SNESoIP prototype

Remember, back in the olden days, when you spent hours with your friends playing your favorite games on the SNES? Good times, good times.
But you all grew up and moved away, spread out over the world. What would you give if you could once again meet up and play those beloved games together?

Fret not, here’s just the thing you need.

The SNESoIP ethernet adapter for the Super Nintendo Entertainment System (also known as the Super NES, SNES or Super Nintendo) is an open-source, proof-of-concept, network-bridge for sharing local controller-inputs over the Internet.
The project it currently in its early stage, but fully functional and could be used to play multiplayer games over the Internet.

I’m also planning on integrating some kind of server-controlled BBS system (I just love the RAS syndrome) for which I’ve already built a PS/2-to-SNES keyboard adapter (photo) and possibly adding support for other consoles like the Sega lineup.

Here’s what you need:

  • Two SNES consoles,
  • two controllers,
  • two copies of the same game,
  • two SNESoIP adapters and
  • some kind of network inbetween.

The SNESoIP will push your controller input to a remote server and receive your playing partner’s controller input from the server and forward everything together to your local SNES (same thing for the other player). It works quite well as long as you have low latency and not too many random events which of course cannot be synced.

If you want to get down with the nitty-gritty details, check out the project’s readme on GitHub.

SNESoIP is an open-source project developed completely in my spare time. If you find it useful, please consider donating a small amount of money. Your donation will be used to support further development of the project.

The easiest way to donate is via PayPal, simply click here.

If you want to help in the development of this project, join us in #retrotardation on euIRC. We’re also working on a similar Gameboy Classic / Super Gameboy project.

Now, without further ado, check out this video of the SNESoIP in action:

Boredom is a lack of crazy. Its a lack of creativity. Invention. Innovation. If you’re bored, blame yourself. – Katelyn S. Irons

Related links:

Cubed3: Play Original SNES Games Online
geekimpact.de: SNESoIP – Online-Multiplayer für das Super Nintendo
Hack a Day: SNESoIP: It’s exactly what it sounds like
Hackalizer – SNESoIP puts your controller on the net
Jeux vidéo: SNESoIP, le modem pour Super Nintendo
Kotaku Australia: You Can Play Your Original SNES Online, Don’t You Know
Motherboard: Play Your Super Nintendo Online, Thanks to This Open Source Hardware
Nintendo Life: Online Multiplayer Comes To The Super Nintendo Thanks To SNESoIP
pantalytron: I Am The Chosen One
POP: Jogue online no seu Super Nintendo com o SNESoIP
RetroCollect: SNESoIP Brings Online Multiplayer To The Super Nintendo
Retro Game Network: SNESoIP Brings Online Multiplayer To The Super Nintendo
Retro Nintendo: SNESoIP: online multiplayer voor de Super Nintendo
Retro Players: SNESoIP, a volta da jogatina Online ao Super Nintendo
Retrospekt: Daily Retrospektive – 20/09/2013
SystemLinks: SNESoIP: The XBAND of the 21st Century