Nintendo Entertainment System
Hardware, storefront and ecosystem news for Nintendo Entertainment System.
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Poll: Box Art Brawl: Yoshi (NES)
This article compares the box art for the NES title Yoshi, known as Mario & Yoshi in Europe and Yoshi's Egg in Japan. It presents the North American, European, and Japanese cover art, discussing their design elements and regional differences. The author notes the game's retro charm despite not being the best tile-matching puzzler.
The Best Retro Handhelds Under $100: Anbernic vs. Miyoo vs. Powkiddy (2026) | TAG
This guide compares the best retro handheld gaming devices available for under $100, focusing on brands like Anbernic, Miyoo, and Powkiddy. It highlights the Miyoo Mini Plus as the overall best for its pocketability and OnionOS software, the Anbernic RG35XX H for analog stick users, the TrimUI Smart Pro S for PSP emulation, and the Anbernic RG CubeXX for its unique square screen ideal for Game Boy games. The article also explains emulation basics, the importance of custom firmware, and the legalities surrounding ROMs.
Terra Cresta
Terra Cresta, originally released in 1986 in Japan, eventually launched on the Nintendo Entertainment System in 1990, but its dated design and slow pace made it fall short compared to contemporary shooters. While it features a unique combining ship mechanic and power-ups, the game suffers from a lack of variety, a cruel death system, and an unsatisfying infinite loop instead of a proper conclusion.
Terra Cresta
Terra Cresta, a shooter released for the Nintendo Entertainment System in 1990, is reviewed as a late port of a 1986 Famicom title. Despite its combining ship mechanic and power-ups, the game is criticized for its dated graphics, lack of variety, and unsatisfying infinite loop ending, especially when compared to contemporary shooters.
Magmax
Magmax, originally released in arcades in 1985 and later ported to the Famicom and Nintendo Entertainment System in 1986 and 1988 respectively, is a side-scrolling shooter that fails to impress. While its dual-plane gameplay and mech-assembly mechanic offer some novelty, the game suffers from repetitive environments, sparse enemy variety, and ultimately becomes boring. Despite its decent port quality, Magmax does not hold up against its contemporaries and is considered a relic of its time.
Magmax
Magmax, originally released in arcades in 1985 and later ported to the Famicom and Nintendo Entertainment System in 1986 and 1988 respectively, is a side-scrolling shooter that fails to impress. While its dual-plane gameplay and mech-assembly mechanic offer some novelty, the game suffers from repetitive environments, sparse enemy variety, and ultimately becomes boring. Despite its decent port quality, Magmax does not hold up against its contemporaries and is considered a relic of its time.
Konami Code 40th Anniversary Projects & Merchandise Revealed
Konami Digital Entertainment is celebrating the 40th anniversary of the Konami Code, which first appeared in Gradius on the Family Computer on April 25, 1986. To commemorate the event, the company has released original soundtracks from several Gradius and Nemesis titles for digital purchase and streaming, partnered with manga artist Shota Hattori for two short manga pages, and collaborated with Amazon for exclusive T-shirts in Japan.
Cliffhanger
Cliffhanger, a beat 'em up developed by Malibu Interactive and published by Sony Imagesoft, is considered one of the worst movie-licensed titles of its era. The game loosely follows the plot of the movie but suffers from stiff controls, tedious combat, and frustrating platforming segments, making it a boring and uninspired experience.
After spending $60,000 on an "unheard of" first-party Nintendo prototype, anonymous collector pulls the ultimate good guy move and releases the ROM for preservationists to study for free
An anonymous collector purchased a rare prototype of Nintendo's Punch-Out!! for over $60,000 and has released the ROM for free, allowing for the preservation and study of early game development. This move is praised by preservationists like Frank Cifaldi of the Video Game History Foundation, who notes the rarity of such an early build of a major first-party title.
NES – Nintendo Classics adds Mendel Palace, PAC-MAN, and The Tower of Druaga
The Nintendo Entertainment System – Nintendo Classics app has added three new games: Mendel Palace, PAC-MAN, and The Tower of Druaga. These classic titles are now available for players to enjoy on the platform.
Rare Super Mario Games Could Be Worth Over $1,000 – Check Your Collection | Invision Game Community
Certain rare, well-preserved retro editions of Super Mario games are fetching high prices from collectors, with some copies selling for over $1,000. Factors like complete-in-box condition, early production variants, and professional grading contribute to their value, with titles like Super Mario Bros (NES) and Super Mario RPG (SNES) being particularly sought after.
Garry Kitchen Fire & Ice RGX 2026 Guest of Honor
Video game designer Garry Kitchen has been announced as a Guest of Honor for the Fire & Ice RGX 2026 event. Kitchen is recognized for his pioneering work at Activision during the early years of the video game industry, including developing hit titles for Atari 2600, Commodore 64, NES, and SNES. The event will take place on June 20 and 21, 2026, in Roseville, CA.
After 37 years, cult classic NES Friday the 13th game has a fan remake made "from scratch" for Game Boy Color, and this time around you can actually take down Jason Voorhees
A fan remake of the cult classic Nintendo Entertainment System game Friday the 13th has been developed from scratch for the Game Boy Color by Zeichi Games. This new version features improved controls, a trading system, and allows players to defeat Jason Voorhees. The remake also boasts an upgraded chiptune metal soundtrack.
An indie accessory brand has created an original PlayStation dock cover for the Switch 2 that I never knew I needed
UK-based brand Krasivoe has released a dock cover for the upcoming Nintendo Switch 2 that transforms its appearance into the original gray PlayStation. The accessory snaps onto the dock and features design elements reminiscent of the classic console, including fake buttons and a disc tray. Krasivoe also offers an optional Memory Card accessory that can store physical Switch games.
Why Older Games Where more Difficult to Complete
Older video games, particularly from the NES, SNES, and Nintendo 64 eras, were often more difficult due to limitations in cartridge storage space and the high cost of games. Developers extended gameplay by increasing difficulty and puzzle complexity, as well as omitting features like mini-maps. This design choice contrasted with modern games that prioritize accessibility and shorter completion times.
Retro games bundle MARVEL MaXimum Collection announced
Limited Run Games announced the MARVEL MaXimum Collection, a bundle of classic Marvel retro games developed in partnership with Konami Digital Entertainment and Marvel Games. The collection will feature titles like X-Men: The Arcade Game, Captain America and The Avengers, and Spider-Man/Venom: Maximum Carnage, along with digital archives, chip-tune scores, and modern features like save states and online multiplayer for some titles. It is planned for release on PC via Steam.
Roniu’s Tale – First Impressions (NES)
Roniu's Tale is a new Puzzle Action Adventure game in development for the Nintendo Entertainment System by Kunjee Studio and Mega Cat Studios. The game features over 40 levels with a top-down view, where players control a magician named Roniu who must use his powers to solve puzzles and navigate dungeons while avoiding enemies. The project has successfully met its Kickstarter goals, indicating strong interest from the retro gaming community.
NES Review – Super Mario Bros 2
Super Mario Bros. 2 for the Nintendo Entertainment System introduced significant gameplay changes from its predecessor, such as throwing vegetables and enemies instead of just jumping on them. The game features distinct playable characters like Mario, Luigi, Peach, and Toad, each with unique abilities, and offers a dreamworld setting with varied levels and memorable bosses. Despite bland backgrounds, the game boasts appealing character designs, smooth performance, and excellent music, earning an 8/10 rating.
