If you’ve ever poked around underneath a few retro game consoles, you’ve likely discovered the hidden expansion ports, often left on the machines by manufacturers for post-release accessories. For instance, the PlayStation 2’s expansion bay allowed for hard drive functionality and the official network adapter, while modders have also used these secret ports to great success. While Nintendo consoles like the N64 and GameCube are outfitted with these accessory ports, you may be surprised to learn that the NES also has one, though it was never officially used by the company. Now, a flashy new mod called the NES Hub is using the expansion port to full effect, enhancing the retro experience in spades. Let’s take a look at this exciting new 8-bit invention and see exactly what additions it brings to the NES.
The NES Hub Grants Ultimate Control
Created by a German modder named Timo, better known by his online handle, RetroTime, the NES Hub is a multi-use mod that provides some key benefits. Much like the accessory port of the Japanese Famicom, the NES Hub mostly serves as a third-party controller interface, allowing you to use up to four unique controllers via Bluetooth wireless technology. So, instead of having clunky adapters sticking out of the front of your NES, this sleek mod sits on the underside of the system, keeping the original look in check. However, that’s not all the NES Hub can do, as it also unlocks Expansion Audio for the system, clearing up those iconic 8-bit sounds where supported.
I was particularly impressed by the NES Hub hardware, as it’s both incredibly well-designed and showcases some remarkable craftsmanship. On the top side of the mod, there’s a protruding connector that was entirely engineered by Timo, offering a perfect fit for the expansion port. Flipping the mod over, you’ll find the ESP32 SoC that does most of the heavy lifting, affording Bluetooth functionality. Expansion audio can be enabled via three DIP switches, leaving room for other NES mods that also use important pins on the accessory port. Finally, there are three additional ports that provide access to the port’s controller, CPU, and expansion signals, making it pain-free for future accessories.
How to Install the NES Hub
Luckily, unlike some of the more intense mods I’ve performed in the past, installing the NES Hub is a breeze. Although it does require cutting the shell of the console, you don’t have to be all that precise. There’s also no soldering or fancy wire skills needed to complete the mod, and you should have everything up and running within minutes. That said, I still recommend checking out my full NES Hub video on YouTube, which has step-by-step installation instructions and a more comprehensive look at the mod overall.
Installing the NES Hub is a relatively simple three-step process that requires very little technical know-how, making this a very beginner-friendly mod. First, flip over your NES console and remove the plastic cover to expose the expansion port, which is blocked off by an additional cover. Using some sharp cutters (tin snips should suffice), cut away the plastic cover and discard it. Next, simply take the NES Hub and insert the connector side into the port on the NES, which should be nice and snug. Finally, attach the antenna to the ESP32 and route the wire as you see fit, securing it as high up on the console as possible to ensure optimal Bluetooth reception.
The Features, Pros, and Cons of the NES Hub
As I mentioned before, the primary function of the NES Hub is to connect wireless controllers to your NES, and with the mod installed, doing so is a breeze. Once you boot up the system, pairing mode will be enabled, so all you have to do is pair up your desired controller and you should be good to go. By default, the mod allows for two controllers to be connected at once, but this can be upgraded to four controllers by accessing the BlueRetro menu portal on your PC. The NES Hub also unlocks that crisp Expansion Audio on select Famicom games, though the selection of supported titles is admittedly low.
Overall, the NES Hub is an effective mod that provides an essential function, making smart use of the expansion port for an easy install and stealthy fit. Apart from the fact that you are unable to use wired and wireless controllers at the same time without controller overlap, there are very few downsides to performing this mod. It’s reversible, easy to use, reasonably priced, and works with most other NES mods. If you’re new to the modding scene or just want to add wireless controller support to your NES without having to mess around with the internal system, the NES Hub is an excellent mod that I wholeheartedly recommend.
