For many of us who grew up the the 1980s the original Nintendo Entertainment System (NES) was life-changing.
The game system was a massive improvement over the Atari 2600 and games like Super Mario Bros. were revolutionary compared to what older systems offered. Nintendo has now brought back some of those classic games with the launch of the Nintendo Entertainment System: NES Classic Edition system. The updated game system includes 30 classic NES games such as Super Mario Bros., Metroid, Donkey Kong, The Legend of Zelda, Kirby’s Adventure and PAC-MAN. But it’s not just the launch of this awesome console that’ll crimp your hair and tight roll your jeans: Nintendo plans an 80s bonanza
“Many of us have fond and wonderful memories of the original NES,” said Doug Bowser, Nintendo of America’s Senior Vice President of Sales and Marketing. “With these launch activities for the NES Classic Edition, we want to replicate the nostalgic feelings of sitting down and playing the NES with your family for the first time.”
To bring some of those memories back Nintendo has a bunch of 80s-themed plans.
- On the night of Nov. 10, fans who visit the Nintendo NY store in Rockefeller Plaza will have a blast in the past with an ’80s-themed launch event.
- On launch weekend (Nov. 11-13), Nintendo is also bringing back its righteously nostalgic Power Line for three days only.
- On Nov. 10 and Nov. 11, its social media channels will go completely retro to a time when “social media” involved trading passwords and game tips on the school bus.
Looking back at NES
To kick off the launch, Nintendo will host a “Remembering #NESterday” social media takeover starting on Nov. 10. By using the #NESterday hashtag, Nintendo fans will be encouraged to share fond Nintendo gaming memories and even present-day photos with their old NES consoles. Some of these photos will be shared on Nintendo’s social media channels, and people will also be able to participate in a Twitter sweepstakes that will be just as tubular as you might expect.
On the night before the launch (Nov. 10) starting at 9 p.m. ET, Nintendo invites you (and anyone who wants to party like it’s 1985) to the Nintendo NY store for an ’80s-themed NES Classic Edition event. The first 250 visitors can play classic NES games, participate in a costume contest dressed as their favorite Nintendo characters or ’80s icons, and show off their NES knowledge in the ultimate retro Nintendo game show. When the clock ticks over to midnight on Nov. 11, the one-handed gloves come off and the NES Classic Edition will be available to purchase, while supplies last.
