SNES posts(Subscribe to this feed)

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

Continued →

USB SNES cartridge adapter will keep your PC clean

by Griffin McElroy { Jun 21st 2009 at 1:30PM }

We all know that emulation download sites are disease-riddled virtual cathouses, designed to inject your unassuming computer with any number of viruses, spywares and trojan horses -- that's why we can't help but be intrigued by this recently unveiled USB adapter for SNES game cartridges, which was lovingly crafted by modder matthias_h.

The adapter looks incredibly easy to use -- plug in a game cart, then boot or copy the SMC file found therein. Just like that, you're playing your favorite SNES titles -- and without contracting incurable cases of e-syphilis from "russian porn sites." Check out the video demo after the jump!

[Via Engadget]

Continued →

Modders gut an SNES, cram in a PC

by Richard Mitchell { Jun 20th 2009 at 1:00AM }

The SNES you see above, ladies and gentlemen, is no SNES at all. It is, in fact, a fully functioning PC (an Acer Aspire One netbook, if you want to know). Built by quangDX and DuPPs of Asobitech.com, the AASNES1 packs all the connections you need, WiFi and even some cool USB extension cables that plug directly into the console's controller ports (its makers also modified a Super NES controller to work as a USB controller). The DVD-RW drive is located inside the Super Mario World cartridge and the modders even made the Super Nintendo logo on the back light up. It is, in summation, sweet.

Check out a video of the AASNES1 after the break and head over to Asobitech for a step-by-step retelling of its creation.

[Via Engadget]

Continued →

VC in Brief: Ghengis Khan II (SNES)

by David Hinkle { Jun 8th 2009 at 6:15PM }

Ghengis Khan II: Clan of the Gray Wolf (SNES, 1 - 2 players, 800 Wii Points)
We say: Strategy nuts will enjoy, but most should pass
This week, the Virtual Console receives a strategic update in Ghengis Khan II: Clan of the Gray Wolf for the SNES. Oh, and hey, we're totally back with VC in Brief, after taking a short hiatus for E3. Are you glad we're back? We are! So, without further ado, let's get to it!

Every week, we like to check out what's new on the Virtual Console. We offer these videos as a sort of taste to help you decide whether or not you would want the game in question. We also toss in our own two cents because we're pushy jerks.

NintendoWare Weekly: Minis March Again, Swords & Soldiers

by David Hinkle { Jun 8th 2009 at 11:45AM }

With all of the excitement of E3 dying down, it's time we got back into the groove of things, and Nintendo knows that best. This week, the DSi gets some Mario vs Donkey Kong love, and WiiWare gets a pair of new titles. The Virtual Console isn't left out in the cold, either, as strategy fans will likely be interested in what Ghengis Khan is up to. So, head past the break and check out what's available for download from Nintendo this week.

Continued →

New DSiware revealed: Prehistorik Man, Six in One Translator

by Mike Schramm { Jun 2nd 2009 at 2:45PM }

Nintendo has cracked open the vault of upcoming titles due out later this year, and there's quite a few new titles mentioned for DSiWare. A few we already knew about (Gameloft's Uno and Hudson's Sudoku games were expected), but Prehistorik Man, published by Interplay, is an old SNES game (so Virtual Console we guess?), and there's a working title for a DSiWare game called Six in One Translator. Could you be translating between six different languages on your DSi sometime later this year? There are also quite a few "Domo" games planned -- we're guessing these are games that have to do with the popular Japanese Domo character, though

The full list of publishers, games, and expected release dates is after the break.

Continued →

Retro Adapter outclasses the Classic Controller

by JC Fletcher { May 21st 2009 at 10:40AM }

Next month, developer Komodo and distributor Innex will one-up (or two-up, we guess) RetroZone's RetroPort Wii controller adapters with their Retro Adapter. Instead of merely allowing you to use a NES or SNES controller with Virtual Console games, the Retro Adapter features ports for NES, SNES, and Nintendo 64 pads in one $20 device. The adapter, being released almost just in time for the release of Majora's Mask on the Virtual Console, purportedly supports true analog control for the N64 controller.

Innex will be demonstrating the product at E3, and we're going to do our best to get all those new games or whatever out of the way so we can spend some time with it.

Earthbound auction ends at a sky-high price

by JC Fletcher { May 5th 2009 at 12:15PM }

A recent auction for a new-in-box copy of Earthbound revealed a level of Earthbound fandom rivaling Starmen.net (of which the high bidder was probably a frequent visitor!) The boxed SNES game, originally acquired by eBay seller dave2236 for $25, ended up selling for $1,025.01, or 128.17 times what a Virtual Console download would cost.

The big cardboard box that Earthbound came in was never "factory sealed" in the traditional sense, so unlike most "sealed" games, it would be possible to (carefully) open and play this game and look through the player's guide without causing any physical damage. But we can guarantee that will not happen.

