This is awesome!! I can see this becoming a valuable asset for the current CTWC (Classic Tetris World Championships) - Enabling plays to use any controller on original NES hardware. - Team Play 2 on 2
I’d love to see a way to video out through one of the NES Hub’s addon DP ports, instead of having to futz around with an HDMI mod or buy an expensive upscaler like a Retrotink or an OSSC.
That would be kind of difficult. For a game like The Legend of Zelda which used the microphone, you'd need to somehow connect a Famicom Disk System which isn't possible on the NES, and you'd also need to design a controller with a microphone to use it.
yes! rather niche, but it be cool. think of the possibilities. imagine a dual disk expansion, could allow the NES to turn into a proper microcomputer, maybe? or add save to disk support for games.
That's not how the FDS works though.... You put a RAM cartridge in the console and then _that_ is connected to the drive. You can already _do_ that. The NES expansion port doesn't connect to anything the FDS needs access to. 🤷♂️ The NES expansion port is little more than a collection of discarded I/O and buses the Famicom had, it's almost like NOA said "Well, we'd better stick them _somewhere_ in case we need them after all!" Unlike the EXT ports on the Super Famicom and N64, which were designed from the ground up with cartridge/data bus access in mind. And yes, Muramasa has an FDS interface for the NES... But it's just an NES cartridge version of the Famicom RAM adapter. I kinda want one, but I already have an AV Famicom, so w/e.
@@captaineldeezee1336Famicom, Disk System, Family Basic Keyboard, and the Famicom Data Recorder tape deck. It'd be like having a C64 with arguably better games. 😏👌
I haven't tried it but have read that you can use a Famicom->NES cartridge adapter to the connect the FDS RAM adapter to a American top loader or a side loader if the top cover is removed.
I'm sorry, did you say mini-displayport? Not USB? Now, if the video output could be routed out of a mini-DP on the expansion port, that's more than worth the price to me, since I'd been wanting a good way to connect an NES to a modern TV.
@@ClayMcDonaldNot by itself, because there are no pins dedicated to the purpose. But in theory it might be possible to route video signals to the port's "general" pins using a scheme similar to Krikkz's RGB Blaster. This would require two devices, one plugging into the game (to route the video signal into the pins) and one plugging into the expansion port (to pick up those signals and route them out to a port). But in theory it might work.
I think an honest CON would be the fact you would have to permanently modify your NES case. It's minor, there are ways around it (use a sacrificial shell, etc), but it is a forever change to something that isn't made any more.
You mean removing the breakaway port cover? I don't think anybody would really mind that so much seeing as how it was in fact made to be removed permanently, rather than the shell modifications that were never intended in order to fit new components internally.
i got a thing from 10 years ago that you plug in the ext port for japanese sound channel and it allows to use japanese 15 pin peripherals too. there was also a device that paired with that that allowed to run roms over a network and even play games over a network multiplayer but i didn't not get that part. its called the Extended NES I/O (ENIO)
so this device is similar but of course the enio has no bluetooth controller connections. i wonder if they will add in application for it to act like the enio CPU board which allowed for ethernet connectivity. seriously look this up it might blow your mind
enio exp was like 12 bucks by itself, because of that i have a hard time finding a 60 dollar price point as a value, but the enio IS NOT IN PRODUCTION, its a defunct product that this new device can learn from.
Although, I guess it depends on what version of the ESP32 is being utilized, but maybe there is a way to do online play...to an extent. Interesting either way. It is so fascinating what the retro gaming community is coming up with and some of these sound incredibly cool. I mean, I am getting a Flippy Drive for my GameCube and can't wait to try it out.
Makes the NSO NES controllers even more useful.. Especially with the official joycon charging stand (which I am convinced they released because those controllers exist!)
Under the feature review, you mentioned how 2 controllers could be used at the same time. I realized how that could actually be utilized functionally, as it would save people on team play for single player games or 2-on-2 tournaments or tag team by letting players use their own personalized controllers at a friend's without having to share and wear down the functionality faster of any individual controller. I do understand the drawbacks of having the setup at the same time, but it opens up just as much with how it is now. Thought I'd throw in my 2 cents.
I had never realized the EPSM was even a thing. Would love to have something like that, but the NESessity 1.4 (which I use) has a DB15 connector in place of the OEM expansion port. To my understanding the functionality is the same, but like you said early in your video, the specific connector for the OEM expansion port doesn't technically exist (which probably explains why Low Budget went with a DB15 connector for the NESessity). So it would seem I'm still out of luck with having an EPSM on my "modernized" NES.
