Those who were lucky enough to snag a Super NES Classic Edition can already do things like adding games to its internal database, but if you still have a stack of original cartridges and can't find the original console at a reasonable price, you might want to take a closer look at Super Nt, a new variant that is compatible with all cartridges and accessories, and that also packs 1080p support and HDMI connectivity without any lag.
The Emulation Dilemma
The Super Nintendo is one of the 'easiest' consoles to emulate today. What that means is that we don't need enormous processing power, and even the most modest computers should be able to deliver acceptable performance. Now, Nintendo may fight emulation with nails, teeth, legal threats and nuclear missiles, but it didn't hesitate to adopt it for its NES and SNES Classic consoles.
Emulating a console not only helps preserve its operation, but the benefit also extends to the games. However, there is a lingering question: what about those players who still keep the original cartridges and can't get the necessary hardware? Some may get lucky with eBay auctions, but these are consoles with more than twenty years on their shoulders, and failures are very common.
The Super Nt Solution
At that point, the folks at Analogue appear with their Super Nt. Instead of following the classic path of an SoC and an internal memory full of games, the Super Nt seeks to position itself as a direct replacement for the Super Nintendo, supporting original cartridges and modern TVs. That means audio and video output is via HDMI, at 1080p, and without the lag associated with analog-to-digital conversions.
Analogue uses FPGA technology, an Altera Cyclone V chip to be more precise, which guarantees compatibility with games and accessories in the style of the Super Game Boy (opening the doors to all titles of the handheld) and the Super NES Mouse, distributed with Mario Paint.
Preorder and Price
Interested in buying a Super Nt? The good news is split in two parts: It will have no regional restrictions, and the SD slot suggests the possibility of a future jailbreak. The bad news is that you need to wait. The first shipments will be made in February 2018, and you must enter the preorder, reserving one unit for $190. Another fact to keep in mind is that it doesn't come with a gamepad, and each one costs $40 extra.
