Hot on the re-emergence of the SNES in the public eye thanks to the Mini, SNES fever is rampant. That might be the reason the website, Old Skool Games (in partnership with the distributor, Video Game Advantage) have announced pre-orders for a new console called the Classiq 2 HD (not to be confused with a Nigerian rapper of the same name).
While I was unable to find any information on the Classiq 1, the Classiq 2 HD (which will launch in two colour schemes) includes both the ability to play original NES and SNES cartridges – although doesn’t include any games built-in like the SNES Mini. While controller ports for the original controllers are available, the Classiq will come bundled with two controllers. While both are the in the familiar mould of the official SNES controller and have 6ft (1.8m) of leads, the NES version includes two buttons for obvious reasons.
Additional features include a region switch for both PAL and NTSC cartridges, a micro USB power port and HDMI out at a “crisp” 720p (you can also choose between 16:9 or 4:3 aspect ratio modes). Interestingly, there is even composite out if you so choose – a feature not commonly seen on clones anymore (at least not at the same time as HDMI). Sadly, an SD card slot for ROM loading was not mentioned.
Time will tell if the emulation holds up, but VGA is promising a video with gameplay (as well as an unboxing) later this week. In the meantime, you can pre-order one here for US$69.99. The touted release date is “early November”.