HAA HAA! I had this page open in my browser for weeks and I see this video and I'm like "BETTER ORDER THIS RIGHT NOW!!!" before the Tito army buys them up! Awesome video Tito!
It would be cool to be able to link up multiple NES consoles up like you could with Xbox for multiplayer. Maybe even hook the consoles up to a server to play games that would never be able to run on the original hardware alone.
I soldered some wires to the controller port connectors on my NES to run to plugs I added in the gap next to the expansion port so I could run controller extensions out the back of the cabinet I have it in. It would be cool to use this hub with an NES controller expansion so I don't need to do it the way I did, which isn't nearly as clean as this is.
Controller overlap is actually possible with the Famicom expansion port since controllers that plug into that port mimmick controller 1 and while for the most part its not very useful there are a select few games that technically make the feature handy such as Namco's Star Wars game where pressing up and down at the same time is required to access the level select.
This is cool but in before someone uses it like gdemu like functionality. Also overlapping controllers would be a good thing for those speed runs like 2 players “1” controller situations, so they don’t have to basically sit on each other’s laps while doing it, well, you know, unless they wanted to. Also another cool thing to add would be the ability to add stereo if not true stereo(don’t think that’s possible but yeah).
This mod... feels to me as a last breath for dead hardware. Surely someone could (if they already haven't) create a cover for the con, but the cons in this video don't cover the cost over what emulation has been able to do. Dump your own roms, emulate them on something as powerful as your smart watch and save your $$$. Tito, great vid as well. Your soldering skills are the few on the Tube that I commend. Great technique.
Would it be in the realm of possibility that they support RGB via a SNES multi out adapter through one of these mini display ports? I'd love to see that as a feature and would entice me, as well as others I'm sure, to purchase this today!
The expansion port doesn't have any video pins. There may actually be a way around that, but it would require a second device between the cartridge and the CPU (something like Krikkz's RGB Blaster) routing the video signals into the general-purpose pins.
for mine setup, would love a firmware update to allow a mod for wireless controllers to connect at player 3 & 4, while player 1 & 2 are front port hardwired
For the expansion port, honestly the only things I would want are the Famicom disk extra audio channel, and HDMI out. Are those possible, so I don't have to mod the original console itself?
That would be complicated, but I think I almost see a way it could work. Krikkz (or Everdrive fame) made the RGB Blaster, a plug-in module for the Famicom that plugs into the cartridge port and provides a Genesis-style multi-out plug for RGB. The problem is that the frontloader doesn't really allow for any space to put the plug. But as I was thinking about your post, I think I see a way to do it using two units: a Game Genie-style piggyback for the cartridge slot and a dongle for the expansion port (and/or NESHub). The piggyback would work similarly to the RGB Blaster, except that instead of writing the signals to a jack, it routes them to the expansion port pins. Then the dongle could pick up the signals from those pins and send them out to a plug. It's a complex setup, but in theory it ought to work. An NES cartridge can work with 10 pins, and you need one of those for an expansion audio, but the dongle could use the other nine. Next question: can these pins actually handle carrying an analog video signal?
So we started with 1 unused port and ended with 2? 😮 Jk 😂 Great accessory, was just hoping it could provide hdmi out out of the box, seems like the needed lines are *not exposed via the expansion port
Hi do you test it with the Hi-DEF Nes kit I know the expention autio is working on mu hI-def kit but the Blutooth option is a game changer for me. Thanks foy all you done for the retro gaming community
OMG you actually replied! I love everything you do, I’m actually only 13 but you inspired me to start modding game boys and other systems. You are awesome!
There are consumer level filaments now that are strong enough to pull vehicles short distances with a simple hand sized ring print. It’s more than possible to 3d print something sturdy enough for most uses.
The port was used in America in a small trial run of a system that let you pick lottery numbers online. It was only in a small test market.
right, the only console with an expansion port that wasn't used is the WiiU gamepad
If I remember correctly it was for minnesota
If i recall it was supposed to be a modem right? Playing multiplayer NES games online would be so cool tbh
@@oussama7132 the one on the Playstation Vita was also never used
@@ZogTheStartrucker Gauntlet 2 would've been perfect for it
"Hello, lawyers? Yes, they're doing it again. Modders this time. Yes, the NES. No, not since 1995. Yes, every penny they have. Thanks!"
Timo not to be confused with Temu
🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣👍
L🤭L
👍
Temuco
Which brings us to today's sponsor...
