Just unboxed the Old Arcade NES Console, or thinking about one for game night? This guide walks you through setup, your first session and the handy extras like save states, so you spend less time fiddling and more time playing. The console comes with 750+ built-in classic games, two controllers and an HDMI connection for modern TVs. Full details are on the Old Arcade NES Console – HD, 750+ Games product page.
The NES Console at a Glance
| Price | $52.49 (compare at $69.99) |
| Built-in games | 750+ classic retro games |
| Controllers | 2 corded classic-style controllers, up to two players |
| TV connection | HDMI, high-definition output for modern TVs |
| Extras | Save states, save-and-restart from a point, add your own games |
| Size | About 5 x 4 inches |
Step 1: Get to Know the Ports
Before you plug anything in, take a quick look around the console. On the front are two controller ports, one for each player, plus the console's buttons. On the back you will find the HDMI port, the power input and a memory card slot. At roughly 5 by 4 inches, it sits easily next to a TV or in a media cabinet.
Step 2: Connect It to Your TV
- Plug an HDMI cable into the HDMI port on the back of the console and the other end into a free HDMI input on your TV.
- Connect the power cable to the console's power input and to a power source.
- Plug one or both controllers into the front ports.
- Turn the console on, then switch your TV to the HDMI input you used.
Because it uses HDMI, it works with today's flat-screen TVs and monitors. The original games still look like the originals (big pixels and all), but a modern display gives you a cleaner, sharper picture than an old CRT and RF cable ever did. New to HDMI retro boxes? Our HDMI arcade system guide covers the basics of getting a clean picture.
Step 3: Pick a Game and Play
Once the TV shows the menu, use the D-pad to scroll through the 750+ built-in games and press a button to start one. There are no cartridges to swap and nothing to download first. A good first-night plan is to try a handful of quick games, note which ones the family keeps coming back to, and save the long adventures for later.
Expect the real old-school experience: these games come from an era with no tutorials and no hand-holding, so a few early game-overs are part of the fun.
Step 4: Use Save States So You Never Lose Progress
Many classic games were designed to be finished in one sitting, which is tough when dinner is ready. The NES Console adds save states: you can save at any point in a game and pick up right where you left off later. It also lets you save your game play and restart from that point, which is a lifesaver before a tough boss or a tricky jump. Make it a habit to save before anything risky.
Step 5: Bring in Player Two
Two controllers come in the box, so a friend or family member can join without buying anything extra. The controllers are corded, so there is nothing to charge or pair. They have four action buttons, which the product listing notes is an improvement over earlier versions. If the couch is a long way from the TV, an Old Arcade 6 ft controller extension cable can give you more room; check the listing to make sure it fits your setup. For game ideas, see our list of classic couch multiplayer games.
Step 6: Add Your Own Favorites
Missing a favorite? The product page notes you can expand the library with your own games, so you can build a collection around the titles you loved most. See the product page for how to add them, and only load games you have the right to use.
Quick Troubleshooting
- No picture: make sure the TV is set to the same HDMI input the console is plugged into, and that the HDMI cable is pushed in firmly at both ends.
- Controller not responding: unplug it and plug it back into the front port, and check that player one is in port one.
- Lost progress: remember to create a save state before turning the console off.
Is the NES Console Right for You?
It is a good fit if you want a simple plug-and-play console for a modern TV, a big built-in library of classics, two-player play out of the box and modern conveniences like save states. If you are still comparing options, browse all of our retro TV consoles or read our comparison of Classic Console 771 vs NES Classic vs Switch Online.
Ready to plug in? Get the Old Arcade NES Console – HD, 750+ Games and start your first retro game night.
