Have you ever played Donkey Kong Country and wished you could play it anywhere, even on your shoes? Well, designer Gustavo Bonzanini thought about that too. To celebrate the 35th anniversary of the Super Nintendo, he created the AIR SNES—a unique pair of Nike Air Max 90 sneakers that serve as a working SNES console.
Bonzanini got inspired by sneaker and video game collaborations. He wondered, “What if shoes could also be a gaming console?” In a recent interview, he shared his vision of merging sneaker culture with technology.
The AIR SNES uses a Raspberry Pi Zero W and a RetroPie emulator, snugly fitted inside the shoe’s tongue. You can enjoy about 30 minutes of gaming on the go, thanks to its built-in battery. Plus, it features an HDMI port and an analog converter for RCA connectors for those who love retro displays.
You can connect an original SNES controller or even use an 8BitDo Mod Kit through Bluetooth. This combination of fashion and function makes the AIR SNES a one-of-a-kind piece of art. However, it’s worth noting that this sneaker is a one-off creation, making it a rare collector’s item for retro gaming fans.
This project highlights a growing trend in the gaming and fashion industries. As we see more brands collaborating, it’s interesting to note that 34% of gamers reported they would buy apparel inspired by their favorite games, according to a recent survey by the Entertainment Software Association.
In a world where tech innovations are constantly on the rise, seeing a blend of style and nostalgia, like the AIR SNES, pushes the boundaries of what we think of as wearable tech.
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Gustavo Bonzanini, SNES, Donkey Kong Country, Nike Air Max, AIR SNES