This is awesome!! I can see this becoming a valuable asset for the current CTWC (Classic Tetris World Championships)
- Enabling plays to use any controller on original NES hardware.
- Team Play 2 on 2
On the potential this device, maybe there's a way to give Microphone support for those games that utilized it on the Famicom side. Or for Homewbrew.
I’d love to see a way to video out through one of the NES Hub’s addon DP ports, instead of having to futz around with an HDMI mod or buy an expensive upscaler like a Retrotink or an OSSC.
That would be kind of difficult. For a game like The Legend of Zelda which used the microphone, you'd need to somehow connect a Famicom Disk System which isn't possible on the NES, and you'd also need to design a controller with a microphone to use it.
Still waiting for the day somebody makes an American Famicom Disk System to use for that expansion port
Muramasa is I think
yes! rather niche, but it be cool. think of the possibilities. imagine a dual disk expansion, could allow the NES to turn into a proper microcomputer, maybe? or add save to disk support for games.
That's not how the FDS works though.... You put a RAM cartridge in the console and then _that_ is connected to the drive. You can already _do_ that. The NES expansion port doesn't connect to anything the FDS needs access to. 🤷♂️
The NES expansion port is little more than a collection of discarded I/O and buses the Famicom had, it's almost like NOA said "Well, we'd better stick them _somewhere_ in case we need them after all!" Unlike the EXT ports on the Super Famicom and N64, which were designed from the ground up with cartridge/data bus access in mind.
And yes, Muramasa has an FDS interface for the NES... But it's just an NES cartridge version of the Famicom RAM adapter. I kinda want one, but I already have an AV Famicom, so w/e.
@@captaineldeezee1336Famicom, Disk System, Family Basic Keyboard, and the Famicom Data Recorder tape deck. It'd be like having a C64 with arguably better games. 😏👌
I haven't tried it but have read that you can use a Famicom->NES cartridge adapter to the connect the FDS RAM adapter to a American top loader or a side loader if the top cover is removed.
I'm sorry, did you say mini-displayport? Not USB? Now, if the video output could be routed out of a mini-DP on the expansion port, that's more than worth the price to me, since I'd been wanting a good way to connect an NES to a modern TV.
That would be amazing but is the expansion port capable of handling outbound video?
@@ClayMcDonaldNot by itself, because there are no pins dedicated to the purpose. But in theory it might be possible to route video signals to the port's "general" pins using a scheme similar to Krikkz's RGB Blaster. This would require two devices, one plugging into the game (to route the video signal into the pins) and one plugging into the expansion port (to pick up those signals and route them out to a port). But in theory it might work.
regarding the famicom disk system adapter, I have already made one, it works perfectly
I think an honest CON would be the fact you would have to permanently modify your NES case. It's minor, there are ways around it (use a sacrificial shell, etc), but it is a forever change to something that isn't made any more.
You mean removing the breakaway port cover? I don't think anybody would really mind that so much seeing as how it was in fact made to be removed permanently, rather than the shell modifications that were never intended in order to fit new components internally.
That's some midi magic.
i got a thing from 10 years ago that you plug in the ext port for japanese sound channel and it allows to use japanese 15 pin peripherals too. there was also a device that paired with that that allowed to run roms over a network and even play games over a network multiplayer but i didn't not get that part. its called the Extended NES I/O (ENIO)
so this device is similar but of course the enio has no bluetooth controller connections. i wonder if they will add in application for it to act like the enio CPU board which allowed for ethernet connectivity. seriously look this up it might blow your mind
enio exp was like 12 bucks by itself, because of that i have a hard time finding a 60 dollar price point as a value, but the enio IS NOT IN PRODUCTION, its a defunct product that this new device can learn from.
To fix the controller overlap, add a software option to assign wireless controllers to port 2, 3, or 4.
Akumajou Densetsu without the expansion audio makes me weep (CV III JP) I love the expansion audio
This is doable by adding a resistor to a section where the expansion slot is. No real cost necessary if you're handy with a soldering iron!
Now I want more expansion port accessories for the SNES.
About time to see the expansion port have a moment to shine!
Although, I guess it depends on what version of the ESP32 is being utilized, but maybe there is a way to do online play...to an extent. Interesting either way. It is so fascinating what the retro gaming community is coming up with and some of these sound incredibly cool. I mean, I am getting a Flippy Drive for my GameCube and can't wait to try it out.
Makes the NSO NES controllers even more useful.. Especially with the official joycon charging stand (which I am convinced they released because those controllers exist!)
