NES Classic Edition has filters to re-create the crappy ’80s TV experience

It’s going to be a nostalgic Christmas.

Nintendo announced new features for the Nintendo Entertainment System Classic Edition, which launches November 11 for $60. The NES Classic is a mini-version of the original console, which dominated the gaming landscape from its launch in 1985 to the end of the ’80s. While it doesn’t play cartridges, it has 30 games on its drive and connects to modern TVs via HDMI. It also has multiple filters, which enables you to play in sharp quality or re-create the experience of playing on a crappy, ’80s TV.

“To make sure every Goomba stomp looks as authentic as possible, all games can be played in three display modes,” Nintendo noted in a press release sent to GamesBeat. “With the CRT filter, a scan-line effect is added to the screen to give everything that oh-so-retro look and feel. 4-to-3 is a sharp, clean look that adheres to the original aspect ratio used by the NES. And when playing in Pixel Perfect mode, every pixel is shown as a perfect square, providing the most accurate representation of the games as they were originally designed.”

“Originally designed” might be a stretch. Developers might have had the limitations of ’80s TVs in mind when they were designing their games. Still, the Pixel Perfect mode will definitely provide a clearer image than we could ever have had on our old, CRT TVs.

The NES Classic also comes with a replica of the original’s controller that you can use with the new device or NES digital titles on the Wii and Wii U. The mini system also includes digital versions of the original instructional manuals for all of its games. And, if you find passwords inconvenient, you can create digital save states at any time during your game.

The November 11 launch date makes it available just in time for the holiday season, the most lucrative time of the year for the gaming industry thanks to all the gift-giving. A lot of adults with fond memories of the original NES might be asking Santa for the Classic Edition.

The original NES was a huge hit thanks to landmark games like Super Mario Bros., The Legend of Zelda, and Metroid. Those and 27 other hits come with the Classic Edition.