Nintendo Entertainment SystemFrom real comments

Name: Nintendo Entertainment System
Rating: 3.2 (39 reviews)

Verdict distilled from 39 mentions across 11 aspects in comments under product review videos.

Positive sentiment79%

PROS 79%

CONS 21%

Rank based on 39 mentions across 11 aspects

View the verdict as

Buy this if...

You want a piece of gaming history with genuine nostalgic and cultural significance
You value hardware built to last, as many original units still work decades later
You're interested in exploring the distinct eras of the NES game library

What users love

Strong nostalgic and emotional valueKey factor0 mentions

Strongly positive

Rich, distinct game library across erasKey factor0 mentions

Strongly positive

Long-lasting build qualityNotable0 mentions

Strongly positive

Affordable retro gaming option0 mentions

Widely praised

Historic cultural and industry impact0 mentions

Strongly positive

Iconic, appealing industrial design0 mentions

Widely praised

Skip this if...

You expect to buy and permanently own individual games rather than access via subscription
You need robust online features like voice chat or dedicated servers
You're hoping to easily find an NES Classic Edition in stock

What users complain about

Cartridge and connection reliability quirks0 mentions

Generally negative

Poorly regarded paid online service0 mentions

Strongly criticized

No individual game ownership via Switch Online0 mentions

Strongly criticized

NES Classic Edition hard to find in stock0 mentions

Frequently criticized

Weak game selection for the price on Classic Edition0 mentions

Frequently criticized

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Based on user comments

Best choiceBest value

Sega Genesis

Beloved game libraryStrong nostalgic valueSuperior versions of multiplatform gamesInitial unfamiliarity or low expectationsOvershadowed by SNES in some areasController reliability over time

Sega Genesis

Beloved game library

Strong nostalgic value

Superior versions of multiplatform games

Initial unfamiliarity or low expectations

Overshadowed by SNES in some areas

Controller reliability over time

2Mid

Nintendo 64

Groundbreaking 3D gameplayLegendary first-party game libraryStrong emotional and nostalgic valueCartridge format limitations and costLimited third-party and overall library sizeHardware and memory bottlenecks

Nintendo 64

Groundbreaking 3D gameplay

Legendary first-party game library

Strong emotional and nostalgic value

Cartridge format limitations and cost

Limited third-party and overall library size

Hardware and memory bottlenecks

3Mid

PlayStation 2

Massive, acclaimed game libraryNostalgic and emotional valueBuilt-in DVD playerDisc Read Errors on launch unitsLaser burnout on slim modelsLoud fan noise

PlayStation 2

Massive, acclaimed game library

Nostalgic and emotional value

Built-in DVD player

Disc Read Errors on launch units

Laser burnout on slim models

Loud fan noise

4Mid

PlayStation 1

Iconic startup sound and nostalgiaDeep and beloved game libraryFormative personal and family memoriesWarped, wobbling texturesDisc read failures and load anxietyHardware cost-cutting compromises

PlayStation 1

Iconic startup sound and nostalgia

Deep and beloved game library

Formative personal and family memories

Warped, wobbling textures

Disc read failures and load anxiety

Hardware cost-cutting compromises

5Premium

PlayStation 3

Iconic Startup SoundBackward CompatibilityStrong Game LibraryHigh Launch PriceLost Backward Compatibility in Later ModelsDisastrous Launch

PlayStation 3

Iconic Startup Sound

Backward Compatibility

Strong Game Library

High Launch Price

Lost Backward Compatibility in Later Models

Disastrous Launch

6Mid

Sega Saturn

Exceptional 2D and arcade game library

Sega Saturn

Exceptional 2D and arcade game library

7Budget

Sega Master System

Standout RPG and platformer libraryStrong nostalgic first-console valueSuperior graphics and colour paletteLost the US console war despite strong hardwareInconsistent or inferior sound in some gamesMissing start/pause button

Sega Master System

Standout RPG and platformer library

Strong nostalgic first-console value

Superior graphics and colour palette

Lost the US console war despite strong hardware

Inconsistent or inferior sound in some games

Missing start/pause button

Sega Dreamcast

Outstanding game libraryPioneering online connectivityArcade-quality graphics for its eraShort commercial lifespanLacked a DVD playerRetailer and marketing pressure from Sony

Sega Dreamcast

Outstanding game library

Pioneering online connectivity

Arcade-quality graphics for its era

Short commercial lifespan

Lacked a DVD player

Retailer and marketing pressure from Sony

9Budget

PlayStation 4

Legendary Game LibraryIncredible Value for MoneyLong-Term DurabilityDated Hardware and GraphicsJailbreak and Cracked Game RisksPS5 Backward Compatibility Makes It Redundant

PlayStation 4

Legendary Game Library

Incredible Value for Money

Long-Term Durability

Dated Hardware and Graphics

Jailbreak and Cracked Game Risks

PS5 Backward Compatibility Makes It Redundant

10Premium

PlayStation 5

DualSense controller innovationImproved interface and visualsSocial features (Share Play, picture-in-picture)Overheating/tipping risk without standLimited base storageGlossy finish concerns

