They Did What to the NES?

Modifications to older hardware can bring that old hardware up to date, or at least make it more enjoyable in numerous ways. Often that means video and audio improvements. The Nintendo Entertainment System is no different. In a previous article, I included the Atari 2600 which received a video out upgrade by a fan. In the comments of that article, @steemfluencer asked about Nintendo NES mods. That is why I am doing this article now, due to request. Yes, I pay attention to the comments and if you want to see something, that is the best way to get it made (I am sure by not only me but others here on Steemit also). So, without boring you with more text, let’s get on with the Top 5 Nintendo NES Hardware Modifications Every Fan Needs.

First the wild and weird

The Triforce Chest Mod was apparently sold on Ebay for over 1,000 euros and uses “electromagnetic levitation technology” and “near-field wireless transmission of electricity” to create the floating effect. Okay, this is kind of freaking cool. Check it out in the video below, the Triforce is literally floating as it spins. Let’s see someone top this with a Genesis that has a Sonic ring spinning as it floats. Go ahead, I will wait.

S-Video Mod

First up is an S-Video modification for the 8-Bit Nintendo console. As you can see in the comparison video the difference between normal NES hardware and the S-Video modded hardware is quite striking. Youtube content creator TheDrakon used Contra by Konami to show off the differences. Man, this was an excellent choice. The browns and greens pop a lot more via S-Video than they ever did on the original hardware.

Retro Games and Hadware.com
http://retrogamesandhardware.com/nes-s-video-mod/) have a step by step guide to getting an S-Video mod on your NES.

There are also mods to the original hardware that give an RGB and HDMI signal, though they both require additional “kits” to be purchased. You can find them at RetroRGB.com

Playing More Games*
It is no secret that the Nintendo Entertainment System came with a lock out chip installed. Nintendo had many reasons for doing this. They claim one reason was to protect consumers from games that would hurt their Nintendo NES (actually this was PR code for companies have to pay to play on the NES). Nintendo did have verifiable concerns about unlicensed games on the NES as this is part of the reason video games almost died in the mid 1980’s with the video game crash.

If you are still rocking your NES, and it has the lock out chip still working today, then check out this written guide by Internet user Mark Knibbs.Raphnet.net has pics of how to do it, and a TON of other interesting mods available for those interested in getting stereo sound out, a remote reset button, using SNES controllers on the NES and more.

Now the fun stuff
You may be thinking; those mods are nice but I want to get A LOT more out of the NES than just playing the games with slightly better audio and video. Well, have you checked out the PC in a NES console yet? Many have heard about this little treasure but finding a guide on creating their own has been elusive. Well, over on the Retrocollect.com forums, there is a guide (including what parts were used) just waiting for you.

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5 Times Gamers Bought a Prototype Game
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Mod that Console
Sega Saturn – What the Hell Happened?
They Did What to the NES?
What I miss Most About Being a Gamer

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War for the Planet of the Apes Videos

Sports
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