Advertisement
Sections
Modder hacks together the smallest SNES emulator with a Raspberry Pi Zero, clay and superglue
A modder who regularly posts projects on the YouTube channel lyberty5 has just created the worlds smallest Super Nintendo Entertainment System emulator.

A modder who regularly posts projects on the YouTube channel lyberty5 has created the world's smallest Super Nintendo Entertainment System emulator. The heart of the device is the Raspberry Pi Zero, on which a software emulator is loaded. This is connected to a USB hub meant for tablets. The set up is housed inside a plastic case, with a NES model built around the case using clay. Modelling paint, superglue and sandpaper was used to finish off the mod.Nintendo had earlier this year announced plans to release a device called the Nintendo Classic Edition. The announcement followed on the heels of the success of Pokémon GO. NES titles would be pre-loaded into a tiny box called the Nintendo Classic Edition. A new cartridge cannot be installed. The modder lyberty5 has made a better, and smaller version of this announced device, although the Nintendo Classic Edition has an HDMI connector.
The mod by lyberty5 does not allow the insertion of actual cartridges, but unlike the Nintendo Classic Edition, new games can be loaded on to the console. While there has been some hype around the possible unveiling of the Nintendo NX in the next few days over the course of the Tokyo Game Show, the device is currently expected to land next year, with new titles including a Zelda game.
The build is fairly elaborate to replicate, although the instructions for the hardware are available in the video. A case of similar dimensions, can potentially be made with the use of 3D printers. Although a 3D printed version would look more accurate and cleanly cut, the clay based model adds a little playfulness to the mod. The final build takes up less space than one of the controllers from the original NES system, according to a report in Motherboard.
The mod by lyberty5 does not allow the insertion of actual cartridges, but unlike the Nintendo Classic Edition, new games can be loaded on to the console. While there has been some hype around the possible unveiling of the Nintendo NX in the next few days over the course of the Tokyo Game Show, the device is currently expected to land next year, with new titles including a Zelda game.First Published:Sep 13, 2016, 16:02:38 IST
Advertisement
Advertisement

Why AI notetakers are raising serious privacy and security concerns
AI notetakers promise effortless meeting summaries, but experts warn they could expose confidential conversations, corporate secrets and personal voiceprints. As businesses increasingly adopt AI-powered meeting assistants, questions over data storage, privacy, consent and legal risks are becoming impossible to ignore
5 min read
China's low-cost AI models are changing the global AI race. Here's why Silicon Valley is worried
As Chinese firms continue to improve performance while keeping prices low, the AI race is no longer just about building the smartest model—it is increasingly becoming a battle over who can deliver the best value
2 min read
China's Kimi K3 challenges US AI leaders with frontier-level performance at lower cost
Chinese artificial intelligence startup Moonshot AI has unveiled its latest open-weight AI model, Kimi K3, with early results suggesting it could compete with some of the world's most advanced AI systems developed by leading US companies
2 min read
How did Instagram run ads promoting child abuse in India?
India has issued a notice to Meta after an investigation alleged that Instagram displayed paid advertisements promoting child sexual abuse material. MeitY ordered Meta to remove such Instagram ads and explain within seven days how they were approved
8 min read
Why has India halted WhatsApp’s username feature before launch?
India has halted WhatsApp’s planned username feature, citing concerns about cybercrime, impersonation, and law enforcement challenges. As Meta races to address security concerns, here’s why MeitY has paused the rollout, what the feature does, and how it could influence privacy and online safety in India
3 min read
Advertisement
Advertisement
