What's the next 'classic system' I can expect from Nintendo?

Nintendo NES and SNES Classic Editions
Nintendo NES and SNES Classic Editions (Image credit: Christine Romero-Chan / iMore)

What's the next 'classic system' I can expect from Nintendo?

Best Answer: Chronologically speaking, the next "classic" console that should be receiving a miniaturized version should be the Nintendo 64 (N64), which many claim is one of the greatest consoles in gaming history. We can only assume this because of the order that they've released these mini consoles so far, with the original NES Classic coming out in November 2016, and SNES Classic in September 2017.Amazon: NES Classic ($60)Amazon: SNES Classic ($80)

So it'll be called the N64 Classic Edition or something along those lines?

Probably. Taking a look at the current release of classic consoles, Nintendo has just been going with their abbreviated names (NES, SNES) and attaching "Classic Edition" to the monikers. It's a simple naming scheme and seems have worked well so far, since people can easily distinguish the new modern miniaturized versions from the larger, original consoles.

What will the N64 Classic Edition look like?

Like the other two classic consoles, the N64 Classic Edition will likely just look like a smaller version of the original console, like if someone just zapped it with a shrink ray. The aesthetic should remain the same, except it will fit in the palm of your hand, rather than take up a lot of shelf space. The controllers may be about the same size as the original, as the previous classic consoles, but the textures may be slightly different.

When should we expect the N64 Classic Edition, or whatever classic console Nintendo's releasing next?

It's a little hard to tell right now. The original NES Classic Edition came out in November 2016, just in time for the holidays, and sold out just as fast as it was stocked up. The SNES Classic came out in September 2017, much to everyone's surprise, and sold out just as quickly, surprising no one.

However, Nintendo did throw another curveball at everyone by first saying that the NES Classic was discontinued in April 2017, then restocking it in June 2017 after everyone rang out in anger across the internet. Nintendo has also been producing additional stock of both the NES and SNES Classic, so it's easier to obtain.

Sony announced their own mini console, the PlayStation Classic, which will arrive on Dec. 3, 2018. We should expect Nintendo to announce their next classic console in the coming weeks, or months, but we haven't heard anything so far.

It would make sense for them to release in time for the holidays, but again, we're not completely certain. Perhaps it may be delayed since they are producing more units for the NES and SNES Classics, which are still fairly popular.

How much should I expect to shell out for an N64 Classic Edition?

If recent trends show us anything, it's that the prices on these mini consoles are on the rise.

The NES Classic started things off at $60, but then the SNES Classic was $80. Part of the reason for the increased price was the addition of a second controller, but perhaps the quality of games caused the price hike too.

With the price of the PlayStation Classic at $99, it's not entirely surprising if the N64 Classic will be around the $90-100 mark as well.

What games should we expect to see on an N64 Classic?

With the increased prices of the mini consoles, it seems that we're getting fewer games with them. The NES Classic gave us 30 games, though a few are mediocre. SNES Classic provided 21, many being some of the greatest games in history, as well as the never-before-released Star Fox 2. The PlayStation Classic will have 20 games installed on it, so we should expect around 20 or so for the N64 Classic too.

There were many fantastic games on the N64, and we should hope that they'll make their way onto the mini version too. These games should include The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time, Super Mario 64, Mario Kart 64, GoldenEye 64, Super Smash Bros., Mario Party, Paper Mario, Star Fox 64, and many more.

If Nintendo comes out with this console, these are just a few of the games that definitely must be included, as they helped define the N64's greatness.

Christine Chan

Christine Romero-Chan was formerly a Senior Editor for iMore. She has been writing about technology, specifically Apple, for over a decade at a variety of websites. She is currently part of the Digital Trends team, and has been using Apple’s smartphone since the original iPhone back in 2007. While her main speciality is the iPhone, she also covers Apple Watch, iPad, and Mac when needed.

When she isn’t writing about Apple, Christine can often be found at Disneyland in Anaheim, California, as she is a passholder and obsessed with all things Disney, especially Star Wars. Christine also enjoys coffee, food, photography, mechanical keyboards, and spending as much time with her new daughter as possible.