The game console that pretty much built an industry, the “Nintendo Entertainment System” or simply the NES as it is more commonly called – was released in the USA in October 1985 (however existed as the Famicom in Japan since July 1983). The gaming industry was pretty much dead on its feet after the video game crash of the early 80s, but through a combination of quality games and better hardware, the NES almost singlehandedly revived and built the gaming industry we know and love today.
As we enter 2025, the scene for the NES has never been more vibrant with a long list of new games being developed alongside console modding and accessories being widely available, so let’s have a look at some of the top products related to this icon.
10. NES Cartridge holder
Starting with something more functional rather than exciting, but if you are lucky enough to own a collection of original NES cartridges, then you probably would like to play them, or at least store them in a way which will make them easier to access. So here we have the simple, but effective cartridge holder, which is an easy way to store your cartridges.
Price: $17.99 (Amazon)
Reviews: 4.8 Stars
9. Cartridge cleaning kit
We all know the drill – game does not load – blow on the cartridge. Right? WRONG! By blowing on the terminal, it can make things worse as you blow condensation which can corrode the connectors. So, how do you protect your treasures to make sure that they can continue to serve you long into the future? Well, 1Up is here with a solution for cleaning your carts.
Price: $19.99 (Amazon)
Reviews: 4.6 Stars
9. Cartridge cleaning kit
We all know the drill – game does not load – blow on the cartridge. Right? WRONG! By blowing on the terminal, it can make things worse as you blow condensation which can corrode the connectors. So, how do you protect your treasures to make sure that they can continue to serve you long into the future? Well, 1Up is here with a solution for cleaning your carts.
Price: $19.99 (Amazon)
Reviews: 4.6 Stars
8. AV to HDMI Converter
You have an original NES, you have a modern TV, sadly these two do not go well together. For the original experience, you need a CRT (or a very expensive adaptor) – which can often cost you more than the console itself, and you need the space for a CRT (check out this beast). But what if perfection was not critical? You are in luck, there a number of simple adaptors that will do a job and connect your console to a modern television.
Price: $9.95 (Amazon)
Reviews: 4.3 Stars
7. Snow Bros.
I love Limited Run Games, they have done a great job of creating new games for this classic console. The latest release they are working on is Snow Bros. To quote them “Evil King Scorch has kidnapped the shimmering Frost Princesses, and is about to take over Snow Land. He’s trapped the Snow Brothers, Nick and Tom, in an ice-house full of freezing baddies. The two cool crusaders sling a slug of snow at their captors to chill them out. But to escape, they’ve got to ice the Abominable Snow Boss!” They are also offering a deluxe edition with an ice themed cartridge, soundtrack and poster for $89.99. Due September 2025 with pre orders closing 26th January ’25.
Price: $59.99 (Limited Run Games)
6. 6FT / 1.8m Controller Extension Cables
The NES original controllers are amazing, from their best in class D pad to the very square shape, they are an icon in the world of gaming. One thing they did not forsee in the 80’s was the explosion of TV sizes, and the cables that come with the original controllers are not long enough when you are enjoying your games on the big screen, unless you want to get square eyes. So, I highly recommend getting some extensions for the original cables so that you can enjoy the original experience at a more enjoyable distance.
Price: $8.95 (Amazon)
Reviews: 4.2 Stars
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Price: $0.00 (Substack)
5. Retro-Bit Origin 8 2.4 GHz Wireless Controller
So you have decided that you want wireless for your original console, and maybe the ability to use this controller with another bluetooth device. Retro-Bit have got you covered with their modern take on the retro controllers. The reviews are not great, only 3.8 stars at the time of writing, with some peoiple saying the dongle does not fit and there are some pairing issues – but the versitility of this product probably makes it worth a risk as you can use it as a spare, either for the NES or other gaming systems.
Price: $8.95 (Amazon)
Reviews: 3.8 Stars
4. RetroShell NES Game Protectors
You have a fully boxed, mint condition NES game. They are not making any more of these pieces of history and Nintendo decided that a cardboard box was going to be sufficient to protect this gaming treasure. Well, sadly 30 years of wear and tear is hard on these boxes and few are surviving without some scars from years of use, or being sat in a dusty cupboard. The prices of games will not be going down any time soon, and the better condition, the more it is worth. In steps RetroShell with their premium game display protectors. Offering best in class protection and an trap door for easy accss, this will protect your collection for many years to come ensuring that your investment and collection is in the best hands.
Price: $18.00 (RetroShell)
3. Mega Man X – 30th Anniversary Classic Cartridge
Another new cartridge for a legacy system – this time the iconic Mega Man X. I am 8 bit still has some stock of their 30th Anniversary Mega Man X available. Thes are limited to 8,500 units and are fully playable. Plus, if you are lucky, you will get a glow-in-the-dark blue edition of the cartridge.
2. Bitmap Books – NES: A Visual Compendium
Bitmap books make wonderful products, all very high quality “coffee table” books which are both beautiful and insightful. The compendium covers 170 classic games across the NES and Famicom over a monstwer 512 pages, covering things such as unreleased games and fan art.
Price: $39.00 (Bitmap Books)
1. T-Shirt: Keep it Classic!
There are a plethora of gaming tshirts available, so it is hard to pick a favourite. Not every t-shirt can be exclusive or limited edition like the numbered Player Clothing tees, so I have gone with a classic. 100% cotton, with some excellent reviews, I give you this NES classic to round of the list.
Price: $14.95 (Amazon)
Thanks for reading! Are there some other products related to the NES that we have missed? Let me know in the comments below.
