In a stunning fusion of retro gaming and sneaker culture, a designer has successfully engineered a fully functional Super Nintendo Entertainment System (SNES) inside a pair of Nike sneakers. This incredible project brings together two iconic elements of the 1990s, allowing you to literally walk around with a classic gaming console on your feet.
The Vision Behind the Air SNES
The mastermind behind this innovative creation is Gustavo Bonzanini, a Singapore-based designer. He undertook this project to commemorate the 35th anniversary of the SNES, which was first launched in Japan in 1990 and in North America in 1991. Bonzanini was inspired by the existing collaborations between sneaker brands and video games but wanted to take it a step further.
"The idea came after looking at collaborations between sneaker brands and video games. I always asked myself: wouldn't it be cool if these shoes that look like a video game actually double as a console?" Bonzanini told Engadget. The result is a custom pair of Nike Air Max 90 sneakers that perfectly capture the '90s aesthetic with the SNES's iconic gray and purple color scheme.
Technical Ingenuity: How a Shoe Became a Console
The biggest challenge was figuring out how to fit the complex electronics of a console into the limited space of a sneaker. Using original, bulky SNES cartridges was impossible. Bonzanini's brilliant solution was to use emulation technology. He installed a Raspberry Pi Zero W running the RetroPie emulator, which fits neatly inside the shoe's tongue.
The custom console, dubbed the AIR SNES, is fully playable and comes with a battery that provides about 30 minutes of gameplay. To connect it to a television, Bonzanini incorporated video outputs into the design. He added a small analog converter on the tongue, enabling the Raspberry Pi's mini-HDMI output to connect to a TV via RCA cables, maintaining an authentic 90s feel.
While the AIR SNES is compatible with the original SNES gamepad, Bonzanini modified a controller with an 8BitDo kit to enable wireless Bluetooth play, offering a more modern convenience.
A Nostalgic Tribute with No Commercial Plans
The Super Nintendo Entertainment System was a landmark in video game history. As the successor to the Nintendo Entertainment System (NES), it featured a 16-bit processor that delivered superior graphics, sound, and more complex games. It launched with legendary titles like Super Mario World, The Legend of Zelda: A Link to the Past, and Super Mario Kart, cementing its place in pop culture.
Despite the overwhelming positive response this project has received, Bonzanini has confirmed he has no plans to commercially sell these custom Nike SNES sneakers. This one-off creation remains a unique piece of art, a functional prototype built for passion and nostalgia, celebrating the legacy of one of the greatest consoles ever made.
