Nintendo Switch owners waiting for the Virtual Console to launch so they can play some retro games have been given a great alternative in the meantime.
Today the NES Classic Mini became available to buy in the UK again almost a year since the original classic mini console was discontinued.
Last April Nintendo discontinued the NES Classic Mini with the Japanese gaming giant saying they “don’t have unlimited resources”.
In September of 2017 the NES Classic Mini was followed up with the SNES Classic Mini.
It was also revealed then that the Nintendo Classic Mini would be going back on sale in Europe during summer 2018.
However, a few months ahead of that launch window the NES Classic Mini has become available to buy again from the Official Nintendo Store UK.
The NES Classic Mini was available as part of the Nintendo Classic Mini double back.
The bundle included a SNES Classic Mini, a NES Classic Mini and a Nintendo USB AC Adapter all for £129.99.
However, the bundle sold out fast and is currently out of stock.
The surprise stock will surely raise hopes amongst fans that more NES Classic Mini stock could become available soon.
The NES Classic Mini comes loaded with 30 games pre-installed and one controller.
While the SNES Classic Mini is loaded with 21 games and has two controllers in the box.
The SNES Classic Mini features a number of games never before release in the UK – these are Earthbound, Super Mario RPG and Final Fantasy III (which is actually Final Fantasy VI).
The SNES Classic Mini also has installed on it the never-before-released Star Fox 2.
The NES Classic Mini was discontinued after widespread stock shortages across the globe following its launch.
The console, which had an RRP of £49, could regularly be seen on marketplace sites such as eBay selling at a huge mark-up.
In our review of the NES Classic Mini, published back in November 2016, Express.co.uk said: “Super Mario Bros 3 is great, Donkey Kong is highly addictive and Pac Man continues to justify its legendary status. Super C holds up well and offers proper two-player support, Ninja Gaiden is fast and frantic, and Mega Man 2’s insane difficulty makes it strangely moreish.
“Meanwhile, the ability to save progress and come back to your games makes it more likely that you’ll see them through to completion.
“Beyond that, there are a lot of middling games and a few stinkers that you probably won’t play more than once. It’s also really disappointing that there’s no way to expand the list further down the line, something that makes the Nintendo Classic Mini game collection feel somewhat incomplete.
“Retro gaming fans will definitely get a kick out of the Nintendo Classic Mini, which looks fantastic, is relatively inexpensive (unless you go through eBay) and is sporting some true gems from gaming’s golden age.
“While the stupidly short cables and inability to add more games leaves a sour taste, the Mini NES would make a great Christmas present, although you probably shouldn’t feel too disappointed if you don’t find one sitting under your tree.”