Nintendo's own NES Classic Edition and the Wii U and 3DS virtual consoles offer refuge for casual gamers' nostalgia, but collectors who are into authentic, cartridge-based retro gaming experience will find haven in Analogue NT Mini. Analogue created the original Nintendo Mini, a premium aftermarket Nintendo console that married salvaged NES CPU and PPU chips with new hardware and a beautiful aluminum chassis. It is the definitive way to explore an entire era of Nintendo's history. It's compatible with every NES, Famicom, Famicom Disk System game (requires FDS unit) and the accessories, too.

The Analogue NT mini packs the same features as the original into a 20 percent smaller, equally handsome package. "It's an aftermarket video-game system that lets gamers play Nintendo's entire 8-bit console era free of any compromises," the console's creator, Christopher Taber said in an email.

Nintendo NT Mini Analogue

Taber defines the NT Mini as the exact opposite of "clone" consoles that can play classic games exactly as the Nintendo's own hardware did, with zero input lag and the option to use all of the original accessories, Engadget reports. Unlike the original NT, the Mini is all original hardware. No repurposed silicon. No cannibalized parts.

Like the RetroUSB AVS, the Analogue uses an unparalleled customized compatibility FPGA processor to perfectly recreate the NES's functionality, and plays over 2,000 games. It comes with 1080p via HDMI & RGB, Component, S-video, and Composite all in one. The Mini supports s-video, component and composite video out via VGA accessory cables, and a wireless controller, according to Analogue.

Price, Compatibility & Availability

Moreover, the NT Mini plays well with all of Japan's cartridges and add-ons. It has an extra cartridge slot for Famicom games and an accessory port for Japanese accessories. It even has an analog audio jack. This is a special feature necessary to suit games that used the Famicom's embedded microphone, like "Takeshi's Challenge" or the original Japanese release of "The Legend of Zelda." It's region-free and offers worldwide compatibility.

Taber means it when he says the Mini can do anything the original consoles can do. Even the original hardware's video output standards are existing. The Mini, might be the last NES an enthusiast may ever buy as it is designed to last a lifetime -- but Analogue's compromise-free Nintendo doesn't come cheap at $449. The Analogue NT Mini is now shipping.