Andrew Fiore

NES Internal BlueRetro Kit Announced

The developers at ENDURR Technologies have announced an internal BlueRetro mod that will allow for low-lag Bluetooth controller connectivity to the original NES. Preorders were announced to go live later this month on the APE Industries site.  

Developer Aaron Peckler (@Beardanidas) shared that the kit will be compatible with any region front-loader NES (model NES-001) and is no-cut, no-solder, and offers automatic wired controller detection. Kits aim to include all cables and components required for installation.  

Follow updates and preorder listings for this project at the links below.  

https://twitter.com/Beardanidas 

https://ape.industries/ 

This kit is the newest of a growing list of Bluetooth adapters for retro consoles using the BlueRetro interface developed by Jacques Gagnon (@darthcloud64). Common controllers tested for latency using the BlueRetro interface are shown below.  

  1. PS4/PS5: ~5.4 ms
  2. XB1: ~8.8 ms
  3. Switch Pro: ~12.4 ms
  4. PS3: ~12.8
  5. WiiU Pro: ~13.2 ms
  6. 8bitdo: ~16.2 ms
  7. Wiimote: ~16.3 ms

More information about the BlueRetro project and a list of supported consoles can be found on the project’s GitHub (link). For detailed development logs, including raw lag test data, check out darthcloud64’s Hackaday project (link).