Analogue has unveiled its latest retro games console, the Nt mini, to rival Nintendo’s forthcoming NES Classic Mini. Which throwback system is best? Let’s take a look.
Nintendo caused quite a stir when it revealed it would release a homage to the original 8-bit NES in time for Christmas, and many of us were quite taken by the idea of reliving our youth over mince pies and mulled wine.
Nostalgia aside though, the NES Classic Mini isn’t exactly an earth shattering proposition. There’s some great games, sure, including classics like Super Mario Bros., The Legend of Zelda and PAC-MAN, but the 30 pre-loaded titles are all you’re getting, ever, and there’s too many top ones missing (Duck Hunt, anyone?!).
Enter Analogue, a Seattle, WA-based company that makes retro game consoles with a difference – they’ll play pretty much anything.
The firm’s latest effort is the HD-ready Nt mini, a slimmed down, cheaper version of the Analogue Nt, which was first announced back to in 2014.
Set to release in January 2017, the Nt mini is compatible with both NES and Famicom cartridges, as well as Disk System games via an expansion port, and it’s region-free so you can get your game on wherever you are.
According to the company, you’ll be able to play over 2,000 titles on the new Nt, which also bundles in a wireless controller and adapter that makes it compatible with current-gen controllers like the DualShock 4, plus old school accessories like the NES Zapper gun.
In terms of design, the Nt mini keeps the same premium aluminium build found on its predecessor, but slims downs by 20% – and shaves a bit off its price.
The Analogue Nt mini will sell for $449, which is $50 cheaper than its forbearer and works out at about £340 before tax – we’d expect a final UK price of circa £400 once you tack on VAT.
While the console won’t ship until next year, pre-orders are now live on the Analogue website. No, you won’t have it in time for Christmas, but you will have a retro system that’ll do more than pick up dust after a few months.
Related: How to build a Raspberry Pi retro gaming centre
Watch: Nintendo NX – Everything we know
Excited by the Analogue Nt mini or think you’ll be happy with the NES Classic Edition? Share you thoughts in the comments below.
Editorial independence
Editorial independence means being able to give an unbiased verdict about a product or company, with the avoidance of conflicts of interest. To ensure this is possible, every member of the editorial staff follows a clear code of conduct.
Professional conduct
We also expect our journalists to follow clear ethical standards in their work. Our staff members must strive for honesty and accuracy in everything they do. We follow the IPSO Editors’ code of practice to underpin these standards.
Editorial independence
Editorial independence means being able to give an unbiased verdict about a product or company, with the avoidance of conflicts of interest. To ensure this is possible, every member of the editorial staff follows a clear code of conduct.
Professional conduct
We also expect our journalists to follow clear ethical standards in their work. Our staff members must strive for honesty and accuracy in everything they do. We follow the IPSO Editors’ code of practice to underpin these standards.