Let’s take a trip back to Christmas 1996. Wrapping paper is being ripped from the exterior of every box in sight by children as they frantically search for something that they had desperately been wanting for a few months at that point. Some were lucky enough to receive such a glorious gift, while others simply weren’t. However, this didn’t stop anybody from grouping up with friends and relatives who had in fact received the coveted item – the Nintendo 64.

Now that 21 years have passed since the release of the console that launched a thousand ships, it would appear that gamers are attempting to recapture that part of their childhood, or provide something wonderful for children of their own. A recent interview with vintage game retailers has shown us that the Nintendo 64 has been the hottest selling holiday item… this season… in 2017. General manager of a NYC gaming store Daniel Mastin said this of the recently reheated product: “We easily sold over a hundred. This was the best year for the 64 to date.”

Game collector and seller Josh Hamblin of Portland, Oregon offered up his reasoning behind the recent resurgence of the console. “That generation of gamer is getting older and has more disposable income. They want to relive their childhood and have an extra $50 laying around,” he said. He also mentions that he raised his own prices up to $85 for the base package that includes one console, one controller, and the required cables. A price difference is certainly to be expected when both the grey launch console and “Funtastic” models, like the ones seen above, are available.

The recent Nintendo 64 renaissance may also be attributed to a lack of any word on a Classic version by the Big N. Both the NES and SNES variations have absolutely dominated the nostalgia market since their arrival, and many gamers wonder when the N64 Classic will make its debut… if ever. However, when the day comes that it is official, we can only imagine which titles will make the cut. Needless to say, Super Mario 64, Ocarina of Time, Majora’s Mask, GoldenEye 007 (and the equally awesome Perfect Dark), 1080 Snowboarding, Cruisin’ World, and so many more better be present. In fact, since the N64 was a crucial stepping stone from 2D to 3D in gaming, we think Nintendo should celebrate that and create a mini version with the entire catalog on it. Too crazy? Yeah, probably.

We don’t know if or when Nintendo will come out with the mini N64, but if the booming popularity of the original console is any indication, players want it. Keep it tuned to Don’t Feed the Gamers as we learn more, and for other gaming news, check out the following:

• How To Mod Your New Nintendo Switch And Joy-Con Controllers
• Devil May Cry Director Says New Game Is Almost Finished, “Expect It”
• WATCH: Super Mario 64 Mod Allows Players To Take On Bowser In The First Person

What say you, gamers? Did you pick up the Nintendo 64 this holiday season, or do you still possess your original console? Do you believe we will ever see a mini N64 Classic? Sound off in the comments section below, and be sure to follow DFTG on Twitter for live gaming and entertainment news 24/7!