Add Wireless Controller Support to NES with NES Hub

Revolutionizing Retro Gaming: The NES Hub by RetroTime

RetroTime has ingeniously utilized the expansion port on the Nintendo Entertainment System (NES), a feature that remained dormant since the console's inception nearly 40 years ago. This innovative accessory, known as the NES Hub, introduces Bluetooth connectivity, enabling gamers to connect up to four wireless controllers to their classic NES console.

Preorder Details and Installation

The NES Hub is presently available for preorder at 8BitMods for $57.28 and is set to ship as early as December 2024. One of the standout features of the NES Hub is its user-friendly installation process, which requires no soldering, hardware modifications, or even opening the NES console. The device seamlessly snaps into the NES's expansion port and is designed to remain hidden within the console's cutouts. The most intricate aspect of installation involves connecting a small Bluetooth antenna to the back of the console, a task that appears to be straightforward.

Experience Up to Four Players

The NES Hub supports up to four Bluetooth controllers, emulating the functionality of Nintendo's NES Four Score — an accessory released in 1990, which allowed for the connection of up to four wired gamepads. Interestingly, while only about 25 NES games supported multiplayer sessions, all these titles will be compatible with the NES Hub. This feature broadens the gaming experience significantly for old-school gamers longing for competitive play.

Enhanced Audio and Additional Connectivity

Aside from multiplayer capabilities, the NES Hub boasts a unique mode that enhances the audio experience for select Famicom games. This special feature allows certain titles to utilize additional audio channels for a richer sound. Furthermore, the Hub includes three additional ports for connecting various peripherals. Among these is an add-on priced at $26.03, allowing users to connect Super Nintendo gamepads and accessories designed specifically for the Japanese Famicom.

Web-Based Configuration Tool

In an impressive twist, when connected to a PC via Bluetooth instead of a controller, the NES Hub offers a web-based configuration tool accessible through Google Chrome. This tool enables users to remap controls and buttons, providing even more customization options. Additionally, players can switch to a keyboard and mouse mode, a feature that could potentially provide an edge in games like Super Mario Bros..

Conclusion

RetroTime's NES Hub reinvents how classic gaming enthusiasts engage with one of the most iconic consoles in gaming history. With the ability to connect wireless controllers, enhance audio, and provide a customizable gaming experience, this accessory is set to breathe new life into the NES. As we eagerly await its launch in late 2024, it's clear that the NES Hub represents a significant step toward modernizing retro gaming without losing its charm.