If you’re a fan of retro gaming, you might already know that the NES’ expansion port never saw any official expansions in its time. However, for those who own the NES-001 model and are looking to make the most of that port, there’s some exciting news. RetroTime has unveiled the “NES Hub,” a Bluetooth-enabled expansion now up for pre-order at 8BitMods.
The NES Hub is a neat addition that brings Bluetooth controller support and enhanced audio capabilities to the classic NES. What sets it apart is its unique add-on system, including the “SNES Add-on,” which allows you to connect wired SNES and 15-pin Famicom controllers to the retro console.
Mark your calendars because both the NES Hub and its SNES Add-on are anticipated to ship come December 2024. The NES Hub itself is priced at $57.28, while the SNES Add-on comes in at $26.03. So, if you’re eyeing the complete NES expansion package, you’re looking at a total of $83.31 before taxes. With the NES Hub, players can hook up to four Bluetooth controllers at once. Plus, for those with a modified NES capable of running Famicom games, the hub enables Expansion Audio mode on specific Famicom titles, which offers richer audio than conventional NES or Famicom games.
To give you a bit of historical context, “Famicom,” short for “Family Computer,” is the original name for the NES in Japan. Interestingly, the Famicom could connect to the Internet for purposes beyond gaming—something they were experimenting with in Japan much earlier than in the U.S. Remember, this was around the time when American gamers had to wait until the Dreamcast or Xbox for such features.
Fast forward to 2005, when Bluetooth became a common feature in gaming with consoles like the Xbox 360, PlayStation 3, and Nintendo Wii. The NES, however, belongs to the third generation of consoles, having launched in 1985, a solid 14 years before Bluetooth’s debut in 1999. Thus, the NES Hub is a refreshing way to bring this classic console closer to the experience of gaming on modern hardware, without having to resort to emulation on platforms like Nintendo Virtual Console or PC.
That said, this upgrade is understandably for a very specific audience, and the cost reflects that niche focus. If you’re seeking to enhance your NES controller experience and have a compatible NES-001 model, the NES Hub might just be the perfect solution for you.
