Designer Transforms Nike Sneakers Into a Fully Playable Super Nintendo Console, Internet Amazed

To celebrate the SNES 35th anniversary , Singaporean designer Gustavo Bonzanini has created something truly unforgettable. He built a fully playable retro gaming console inside a pair of Nike Air Max 90 sneakers. These custom Nike Air Max SNES sneakers use the console’s iconic gray and purple colors and function exactly like a Super Nintendo . By fitting a Raspberry Pi Zero W running the RetroPie emulator into the tongue of the shoe, Bonzanini delivered a surprising fusion of sneaker culture and retro gaming. The setup even includes video outputs for TV play, making this one of the most creative gaming sneaker mods ever made.

This unique project arrives at a perfect moment for fans celebrating the SNES 35th anniversary, especially since the Super Nintendo remains one of the most beloved classic Nintendo games consoles. Originally launched in Japan in 1990 and North America in 1991, the SNES marked a major leap in gaming technology. Its 16-bit architecture brought richer graphics, better sound, and more detailed gameplay than the NES. With legendary titles like Super Mario World, The Legend of Zelda A Link to the Past, and Super Mario Kart, the SNES shaped gaming for an entire generation.

One of the biggest challenges for Bonzanini during the gaming sneaker mod process was figuring out how to fit SNES hardware and cartridges into an actual shoe. Since using original cartridges was impossible, he turned to emulation. The compact Raspberry Pi Zero W offered the perfect combination of size and power. Paired with the RetroPie emulator, it made it possible to run dozens of classic Nintendo games inside the sneaker. This clever solution helped him maintain the aesthetic of the SNES while still honoring its technological legacy during its SNES 35th anniversary celebration.

The idea behind the AIR SNES project came from Bonzanini’s observation of modern collaborations between sneaker brands and video game franchises. He said, “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?” His vision turns that curiosity into a real, functional object that merges retro gaming with fashion, reinforcing the creative spirit behind this gaming sneaker mod.

To make the Nike Air Max SNES sneakers playable on television, Bonzanini installed a small analog converter inside the sneaker’s tongue. This converter connects the Raspberry Pi Zero W’s mini-HDMI port to RCA cables, allowing the shoe-console to plug directly into older TVs. The choice of RCA output not only improves compatibility but also enhances the nostalgic feel of the retro gaming console, making it perfect for the SNES 35th anniversary theme.

While the AIR SNES can work with original SNES controllers, Bonzanini went a step further by modifying a controller for wireless play. Using an 8BitDo kit, he added Bluetooth connectivity to the gamepad. This allows players to enjoy classic Nintendo games comfortably while staying true to the retro-meets-modern concept of the gaming sneaker mod. Wireless play brings convenience without compromising the nostalgic experience.

The AIR SNES is a one-off creation built exclusively to honour the SNES 35th anniversary, and there are no plans for mass production. This makes the Nike Air Max SNES sneakers a rare collector’s item and a showcase of inventive design. The project highlights how modern technology, like the Raspberry Pi Zero W and RetroPie emulator, can transform everyday items into surprising retro gaming consoles.

The Super Nintendo Entertainment System remains one of the most influential consoles in history. With its 16-bit power and memorable game library, the SNES shaped video game design in ways that continue to inspire developers today. Its celebrated games, including Super Mario World and The Legend of Zelda A Link to the Past, still stand as legendary entries in the world of classic Nintendo games, making the SNES 35th anniversary an ideal moment for such a tribute.

By combining the SNES’s nostalgic appeal with the cultural relevance of iconic sneakers, Bonzanini has created a piece that captures the spirit of the '90s. The RCA output, the retro-inspired color palette, and the compact use of the Raspberry Pi Zero W all contribute to a perfect blend of old and new. Even with a modest battery life of 30 minutes, the shoe remains a fully functioning retro gaming console, ideal for short nostalgic sessions.

With the modified wireless controller and clever hardware integration, the AIR SNES merges fashion, nostalgia and innovation into one unforgettable gaming sneaker mod. It celebrates the timeless love for the SNES while showcasing the creative possibilities of combining technology with everyday objects.