NES at 40: How Do Gamers Play Today?

The Nintendo Entertainment System, or NES, is turning 40. This console started in the US and later spread to Europe, but it wasn't as big there because Sega was already popular. Despite this, the NES became a hit thanks to great games from Nintendo, Capcom, Konami, and Rare. It's been a big deal in retro gaming for a long time.

A Changing Landscape

But times are changing. New gamers today might not even know what an NES is. Their parents didn't grow up with it, so it's not something they'd find in their closets. This makes the NES feel a bit less important now. Still, the games and the console itself are respected. It's just that fewer people have a personal connection to it.

The NES has been talked about a lot over the years. Every few years, there are articles and discussions about it. But is there still something new to say? Maybe not. But looking back is always interesting, especially since playing these games is easier than ever.

Playing NES Games in 2025

Today, you can play NES games in many ways:

• Nintendo Switch Online, which has a good selection of games.
• The NES Classic Mini.
• More advanced options like the MiSTer or Analogue NT.
• Even in a browser, though that might not be the best experience.

Some people still play on their original NES, or they've invested in fancy setups to make the games look better. But not everyone plays NES games anymore. And that's okay! The question is, how do people enjoy these classic games in 2025?