NES Classic is dead, but there's a new way to play Nintendo in HD
If you're still puzzled over Nintendo's baffling decision to discontinue the extremely popular NES Classic, I have some good news: Hyperkin's got your back.
The hardware maker's latest creation -- out May 25 -- is the RetroN HD. It's basically a Nintendo Entertainment System, only it can play your old cartridges in HD.
While you'll need to actually own copies of the games you want to play -- unlike the Classic with its built-in library -- you also won't be restricted to just 30 titles. It's not unlike Hyperkin's RetroN 5 -- which features cartridge ports for five different consoles -- except it's for NES games only.
RetroN HD outputs at a 720p resolution and supports both NTSC and PAL format Nintendo cartridges. It also comes with an NES-style control -- equipped with a 10-foot cord -- and outputs for both HDMI and standard def A/V (plus cables for both).
If you're not familiar with console emulators like the ones Hyperkin is known for, take note: the RetroN HD has "high compatibility" with both PAL and NTSC cartridges, but that doesn't mean it works with every single thing. Give the RetroN 5 compatibility list a look if you want to better set your expectations.
The RetroN HD will be available in both black and NES-style grey color schemes for $40. And if you're still scarred after many fruitless attempts to nab a Classic, take heart: you can pre-order this one, either from Hyperkin directly or via Amazon (U.K.-dwellers can pre-order here).
Adam Rosenberg is a Senior Games Reporter for Mashable, where he plays all the games. Every single one. From AAA blockbusters to indie darlings to mobile favorites and browser-based oddities, he consumes as much as he can, whenever he can.Adam brings more than a decade of experience working in the space to the Mashable Games team. He previously headed up all games coverage at Digital Trends, and prior to that was a long-time, full-time freelancer, writing for a diverse lineup of outlets that includes Rolling Stone, MTV, G4, Joystiq, IGN, Official Xbox Magazine, EGM, 1UP, UGO and others.Born and raised in the beautiful suburbs of New York, Adam has spent his life in and around the city. He's a New York University graduate with a double major in Journalism and Cinema Studios. He's also a certified audio engineer. Currently, Adam resides in Crown Heights with his dog and his partner's two cats. He's a lover of fine food, adorable animals, video games, all things geeky and shiny gadgets.
