AfterDawn: News

Nintendo finally ends support for original NES

Nintendo has finally decided to stop support for the original Nintendo Entertainment System, 24 years after the system's launch.

A spokesperson has said the company made their decision due "to increasingly short supplies of replacement parts."



The iconic console was known as the NES in Europe and North America and the Famicom in Japan.

Nintendo's Ken Toyoda said it was regrettable that the company has to turn its back on the old console but he wants Nintendo's loyal fans to focus on the Wii, the hottest selling next-gen console.

Since its launch late last year, the Wii has sold over 12 million consoles worldwide. The NES sold 60 million through 2006.

Source:
BetaNews

Written by: Andre Yoskowitz @ 3 Nov 2007 19:54

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• 46 comments

• hikaricor

  :( Nintendo, you will be sorely missed in light of the craptastic "Wii".
  
  Although thanks to a great many emulators beginning with the likes of Nesticle in the mid 90s, we'll still be able to play some great games for years to come without blowing on the cartridge or pressing it down as close to the front of the loading bay as possible for it to boot.

  3.11.2007 21:18 #1

• kaosX

  or the rapid up-down-up-down motion when that failed.

  3.11.2007 21:20 #2

• c1c

  No more support? I guess I'll upgrade to this new system they have called "super" nintendo.
  
  I still blow on my CD's when I use them for Nesticle.

  3.11.2007 21:26 #3

• venomX05

  OMG...say it ain't so!!!!!!!! *sniff, sniff* they are some of the toughest games every created...no strategy guide for them back then and all you could do is sit with a bunch of friends and crank out a few billion hours of awesome gameplay.
  
  Oh well, guess I'll just have to play it on my PSP..., but still ain't the same.

  3.11.2007 21:48 #4

• Pop_Smith

  What? If this article is correct the NES turns 25 next year. I was hoping for a limited edition re-run of the original system as part of it turning 25.
  
  Doesn't look like it will happen now but I hope it does!

  3.11.2007 22:02 #5

• xaznboitx

  Thats bull. I bought that classic controller for nothing and I was going to download NES games in couple of months.
  
  Nintendo should just add all the old games to the download online area and its not that hard to do.
  
  Nintendo acts like they have to make the old games look new on the way.

  3.11.2007 22:47 #6

• glenquag

  Originally posted by xaznboitx: Thats bull. I bought that classic controller for nothing and I was going to download NES games in couple of months.
  
  Nintendo should just add all the old games to the download online area and its not that hard to do.
  
  Nintendo acts like they have to make the old games look new on the way.That really sucks. I don't have a Wii or anything, but that BLOWS. I wanted them to remake it like they did with the Atari Flashback.
  

  
  
  PSP: 3.71 M33-2
  

  3.11.2007 22:57 #7

• Pop_Smith

  xaznboitx, I think they that up until now you could get parts for your NES to fix it. Now, once the parts run out thats it.
  
  They will most likely still port them to the Wii with original graphics (and played via the Classic Controller) etc. like they have been doing as this report said nothing about the Virtual Console.

  3.11.2007 22:57 #8

• ripxrush

  Yeah it is great I have a Wii (and my old NES) & Emu's & roms & cna play it on my dreamcast but thats besids the point, they dont want to have to make replacement parts fo rthe systems anymore! it probobly isnt worth it! If they had to charge what they needed to make proffit on it noone woudl buy it. But neways the Wii has killer ports & it goes widescreen great dosent look stretched r anything!

  3.11.2007 23:08 #9

• JabJab42

  I'm confused, how have they been supporting NES all this time. I haven't seen NES consoles in shops, I don't see NES games in shops. Someone please explain how they have been supporting NES. I'm also angry about the fact that they turned their backs on it. If it wasn't for the NES they would be nothing right now.
  
  Max

  3.11.2007 23:21 #10

• ripxrush

  i have seen a new version about a month ago of the old nes system brand new

  3.11.2007 23:30 #11

• SProdigy

  Originally posted by JabJab42: I'm confused, how have they been supporting NES all this time. I haven't seen NES consoles in shops, I don't see NES games in shops. Someone please explain how they have been supporting NES. I'm also angry about the fact that they turned their backs on it. If it wasn't for the NES they would be nothing right now.
  
  MaxWTF is wrong with all of you people? It's a 24 YEAR OLD CONSOLE!!! It's probably older than most of you complaining! Try to find support for any other CE products 24 years old... or 5 years old for that matter. Geesh! I'm shocked, because I thought for sure support was gone at least 10 years ago, back when the N64 was out and even SNES was a dead platform.
  
  For those wondering, the patent on the NES ran out awhile ago, and there are manufacturers making knockoff systems. The best of these appears to be NEX: http://www.buymessiah.com/store/product_...92ef4a4002afa7c

  3.11.2007 23:32 #12

• Pop_Smith

  Maybe they are working on revamping it for its 25th anniversary. The "Support" was that you could call (I did it just over a year ago for a friend) Nintendo or check online and get replacement parts for the console.
  
