the same compatibility problems. Generation NEX Generation NEX is a Nintendo hardware clone released in 2005. It is compatible with Japanese Famicom and North American/European NES cartridges. A front-loading slot is used for NES games, like the original console, while a top-loading slot handles Famicom games. Messiah Entertainment Inc., a company based in Los Angeles, announced the Generation NEX in May 2005. The console was shown at the Classic Gaming Expo that August, and was scheduled for release in September 2005. The NEX is a slimmer version of the original NES, measuring an inch and a half in height. The console uses a custom-designed integrated circuit based on NES-on-a-chip, which is used by most Nintendo clone consoles. The NEX is compatible with approximately 95 percent of NES games, excluding games such as Castlevania III: Dracula's Curse. The console includes stereo sound capabilities for homebrew games. The NEX retailed for $59.99, and included one wired controller. Wireless 2.4 GHz controllers were also produced, and were sold in sets of two at a cost of $50 per set. The wired and wireless controllers were redesigned from the original NES controller, having an appearance more similar to the SNES controller. The console includes controller ports that allow the user to plug in and use original NES controllers instead, and the wireless NEX controllers are also compatible with the original NES. The NEX is also compatible with all other NES accessories, such as the Zapper gun. Messiah also produced a wireless arcade stick controller. The Generation NEX initially received a negative reception from user reviews and some game websites. Complaints were made regarding the console's compatibility with NES/Famicom games, which exhibited graphical and audio issues in some cases when played on the NEX. Critics also disliked the soft, squishy buttons on the redesigned controllers. The NEX's importer, Lik Sang, canceled its pre-orders in November 2005, following the console's poor reception. Reviewers for IGN gave a positive review. They considered the console an improved version of the original NES, while writing that the new counterpart did not present any noticeable graphic issues. Christopher Grant of Engadget was critical of IGN's review, noting that it did not address the compatibility issues brought up in other reviews. Grant wrote, "IGN devotes the majority of the review to the pretty packaging, nice design, and wireless controllers, glossing over the compatibility. Don't they know: it's the games, stupid." Shane