Super Nt

Lore & Background

The Super Nt uses an Altera Cyclone V processor and outputs 1080p video via HDMI with 48 kHz 16-bit digital audio. Phil Fish, the designer of Fez, designed the system's user interface, and Squarepusher composed the audio for the startup sequence. The console includes pre-installed copies of Super Turrican - Director's Cut and the original Super Turrican 2. Super Turrican - Director's Cut contains additional content not available on the original Super NES version due to the limited capacity of the Mask ROM used at the time.

The console's design resembles that of the Super Famicom and the European and Korean Super NES control deck. It features an HDMI port, a micro USB port for power, an SD card port for firmware updates, a cartridge port compatible with Super NES and Super Famicom cartridges, and controller ports compatible with Super NES accessories, including original controllers. The console does not include a controller, requiring a separate purchase. Unlike previous Analogue products, the enclosure is manufactured from ABS plastic to streamline manufacturing and reduce costs. The console measures 6.6 x 5.2 inches.

The Super Nt was originally released in four variants: Black, Classic (modeled after the North American Super NES), SF (modeled after the Super Famicom and the European Super NES), and Transparent. A limited edition fifth variant in white, in collaboration with Ghostly International and limited to 1000 units, was released on December 3, 2018.

Reader's Guide

The Analogue Super Nt was released on February 7, 2018, to critical acclaim. Forbes called it 'the new benchmark for all retro consoles'. Tom's Guide and PCMag gave it an Editor's Choice Award. Wired Magazine gave it a 9/10 and a Wired Recommends Award. The system's significance lies in its FPGA-based approach to hardware emulation, offering compatibility with original cartridges while providing modern video and audio output. Its inclusion of pre-installed games, particularly the restored Super Turrican - Director's Cut, highlights the potential of FPGA platforms to deliver content that was previously impossible due to original hardware limitations. The console's design choices, such as the ABS plastic enclosure and the omission of a bundled controller, reflect a focus on cost reduction and compatibility with existing accessories. The limited white variant collaboration with Ghostly International further demonstrates the niche collector appeal of the product line.

Did You Know?

• Phil Fish, designer of Fez, designed the Super Nt's user interface.
• Squarepusher composed the audio for the system's startup.
• Super Turrican - Director's Cut includes content not available on the original Super NES version due to Mask ROM capacity limits.