The E3 is arguably the biggest trade show of the year for the video game industry, and companies that feature their hard work on E3 are able to reap a lot of benefit in terms of sales and exposure. People tune in to E3 and get tantalizing news about their favorite video games as well as news and updates about upcoming consoles. And while everyone was concerned with the latest and greatest news about video games, the Nintendo Entertainment System became the top selling console in June in terms of sales, according to analysts at NPD.

The NES Classic was able to achieve their record sales because of the ‘mini-NES’ which has 30 games that are built-in. The hardware sales that Nintendo made across the board amounted to over $350 million. This number is more than 50% what they were compared to June 2017. Obviously this doesn’t mean that the PS4, Xbox One or the Nintendo Switch are doing bad, they’re holding their own… barely.

“All current gen platforms delivered sales growth,” says NPD analyst Mat Piscatella. “Gains were driven by Fortnite, E3 promotions and the distribution of the NES classic.”

Xbox One sales doubled, Switch sales gained more than 50 percent sales and the PS4’s hardware sales also increased. The cumulative dollar sales of all the platforms combined grew by a massive 23 times when compared to a year ago. So who’s responsible for this outlier? Sales of plug and play devices like NES Classic and Super Nintendo Classic.

The Games of Yesteryear are Making a Comeback

It seems companies can still profit off their cherished brands that were seemingly forgotten decades ago, cashing in on the nostalgia. This is because people who played these games when they were young bought them once more when they grew up. The ‘nostalgia’ factor is also very applicable in the videogame IPs of old that were discarded as seemingly irrelevant; a good example is Crash Bandicoot N. Sane Trilogy.

The game managed to break sales records in the UK, rubbing shoulders with industry heavy weights like Grand Theft Auto V, God of War and Mario Kart 8 Deluxe. Indeed, Crash Bandicoot N. Sane Trilogy is giving them all a run for their money.  

What’s so Popular about NES Classic?

The cascade of nostalgia that hits you like a ton of bricks the moment you switch it on is responsible for the sales. The NES Classic has been carefully engineered to reinsert itself in to the videogame market, and the incredibly low price tag of $60 is a deliberate sales driven effort to make a quick buck. The end result isn’t something to scoff at.  

Many experts are beginning to believe in the popular theory that Nintendo is focusing on the N64 Classic. Given the popularity Nintendo still has in the market, it makes sense to focus on this project and pack as many amazing titles as possible. At this point the re-release of N64 is not a matter of if, but when.