Felix the Cat is a beloved cartoon character from the 1920s, known for his mischievous antics and endearing personality. In the 1980s, Nintendo released a range of games featuring Felix the Cat on various platforms, including home computers and consoles. One such game, "Felix the Cat" (also known as "Félix le Chat"), was released in Europe for the NES console, but it's not available on the official Nintendo eShop or other digital stores due to licensing issues.

However, if you're looking forward to playing this classic game without breaking the bank, there is a way to try out the game on Windows for free. In this article, we'll explore how to do so and what you need to know before buying the original game.

Why can't I buy Felix the Cat on the Nintendo eShop?

The reason why "Felix the Cat" (Europe) isn't available on the Nintendo eShop is due to licensing issues. The character of Felix the Cat is owned by King Features Syndicate, a subsidiary of Hearst Corporation. Nintendo obtained the rights to use the character for their games in the past, but these licenses have expired over time.

As a result, Nintendo cannot legally sell "Felix the Cat" on their eShop or other digital platforms, and instead, has opted not to release it digitally at all.

How can I try out Felix the Cat on Windows for free?

If you're eager to play "Felix the Cat" without buying the original game, there is a way to do so. The game was initially released in Europe as part of a bundle called "NES Games Collection," which included several NES games from different countries.

One of the websites that offers this collection for free is Romhacking.net. This website has a large archive of ROMs (which are essentially digital versions of games) that can be downloaded and played on Windows.

To try out "Felix the Cat" using this method, you'll need to download the following:

• The NES Games Collection ROM, which includes "Félix le Chat"
• An emulator software, such as Nestopia or FCEUX, which will allow you to play the ROMs on your computer
• A way to save and load game progress (such as using a file format like SAV)

Here's how to do so:

1. Visit Romhacking.net and search for "NES Games Collection" in their database.
2. Download the NES Games Collection ROM, which should include "Félix le Chat."
3. Choose an emulator software that you want to use (such as Nestopia or FCEUX). You can download these from websites like Emulation World.
4. Install the chosen emulator and load the ROM into it.
5. Use a file format like SAV to save your game progress.

Keep in mind that playing ROMs on Windows requires some technical knowledge, so make sure you understand how the process works before attempting it.

Is buying the original game worth it?

While trying out "Felix the Cat" for free can be a fun way to experience the game without breaking the bank, there are some downsides to consider. Firstly, since the game is no longer officially released on digital platforms, you may encounter issues with compatibility or glitches.

Additionally, buying the original game provides several benefits:

• You'll get access to additional features and content not available in free versions.
• The game will be backed up and saved, so you won't have to worry about losing progress due to system crashes or other issues.
• You'll own a physical copy of the game that can be played on your console or PC.

If you're serious about playing "Félix le Chat," consider buying the original game from a reputable retailer. You can find it for sale on various online stores like Amazon, eBay, or second-hand shops.

Conclusion

In conclusion, while trying out "Felix the Cat" (Europe) on Windows for free is possible, there are some caveats to be aware of. The game may not run smoothly due to licensing issues, and you'll need technical knowledge to set it up correctly.

If you're interested in playing this classic game, consider buying the original game from a reputable retailer. Not only will you get access to additional features and content but also own a physical copy that can be played on your console or PC.

By trying out free versions of classic games like "Félix le Chat" and considering purchasing them when available, gamers can enjoy the nostalgia of retro gaming while still getting the best possible experience.