  Basically you could repair your console using parts Nintendo had for sale but due to "short supply" and probably a price increase on new parts they have decided to end its support.
  
  They do have a console that is a two in one (It plays NES and SNES games) I have seen, brand-new in box, at my local Play-N-Trade. I am not sure how much they are though.

  3.11.2007 23:35 #13

• DXR88

  Yeap 24 years they've supported the nes by making the replacement parts For Nintendo-Time. But as we slowly put Thy Beloved nes in the grave There will always be a spot in my gaming heart for you Nintendo Entertainment Console Aka Family Computer.
  
  Good by you 8 Bit King of All consoles

  3.11.2007 23:38 #14

• edsrouter

  Be nice if Nintendo would embrace the old console somehow in Wii. It's like they don't even want to mention the word "emulator" for fear that it would lead to the discovery of the underground world and that would undermine their entire empire.

  3.11.2007 23:52 #15

• edsrouter

  You know what would be wild? If I could take a modded Xbox back in time and give it to myself. It would be like this magical gift from heaven that had all the consoles of the immediate future on it. NES, SuperNES, Playstation, Genesis, MAME...
  
  My friends and I would probably worship it. "We're not worthy O God of video games!"

  4.11.2007 00:03 #16

• EricCarr

  Microsoft will not give support on SP1 or lower. You have to have XP SP2 or higher to get any support.
  
  Having said this 25 years of support for a game system is awesome!

  4.11.2007 00:14 #17

• vinny13

  >:(

  4.11.2007 01:04 #18

• spydah

  I used to love my NES but i have completely blanked those memories out my minds as games evolved. So this isnt to bad of news since i havent played a NES in 10 years or so.

  4.11.2007 01:18 #19

• ZippyDSM

  Anyone try the new cloned NES/SNES unit thats around 50 USD?

  4.11.2007 01:34 #20

• ripxrush

  Originally posted by edsrouter: Be nice if Nintendo would embrace the old console somehow in Wii. It's like they don't even want to mention the word "emulator" for fear that it would lead to the discovery of the underground world and that would undermine their entire empire.
  UH... they DO!!!!!! They use virtual machenes to play them but it is on your wii when you r connected to internet, well u have bought th erights to play a game the games r liek $5 each is what the points turn out to cost. so they have NOT abandon the games jsut the system & understandibly do! To offer the games it is no or low cost to offer them virtualy thru your Wii but if they made a real product & noone bought they r out major production cost, it is jsut the way thigns r going kinda like the Xbox arcade stuff!

  4.11.2007 01:44 #21

• WierdName

  Wow, I didn't know they were even supporting it this long. Talk about dedication.

  4.11.2007 02:28 #22

• 7thsinger

  I guess i can't be too shocked, the system's almost as old as i am. But it saddens me. Some of my absolute favorite games were on the NES. Just me and some friends sitting around pounding out the hours playing kick ace games, blowing into the cartridges to get 'em to fire up.
  
  Hats off to Nintendo for keeping "support" (didn't know they were, actually) for so long.

  4.11.2007 07:04 #23

• ZippyDSM

  Originally posted by 7thsinger: I guess i can't be too shocked, the system's almost as old as i am. But it saddens me. Some of my absolute favorite games were on the NES. Just me and some friends sitting around pounding out the hours playing kick ace games, blowing into the cartridges to get 'em to fire up.
  
  Hats off to Nintendo for keeping "support" (didn't know they were, actually) for so long.I think Sega still supports the DC 0-o
  
  these are mostly a Jp thing tho LOL
  
  I see they are tryign to puff up WII sales with this, prehaps they are gettign ready for the digi distro of the future and getting it ready to be reaped.

  4.11.2007 09:06 #24

• DXR88

  If you wanna play your nes games like mike tyson punchout or SMB 1
  one word, Nester

  4.11.2007 16:23 #25

• BIGnewb

  dont get why everyone is upset.i didnt even know they still cared.

  4.11.2007 17:26 #26

• TBandit

  Originally posted by hikaricor: :( Nintendo, you will be sorely missed in light of the craptastic "Wii".
  
  Although thanks to a great many emulators beginning with the likes of Nesticle in the mid 90s, we'll still be able to play some great games for years to come without blowing on the cartridge or pressing it down as close to the front of the loading bay as possible for it to boot.this was the fun part

  4.11.2007 20:18 #27

• vinny13

  I have 7 NES consoles, like 75 games, a Fami-verter, 2 guns(grey and orange), an OG box with console and zapper manual, 10 controllers more or less, a Game Genie and code book and a hints and tip book. Why? Nester or whatever else just doesn't have that feel!
  
  Oh ya, I noticed on most well-kept Matel systems(I'm pretty sure), if you put in a game and it doesn't load, while the slot is down just move it to the left with your thumb. And if that doesn't work, jiggle it right until it does work(it's very sensitive off to the right for some reason).

