The NES Classic Mini and SNES Classic Mini have been enormous successes for Nintendo, and have opened up another valuable revenue stream for the firm in what has been a bumper period for profits.
Given that the first two "Classic Edition" systems followed quickly after one another - and that Nintendo seems to have changed its mind about them being "limited run" products - one would assume more of these systems are in the pipeline. Recently, hopes were (unfairly) raised regarding an N64 Mini - but could that be the next micro-console Nintendo produces?
As you might imagine, the question of future consoles cropped up during a recent CNN interview with Nintendo of America boss Reggie Fils-Aimé, and his response was predictably vague:
We'll have to do another interview sometime in the future where we can talk about that. But certainly, we recognise that our consumers love all of this great legacy content.
It's almost certain that Nintendo will produce more of these classic systems, but which one do you think will be next? Could we see an N64 Mini, or do you think Nintendo might look to resurrect the iconic Game Boy, give it a better screen and load it with classic titles? Let us know with a comment.
[source money.cnn.com]
Comments 64
Why release another one when there's still supply issues with NES and SNES Classic Mini? I wouldn't be interested in an N64 Classic Mini, those games have aged horribly. I'd take a Gamecube Classic Mini though, that's for sure.
Or how about Virtual Console on the Switch?! That would be much much more preferable to another plug and play toy...
Personally, I’m perfectly content with the SNES classic and the Virtual Console.
@Heavyarms55 When Nintendo can sell these things in the millions, and likely make huge profits on each unit, I see no reason why they would stop. Also I get the feeling Nintendo won't be having the typical VC this time round.
I'm thinking it'll be a GameBoy Mini, reproducing the N64 controller and creating a new emulator for N64 games just seem like it wouldn't be worthwhile for Nintendo, unless the console was quite expensive.
Unless the Gameboy (Mini) has a better screen and all of the games are completely remastered in color and to todays standards, it’s gonna be a no for me dawg...
I’d be happy with both game boy and N64, please.
I still don't understand why these consoles didn't have a shop with regular releases. Nintendo could be taking it in now.
It's the same with Mario kart. 6 monthly dlc drops or new tracks/remade classic tracks. I'd buy it
I don't think an N64 Mini would sell quite as well.
I think a SNES mini mk2 would be better with 20 different games.
My psyche can't handle another mini release. These last two releases have been too psychologically damaging.
@FragRed Good God I hope you are wrong.
Don't care about the mini consoles, please just bring out the Virtual Console, come on!
@SLIGEACH_EIRE The fact that N64 games have aged horribly is sadly very true. Although, if Nintendo made all the games run at 60 fps on the 'N64 Classic Mini' I'd probably go for it, tbh.
Mini NES, Check.
Mini SNES, Check.
Mini N64, Probably...
Mini Gamecube, Probably...
Mini Wii, Already Exist.
Mini Wii U, Hmmm....
Mini GBA, Ouch... my eyes. Too small to read the text.
@Marios-love-child whilst a SNES mini with 20 different games could be an interesting marketing gimmick, there can’t be many who haven’t already hacked it and added their own collection already.
I cannot see a N64 mini happening. The smaller library, 4 player setup, large controller, Rare properties and less nostalgia are too many issues to overcome.
Switch VC should be announced next.
@r1chard I haven't
I doubt there are 2 million surviving SNES consoles/libraries after all this time.
@JamesR Yes, the controller especially would cost too much to recreate in my opinion.
Oh look, Reggie saying "we recognise people love our legacy content" and not coming out with a way to give us said content. He said the same thing twice before, regarding the virtual console.
They're a cute novelty and all, but they're a waste of space (I'm fast running out of places to jam all my Switch games and amiibo). I'd rather that they were released in the form of Switch cartridges instead (either with appropriately themed Joy-Con or a replica controller that essentially functions as a Pro Controller). It could cost the same at retail (AU$120), and encourage more Switch sales in the process. It would be a win-win for Nintendo. Alas...
A Virtual Boy Mini with every game from both NA and Japan! Or simply a virtual boy app that works with the VR Headsets you put your phone into, should also be played using the joy-cons. Then everyone would be able to enjoy one of the finest platformers of all time in Wario Land VB. Perhaps they would be able to sell more of these than the original run!
If they recognize consumers want classic games then explain tge drought of VC games on 3ds the last 2 years!
@SLIGEACH_EIRE I was discussing this with my brother a couple of days ago. Most of the first generation of 3D gaming has aged very bad! SNES games like A Link To The Past have aged much better than anything on N64. I tried playing Legacy Of Kain Soul Reaver, and while I enjoy the story the graphics and gameplay are horrible.
@Anti-Matter We already got a mini Game Boy Advance! It is called the Game Boy micro.
@yeayeanaynay I read there is a possibility of a reboot. That would be great.
The gameboy seems a really easy one to do. Just put the old 2DS into a classic gameboy case, cover up the touchscreen section or put in a different screen and load it with games. Nice form factor, battery should last decently, and we get the added benefit of a backlit screen.
(I know it's not quite as easy as I make it sound but it would be relatively for them to do)
@HopeNForever still keep mine on me in my bag at all times for a quick fix of classic gaming, can't beat that little thing for gaming on the go.
im still not convinced by an N64 mini either, I like the idea of a Gameboy mini though.
I think they'll let the NES and SNES minis have 2018, but breakout the N64 and gameboy minis for 2019.
The N64 Classic will probably come with 1 controller and make a ton of money selling additional controllers
I need a DC mini and SS mini, Nintendo should help them out.
Don’t care about any of them, just want VC on Switch, but because people are buying the classics, VC won’t come anytime soon...
