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The Daily Grind: What classic console game would you like to see made into an MMO?
I recently came across an old 8-bit Nintendo on an excursion to the deep, dark recesses of my attic. Soon after, I stumbled upon a Super NES as well as a treasure trove of old game cartridges. After a few minutes of fumbling around with RCA cables, RF adapters, and finally a trip to the local Radio Shack, I managed to get both systems up and running. A weekend of classic gaming ensued, and as is typical, I set about imagining which old console favorites might make for worthwhile transitions into the realm of the MMORPG. Thus far the Final Fantasy franchise is the most noteworthy console property to make the jump, but there are others -- from multiple platforms -- that would likely make for appealing massively multiplayer settings as well as trigger the nostalgia meter in many an older gamer. Today's Daily Grind is all about your favorite classic console titles. Specifically, which game(s) would you like to see made into an MMO? Every morning, the Massively bloggers probe the minds of their readers with deep, thought-provoking questions about that most serious of topics: massively online gaming. We crave your opinions, so grab your caffeinated beverage of choice and chime in on today's Daily Grind!
Hyperkin SupaBoy portable SNES console hands-on (video)
Sure, all the morning's news may have been surrounding a vowel-augmented console from Nintendo, the Wii U, but a certain other Nintendo console that has fewer vowels is also seeing some well-deserved love here at E3 2011. It's the classic SNES, and its been reborn as the SupaBoy, courtesy of Hyperkin. It's a handheld version of the console that's basically intended to fulfill a gamers' desire for portable classic gaming but without having to ask for advice in the Ben Heck Forums. Click on through for some impressions of this handheld wunderconsole. %Gallery-125688%
Gaming's first-person history lesson: 1958 to 2008 edition (video)
There's just so much to love about this video, described by co-creator Florian Smolka as a university video-project from Munich. In a little over four minutes, we're given a first-person tour of console gaming from 1958's Tennis for Two (played on an oscilloscope) through late 2008's Rock Band for Xbox 360 (using a Guitar Hero drum set, but hey, nobody's perfect). Not every console gets a mention -- apologies to Atari Jaguar and 3DO apologists -- and it unfortunately stops before new hotness Move and Kinect get a nod, but that should in no way deter you from setting aside a handful of minutes to watch. Be sure to note the passage of TVs, too, and remember fondly the CRTs of your youth. Unless you grew up with LCD flatscreens, you lawn-lounging whippersnapper, you. Video after the break.
Dell Streak gets SNES controller dock, navigates owner through Yoshi's Island (video)
Who'd have thought that a little thing like the inclusion of USB Host capabilities could open the door to such wonders as an SNES controller dock? That's exactly what we have here. The Dell Streak's ability to work with standard USB keyboards has enabled it to also work with a suitably modified SNES controller, having had a cablectomy and the addition of a PDMI connector on top. That, with the addition of a USB board, turns the controller into a keyboard and, hey presto, it's Super Mario World time. Modder 0TheRain0 did the handiwork here, which you can watch him demonstrate after the break.
You can buy your own SNES retail display unit
An eBay user by the name of rifaavalon recently tipped us off to an item of interest that's currently on his storefront: An SNES retail display unit. This relic comes with an illuminated case, a monitor, a console and two built-in controllers -- but no games. (We're sure you have some lying around.)
Nintendo, Sega controllers and carts find a new home in the RetroN 3 console
We know the hazards that can befall retro gaming enthusiasts -- janky third party consoles and KIRFy handhelds not the least among them -- so it's nice to see someone put some real thought in their hardware. Available in retro-futurist red or sober, serious black, the RetroN 3 gaming system is compatible with your Nintendo, Sega Genesis, and SNES cartridges. And if that weren't enough for you (it seldom is, is it?) you can use a pair of the original controllers from either of those three systems. If that seems too awesome, it also packs its own wireless controllers. Available now for $70.
Man creates Bluetooth SNES controller, makes us jealous
While the image above appears to be a Super Nintendo controller with its cord mercilessly ripped out, it is actually much more. It is, in fact, the shell of an SNES controller stuffed with the guts of a fantastically ugly Bluetooth controller. The project was created by a modder known as Bacteria (no stranger to awesome mods). All the buttons function properly with the exception of the select button -- the Bluetooth controller only had a start button, you see -- and it runs on a single AA battery. Basically, it's the perfect way to enjoy all those legally obtained Super Nintendo games you have sitting on your hard drive. You can check out a video of the controller in action after the break. If you'd like to make one of your own, you can find a full guide here.
