NES Clone Consoles Guide - NOAC vs FPGA Technology & Best Clones to Buy

NES clone consoles have been around since the 1990s, offering affordable ways to play classic games. But not all clones are created equal. This guide explains the technology and helps you choose wisely.

What is an NES Clone?

An NES clone is a third-party console that plays original NES cartridges. They use reverse-engineered chips that replicate the NES hardware. After Nintendo's patents expired, these became legal to manufacture and sell.

Types of Clone Technology

NOAC (NES-on-a-Chip)

Most budget clones use NOAC chips—single chips that contain the entire NES hardware. Quality varies wildly. Common issues include:

• Incorrect audio (missing channels, wrong pitches)
• Color palette differences
• Compatibility problems with certain games
• Mapper support limitations

FPGA-Based Clones

Premium clones like the Analogue Nt Mini use FPGA (Field-Programmable Gate Array) technology. These recreate the NES at the hardware level, providing near-perfect accuracy. They're expensive but worth it for serious collectors.

The Generation NEX

Messiah Entertainment's Generation NEX was notable for its focus on quality. Key features included:

• High compatibility rate with licensed games
• Support for both NES and Famicom cartridges
• Wireless controllers
• S-Video output for better picture quality

Read our Generation NEX FAQ for more details

Compatibility Considerations

Not all games work on all clones. Games that commonly have issues:

• Castlevania III: Uses VRC6 chip, rarely supported
• Battletoads: Timing-sensitive, often crashes
• TMNT III: Complex mapper requirements
• Rad Racer II: Uses special audio chip

What to Look For

• 72-pin connector: Should fit NES cartridges snugly
• Audio quality: Listen for missing or distorted sounds
• Video output: AV or HDMI preferred over RF
• Controller quality: D-pad responsiveness matters
• Famicom adapter: Useful for accessing Japanese library

Recommended Clones

• Budget: RetroN 1 HD ($40) - HDMI output, decent compatibility
• Mid-range: AVS by RetroUSB ($185) - FPGA-based, excellent quality
• Premium: Analogue Nt Mini Noir ($500) - Perfect accuracy, premium build

Clone vs. Original

Original NES consoles are reliable but require maintenance (cleaning 72-pin connector). Clones offer convenience but vary in quality. For casual play, a good clone is fine. For purists, nothing beats original hardware or high-end FPGA solutions.