[Via GoNintendo]

VC in Brief: Nobunaga's Ambition (SNES)

by David Hinkle { Apr 27th 2009 at 3:15PM }

Nobunaga's Ambition (Super NES, 1-8 players, 800 Wii Points)
We say: Only for the diehard strategy fans

This week, we've got one new game to play on the Virtual Console and, depending on the type of gamer you are, it's either going to be a real snoozer or an incredibly deep experience. If you love some strategy, then consider yourself in the latter group. If you're more of the type of person that shoots from the hip, then consider this game an overdose of Ambien.

Super Speedrun Bros. The Lost Levels

by JC Fletcher { Apr 20th 2009 at 6:15PM }

Super Mario Bros: The Lost Levels (or Super Mario Bros. 2, if you prefer) is brutally difficult. For most of us, just completing the game is out of the question, much less completing it in under an hour. We're proud to say that we completed it once, but it took a week -- and two people.

But YouTube user sprocket2005 managed to complete the All-Stars version of this ridiculous game, or at least through 8-4, in 8 minutes and 35 seconds. Even if it is a tool-assisted speedrun, this is an amazing achievement. More importantly, it makes for an impressive video -- which you can see after the break. It might make you want to download the Famicom Lost Levels on the Virtual Console and try it for yourself.

[Via Destructoid]

Continued →

VC in Brief: Uncharted Waters: New Horizons (SNES)

by David Hinkle { Apr 6th 2009 at 7:00PM }

Uncharted Waters: New Horizons (SNES, 1 player, 800 Wii Points)
We say: Patient gamers should check it out!

New Horizons is a game that will appeal to strategy fans and pretty much nobody else. Even though it has a fairly unique and fun combat system, the hurdle of getting into significant combat and actually progressing the game is hard to climb, given the game's clumsy out-of-combat controls and complicated menu system. It's still fun, but be prepared to spend plenty of time doing a lot of mundane tasks before you actually can get into the tasty bits of gameplay.

VC in Brief: Super Punch-Out!! (SNES)

by David Hinkle { Mar 30th 2009 at 5:30PM }

Super Punch-Out!! (SNES, 1 player, 800 Wii Points)
We say: download it!
Super Punch-Out!! is one of the great classics to grace the SNES. There's really no excuse one can provide for not having this (outside of not owning a Wii, being dead, or hating everything that is good and decent), so scrounge up eight bucks and enjoy.

Wiikly Wares: Super Punch-Out!!, Bonsai Barber

by David Hinkle { Mar 30th 2009 at 10:30AM }

With the launch of the Nintendo DSi and its DSi Shop downloads coming next week, you might be seeing some changes to your usual Wiikly Wares posts. For now, let's just enjoy what little time we have left and think about the good times we've had.

Virtual Console
Super Punch-Out!! (SNES, 1 player, 800 Wii Points): Little Mac is back in this SNES sequel to one of the most beloved NES titles of all time. As Little Mac, you'll need to bob, weave, and pummel your way through old foes and new opponents alike. Just watch out for Hoy Quarlow. Apparently, he's allowed to box with a big wooden stick.

WiiWare
Bonsai Barber (Nintendo, 1 -4 players, 1,000 Wii Points): Nintendo's WiiWare game combines the intensity of landscaping with the personal responsibility of barbering, as you tend to the 12 demanding customers of your local town. Each day, 5 of these customers will arrive looking for that perfect style. Good luck with satisfying a strawberry boffin, a daredevil carrot, a cactus cowboy, and a suave banana with top-secret clearance (we think he's an undercover plantain).

Super Punch-Out!! jabs Virtual Console next week

by Andrew Yoon { Mar 25th 2009 at 10:02PM }

Already available in Europe, Virtual Console will get a Super update next Monday when Virtual Console updates with the SNES classic Super Punch-Out!!. For 800 Nintendo Points, you'll be able to relive the classic fights, preparing yourself for the upcoming Wii sequel.

IGN smartly notes that the last time Super Punch-Out!! was available was as an unlockable in the Gamecube version of Fight Night. Nintendo has come a long way since those days.

VC Friday: Super Punch-Out!!

by JC Fletcher { Mar 20th 2009 at 10:00AM }

Yesterday, Nintendo announced that Super Punch-Out!! would be available on the PAL Virtual Console at the next update. Now that the week's Virtual Console update has been posted, we realize that Nintendo meant just Super Punch-Out!! Somehow we think the lack of options will be okay with most of the audience, just this one time.

We love when Nintendo does these themed releases. It was great when Metroid and Super Metroid came out just in advance of Metroid Prime 3, although it might have backfired -- who needs to go buy a new game when you just got Super Metroid?

Video of Super Punch-Out!! appears after the break, to tide you over until the game is downloaded -- which will then, in turn, tide you over until the new Wii game comes out!

Continued →