Katarzyna Petru
Finally, a simple solution has emerged for those who have a collection of physical games on Super Nintendo but lack a convenient way to play them. Epilogue – a company known for the popular GB Operator – has announced the SN Operator, a device that allows for the digitisation of SNES cartridges and their use on a computer.
The SN Operator is set to cost $60, with shipments beginning in April next year. Pre-orders started on December 30 at 12:00 PM Eastern Time. However, the manufacturer assures that the device will also be available after the launch and there’s no need to place a preorder.
Easy Connection and Digitisation of Games
The hardware is compatible with PC, Mac, and Steam Deck. After connecting the cartridge, users can create a copy of the game on their computer and run it without the need for constant use of the physical media. Everything is managed by the Playback app, which also allows for backing up game save states and smoothly switching between playing on the console and the computer. Cooperative mode is also supported. The app supports RetroAchievements, although there is nothing stopping you from using another emulator – for example, one that offers more advanced shaders or additional visual features.
Support for Mouse and Classic SNES Accessories
Unlike Game Boy games, titles from the Super Nintendo offer more possibilities on PC. SN Operator will support mouse control, including emulation of the Super Nintendo Mouse and the SuperScope. This is an interesting alternative to the retro library of the Nintendo Switch and control via Joy-Cons in mouse mode. Epilogue emphasises that the device has undergone extensive testing and is designed to maintain data integrity from the original cartridges. Of course – it won’t replace the experience of playing on original hardware connected to a CRT television – but for many gamers, it will be the most practical way to return to the classics.
It's not FPGA, but the company has further plans
It's worth noting that the SN Operator is not an FPGA-based solution. The device only reads data from the cartridge, and the actual emulation of the SNES hardware occurs programmatically. By comparison, the Analogue Super NT, which used FPGA, is no longer in production, and the alternatives are the MiSTer projects, which do require self-assembly. FPGA is also a form of emulation, so even there, differences may occur compared to the original hardware from the early '90s.
The Epilogue suggests that there are plans for a NES Operator in the future as well. If the announcements are confirmed, the SN Operator could be a good start for those who want to gradually digitise their retro collection. The only question that remains is when we will see a similar solution for the Nintendo 64 or Nintendo DS.
