Monday, April 4, 2016

The Absurdity Of The Solid Gold Analogue Nt NES Console.


As the rising tide of retro video game enthusiasm continues to roll on, we've now reached a level where some gamers (and in this case gaming retailers) are completely misunderstanding the hobby.

Now available is the solid 24-karat gold Analogue Nt. This console is a modern update to the original Nintendo Entertainment System, using authentic refurbished hardware gutted from old NES units. It features high definition output, allowing you to play games designed for standard definition televisions in high resolution (though, you'll see absolutely ZERO improvement in the original 8-bit graphics). The standard Analogue Nt, which sells for $500, was already an exercise in pompous frivolity. And yet, Analogue found a way to ratchet up the absurdity factor even farther. The entire unit is made of solid gold and sells for $5,000. Only ten will be produced worldwide. It can play all the original Nintendo video game cartridges, as well as Japanese Famicom cartridges.

Take note -- as of the time of this writing, you can purchase a used functional NES console on websites like eBay for anywhere between $50 and $100, depending on condition.

Super fast cars. Jacked up trucks. Overpowered guns. And now, the gold Analogue Nt. What do they have in common? They're all things guys with something to prove will purchase just to show off.

This is my biggest problem with Analogue releasing overpriced consoles. I'll set aside the fact that they're harvesting perfectly good parts from original NES units and lessening their availability. That's bad enough on its own. But selling $500 (and now $5,000) game units that do exactly what the original does? That's just ridiculous. Retro gaming isn't about exclusivity and being the most expensive. The NES is all about reliving your childhood, blowing into your Ninja Gaiden cartridge and spending a few hours just having fun. Sure, the graphics aren't amazing, but they don't need to be. The Nintendo wasn't made yesterday... it's thirty years old! Of course the graphics aren't going to be amazing. That doesn't mean it's not still fun to play, though. Perhaps the question I'm left asking is...

What's so fun about spending $5,000 on a old gaming system worth $100?
Good, clean, cheap fun. Just buy one of these and save yourself $4,900.

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