Bacteria creates Bluetooth SNES controller, makes smartphone gamers drool (video)
We recently checked out the Game Gripper, which quickly turns a Motorola Droid keyboard into a gamepad, and when it comes to simplicity and cost it doesn't get much better than that. But, it isn't quite the same as a real controller, not like this creation from Bacteria, creator of many a wonderfully hacked console. Here he took an MSI BGP100 Bluetooth GamePad and stuffed it into a classic SNES controller shell, enabling all the buttons except, sadly, the lowly Select. It's all demonstrated in a thrilling video after the break that features action, gameplay, and nearly a minute of screw-turning excitement. The best part? He was hired to do this, meaning if you ask nicely (and write a check) he might just make one for you, too.
Neo SNES / SFC Myth Flash cart brings emulation magic to your aged console
Oh, sure -- the Wii's Virtual Console may put you in direct contact with some of the best titles from yesteryear, but for the purists in attendance, it just feels like cheating. If you've been hanging onto that Super Nintendo (or Super Famicom, as it were) and you've recently been dealing with the emulation itch, Neoflash just might have the remedy. The Neo SNES / SFC Myth cart is pretty much the most magical cart you could ever slap into your classic console, offering up ROM support for "99.5 percent" of SNES games. Better still, titles can be offloaded from your PC and onto the cart via USB, making the entire transfer process a cinch. Of course, the $169 price tag will likely offend all but the most dedicated of retro gamers, but hey, at least you'll be staying true to those "roots" you value so highly.
Quickdev16 SNES developers cart: now you too can make games no one will ever play
If homebrew SNES development was an obscure affair in the days that the platform reigned supreme, undertaking such a project almost two decades later can be nothing left than a labor of true geek love. But if you've always dreamed of writing the next great first-person shooter for a retired game platform you're in luck: the Quickdev 16 is a cartridge that includes everything necessary for bringing your creations to the Super Nintendo, including the Atmel AVR ATmega644 with boot loader, USB connection for placing your code on the cart, 16 megabits of SRAM, and an RS232 converter for a debugging terminal. Works with Windows, Mac, and Linux systems as long as you know your way around a command line (and if you've read this far, you just might). Available now for $120 including shipping. [Via Hack-A-Day]
SNES / Sega Genesis USB cartridge adapter now available for pre-order
Looks like our old friend, Matthias -- the developer of the USB SNES cart reader -- is back on the scene, and this time he's going commercial. His newest project, Snega2USB, adds Sega Genesis, read and write for battery-backed SNES games, open source firmware, and up to four gamepads to the homebrew fave of classic gaming fanatics world o'er. This is a work-in-progress, but all the pieces are in place to have all orders met on the December, 2009 street date. Pre-orders will be taken until October 31 for $90 in the United States or €75 in Europe. Video after the break.[Via Gadgetoid]
Video: SNES runs beautifully on N900, makes out hearts flutter
We've already seen Nokia's Maemo 5-powered N900 pull off some pretty fanciful tricks, but without qualification this is the one most dear to our hearts. Somehow or another, Konttori managed to get his palms around an N900 of his own, and rather than testing out the social networking abilities or battery life, he simply installed an SNES emulator, tweaked it to accept Wiimote controls and even connected it to his TV for a staggeringly authentic gameplay experience. Vicarious living is just a click or two away, so hop on past the break for a video of the action. Oh, and don't mind the baby -- he's not in the corner or anything. [Thanks, Sathish]
Video: SNES runs beautifully on N900, makes our hearts flutter
We've already seen Nokia's Maemo 5-powered N900 pull off some pretty fanciful tricks, but without qualification this is the one most dear to our hearts. Somehow or another, Konttori managed to get his palms around an N900 of his own, and rather than testing out the social networking abilities or battery life, he simply installed an SNES emulator, tweaked it to accept Wiimote controls and even connected it to his TV for a staggeringly authentic gameplay experience. Vicarious living is just a click or two away, so hop on past the break for a video of the action. Oh, and don't mind the baby -- he's not in the corner or anything.[Thanks, Sathish]
USB SNES cartridge adapter will keep your PC clean
We all know that emulation download sites are disease-riddled virtual cathouses, designed to inject your unassuming computer with any number of viruses, spywares and trojan horses -- that's why we can't help but be intrigued by this recently unveiled USB adapter for SNES game cartridges, which was lovingly crafted by modder matthias_h.The adapter looks incredibly easy to use -- plug in a game cart, then boot or copy the SMC file found therein. Just like that, you're playing your favorite SNES titles -- and without contracting incurable cases of e-syphilis from "russian porn sites." Check out the video demo after the jump![Via Engadget]
SNES USB cartridge adapter should set eBay aflame
Sick of having to use your inconvenient mouse and keyboard to do "internet searches" for ROMs of your favorite retro games? Well a gentleman named Matthias might just have the answer to your prayers -- a USB SNES cartridge adapter. The enterprising DIY'er has created a combo hardware and software solution that allows you to plug in your dusty carts directly to your rig, and see the ROMs appear as standalone files which you can then load into the emulator of your choice. Apparently there are still some kinks to work out (like getting data rates up for larger games), and Matthias already has plans underway for a multi-system solution. Still, this is impressive stuff, even if it means we'll have to repurchase any titles we're missing from reputable online auction houses. Hey, at least it'll cut down our visits to "Russian porn sites." Check out the video of the whole thing in action after the break.
