If you’re a fan of retro gaming, you might already know that the NES’s expansion port was never officially utilized. However, for those owning the NES-001 model, there’s exciting news. RetroTime has unveiled a new product called the “NES Hub,” a Bluetooth-enabled device available for pre-order through 8BitMods.
The NES Hub is designed to enhance your classic NES experience by adding Bluetooth controller support and improved audio capabilities. In addition, it comes with an add-on feature. Specifically, the “SNES Add-on,” which allows gamers to use wired SNES and 15-pin Famicom controllers with their beloved console.
Mark your calendars because both the NES Hub and its SNES Add-on are slated for a December 2024 release. The NES Hub itself is priced at $57.28, while the SNES Add-on will cost you $26.03, bringing the total for this complete retro upgrade to $83.31, before taxes. With the NES Hub, you can connect up to four Bluetooth controllers at once, offering a flexible gaming setup. And if you have a modified NES that plays Famicom games, you’ll be pleased to know that you can activate the Expansion Audio mode for certain Famicom titles that offer enhanced sound features.
For those who may not be familiar, the “Famicom,” short for Family Computer, is the original name of what we know as the Nintendo Entertainment System in Japan. Not just for gaming, it even offered online capabilities, like checking stock prices, long before such features made their way to western consoles. Meanwhile, it wasn’t until systems like the Sega Dreamcast and the Xbox that American gamers began experiencing online connectivity.
Bluetooth, on the other hand, didn’t become a console staple until the Seventh Generation, starting in 2005 with the Xbox 360, PlayStation 3, and Wii. The NES, hailing from the third generation with its October 1985 debut, predated Bluetooth technology by 14 years. So, finally seeing Bluetooth integrated into this classic console offers a kind of alignment with modern gaming, whether you’re playing on original hardware or through emulation.
It’s worth noting that this enhancement caters to a very specific audience, and the pricing reflects that niche. However, if you’re looking to boost your NES controller experience, the NES Hub seems like an appealing option for anyone with the NES-001 model.
