Generation NEX

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Generation NEX is a Nintendo Entertainment System (NES) hardware clone released in 2005. It is developed by a company called Messiah Entertainment, Inc. with the name being a pun on Generation X and NES. The machine is designed to play most games released for the Nintendo Famicom and its American/European equivalent, the Nintendo Entertainment System. The console takes both the Japanese Famicom 60-pin and North American/European NES 72-pin cartridges used by Nintendo.

Messiah Entertainment, Inc.'s official compatibility list states that the system is compatible with 97.25% of NES games released in the US. Twentyone NES games are listed as not compatible, including Castlevania III. The compatibility, with regards to games that Messiah's compatibility chart lists as working, is disputed; while there are claims from some that the NEX is faithful to the original Nintendo Entertainment System, others claim that the colour and sound reproductions are inaccurate and some games have additional glitches when played on the NEX. Speculation has arisen as to whether this effect is due to the machine being based on NES-on-a-chip hardware design. The manufacturer claims however that a custom-designed IC, different than the NES-on-a-chip is being used, allegedly "built on the NES algorithm."

An official compatibility list for Famicom games has not been provided. The NEX is compatible with the Famicom Disk System, which uses the Famicom cartridge port as a connector. Due to the system's lack of a Famicom expansion port the NEX is incompatible with all Famicom peripherials.

The Generation NEX also has built-in support for Messiah brand 2.4GHz Wireless NEX Controllers and a Wireless Arcade Stick. The system utilizes built-in wireless technology to play with Messiah wireless controllers without requiring additional hardware connected to either controller port. Alternatively, original NES controllers and accessories can be used with the Generation NEX by utilizing the 2 ports on the front of the machine (including the NES Zapper, 4-score four player adapter, NES Advantage, and other accessories).

Patrons of the website NES Dev forums claim to have demonstrated that the NEX system incorrectly wires the cartridge port in a way that could potentially damage NES carts played in the system, as well as the system itself. There have, however, been no reports of NES carts actually being damaged by the Generation NEX.

This system has pseudo-stereo sound capability which can be programmed into future games. Currently available NES games will still play in dual mono since the NES only supported mono sound.

This device is not licensed, endorsed, or supported by Nintendo.