If you want old-school games on the living room TV, three options come up again and again: the Old Arcade Classic Console with 771 built-in games, Nintendo's NES Classic Edition, and the classic game library that comes with a Nintendo Switch Online membership. Old Arcade sells the Classic Console. We do not sell the NES Classic Edition or Nintendo Switch Online. This guide lays out the honest differences so you can pick the one that fits your household.
Quick comparison
| Old Arcade Classic Console 771 | NES Classic Edition | Nintendo Switch Online (NES library) | |
|---|---|---|---|
| What it is | Plug-and-play HDMI console | Nintendo's mini NES replica | Subscription library on a Nintendo Switch |
| Games | 771 built in (621 classics plus 150 bonus titles), sorted by category | 30 licensed NES games built in | Rotating NES, Super NES and Game Boy library (150+ classics across those libraries, per retail listings) |
| Controllers in the box | 2 | 1 (second sold separately) | Uses your Switch controllers |
| TV connection | HDMI cable included | HDMI cable included (720p output) | Through the Switch dock |
| Ongoing cost | None, no subscription | None | Membership required ($19.99/year individual in the US) |
| Can you buy it new? | Yes, $49.99 at Old Arcade | Discontinued in 2018; resale only | Yes, if you already own a Switch |
NES Classic Edition details come from Nintendo's 2016 launch announcement and its Wikipedia entry. Switch Online pricing and rules come from Nintendo Support and its classic games FAQ.
Old Arcade Classic Console 771: the most games for the least fuss
The Classic Console is built for people who just want to plug in and play. It connects to your TV with the included HDMI cable, comes with two controllers so co-op and head-to-head games work on day one, and needs no downloads, accounts or subscriptions. Its 771 games are split into 621 classics and 150 bonus titles, sorted by category so you are not scrolling forever. A user folder also lets you save and load extra titles later.
Best for: family game nights, gifts that get played the same day, and anyone who wants a big variety of retro-style games without setting up a modern console.
Keep in mind: it is a dedicated retro box, not a modern console, so it will not run new releases or online play.
NES Classic Edition: Nintendo's official 30-game mini
Nintendo's NES Classic Edition launched in November 2016 at $59.99. It is a small replica of the original NES with 30 licensed games built in, including Super Mario Bros. 3, The Legend of Zelda, Metroid and Mega Man 2. It ships with one controller and an HDMI cable, and each game has suspend points so you can pick up where you left off.
The catch is availability. Nintendo ended production in 2017, brought it back in 2018, and discontinued it again in December 2018. Today you are mostly shopping resale listings, where prices often run well above the original price. A second controller is a separate purchase.
Best for: collectors and fans who specifically want Nintendo's official hardware and that exact 30-game lineup.
Nintendo Switch Online: a subscription library if you already own a Switch
If there is already a Nintendo Switch in the house, a Nintendo Switch Online membership adds access to classic NES, Super NES and Game Boy libraries, with online play added. In the US an individual 12-month membership is $19.99, and the higher Expansion Pack tier adds more systems. Nintendo says the libraries keep growing over time.
The trade-off is that you never own these games outright. Nintendo's FAQ says the classic games are only available with an active membership, and you need to connect online at least every seven days to keep playing offline. You also need the Switch itself.
Best for: Switch owners who already pay for the membership and want official Nintendo classics with online play.
Which one should you get?
- Want the most games, two controllers and no ongoing cost? The Old Arcade Classic Console 771 is the simplest pick at $49.99.
- Want Nintendo's official hardware and do not mind resale prices? Look for a used NES Classic Edition and budget for a second controller.
- Already have a Switch and a membership? The Switch Online classic library is a natural add-on.
Still browsing? See every TV console we carry in our Consoles collection, or read our guide to the best retro gaming consoles.
