Katarzyna Petru
Finally, a simple solution has appeared for those who have a collection of physical games on the Super Nintendo but do not have 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 running them on a computer.
The SN Operator is set to cost $60, with shipping starting in April next year. Pre-orders began on December 30 at 12:00 Eastern time. However, the manufacturer assures that the device will also be available after launch and there is no need to place a preorder.
Simple connection and digitisation of games
The equipment is compatible with PC, Mac and Steam Deck. Once the cartridge is connected, the user can create a copy of the game on the computer and run it without the need to constantly use the physical medium. Everything is managed by the Playback application, 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 application supports RetroAchievements, although there is nothing to prevent the use of another emulator – for example, one that offers more advanced shaders or additional visual features.
Support for mice and classic SNES accessories
Unlike Game Boy games, titles from Super Nintendo offer more possibilities on PC. SN Operator will handle mouse control, including the emulation of the Super Nintendo Mouse and the SuperScope. This is an interesting alternative to the retro library of the Nintendo Switch and controlling Joy-Cons in mouse mode. Epilogue emphasises that the device has undergone extensive testing and is designed to maintain the data integrity of the original cartridges. Of course – it won't replace the experience of playing on original equipment connected to a cathode-ray television – but for many players, it will be the most practical way to return to the classics.
It’s not FPGA, but the company has further plans
It is worth noting that the SN Operator is not an FPGA-based solution. The device merely reads data from the cartridge, while the actual emulation of the SNES hardware is done through software. In comparison – the Analogue Super NT, which utilised FPGA, is no longer in production, and the alternatives are the MiSTer projects, which require self-assembly. FPGA also remains 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 also plans for a NES Operator in the future. If the announcements are confirmed, the SN Operator could be a good start for those looking 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.
