less sexy retro gaming clone systems available on amazon that play the old cartridge games including 3-in-1 systems that play NES, SNES and Genesis games.
Raspberry Pi Starter Kit
$80
The famously versatile, credit-card sized computer capable of a million different uses for beginners and enthusiasts alike.
