Uploaded October 2017 | Updated September 2026, 2 weeks ago
The SNES Classic is a dream come true for retro Nintendo fans, but the reverse opinion is that you should just use a Raspberry Pi and call it a day for your emulation needs. This got me thinking: how does the NES/SNES Classic hardware compare to other single board computers being used for emulation right now and what does this mean for possible future classic consoles from Nintendo?
This video takes a high level approach to examining and comparing single board computer specs, original console hardware specs, console hardware that runs Nintendo's Virtual Console and overall how emulation works and what we might see in the future.
~Links referenced~
Emulation Examples
Pokemon Stadium 2 with Mupen64Plus Emulation on Asus Tinker Board by knuxyl: youtube.com/watch?v=3DjcC_bOhEc
Mario Kart 64 with Retroarch Emulation on NES Classic Hardware by ETA Prime: youtube.com/watch?v=Lprp92pvIIs
SNES Features Series by Retro Game Mechanics Explained: youtube.com/watch?v=57ibhDU2SAI&list=PLHQ0utQyFw5KCcj1ljIhExH_lvGwfn6GV
NES/SNES Hardware Information
R16 SoC: linux-sunxi.org/R16
linux-sunxi.org/images/b/b3/R16_Datasheet_V1.4_%281%29.pdf
SK Hynix HSTQ2G63GFR-RDC RAM: skhynix.com/products.view.do?vseq=1639&cseq=74
Macronix Flash Module MX30LF4G18AC-TI: macronix.com/Lists/Datasheet/Attachments/5992/MX30LF2G18AC,%203V,%202Gb,%20v1.4.pdf
AXP223 PMIC: dl.linux-sunxi.org/AXP/AXP223-en.pdf
EP952 HDMI Transmitter: http://www.epmi.com.tw/sayapro03.php?id=78
N64 Tech Specs: en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nintendo_64_technical_specifications
Console Expansion Chips
NES Memory Management Controllers: en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Memory_management_controller
SNES Enhancement Chips: en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_Super_NES_enhancement_chips
Article on Ideal Emulation Hardware: arstechnica.com/gaming/2011/08/accuracy-takes-power-one-mans-3ghz-quest-to-build-a-perfect-snes-emulator
NES & SNES Classic Confirmed Same Hardware: eurogamer.net/articles/digitalfoundry-2017-snes-mini-teardown-confirmed-recycled-nes-mini-tech
Nintendo Virtual Console: en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Virtual_Console
Please subscribe for all of the DIY content your heart desires.
For behind the scenes coverage and general technical & DIY debauchery, follow me on...
Twitter: twitter.com/blitzcitydiy
Facebook: facebook.com/blitzcitydiy
Tumblr: blitzcitydiy.tumblr.com
Instragram: instagram.com/blitzcitydiy
Hackster.IO: hackster.io/BlitzCityDIY
The SNES Classic is a dream come true for retro Nintendo fans, but the reverse opinion is that you should just use a Raspberry Pi and call it a day for your emulation needs. This got me thinking: how does the NES/SNES Classic hardware compare to other single board computers being used for emulation right now and what does this mean for possible future classic consoles from Nintendo?
This video takes a high level approach to examining and comparing single board computer specs, original console hardware specs, console hardware that runs Nintendo's Virtual Console and overall how emulation works and what we might see in the future.
~Links referenced~
Emulation Examples
Pokemon Stadium 2 with Mupen64Plus Emulation on Asus Tinker Board by knuxyl: youtube.com/watch?v=3DjcC_bOhEc
Mario Kart 64 with Retroarch Emulation on NES Classic Hardware by ETA Prime: youtube.com/watch?v=Lprp92pvIIs
SNES Features Series by Retro Game Mechanics Explained: youtube.com/watch?v=57ibhDU2SAI&list=PLHQ0utQyFw5KCcj1ljIhExH_lvGwfn6GV
NES/SNES Hardware Information
R16 SoC: linux-sunxi.org/R16
linux-sunxi.org/images/b/b3/R16_Datasheet_V1.4_%281%29.pdf
SK Hynix HSTQ2G63GFR-RDC RAM: skhynix.com/products.view.do?vseq=1639&cseq=74
Macronix Flash Module MX30LF4G18AC-TI: macronix.com/Lists/Datasheet/Attachments/5992/MX30LF2G18AC,%203V,%202Gb,%20v1.4.pdf
AXP223 PMIC: dl.linux-sunxi.org/AXP/AXP223-en.pdf
EP952 HDMI Transmitter: http://www.epmi.com.tw/sayapro03.php?id=78
N64 Tech Specs: en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nintendo_64_technical_specifications
Console Expansion Chips
NES Memory Management Controllers: en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Memory_management_controller
SNES Enhancement Chips: en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_Super_NES_enhancement_chips
Article on Ideal Emulation Hardware: arstechnica.com/gaming/2011/08/accuracy-takes-power-one-mans-3ghz-quest-to-build-a-perfect-snes-emulator
NES & SNES Classic Confirmed Same Hardware: eurogamer.net/articles/digitalfoundry-2017-snes-mini-teardown-confirmed-recycled-nes-mini-tech
Nintendo Virtual Console: en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Virtual_Console
Please subscribe for all of the DIY content your heart desires.
For behind the scenes coverage and general technical & DIY debauchery, follow me on...
Twitter: twitter.com/blitzcitydiy
Facebook: facebook.com/blitzcitydiy
Tumblr: blitzcitydiy.tumblr.com
Instragram: instagram.com/blitzcitydiy
Hackster.IO: hackster.io/BlitzCityDIY
