Fan Creates Custom Super Nintendo Mini Ahead of NES Mini Launch
Entry information
Published on: September 13, 2016
Description
As Nintendo prepared for the highly anticipated release of the NES Mini on November 11th, the creative passion of the gaming community was already on full display.
Ahead of the official launch, YouTuber and gaming enthusiast lyberty5 took the initiative to design and build a custom Super Nintendo Mini, demonstrating both technical skill and devotion to classic Nintendo hardware.
This hand-crafted Super Nintendo Mini stands out as a testament to the enduring appeal of Nintendo's legacy consoles.
The project involved meticulously sculpting the shell from clay and equipping the device with a Raspberry Pi Zero—a compact yet powerful computer board—capable of emulating the iconic 16-bit Super Nintendo Entertainment System (SNES).
The end result is not only one of the smallest SNES consoles ever built but also a fully functional homage to the classic gaming era.
In lyberty5’s detailed video, viewers are taken through each stage of the creation process.
From shaping the external case to integrating the computer components and carefully assembling the internal wiring, every step reflects a significant investment of time and effort.
The technical complexity is evident, underscoring both the challenges and the dedication involved in such an ambitious project.
The video features the fan-made Super Nintendo Mini running beloved titles including Yoshi’s Island, Doom, and Kirby Super Star—all staples from the original SNES library.
Viewers are treated to a hands-on demonstration of these games running smoothly on the customized device, highlighting the successful emulation capabilities provided by the Raspberry Pi Zero hardware.
In describing his work, lyberty5 noted in the video description that he "put his heart and soul" into the project, a sentiment clearly reflected in the craftsmanship and attention to detail.
While building custom retro consoles often requires technical expertise, projects like this resonate strongly within Nintendo's passionate fanbase and the broader retro gaming community.
They underscore the continuing influence of Nintendo’s hardware, even as the company expands its official classic console lineup and digital offerings on the Nintendo Switch and eShop.
As Nintendo’s official NES Mini reached store shelves, this fan-driven achievement serves as a reminder of the creativity and innovation thriving within the gaming world.
Both Nintendo and its fans continue to celebrate and preserve gaming history, each in their own unique ways.
