The NES Classic Edition is the gift to get this holiday season -- for any budget. The good news is the petite system -- so small it can fit in your hand -- is super cheap. The bad news is it's impossible to find.
More than three decades after its initial launch, Nintendo(NTDOF) has stuffed 30 of its classic games -- from Mario Bros. and Legends of Zelda to Pac-Man and Castlevania -- into one mini console. The USB-powered system serves them up in a Netflix-style menu that makes it easy for scrolling. It comes with one controller -- the second is sold separately ($10).
While the magic of classic Nintendo is unquestionably preserved, it's almost impossible to track down a retailer with one in stock. Companies like Walmart (through a third-party provider) and eBay have it available but at markups as high as $500.
Merchants have teased they will be restocking the NES Classic Edition soon, but details are slim. Patient, quick-fingered shoppers may have the best luck here. But it'll be worth it for anyone who grew up in the '80s.
