Nintendo SNES Classic Edition: Games, price and release

Nintendo has a had a busy start to the year with the launch of its all-new Switch home console, but that hasn't stopped it from bringing another system to fans this year.

Unlike the Switch, which boasts HD graphics and plays the latest video games, the new system will be a re-release of the classic Super Nintendo Entertainment System (SNES) - with a few minor tweaks.

The SNES Classic Edition will look almost exactly the same as the original 1992 console, although it is significantly smaller.

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It comes with a range of classic pre-loaded loaded games instead of the top-loading cartridge-based titles of the original and will also be compatible with HD televisions.

Here's everything you need to know...

What's in the box?

Along with the console, players get a pair of plug-in mini SNES controllers, so multiplayer games can be played straight out of the box.

However, a slightly different version will be shipped to European territories, says Engadget. It will feature the retro Super Famicom styling and while the hardware will be the same as the US and Japanese versions, the controllers will have a slightly more colourful design.

An HDMI-out port means the SNES Classic Edition will be compatible with modern TVs, so there's no need for any old video adapters.

What games will it have?

Gamers will be able to play 21 pre-loaded classic titles, including Super Mario Kart, Super Metroid, Super Castlevania IV and Street Fighter 2 Turbo: Hyper Fighting, Alphr says. The console will also see the launch of a Star Fox 2, which was never released on the original system.

A full list of the 21 games can be found on Nintendo's website.

Can I add more to it?

There's no word on whether more games can be downloaded at a later date, but there were no releases for last year's Nintendo Entertainment System (NES) Classic Edition at its launch in November.

When's it coming out?

Nintendo says the retro gaming system will launch on 29 September, which could make it a popular gift for Christmas.

However, there are doubts about "Nintendo's commitment to the SNES Classic after last year's debacle", says Engadget.

Last year's NES Classic Edition was "basically impossible" to order "from the moment it launched", the website says, and the Japanese games giant "never really caught up with demand".

How much does it cost and where can I pre-order it?

The SNES Classic Edition will cost £79.99, according to Cnet, £30 more than last year's retro NES release.

Game currently has a pre-order page for the console, but it says the system is "out of stock" at the moment.