Now that I have finally picked up each Nintendo Classic Mini, here they all are with the original consoles.
Nintendo Classic Mini Family Computer (ニンテンドークラシックミニ ファミリーコンピュータ)
Nintendo Classic Mini: Nintendo Entertainment System.
Nintendo Classic Mini: Super Famicom (ニンテンドークラシックミニ スーパーファミコン)
Nintendo Classic Mini: Super Nintendo Entertainment System
And for completeness, the Nintendo Classic Mini Family Computer Shonen Jump Edition… and an original ‘Golden’ Famicom!
What is the ultimate Super Famicom/SNES model? For me, it’s the Super Famicom Jr. (with RGB mod)
Like many consoles, the Super Fami got a late-life redesign. This slightly smaller model unites the design aesthetics of the Super Famicom and the US SNES model.
It takes the raised block surrounding the cartridge slot and ‘ruffled skirt’ foot trim from the American machine. Otherwise it follows the clean lines and rounded sides motif of Super Famicom, eschewing the ugly boxy purple/lavender-accented nightmare that was the American Super Nintendo.
This is similar to the direction Nintendo took with the AV Famicom, which blended Famicom and NES design elements (NES colouring and controller ports, Famicom shape and cart loading mechanism)
The Super Famicom Jr doesn’t support RGB out of the box, but it’s a quite simple mod to restore it. And once it’s been restored, it produces a stronger, higher contrast RGB signal than any other model.
It’s not actually that much smaller than a regular Super Famicom, but is very light compared to it.
It also comes with a slightly redesigned controller, with a nice molded Nintendo logo, and a longer controller cord.
Some people don’t like the blown-out contrast of this model, some prefer the softer RGB and slightly different hardware behaviour of the original model. And there’s an argument to be had that the original Super Famicom (and the PAL Super Nintendo which used the same design) is the nicest looking model.
But for me, the Super Famicom Jr is the nicest looking sixteen-bit Nintendo, with the best video output.
Want that classic Famicom feel without the hassle of having to sit two feet from the console?
Here’s the solution.
It’s an NES controller board and cord in an original Famicom pad shell.
Glorious gold faceplate on rich burgundy plastic. Rounded corners for that premium experience.
All the class, prestige and comfort of the original classic, without the hassle.
Perfect for the discerning Famicom enthusiast’s AV Fami needs.
I do the same with The Super Fami. None of the SNES’ ugly lavender concave button nonsense, but with a much longer controller cord than the Super Fami pad.
Of course, Super Famicom Jr. controller cords are the full length already. But this sucker is staying mint in the box for now.
My ready-to-go Nintendo controller drawer. Sometimes you want Famicom, sometimes you want dogbone, and sometimes you want to rock out gajin style on the squared off NES pad.
Nintendo Sega Japan! 