Forget plug-and-play knockoffs and emulators—if you want the real NES experience, there’s only one way to go: buy an authentic Nintendo Entertainment System.
Sure, modern retro consoles are cheap and come pre-loaded with hundreds of games. But here’s the problem—they don’t support iconic accessories, they alter gameplay, and they kill the nostalgia.
Want to play Duck Hunt the way it was meant to be played? You can’t do that without an NES console and a Zapper light gun. Looking to relive the golden age of Super Mario Bros, Zelda, or Mega Man? Only the real hardware delivers the full experience.
In this guide, we’ll walk you through what makes the NES still worth owning—from games and accessories to durability and collecting tips.
Jump to a Section:
- Best NES Games to Revisit
- Must-Have NES Accessories
- Why Emulation Falls Short
- NES Console Durability
- How to Spot Fake NES Games
- Buying an NES: Top Loader vs Front Loader
- Sell Your NES Games & Consoles
The Best Nintendo NES Games
There are countless ways to play NES games today, but nothing compares to the original.
- Whether it’s your first time or your hundredth, timeless titles like The Legend of Zelda, Super Mario Bros, and Mega Man deliver unforgettable adventures.
- Looking for more NES classics? Don’t miss our breakdown of the Best NES RPGs or the Top NES Shooter Games.
- We also have hundreds of authentic NES games for sale—perfect for collectors, gamers, or nostalgic parents introducing their kids to the classics.
Must-Have NES Accessories
From the Zapper to the Power Glove, the NES was ahead of its time in the accessory department. Here are just a few examples you won’t find on a plug-and-play system:
- Zapper Light Gun – Required for Duck Hunt, Hogan’s Alley, and more.
- NES Four Score – Enjoy 4-player games like Super Off-Road and Gauntlet II.
- Game Genie – Unlock hidden codes and new gameplay possibilities.
- Turbo Blaster – Great for shooters like Gradius and Gun.Smoke.
- Power Pad – Play fitness games the old-school way.
The Best Nostalgia
- Replicas and emulators might be convenient, but they never feel quite right.
- From slight changes in audio and graphics to completely missing features like slowdown, emulated games just don’t hit the same.
- If you grew up on the NES, you’ll notice the difference immediately.
- For the most authentic nostalgia, you need the real console, cartridges, and quirks that defined the 8-bit era.
NES Console Durability
- Ask any retro collector: original NES consoles are tanks. Many systems from the 1980s still work today with minimal maintenance.
- Can you say the same for a $30 clone console or even an Xbox 360?
- Plus, you can always fix a blinking red light or a stuck reset button with guides like our N64 repair walkthrough (similar logic applies to NES consoles).
You Don’t Support Bootleggers When You Buy Original
- Modern clone consoles often come from unlicensed or shady sources.
- Buying authentic hardware and cartridges helps support legitimate retro game sellers and avoids counterfeit risks.
- Want to know if your game is real? Check out our detailed guide on How to Spot Fake Cartridges, or visit our selling hub for info on how we verify authenticity.
Original NES Top Loader vs Front Loader
- If you’re buying an NES today, consider going for the Top Loader model.
- It’s less prone to the common “pin connector” issues of the Front Loader and doesn’t require the old-school blow-into-the-cartridge trick.
- Want more tips? Visit our Video Game Console Selling Guide for hardware advice and pricing info.
Wrap-Up: Buy or Sell an Original NES Console Today
- If you’re serious about reliving the NES era, don’t settle for a knockoff.
- The real console delivers the games, the nostalgia, and the experience as it was meant to be played.
💵 Ready to sell your collection? Get instant quotes and fast payments at our NES selling hub.
Explore More NES Content
🧰 Hardware & Accessories
- Nintendo Expansion Ports: What the Bottom NES & N64 Ports Really Are
- Top NES Zapper Games – Duck Hunt & Beyond
- Best NES Game Genie Codes for Your Favorite Games
💡 Collector & Buying Guides
- Collector’s Guide to First Print NES Games – What to Look For
- Expert Recap: The Complete Original Nintendo NES Label / Seal Guide
- How to Find the Elusive NES to Famicom Adapters
- Collector’s Guide: 10 Rarest NES Games Worth Big Money
🏷️ Sell & Trade-In Resources
🎮 NES Game Reviews
- Super Mario Bros. 3 Review – Retro Platforming at Its Peak
- Contra NES Review – Classic Co-Op Shooter Breakdown
📚 Discover More
- Retro Recap: Nintendo 1990 World Championships – Then and Now
- Family-Friendly NES Games Every Kid Will Love
- 5 NES Games You Should Avoid at All Costs
- Retro Origins: Explore the History of The Legend of Zelda NES Games
- Quick Answer: Does Blowing Into NES Cartridges Actually Work?
Frequently Asked Questions:
What does NES stand for?
- Nintendo Entertainment System.
Is the NES Top Loader region locked?
- No, it’s not region locked like the original front loader.
What model number is the NES Top Loader?
- NES-101.
Does NES work on newer TVs?
- Yes, if your TV has composite or RF input.
Does the NES have HDMI?
- No, the original NES does not support HDMI.
How do I connect a NES to a modern TV?
- Use the red audio and yellow video cables with the composite input on your TV.
How do you hook up the NES Top Loader?
- The Top Loader only connects via RF switch to the TV's coaxial input.
Where can I sell old NES games?
- You can sell them at The Old School Game Vault for fast quotes and trusted payments.
