New Trademark Suggests Nintendo is Working on N64 Classic

After the resounding success of the NES and SNES Classic systems, it comes as no surprise that Nintendo would push forward with more mini classic systems. Nintendo has filed a trademark that suggests they may have plans to create an N64 Classic system. This is exciting news, especially given the recent news that the Switch will not have a Virtual Console. 

Everything Old… 

The NES and SNES Classic systems sold out on their first productions, proving to be wildly successful. Nintendo surely seeks to emulate that success with their next mini console, but there are still some questions.  

Will supply finally meet demand? Thankfully the original two classic mini systems are getting reissues in late June, so maybe Nintendo has learned their lesson? The other pressing question is, which games would an N64 Classic even have? 

…Is New Again 

Rare, the company responsible for Banjo-Kazooie and Goldeneye 007, is now owned by Microsoft. This could lead to some odd inclusions for games for a potential N64 Classic. Nintendo famously was the main developer releasing quality titles for the system: most of the great games were either first party or Rare.  

If Nintendo is able to secure the rights to re-release Rare’s games, the system could have an amazing library. Thankfully, Microsoft has shown willingness in the past to work with Nintendo over older Rare games.  

When Might We See the N64 Classic? 

It seems unlikely that the system would be out anytime in 2018. Nintendo is already set to have a big Fall season. Super Smash Bros and Pokemon for are both confirmed for this year. However, the yearly games conference, E3, is in a few weeks. We’re likely to hear news of a new Classic system there first, even if it is just an announcement and a teaser. We’ll likely even see a release window, if the system materializes. We’ll have to wait and see what the big N has in store!