I don't really need any of the classic systems, I'd rather just see they release the SNES/NES mini games using that same emulation on Switch.
I would buy an N64 Mini just because some of those games NEED to be played with an N64 controller. If you ever tried playing GoldenEye or TWINE with a dual stick controller, you'll know what I'm talking about. Not to mention playing the instruments in OoT and Majora; it's doable but it feels right at home on their native controller.
While i wouldn’t mind seeing a N64 mini, just How many mini consoles can I hook up already!! Just get your “legacy content” as you call it now, on the Switch already cmon!! Its Chinese water torture already!!
The promblem with N64 mini is that everyone will want golden eye on it and they won't be able to re-licence it.
I'd rather they concentrate on the new rather than fulfil a vocal minority's unhealthy obsession with the old.
Of course keep up supplies of the NES & SNES Mini to fulfil requirements but for now I hope Nintendo pits the vast majority of its resources and effort into producing great new games.
It's an interesting comment but so open ended you can't even begin to interpret anything from it including watching him as he says it. It's just a different way to say no comment without saying no comment. No comment often means you're onto something and I can't talk. Doing that leaves it more in the air which is where they need to be on it. The NES is coming back in larger scalper nut twisting numbers next summer and the SNES will be kept alive well into 2018 perhaps along side it even. They don't want to further cause pressure or cannibalize into that saying hey we're doing the N64. Gameboy maybe they'd get away with as it would be a portable game box, but another console I wouldn't count on that until the following year if they do it.
@yeayeanaynay They did sort of. it's called a PSP.
I think the NES and SNES classics are enough for now, bet Nintendo are saving the N64 and maybe Gamecube games for the Switch's VC?
@JamesR Why haven't you? It's super-easy, and you could add around a 100 - 150 extra games, depending on your personal taste and favorites.
I could understand wanting to keep it in its original condition, though. But even that option is included in the hack, so you could always reset it to its original state.
Besides the obvious benefit of having your own favorites on there, the hack also provides you with a reset combo on the controller, so you don't have to push the button on the console itself anymore. Pretty handy, especially if you're using extension cords and you're sitting a good distance away from the console, like I am...
@Lord That won't be a problem at all, since it will probably be just as easy to hack as the NES and the SNES Minis...
I'm still wondering why people keep harping on about the supposed difficulty of manufacturing N64 controllers...
That's not difficult at all. If that's difficult, then you'd better not expect any GameCube, Wii or Wii U Mini anywhere in the near or far future, because these controllers are even more "difficult" to make...
@ThanosReXXX pretty sure it's illegal
@JamesR For some games yes, for others, it's a grey area. In my opinion, it's pretty harmless, and it offers a lot of fun. It's not like you're making or stealing money by hacking it...
An N64 Mini would be a bit of an odd one I suppose, because unlike the NES and the SNES, the N64 wasn't very successful, completely bombed in Japan, and also likely wouldn't have Goldeneye, which, for a lot of people I know, is like 90% of their N64 nostalgia. I'm sure it probably will still happen though.
I'll take an anything mini by this point.
I think gameboy or GBA will be next
It wouldn’t have Banjo-Kazooie or Banjo-Tooie on it, so I don’t know if I would get it.
I do think we will see a remade Gameboy before an N64 mini. It would be pretty divine if they included og and color versions for each game. Color enhanced anyway.
The great things about the minis is the emulation is so good.
After the woeful emulation on WiiU it bodes well for Switch VC.
I'd rather prefer GameCube games. They haven't been getting the spotlight on the VC in Wii U as well and the Switch already has no VC. Maybe time to give the GC some shine?
@r1chard Or got themselves a Raspberrypi instead.
@SLIGEACH_EIRE not sure I agree with you there dude. I've got over 20 carts for my n64 and all of them are class acts today.
@darthstuey They were great back in the day, it's not the gameplay that's the problem, it's that they largely look like crud today.
I think a Game Boy Mini might be next. Why? If a N64 Mini is to be successful, it needs Rare games. Nintendo might spend time aiming to get some.
I’d love an N64 Mini, but I suspect the complexity of emulating the console and the unique way they implemented analogue on that controller means it would be too expensive to re-create on a budget console.
Plus, as much as I love the N64 it wasn’t the best selling of Nintendo consoles so I’m not sure there would be as much demand for a mini one.
no thanks
@Anti-Matter
http://media.kotaku.foxtrot.future.net.uk/wp-content/uploads/sites/52/2015/11/Wikipedia_gameboy_micro.jpg
N64 isn't happening anytime soon. Games are to big and they sell them for like 10$ a pop, prob not going to put them in a big collection anytime soon. Have my hoes up for a gameboy/color classic though.
Unlike a lot of people I feel like N64 games still hold up splendidly today, that may be because it is my personal favorite console though. The Rare Replay collection on Xbox One is particularly magnificent!
@Heavyarms55 It would also fix the limited supply problem, so the only question is: why isn't it here already?
@Link506 Some people think we wont get a traditional one. Other people think it is because these are more profitable or marketable.
Truth is, they have been very quiet on the topic. About all they have said is they are aware of the fan's desire for "legacy content"
I know Reggie is himself an on-again off-again Nintendo fan and the guy they call on to make everything sound cordial, but, man, "legacy content" is the kind of cold corporate talk airlines use when they're trying to get you to fly on their 1980s planes in the modern day. I wonder if he himself isn't a big fan of the N64.
Personally, I think the N64 has aged about as well as the Atari 2600. Ahead of its time, which is terrible for posterity. However, I hardly think that matters. Casual fans will essentially see it as "Nintendo Mini: Part 3" and sales will likely reflect that.
Show Comments
Leave A Comment
Hold on there, you need to login to post a comment...