8BitDo DIY Kit Transforms Your Retro NES, SNES, Mega Drive Controllers Into Wireless Freedom
There was nothing worse in a 1980’s/1990’s gamer’s life then realizing their console controller could not quite reach the comfiest chair in the room. Now there is a solution for retro console fans. 8BitDo has just released DIY kits that upgrade NES, SNES, and Sega Mega Drive controllers to wireless.
8BitDo’s DIY kits include all the necessary tools and do not require any soldering. The original controller’s cables are connected to the interior circuit board. The 8BitDo’s kit includes a new circuit board with a Bluetooth chip and rechargeable battery.
The hole that once fed the cable will be replaced with a charging port. The port will also glow and indicate the battery levels and whether the controller is connected to the console. The kit includes a 3.7V 180mAh Lithium battery.
8BitDo sells kits that will transform the controllers of the NES, SNES, Sega Mega Drive (Sega Genesis), Nintendo Super Famicom, and NES Classic Edition, and the SNES Classic Edition. They are compatible with Android 4.0 and above, Windows 7 and above, macOS 10.7 and above (macOS 10.9 on Steam), Raspberry Pi, and the Nintendo Switch. Classic gaming consoles will require a Bluetooth adapter to work with the new and improved controllers.
8BitDo started in July 2013, and its bread and butter are Bluetooth controllers for retro consoles. One of its newest additions is a wireless controller for the NES Classic edition, the N30 2.4G. This controller includes a 2.4G wireless receiver that plugs into the console.
The company has also branched out and released the Cube and TwinCube Speakers. These speakers can be hooked up to video game consoles like the Nintendo Switch or connected through Bluetooth to smartphones. Let’s be real- who doesn’t want to blast “The Song of the Dragonborn” while playing Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim.
It also hinted at E3 that a number of new controllers like the N30 Pro 2, the SN30, SN30 Pro and SN30 Pro+, and the Zero 2 will be available in time for the upcoming holidays. One of the controllers is reportedly the size of a keychain.
The 8BitDo’s DIY kits are available on the company's website for $19.99 USD.
8BitDo’s DIY kits include all the necessary tools and do not require any soldering. The original controller’s cables are connected to the interior circuit board. The 8BitDo’s kit includes a new circuit board with a Bluetooth chip and rechargeable battery.
The hole that once fed the cable will be replaced with a charging port. The port will also glow and indicate the battery levels and whether the controller is connected to the console. The kit includes a 3.7V 180mAh Lithium battery.
8BitDo sells kits that will transform the controllers of the NES, SNES, Sega Mega Drive (Sega Genesis), Nintendo Super Famicom, and NES Classic Edition, and the SNES Classic Edition. They are compatible with Android 4.0 and above, Windows 7 and above, macOS 10.7 and above (macOS 10.9 on Steam), Raspberry Pi, and the Nintendo Switch. Classic gaming consoles will require a Bluetooth adapter to work with the new and improved controllers.
8BitDo started in July 2013, and its bread and butter are Bluetooth controllers for retro consoles. One of its newest additions is a wireless controller for the NES Classic edition, the N30 2.4G. This controller includes a 2.4G wireless receiver that plugs into the console.
The company has also branched out and released the Cube and TwinCube Speakers. These speakers can be hooked up to video game consoles like the Nintendo Switch or connected through Bluetooth to smartphones. Let’s be real- who doesn’t want to blast “The Song of the Dragonborn” while playing Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim.
It also hinted at E3 that a number of new controllers like the N30 Pro 2, the SN30, SN30 Pro and SN30 Pro+, and the Zero 2 will be available in time for the upcoming holidays. One of the controllers is reportedly the size of a keychain.
The 8BitDo’s DIY kits are available on the company's website for $19.99 USD.