At 9:12 wouldn't moving the wired controller to port 2 make you able to use wireless and wired simultaneously?
8:24 now I can play nes shooters with mouse and keyboard
two things missing from this device. 1. wifi to emulate or simulate 56k modem and 2. the Famicom Disk Drive I would love to see this happen. 8-)
Under the feature review, you mentioned how 2 controllers could be used at the same time. I realized how that could actually be utilized functionally, as it would save people on team play for single player games or 2-on-2 tournaments or tag team by letting players use their own personalized controllers at a friend's without having to share and wear down the functionality faster of any individual controller.
I do understand the drawbacks of having the setup at the same time, but it opens up just as much with how it is now. Thought I'd throw in my 2 cents.
Those initial shots of the console are breathtaking.
Thank you 🙏
I had never realized the EPSM was even a thing. Would love to have something like that, but the NESessity 1.4 (which I use) has a DB15 connector in place of the OEM expansion port. To my understanding the functionality is the same, but like you said early in your video, the specific connector for the OEM expansion port doesn't technically exist (which probably explains why Low Budget went with a DB15 connector for the NESessity). So it would seem I'm still out of luck with having an EPSM on my "modernized" NES.
HAA HAA! I had this page open in my browser for weeks and I see this video and I'm like "BETTER ORDER THIS RIGHT NOW!!!" before the Tito army buys them up! Awesome video Tito!
just need HDMI support, that is still in production.
It would be cool to be able to link up multiple NES consoles up like you could with Xbox for multiplayer. Maybe even hook the consoles up to a server to play games that would never be able to run on the original hardware alone.
Can we just appreciate for a moment that Macho Nacho says the letters N E S instead of "Nehsss" like some hipster?
Man I want one of those nintendrawers and the nes hub now 😂
I soldered some wires to the controller port connectors on my NES to run to plugs I added in the gap next to the expansion port so I could run controller extensions out the back of the cabinet I have it in. It would be cool to use this hub with an NES controller expansion so I don't need to do it the way I did, which isn't nearly as clean as this is.
The Macho Nacho Duck has returned, flexing like Sega!
Im not gonna lie, thats looks pretty sweet looking. Very simple yet very useful too. Awesome
Several Homebrew games support expansion audio! Former Dawn (just funded on Kickstarter) is one of the most recent.
Flashbacks to the NES-ENIO project
Nintendo is doing the Arthur fist clinch right now.
Controller overlap is actually possible with the Famicom expansion port since controllers that plug into that port mimmick controller 1 and while for the most part its not very useful there are a select few games that technically make the feature handy such as Namco's Star Wars game where pressing up and down at the same time is required to access the level select.
the way he casually says, "the hub" throughout the video was entertaining
wireless overlap might be handy playing with your little kids
This is cool but in before someone uses it like gdemu like functionality.
Also overlapping controllers would be a good thing for those speed runs like 2 players “1” controller situations, so they don’t have to basically sit on each other’s laps while doing it, well, you know, unless they wanted to.
Also another cool thing to add would be the ability to add stereo if not true stereo(don’t think that’s possible but yeah).
Excellent timing!! Your vids are always fantastic and the production quality is top notch.
The one con I can think of is a lack of support for the top-loader NES.
This is true, competent forgot to mention this
The top loader never had an expansion port right?
For the famicom disk system adapter, I have already made one, it works perfectly
Ahhh, VRC6. How i've missed you.
This mod... feels to me as a last breath for dead hardware. Surely someone could (if they already haven't) create a cover for the con, but the cons in this video don't cover the cost over what emulation has been able to do. Dump your own roms, emulate them on something as powerful as your smart watch and save your $$$. Tito, great vid as well. Your soldering skills are the few on the Tube that I commend. Great technique.
This cured the origin of my OCD.
You can trim mod the OG cover to fit with a little patience.
I was hoping it had HDMI.
THAT is a slick ass HUB!
9:25 Don't some NES games have speedrun tricks that are TAS only where you hold Left + Right at the same time...
Yes.
But they have certain categories for opposable directional input to be allowed.
Most games do not allow that.
In Super Metroid, holding towards and tapping away from a wall will allow you to underwater wall jump without gravity suit or high jump boots!
that intro music has a really good melody
Tetris twin turbo hypertapping/rolling.
Aw man I thought you were gonna say Timo Meier
That shell is beautiful.
Now the question is, once it's in. How do you get it back out? Looks too fragile to pull on the one sticking out far right.
