This is how you make a portable SNES

by David Hinkle { Jul 3rd 2009 at 1:15PM }

We often want to play SNES, but our busy up-and-go lifestyle of blogging for Joystiq doesn't allow it. Thankfully, a modder over at Retroactive.be came up with a solution: the portable SNES you see above. Sure, it's not our first time seeing such a mod, but it is definitely one of the most stylish. Why, we haven't been so blown away since we've seen this same mod made out of wood!

Head past the break for a video showing off the device, then hit up our gallery below for some other impressive retro mods.

[Via Pocket Gamer]

Gallery: Retro Mods

Tags: mod, retro, snes

Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)

sony boy @ Jul 3rd 2009 1:20PM

just get one of these:

a) small cheap netbook with a snes emulator

b) a hacked psp

c) a hacked ds???

Neblixsaber @ Jul 3rd 2009 2:45PM

A) A netbook has a keyboard and is not as small as this. (You need to put the netbook on a surface...)

B) All SNES Emulations on a hacked PSP suck (they are laggy) I'm not sure if you knew that but anyone that's tried knows that.

C) I don't think many people have hacked a DS.

Meh @ Jul 4th 2009 4:40AM

If I hear the word "netbook" one more time, I'm going to start killing people

GrungeSpoo @ Jul 4th 2009 5:56AM

netbook

mr nimblewick @ Jul 3rd 2009 1:22PM

Or you could buy a GBA.

Autobot @ Jul 3rd 2009 1:33PM

This reminds me so much of the Game Gear.

gravis0704 @ Jul 6th 2009 10:02AM

I have to disagree I believe it is more like the sega nomad. The Sega Nomad is a brick in comparison to the handheld snes. Both systems feature similar layouts and game inserts in the back. I would much rather have a Nomad since the majority of the genesis's library has not been re released for other systems with the exception of some "collections" these collections are limited and do not have all the games that made the sega genesis amazing. So therefore the nomad would be better in my opinion to own than the Handheld Snes since most snes games have been re released on every system imaginable,gba, ds, and wiiware.

Nook @ Jul 3rd 2009 4:53PM

that's a pretty sweet build. i'm often tempted to do something like this, only with a cube. maybe if i can pick up a used cube instead of hacking my digital out version.

that's a commitment though, video interfacing, audio and supporting circuits.

my big concern with doing something like this is the form factor, the electronics and wiring - no problem - finding a suitable housing easy on the hands....might be an issue.

great job on this one.

aldo @ Jul 3rd 2009 5:45PM

it's a brick

S. Tiger @ Jul 3rd 2009 7:41PM

It only took about 12 years, but it's like direct competition to the GameGear.

Slick @ Jul 3rd 2009 6:51PM

Nintendo DS emulator + Rom's.

Remember, if you have bought the game itself, it's not illegal.

Damian @ Jul 3rd 2009 8:28PM

The law disagrees with you.

shadowray7 @ Jul 3rd 2009 9:41PM

Actually, you have to dump the ROM yourself, you can't download or it's still illegal.

cuteSAVAGE @ Jul 4th 2009 10:47AM

And even then, the dump is usually against the EULA as there is "no reason one would need a back up copy."

sparkster @ Jul 3rd 2009 8:23PM

That thing looks fun and especially cool because of the professionally done casing.
Wouldn't mind to play all my SNES games on something like that.
Really impressive. The only thing that is missing would probably be a slot for a controller, so you could play with two people, but I guess that would've been just too much.
And to you guys saying to get a hacked PSP or whatever. This here is no emulation with all the problems it would bring. It's original Hardware and original SNES cartridges. That's the reason for the size. It swallows the whole catridge and has a SNES board plus the LCD plus 6 AA batteries crammed in.

RupeeClock @ Jul 3rd 2009 11:53PM

These portable SNES mods are always nice to see, and this definitely looks to be the best one yet.
If only the cartridges weren't so big eh?

If you really want a portable SNES experience, right now I think the GP2X Wiz might be the best way to get that, since it has more power than a PSP.
http://www.play-asia.com/SOap-23-83-zvy-71-d1-49-en-84-j-70-2z59.html