Super Nintoaster gets us all ready for the N64toaster
We could ask if this trend will even end, but considering that we're hoping with all our might that the answer is "no," we'll just skip the inquiry altogether. The same modder who delivered the highly popular, heart-healthy Nintoaster has taken the time to concoct a fitting followup: the Super Nintoaster. It's one part toaster, one part Super Nintendo, and the resulting gaming appliance would sit just perfectly in any dorm kitchen. Head on past the break if you're interested in a demonstration vid. [Via technabob]
Wii Super Famicom Classic Controller on sale to general public
Remember that limited edition Super Famicom Classic Controller? You know, that one that was once available only to Club Nintendo members over in Japan? By some remarkable feat of magic, wit and unmatched skill, the crew over at Play-Asia has secured stock to sell to the public at large, and wouldn't you know it, they have no issues shipping to the United States of America. Of course, you could also execute the X2Wii hack in order to make your existing SNES controller play nice with the Wii, but where's the fun in that? Unfortunately, this piece will run you just over $80 shipped, so you should make sure you're really as hardcore a gamer as you say you are before plunking down.[Thanks, Marcus]
Wiikly Wares: Kirby Dream Land 3, Sandy Beach
WiiWareSandy Beach (Konami, 1-2 players, 500 Wii Points): First, the good news: Yes, you can build sand castles in this game, either at your leisure or facing off against swarms of crabs in the Defend Your Castle-esque Crab Battle mode. The bad news? Well, it wasn't the first Crab Battle that came to mind ...Virtual ConsoleKirby's Dream Land 3 (Super NES™, 1-2 players, 800 Wii Points): This title had the unfortunate luck of coming out within a week of the incredibly awesome Kirby Superstar -- great timing, Nintendo! Still, it's a fun game that happens to be just like its predecessors. We half expect the company to pull some poetic injustice and release Superstar on Virtual Console next week.%Gallery-31937%
Super Nintendo cartridge wallet: you probably want this
Sure, it might be a little more cumbersome than your current billfold -- but whatever -- this is awesome. This SNES cartridge has been modded so that it holds a photo ID on the front plate, but it's also been gutted of its internals and outfitted with a hinge so that there's storage space on the inside. Oh, and it's got an LED that can be powered on and off, plus it plays game music / noises! Crazy, right? Well, it's slightly complicated to build one of your own, but Instructables has the details, should you want to give it a whirl. Ask yourself this: what better way is there to spend New Year's Day?[Via Hack A Day]
New SNES portable is heavy on the SNES, light on the portable
The SNES has certainly proven to be one of the most popular consoles to get the portable treatment among those go-getter console modders out there, and it looks like it's not showing any signs of losing that status, with this so-called SNEP (Super Nintendo Entertainment Portable) only the latest to pop up on our radar. As you can see above, this one is a tad less portable than some other handheld SNES mods we've seen (it also apparently needs to be plugged in), but it does at least do better job than most at staying true to the SNES's (or, more accurately, the Super Famicom's) instantly-recognizable appearance. There's no plans available for building your own, unfortunately, but you can check it out in action in the video after the break.[Via Nintendo Wii Fanboy]