Wi-Fi is a huge flaw. Updating should be done in a better way like sd or usb. Tech should never be dependent on an online connection.
pre ordered,looks like a great little device shipping next month.looking forward to future software updates,especially the famicom disk system.
Would it be in the realm of possibility that they support RGB via a SNES multi out adapter through one of these mini display ports? I'd love to see that as a feature and would entice me, as well as others I'm sure, to purchase this today!
The expansion port doesn't have any video pins. There may actually be a way around that, but it would require a second device between the cartridge and the CPU (something like Krikkz's RGB Blaster) routing the video signals into the general-purpose pins.
for mine setup, would love a firmware update to allow a mod for wireless controllers to connect at player 3 & 4, while player 1 & 2 are front port hardwired
It would have been cool if they cut holes in the PC that would allow the original cover to go through
Had my headphones when listening to “Expansion Audio” 😮 wow
Have @Wonderful New Year's ! / / thanks
Nice. Vs adapter would be a dream. Sad that it's missing one pin from the chip :/
Sounds like something the average retro game does not need.
For the expansion port, honestly the only things I would want are the Famicom disk extra audio channel, and HDMI out. Are those possible, so I don't have to mod the original console itself?
maybe, we'll see and everdrive like for the NES HUB, it would be great!
now the wii u gamepad port is the only one left
Let’s hope someone makes a video out for the gamepad. Nintendo used it in their Wii u prototype
I would like mods for NES Video output like AVS
That would be complicated, but I think I almost see a way it could work. Krikkz (or Everdrive fame) made the RGB Blaster, a plug-in module for the Famicom that plugs into the cartridge port and provides a Genesis-style multi-out plug for RGB. The problem is that the frontloader doesn't really allow for any space to put the plug.
But as I was thinking about your post, I think I see a way to do it using two units: a Game Genie-style piggyback for the cartridge slot and a dongle for the expansion port (and/or NESHub). The piggyback would work similarly to the RGB Blaster, except that instead of writing the signals to a jack, it routes them to the expansion port pins. Then the dongle could pick up the signals from those pins and send them out to a plug. It's a complex setup, but in theory it ought to work. An NES cartridge can work with 10 pins, and you need one of those for an expansion audio, but the dongle could use the other nine.
Next question: can these pins actually handle carrying an analog video signal?
You didn’t mention if there was any controller lag
would love to see if any modder can find a use for the port on the bottom of the Wii U gamepad
For the overlap issue, what happens if you plug a wired controller into the player 2 port?
I live for these video drops...
how does one develop an extension port without testing it...with an actual extension
That's slick.
"accidental feature" bug/flaw xD
Just out of curiosity, does this mod also work on the top loading model of the NES?
Nintendo did used that port, just not outside Japan.
I never was that fast before
Your gf says otherwise
@syriangamer89 At least I have one
To get the expansion audio for cv3 does the north american version have the expansion audio or do you need a famicom cart?
So we started with 1 unused port and ended with 2? 😮
Jk 😂 Great accessory, was just hoping it could provide hdmi out out of the box, seems like the needed lines are *not exposed via the expansion port
So clean.
25 dollars for a wireless controller adapter and it doesn’t even have usb c😭
And the display port out?
2:29 THANK YOU FOR SAYING IT RIGHT!!
Finally!
NOW it's friday
The price is right 👍 I'd buy that for 60 dollars
Hi do you test it with the Hi-DEF Nes kit I know the expention autio is working on mu hI-def kit but the Blutooth option is a game changer for me.
Thanks foy all you done for the retro gaming community
The first one
Ordered :)
Are there any mods for the Playstation TV?
I second this
I love your content!!
Thank you!
OMG you actually replied! I love everything you do, I’m actually only 13 but you inspired me to start modding game boys and other systems. You are awesome!
You tellin me a League of Legends champion made this thing?
10:08 bây giờ tôi đã hiểu : tại sao âm thanh trên chiếc máy Famicom Disk System của mình lại khác biệt so với các máy Famicom / NES khác.
"timo" means scam in spanish 😅
This is cool
"sturdy" and 3d printed should never be a thing you say 😅
There are consumer level filaments now that are strong enough to pull vehicles short distances with a simple hand sized ring print. It’s more than possible to 3d print something sturdy enough for most uses.
Make more vids like these
I love how monumantal the ESP32 has become for console modding. Almost every mod that allows for Blutooth or a Web Interface use them
Game Over for the Dongle game. This nukes them all.
Sooo coool....