Nintendo revives sales of palm-sized 'Famicom' console

OSAKA – Nintendo Co. has resumed sales in Japan of a smaller, palm-sized version of its 35-year-old popular "Famicom" game console, in response to requests from fans for its revival. Many stores in Japan sold out of the Nintendo Classic Mini Family Computer console after its initial release in November 2016, and the firm halted its production in April 2017. As of Thursday the mini console is now back on sale, preloaded with 30 games -- including "Super Mario Bros." and "The Legend of Zelda" -- and carries a suggested retail price of ¥6,458 (about $59). Players can plug the console into a television or PC monitor and play the games with a pair of controllers. Major home electronics chain Yodobashi Camera Co. promoted the console at a flagship outlet in front of JR Osaka Station. A 43-year-old man was among the customers who purchased the palm-sized device, saying, "I was not able to buy it at the first launch due to supply shortages.