PlayStation 5

DualSense controller innovation

Improved interface and visuals

Social features (Share Play, picture-in-picture)

Overheating/tipping risk without stand

Limited base storage

Glossy finish concerns

You are here

20Budget

Nintendo Entertainment System

Strong nostalgic and emotional valueRich, distinct game library across erasLong-lasting build qualityCartridge and connection reliability quirksPoorly regarded paid online serviceNES Classic Edition hard to find in stock

Nintendo Entertainment System

Strong nostalgic and emotional value

Rich, distinct game library across eras

Long-lasting build quality

Cartridge and connection reliability quirks

Poorly regarded paid online service

NES Classic Edition hard to find in stock

Nostalgic
1. Sega Genesisarrow_upward15
2. Nintendo Entertainment Systemarrow_upward14
3. Nintendo 64arrow_upward10
Game library
1. Sega Dreamcastarrow_upward11
2. PlayStation 4arrow_upward8
Backward compatibility
1. PlayStation 3arrow_upward8
2. PlayStation 5arrow_upward2
Durable hardware
1. Nintendo 64arrow_upward5
2. Sega Genesisarrow_upward3

Overall Impression

The NES carries deep emotional and nostalgic weight for the people who grew up with it. Numerous commenters recount vivid Christmas mornings, parents secretly playing Mario at midnight, or receiving the console despite family financial struggles. These stories consistently frame the NES as more than a toy, describing it as a bonding tool between siblings, parents, and friends, and a formative part of childhood that stuck with them decades later into their 30s and 40s.

The hardware has proven remarkably durable over decades of use. Multiple owners mention still having working original consoles today, including units bought secondhand or at garage sales for as little as ten dollars that still function. One commenter marveled at how well-built these systems were, noting they still work despite decades passing, while others still have theirs set up and playable in game rooms or collections.

Modern access via NES Classic Edition and Nintendo Switch Online draws mixed reactions. While some were thrilled to finally grab a cheap NES Classic Edition, others report every store being sold out. A bigger frustration is that Switch Online NES games can't be purchased individually, tied instead to a subscription service criticized for lacking voice chat, dedicated servers, and robust cloud saves, with some calling the selection of included Classic Edition games underwhelming for the price.

Outdated / Not-accurate data?

favoriteStrong nostalgic and emotional valueKey factor

14 mentions

Strongly positive

Commenters repeatedly describe deeply emotional memories tied to receiving or playing the NES, from tearful Christmas mornings to bonding with parents and siblings. These stories span decades, showing lasting sentimental attachment.

@Passion4Christ7

I’ll always cherish memories of my parents giving me the big box to open on Christmas when the family gift was really going to be mostly for me, the NES with Mario, Duckhunt and the zapper. I played for hours and had never even seen a video game before, having grown up in the country. I had seen them on TV and dreamt of playing them, but now it was mine! The moment that changed my perspective forever regarding how impactful this system and the game, Mario, was happened one night after hours of playing. I went to bed but for some reason around midnight I woke up and felt I needed my mom to tuck me back in. She slept on the other side of the house so I exited my room and made my way down the long hallway but immediately I could sense something was different. A glow flashed in patterns on the walls dimly but brighter as I approached the living room, the hallway point to my parent’s bedroom. As I stepped up to the threshold, I could see my parent’s chairs were missing, and their ashtrays too. I stepped a few feet further to fully make the corner into the living room to finally see the reason for such an alarming and unexpected change to my usual mid sleep wake and return to sleep routine. My parents had apparently pulled their chairs up to the TV, setup their ashtrays for the long haul and were taking turns trying to get through the first levels of Mario. The controls and concepts were new to us so even moving platforms in the second stage were a surprise and a real challenge. I watched quietly for probably 15 minutes as they each got closer and found ways of getting a little farther each time. I was amazed, utterly and totally thrilled and amazed that my parents who seemed only to be interested in limiting my time on the game had secretly loved it as much as me! Few things were so important as to keep them up at this hour and working together as a team, encouraging each other to try new methods and learn from each other’s mistakes and successes. I never forgot the feeling of seeing them happy and working together that night. The burnt cigarettes piled up was evidence of how long they had been at it, and who knows how many other similar nights occurred before and after this. \n\nPeople often assume video games are a waste of time, and I agree they very easily can be. However, they can be far more. They can build focus, endurance, mental alertness and motor skill responsiveness. They can build coordination and cooperation. And for me personally they remind me of simpler times when my exhausted and overworked parents found a way to bond around a simple problem they could solve a little bit at a time together. The key word here, together. Thats what Mario, Nintendo, and games in general mean to me. \n\nAnd now I enjoy being together with my kids. We even get mom to join now and then and things get really loud and fun. This will always be very special to me. And it started with the NES and a silly little high jumping plumber. What an odd way to end this story ;-)

Nintendo Entertainment Systemchat_bubble_outlineFrom real comments

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Who wins on what

Nostalgic

Game library

Backward compatibility

Durable hardware

auto_awesomeOverall Impression

Nintendo Entertainment SystemFrom real comments

Buy this if...

What users love

Skip this if...

What users complain about

Overall Impression