Rumbleminze’s SNES Castlevania port has received a new preview build that introduces an optional 16-bit visual mode and a number of other updates.
The project, which ports Konami’s original Akumajō Dracula (released on the Famicom Disk System in September 1986 and on the NES in 1987) to the Super Nintendo hardware, was first reported in July 2025 and has seen fresh development activity as of mid-July 2026.
Updated build and visual toggle
Rumbleminze has continued work on the SNES-native Castlevania port rather than abandoning it, releasing a build that offers players a toggleable 16-bit makeover.
The new option lets users switch between the original presentation and the reworked 16-bit visuals on the fly.
Sprite and art changes
The most immediately noticeable change in the build is an updated Simon Belmont sprite: the character now appears blond, matching his appearance on the Castlevania II: Simon's Quest cover and his depiction in Super Smash Bros.
Ultimate.
Backgrounds and enemy art have also been given additional detail to take advantage of the SNES’s graphical capabilities.
Core features (as reported)
- Three difficulty levels
- Fourteen palette options
- Six MSU-1 soundtracks
- Support for Retro-Bit's rumble controller (noted as developed for the 2025 SNES DOOM port)
- A/X button support to throw subweapons and an option to swap between two subweapons
Availability and where to try the preview
A preview build is available for download from ROM hacker Infidelity’s Discord server under Rumbleminze’s latest releases, according to community reporting.
The build is being circulated as a preview for enthusiasts and preservation-minded modders.
Context and significance
Native SNES ports of NES titles continue to attract attention from retro development communities because they highlight how classic gameplay can be adapted to 16-bit hardware.
Rumbleminze’s Castlevania port combines faithful recreation of the 1987 NES release with optional enhancements—giving players the choice to experience the game with updated visuals or in a presentation closer to the original.
This report summarizes verified changes and where to access the preview as of the July 2026 update; no release date for a final public build has been announced.
The project, which ports Konami’s original Akumajō Dracula (released on the Famicom Disk System in September 1986 and on the NES in 1987) to the Super Nintendo hardware, was first reported in July 2025 and has seen fresh development activity as of mid-July 2026.
Updated build and visual toggle
Rumbleminze has continued work on the SNES-native Castlevania port rather than abandoning it, releasing a build that offers players a toggleable 16-bit makeover.
The new option lets users switch between the original presentation and the reworked 16-bit visuals on the fly.
Sprite and art changes
The most immediately noticeable change in the build is an updated Simon Belmont sprite: the character now appears blond, matching his appearance on the Castlevania II: Simon's Quest cover and his depiction in Super Smash Bros.
Ultimate.
Backgrounds and enemy art have also been given additional detail to take advantage of the SNES’s graphical capabilities.
Core features (as reported)
- Three difficulty levels
- Fourteen palette options
- Six MSU-1 soundtracks
- Support for Retro-Bit's rumble controller (noted as developed for the 2025 SNES DOOM port)
- A/X button support to throw subweapons and an option to swap between two subweapons
Availability and where to try the preview
A preview build is available for download from ROM hacker Infidelity’s Discord server under Rumbleminze’s latest releases, according to community reporting.
The build is being circulated as a preview for enthusiasts and preservation-minded modders.
Context and significance
Native SNES ports of NES titles continue to attract attention from retro development communities because they highlight how classic gameplay can be adapted to 16-bit hardware.
Rumbleminze’s Castlevania port combines faithful recreation of the 1987 NES release with optional enhancements—giving players the choice to experience the game with updated visuals or in a presentation closer to the original.
This report summarizes verified changes and where to access the preview as of the July 2026 update; no release date for a final public build has been announced.
