[mattdotc]

I'm deep into this hobby and I can tell you that the AVS is one of the better solutions for the average person looking to play NES games. There are various mods you can do to original hardware for use on modern displays, but they can be pretty pricey, especially if you need someone else to do the [non-trivial] installation.

Furthermore, original hardware can be finicky; the NES has a notoriously unreliable connector for reading carts and requires a bulky AC adapter. Meanwhile, the AVS has an improved design, new/clean cart connector and runs off 5V from a USB port on the back; most people can plug it into their TV, receiver, or any other device in their entertainment system with a spare USB port (like an Xbox or PlayStation).

It's a superb value for someone with the cash to burn. I own both the NES and the AVS and think both are fantastic, but would recommend the AVS to friends and the NES to purists.