NES
Hardware, storefront and ecosystem news for NES.
Latest coverage
Shoot ’em up Changeable Guardian Estique making its way to Nintendo Switch [update: release date]
Amata Games and Cat Hui Trading announced that Changeable Guardian Estique will be released on the Nintendo Switch on August 6, 2026. This side-scrolling robot shoot 'em up, originally released for NES and Famicom, will include both versions of the game and a new gallery mode.
Shack Chat: What is your favorite piece of physical video game media?
Shacknews staff members share their favorite pieces of physical video game media, ranging from classic console re-releases and collector's editions to rare cartridges and fightsticks. The discussion highlights the sentimental value and importance of physical media for game preservation and personal memories, especially in an era of increasing digital-only releases and subscription services.
Miyamoto reflects on the NES era and discusses western RPG’s influence on Zelda’s creation”
Shigeru Miyamoto reflected on the creation of The Legend of Zelda for the NES, stating it was inspired by western RPGs. He discussed the desire to move beyond linear, arcade-style games and incorporate save data functionality, leading to the development of the Famicom Disk System. Miyamoto also noted how Nintendo adapted elements from PC RPGs like Wizardry for the Famicom.
Evening Reading - July 24, 2026
This edition of Evening Reading covers various gaming news items, including the announcement of Forza Horizon 6 and updates for games like 007 First Light, Marvel Rivals, and Disney Dreamlight Valley. It also highlights ongoing sales for PlayStation and Xbox, PC download deals, and a Hades 2 cover song. The article also mentions Shacknews's collection of video game maps and a segment on former President Obama playing WNBA games.
Final Fantasy 4 was nearly skipped entirely so the JRPG series could "beat" Dragon Quest: "It was kind of…
Square Enix considered skipping Final Fantasy 4 and releasing Final Fantasy 5 instead to gain a promotional advantage over the Dragon Quest series. Takashi Tokita and Yoshinori Kitase revealed that the CEO at the time suggested this unconventional strategy to surpass Dragon Quest's popularity. The company also controversially renumbered Final Fantasy 4 as Final Fantasy 2 in North America.
How to use new controllers with retro consoles
This guide explains how to use modern controllers with retro consoles using adapters and dongles. It covers Bluetooth and 2.4GHz wireless options, detailing compatibility with various controllers like DualSense and Xbox Wireless, and discusses latency differences and charging solutions. The article also touches on ergonomic considerations for different retro systems.
Weekend Discussion - June 20, 2026
This article is a weekend discussion piece from Shacknews, featuring various segments and reader engagement prompts. It highlights the staff's commitment to original content creation, free from generative AI, and includes personal anecdotes about gaming history and preferences from one of the writers.
Rainbow Islands Console Selection announced for Nintendo Switch
Taito has announced Rainbow Islands Console Selection for Nintendo Switch, set to release on October 8, 2026. This collection features multiple versions of the arcade classic, including Famicom, NES, SEGA Master System, PC Engine CD-ROM², and both Japanese and Western Mega Drive/Genesis versions of Rainbow Islands Extra. It includes features like quick-save/load slots and a powered-up starting state.
A "holy grail" copy of Super Mario Bros. has sold for $3m
A rare, sealed copy of Super Mario Bros. for the NES has sold for a record-breaking $3 million USD at Heritage Auctions. The copy, rated 9.6 A++ by PSA, was discovered in its original Control Deck NES Bundle and is a highly elusive variant from the game's second production run. This sale significantly surpasses previous auction records for the game and highlights the growing value of rare video game collectibles.
One year later: is the Nintendo Switch 2 everything we hoped for? Pure Nintendo Podcast E165
This podcast episode discusses the Nintendo Switch 2's first year, covering its launch, highlights, missing features, and future prospects. The hosts also touch upon third-party support and recent game announcements from Summer Game Fest. The discussion includes mentions of specific games and events like Kong Off, Mario Kart 64, and Goldeneye competitions.
Pure Nintendo Magazine now available in Australia!
Pure Nintendo Magazine, a print publication celebrating Nintendo games, is now available for subscription in Australia. The magazine, created by fans for fans, features news, reviews, and opinion pieces. Local distribution is now available, with copies also found at select Brisbane locations.
Pure Nintendo Magazine now available in Australia!
Pure Nintendo Magazine, a print publication celebrating Nintendo games, is now available for subscription in Australia. The magazine, created by fans for fans, features news, reviews, and opinion pieces. Local printing and distribution will ensure faster delivery to Australian subscribers.
Where Can I Sell My Old Video Games for the Most Money?
This guide compares four platforms for selling used video games: DKOldies, The Old School Game Vault, Retro Games Plus, and GameFlip. It analyzes their pricing, payout methods (cash vs. store credit), and processes to help sellers maximize their earnings. The article highlights that direct buyers offer faster cash for bulk collections, while marketplaces like GameFlip can yield higher returns for individual high-value items but require more effort.
This 007 Game You Didn't Play Was Basically PS2's Uncharted
Eurocom's 2008 PlayStation 2 adaptation of Quantum of Solace is highlighted as an underrated gem that plays similarly to Uncharted: Drake's Fortune. This single-player campaign emphasizes espionage and stealth over the more action-heavy PlayStation 3 version, featuring impressive visuals and voice work from Daniel Craig.
Yoshi’s back to delight us all! Pure Nintendo Podcast E163
The Pure Nintendo Podcast episode 163 covers Yoshi's New Island, Nintendo's surprise mobile game Pictonico, and the demo for RPG Adventures of Elliot. The hosts also discuss the addition of the A Link Between Worlds soundtrack to Nintendo Music, new Pac-Man and Broken Sword media, and various indie games.
Big Challenge! Dogfight Spirit
Big Challenge! Dogfight Spirit is a forgettable shooter for the Famicom Disk System developed and published by Jaleco. The game features an attack helicopter protagonist battling an evil organization across seven levels, each with a standard phase and a high-speed escape shooting gallery. Despite a mid-game difficulty spike, the game suffers from repetitive enemy types, uninspired weapon selection, and an overall generic experience that fails to stand out among other shooters.
Big Challenge! Dogfight Spirit
Big Challenge! Dogfight Spirit is a forgettable shmup for the Famicom Disk System that fails to innovate within the genre. Despite a challenging difficulty spike in its later levels, the game suffers from repetitive enemy designs and uninspired weapon mechanics. Ultimately, it offers a generic experience that is overshadowed by better shooters available on the NES.
Echoes of the Unread Launches Free Steam Demo, Letting Players Step Into the Enchanted Library
A free playable demo for the musical adventure game Echoes of the Unread has launched on Steam, developed by Clever Cat Games and co-published by 8-Bit Legit and Mega Cat Studios. The demo allows players to explore a portion of the enchanted library and the Wild West zone, featuring enhancements over the recently released NES version, such as an inventory system and controller vibration.
Parasol Superstars review – Cute Curated Collection
Parasol Superstars is a curated collection featuring the arcade titles Spica Adventure and Parasol Stars: The Story of Bubble Bobble III, offering a nostalgic look at classic platformers. Both games have been updated with modern features like save states and rewind, making them accessible for new players while retaining their original charm.
2 months later, Super Mario Galaxy Movie fans are still spotting new Easter eggs, and I can't believe no one noticed this retro reference hiding in plain sight
Fans continue to discover new Easter eggs in The Super Mario Bros. Movie, with the latest being a retro reference to NES cartridges in Bowser's prison. Despite a lukewarm critical reception, the film has achieved significant box office success. Shigeru Miyamoto reflected on the harsh critical reviews, finding them surprising.
