If you’re a fan of retro gaming, you’re probably aware that the NES’ expansion port went without official expansions. But for those who own the NES-001 model and are keen to make use of that port, RetroTime has launched a Bluetooth-enabled “NES Hub,” now available for pre-order through 8BitMods.
The NES Hub is quite the nifty upgrade—adding Bluetooth controller support alongside enhanced audio features to the aging NES. It also boasts its own add-on system. There’s a separate “SNES Add-on” too, which allows the use of wired SNES and 15-pin Famicom controllers with your beloved classic console.
Looking forward to getting your hands on one? Both the NES Hub and its SNES Add-on are anticipated to ship by December 2024. The pricing is set at $57.28 for the NES Hub and $26.03 for the SNES Add-on. So, if you’re eager for the full experience, you’re looking at $83.31 before taxes. One cool feature for the NES Hub is connecting up to four Bluetooth controllers simultaneously to your console. And if you’re rocking a hacked NES that runs Famicom games, the NES Hub can even enable the Expansion Audio mode for those special Famicom titles that pack more audio channels than your standard NES or Famicom games.
For those not in the know, the Famicom, which stands for “Family Computer,” was the original name in Japan for what we call the Nintendo Entertainment System. Interestingly, this name hinted at its capabilities which included non-gaming internet functions overseas, like checking stock prices. The Japanese gaming world was exploring online features from the get-go, whereas American gamers didn’t have similar experiences until the days of the Sega Dreamcast and Microsoft’s Xbox.
As for Bluetooth support, it didn’t become mainstream until the Seventh Generation consoles rolled out around 2005 with the likes of Microsoft Xbox 360, Sony PlayStation 3, and Nintendo Wii. The NES, being a third-generation console, hit the scene back in October 1985—a full 14 years before Bluetooth made its entrance. So, adding Bluetooth to the original NES, and bringing its features closer to what emulated versions offer on devices like Nintendo’s Virtual Console or PC, is a welcome sight indeed.
It’s worth noting that this gadget is super niche, and the price reflects its specific use case. But if better controller support for your NES is what you seek, and you have a compatible NES-001 model, the NES Hub seems like the perfect fit.
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