Christmas is only a few weeks away and it's the most wonderful time of the year! The demand for Nintendo's Mini NES Classic Edition continues to grow, and the only problem is that it keeps going out of stock and it remains unclear on what is really going on regarding Nintendo's supply of its highly popular console.
Retro gaming is pretty much in demand even when other more powerful consoles such as the PS4 and Xbox One are already out. However, gamers who wish to get their hands on the mini version of Nintendo's iconic 8-bit console might not be able to find one in time for Christmas. The Mini NES Classic Edition always seems to get sold out whenever retailers restock them.
A few updates suggest that once they stock them on the shelves of either Urban Outfitters or Toys-R-Us, the consoles keep flying off like hotcakes, Express reports. However, the site added that Amazon Italy is reported to sell them online this December 12 so better stay updated!
Don't fret! There are other alternatives to the Nintendo Mini NES Classic Edition that gamers can add to their collection just in time for Christmas. Forbes collected a few possible consoles to substitute Mini NES Classic, so first up is the Retro Freak. This is a Japanese console that can read and play games from at least a dozen classic gaming systems, including the Sega Genesis and the SNES. It comes with a built-in 3 GB hard drive that can be used to store game data and take screenshots. According to Forbes, the Retro Freak is "much better" than the Mini NES.
The next alternative on the list is the Hyperkin RetroN 5. It is somewhat similar to the Retro Freak and can play just about every game to ever be released on cartridges with the exception of the N64. The RetroN 5 can be purchased for $260 - $300, while the Retro Freak is much lower at $170.
Up next is the mini Sega Genesis/Mega Drive, which is interestingly not made by Sega, but by a Chinese company called AtGames. At only $50, gamers will get to play and relive classic titles such as the Streets of Rage trilogy, Sonic the Hedgehog 1, 2, and 3, and Comix Zone. The mini Genesis can also play actual cartridges from Sega's once dominant console.
Gamers who truly want to play some of the classic NES titles, but are still unable to find a retailer that has the Classic Edition in stock should settle for the original NES console instead. Most eBay listings have the NES Classic Edition going for as much as $200. Consumers can get an original NES console for only $75 - $125! The only downside to this is that they will not come pre-packaged with any of the games found on the Classic Edition, but it can still make for an excellent addition to a fan's gaming collection.
And if all else fails, then the only option left is to simply go out and get one of the latest consoles currently out right now. They might not be able to offer the same kind of nostalgia trip that the NES Classic Edition does, but it can at least provide gamers with something to entertain them. Which is much better than pining over the Classic Edition that is always seems to get sold out.
This article is copyrighted by Travelers Today, the travel news leader
