You can add wireless controller support to the NES through its unused expansion port

RetroTime has recovered a bully usage for the enlargement larboard Nintendo included connected the underside of the NES, but ne'er utilized. Its NES Hub connects to that larboard and adds Bluetooth connectivity, allowing up to 4 wireless controllers to beryllium connected to the astir 40-year-old console.

The NES Hub is presently available for preorder done 8BitMods for $57.28, and is expected to vessel arsenic aboriginal arsenic December 2024. Installation doesn’t necessitate immoderate soldering, hardware modifications, oregon for the NES to adjacent beryllium opened. The NES Hub simply snaps into the enlargement larboard and is designed to perfectly beryllium hidden wrong the cutouts nether the console. The astir analyzable portion of the installation is connecting a tiny Bluetooth antenna and sticking it to the backmost of the console, which seems casual enough.

With enactment for up to 4 Bluetooth controllers, the NES Hub replicates the functionality of an accessory Nintendo released successful 1990 called the NES Four Score that expanded connectivity to up to 4 wired gamepads. There were lone astir 25 NES games that really supported 4 players astatine once, but they’ll each beryllium compatible with this accessory.

The NES Hub besides includes a peculiar mode that “allows immoderate Famicom games to usage much audio transmission for a amended audio experience,” portion introducing 3 further ports that different peripherals tin link to. The archetypal is simply a $26.03 add-on that allows Super Nintendo gamepads, and accessories designed for the Japanese Famicom to beryllium connected.

When connected to a PC implicit Bluetooth alternatively of a controller, the NES Hub offers a web-based configuration instrumentality done Google Chrome. You tin remap controls and buttons, and adjacent power to a keyboard and rodent mode, if you deliberation that volition someway springiness you an vantage erstwhile playing Super Mario Bros.