Nintendo Brings Back The Iconic NES Video Game Console

Remember the iconic Nintendo Entertainment software or NES video game console? It’s returning from the dead.

Betting big on nostalgia, Nintendo Co (T:7974) Ltd (OTC:NTDOY) is reviving NES almost 20 years after discontinuing it. Only this time, the revamped version will be smaller than the original NES and will have 30 built in games including Super Mario Bros 1, 2, 3, Legend of Zelda, Donkey Kong, Bubble Bobble and Kirby’s Adventure. An HDMI cable will enable users to plug it into their TV sets to play the games.

Like the original NES, the revamped version will also have a controller, which will support two player games. Also, classic controllers will be available for $9.99. Even classic controller Pro for Nintendo's Wii and Wii U are compatible with mini NES. The company will start selling the mini console in Nov 2016 for $59.99.

Chief Operating officer and President of Nintendo, America said "we wanted to give fans of all ages the opportunity to revisit Nintendo’s original system and rediscover why they fell in love with Nintendo in the first place.”

These are good times for Nintendo. The stock surged over 60% as Pokemania once again took over the world. The company recently launched its first smartphone game, Pokémon Go, which has become a blockbuster hit.

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Reportedly, the game has been downloaded over 15 million times across Apple’s (NASDAQ:AAPL) App Store and Google (NASDAQ:GOOGL) Play Store, making it one of the most downloaded app in the U.S, Australia, and New Zealand. In fact, such is the craze that the international launch was affected. The game made its debut in U.K today.

Pokémon Go lets players use their GPS and camera to catch Pikachu & friends in real locations. Despite the dangers involved, Pokémon mania is unstoppable. Also, there is tremendous buzz surrounding its new console, NX, slated for launch next year.

The last year was a difficult one for Nintendo with both its gaming consoles – Wii U and 3DS – underperforming, and the release of two of its biggest games – Star Fox Zero and The Legend of Zelda – being postponed to 2016. In fact, the company has been losing ground to Sony Corporation’s (NYSE:SNE) PlayStation and Microsoft Corporation's (NASDAQ:MSFT) Xbox for quite some time.

However, the latest developments have come as huge relief for the Japanese video game maker. One thing has to be noted, though. The game is free to download. So the companies will be making money out of “in-game micro transactions”. The profits will be shared by augmented reality game maker Niantic and Nintendo. Pokémon Go was developed by Niantic in association with The Pokémon Company, owned by Nintendo.

At present, Nintendo carries a Zacks Rank #5 (Strong Sell).