Hardware mods for retro systems are rather common, so those seeking a stylish or convenient option for playing their old NES games aren't short of options. Not many are quite as impressive as the Model G1 from Rabbit Engineering, though, which features arcade-style inputs, a standalone screen and a wooden finish.
Made to order, this is actually not the most outrageously priced hardware mod you'll see, coming in at $199 / €180.40 / £135.25 with worldwide shipping from its Etsy page. These are made to order, too.
There are some downsides; this unit makes use of Retron emulation technology, so while you do need to own the cartridge to play it ultimately rips the ROM from the cart - temporarily - for your play session. This is admitted in a making of article, and a giveaway for this is also in a list of games that may not be reliably compatible; sadly the rather brilliant Castlevania III: Dracula's Curse and Battletoads are among those affected.
It's a lovely bit of hardware though, and you can learn more about its back-story on the official Rabbit Engineering website.
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[source etsy.com, via gonintendo.com, rabbitengineering.com]
Comments 13
GIVE ME THAT
Beautiful to say the least
I will pay handsome money for that thing, NOW GIMME IT!!!!
... that's neat!
@FritzFrapp HA! I thought the same thing!
Those visible screws ruin the whole look
It's very cute, and the price is right for something with a real stick and buttons, a telescoping head, and a cartridge slot.
I'm finally awakening to the reality that pretty much anything can run NES games, including those $50 Windows tablets at MicroCenter and certainly any phone with a touch screen. Too many years (and too long ago) spent in dingy arcades on giant cabinets make me think that this moldy old tech is somehow sacred!
Looks cool, but too bad about the emulation crap.
It's weird that the screen is the wrong aspect ratio for the NES. I guess every game will have black borders on the sides. For the photo they chose a screen with a black background to make the it less obvious, but it will be quite noticeable while playing. The other option is to have the screen stretched.
That's actually cool.
I would LOVE to play Mega Man on that thing.
Wow....very pretty
is it only $199 including the retron 5? thar retron costs over $100 by itself. so if it includes a retron 5, thats a crazy awesome deal.
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