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Sebastian Santabarbara profile image Sebastian Santabarbara

Modern SNES Handheld That Plays Physical Cartridges Is In The Works

aSNES handheld prototype
Credit: YveltalGriffin

YveltalGriffin is a name that many of you should be familiar with if you've been doing your retro gaming homework here on Retro Dodo. Most recently, they've been involved with the Nintendo Kawaii project, a miniature, fully-functional Wii that hangs on a keychain built alongside WeskMods. I'm continually keeping up to date with what YveltalGriffin is up to as their work fascinates me no end, which is why I wanted to share their ongoing work on this SNES handheld with you.

It's called the aSNES, and it's a handheld with 'all the bells and whistles' of new gaming machines which actually plays your physical SNES cartridges. That means there's no need to download ROMs or transfer save files over from your original cartridges - just stick them in and pick up where you left off!

YveltalGriffin recently shared an update on the mainboard prototype for the aSNES with lots of features listed above. I imagine after the trials and tribulations of manipulating an original Wii motherboard into something the size of a Game Boy cartridge, creating this handheld feels like a doddle. Still, for those looking to follow the project more closely, Yveltal is also documenting every step on BitBuilt for you to pick up tips and learn more about their work along the way.

PS Hanami handheld
Credit: YveltalGriffin

YveltalGriffin is also the brains behind the exciting PS Hanami handheld that I first covered last year. Once again, it's built from an actual console that they took apart, folding the motherboard into a new case with a crisp display and speakers that provide you with those nostalgic PS1 moments wherever you are.

If I can make a suggestion, Yveltal, I'd love to see an N64 handheld coming out of your workshop next, and I would love to be the first one to test it!

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Sebastian Santabarbara profile image Sebastian Santabarbara
Sebastian is fuelled by a lifelong passion for Zelda, Banjo Kazooie, Donkey Kong, and all things retro. He uses his misspent youth with retro consoles to create content for readers around the world.