  4.11.2007 21:15 #28

• maryjayne

  Ayup, I agree with the slide to one side technique to get a game working on the NES. My friends use to come over and blow 'til they passed out and couldnt get some of my games to work on my console. I would blow once and if that did not work I would just nudge the cartridge to one side and it started up.
  
  I guess now since support is no longer being offered, my orginal still working perfectly NES and 80+ games and multiple controllers will soon be worth a fortune!

  5.11.2007 09:10 #29

• pcanisius

  wait does this mean that they're canceling the hotline where you can call a 1-800# to get help with zelda? what was it game wizards? or something like that. damn.

  5.11.2007 15:04 #30

• hikaricor

  Now the question is since someone replied to my comment... where the hell did the original go...?

  6.11.2007 16:29 #31

• maitland

  This may sound a bit harsh, but here is how I got my Nintendo to work, every single time: I put the cartridge in and clicked it into place. If it didn't start, I slapped it with open palms on both sides hard enough that the cartridge popped out of place. Then clicked it back into place and pressed the power button. Never failed once. Go figure...
  
  Actually, I think it is pretty easy to replace your old cartridge header with one that is higher quality:
  
  http://thewarpzone.classicgaming.gamespy.com/replace72.html

  12.11.2007 02:01 #32

• WierdName

  Ironic how excessive force seems to be the only thing to get something to work sometimes eh?

  12.11.2007 04:27 #33

• ZippyDSM

  Originally posted by WierdName: Ironic how excessive force seems to be the only thing to get something to work sometimes eh?
  When a crow bar just wont work, TNT is optional!

  12.11.2007 08:11 #34

• DXR88

  You could shoot the Nes with Slug shot shotgun and pick it back up and it would still work the NES was invincible.

  12.11.2007 15:19 #35

• ZippyDSM

  Originally posted by DXR88: You could shoot the Nes with Slug shot shotgun and pick it back up and it would still work the NES was invincible.kinda like zippy, you can shoot it,blow it up and remove it brains and it still moves on tis won 0-o

  12.11.2007 15:39 #36

• WierdName

  Quote:kinda like zippy, you can shoot it,blow it up and remove it brains and it still moves on tis won 0-oIt's the termazippy

  12.11.2007 17:57 #37

• DXR88

  Wow. i gotta try that some time zippy ill go for your arms thou i got an over and under loaded with slug shot.
  
  ill set my NES right beside you see witch on lasts longer.

  12.11.2007 18:50 #38

• ZippyDSM

  Quote:Quote:kinda like zippy, you can shoot it,blow it up and remove it brains and it still moves on tis won 0-oIt's the termazippyonly I terminate thought nya =^^=
  
  0-o
  
  why are you helping the voices? :P

  12.11.2007 23:37 #39

• WierdName

  Quote:why are you helping the voices? :PCuz it's fun.

  13.11.2007 04:44 #40

• agwild99

  Originally posted by pcanisius: wait does this mean that they're canceling the hotline where you can call a 1-800# to get help with zelda? what was it game wizards? or something like that. damn.After 20+ years of being on the market, if someone still needs help with Zelda, we have worse problems in this world than I thought!

  13.11.2007 07:33 #41

• WierdName

  Quote:After 20+ years of being on the market, if someone still needs help with Zelda, we have worse problems in this world than I thought!Lol, ya. Theres this awesome thing called the internet. One could probably find help there.

  13.11.2007 15:17 #42

• 7thsinger

  Originally posted by WierdName: Quote:After 20+ years of being on the market, if someone still needs help with Zelda, we have worse problems in this world than I thought!Lol, ya. Theres this awesome thing called the internet. One could probably find help there.Lol! No joke. I played that one so much i could probably still go through it!
  

  And Shepards we shall be...

  13.11.2007 15:51 #43

• NHS2008

  NES still lives!!
  I never had the original NES. olny bootlegs that were in India.
  I had so many cartridges.....good ole days! playing Mario and Battle City and B-wings and Contra and DoubleDragon and TMNT III and Tetris and PAC-MAN and oh its a long list. These games, all of them..are IMMORTAL. Play em, keep em playing for hours, weeks, months....years.....dacades(really) you never get bored.
  and I am still clueless of what to play from my 150 PlayStation 2 collection! So I load up the Ninti emulator on PS2 and play the IMMORTAL nes games!! Long live Nintendo!!! and Sony too!!

  14.11.2007 15:32 #44

• borhan9

  I have to say well done to Nintendo for at least supporting their first product they ever made for this long if this was another company it would have tossed it aside after 5 years max. Loyalty is hard to find these day and yes progress for a company does mean that these things happen. All in all a job well done.

  18.11.2007 16:27 #45

• pryme_H

  NES scratched the surface for all the new great consoles that we now all enjoy playing...
  

  
  

  18.11.2007 22:07 #46