For fans of retro gaming, it’s no secret that the NES expansion port on the NES-001 model never officially gained any additions. However, a new opportunity to make use of it has arrived, courtesy of RetroTime. They’ve unveiled the “NES Hub,” a Bluetooth-enabled device now available for pre-order through 8BitMods.
The NES Hub brings Bluetooth controller compatibility and enhanced audio capabilities to your NES. Additionally, it’s equipped with its own add-on system. One such accessory, the “SNES Add-on,” allows you to connect wired SNES and 15-pin Famicom controllers to your console, breathing new life into your retro gaming setup.
Set to be shipped in December 2024, the NES Hub is priced at $57.28, while the SNES Add-on comes in at $26.03. To experience the full NES expansion, you’ll spend a total of $83.31 before taxes. With the NES Hub, users can hook up to four Bluetooth controllers to their NES simultaneously. And if you own a modified NES capable of playing Famicom games, the NES Hub also offers an Expansion Audio mode for certain Famicom titles that provide enhanced audio channels beyond typical NES or Famicom capabilities.
For those who might not be aware, the Famicom — short for “Family Computer” — is what the NES was originally called in Japan. It was not just a gaming console but had the ability to connect to the internet for non-gaming applications. Among these was the functionality to check stock prices — a glimpse into online integration from the early days. In comparison, American gamers would have to wait until the era of the Sega Dreamcast and Microsoft Xbox to explore similar features.
Bluetooth integration didn’t become standard until the Seventh Generation of consoles, which began in 2005, featuring devices like the Xbox 360, PlayStation 3, and Nintendo Wii. The NES, a member of the third-generation console family, launched in October 1985, which was a full 14 years before Bluetooth technology made its debut in 1999. Adding such modern features to the original NES hardware, as opposed to emulated gaming experiences on platforms like the Nintendo Virtual Console or PC, is a delightful development.
Naturally, this innovation caters to a very specific niche, reflected in its pricing. If you’re on the hunt for enhanced NES controller support and own the compatible NES-001 model, the NES Hub is likely your best option to expand your gaming horizons.
