NES-inspired synthesizer doubles as a working game console — luggable polyphonic synth plays chip tunes and NES cartridges, too

A maker with a love for synthesizers and retro gaming has showcased their latest project, the NES-SY2.0. This bewitching new device is not just an homage to Nintendo’s legendary mid-1980s vintage console but also chip tune synthesizer music and the archaic luggable computer form factor.

NES-SY2.0 Nintendo homage synth - YouTube Watch On

Above you can see the creator of the NES-SY2.0, Love Hultén, a self described provider of “tech, noise and craftporn from Sweden,” playing a selection of compositions on the device. A couple of short melodies later, Hultén flips NES-SY2.0 modes, plugs in a gamepad, and enjoys a session of Mega Man 2 on the built-in visualizer screen.

Fans of the video are full of questions about the design, such as how the NES electronics are integrated with the synthesizer side of the device. Also, we see maker Love Hultén change cartridges during the brief three-and-a-half-minute demo of the device. Some wonder if that changes the synthesizer tones or features. But there are some clues to the making of the NES-SY2.0 in the brief video description.

Article continues below

“This is NES-SY2.0 - incl NES Poly, Keystep, FS22 delay/rev, and a custom made MIDI visualizer created by @p1xelfool, and yes, the system supports cartridges!!” notes Hultén.

The first of those key components is the NES Poly. It is as foundational as it sounds, delivering a MIDI-controlled, 4-voice polyphonic synth that emulates the sound of the NES console. It also features two-oscillators per voice, real-time waveform switching capability for NES pulse “pluck” effects, vibrato pre-delay, attack, and 4 vibrato low frequency oscillator waveforms, and 16 sound parameters that can be edited with MIDI CC messages.

Then the ‘keystep’ refers to the compact MIDI controller from Arturia, which will have been the donor for the keys you see being played, and several more bits and pieces.

We reckon the “FS22 delay/rev” is a reference to the tri-mode effects stomp box produced by Flamma. This will add a luscious feeling of space to the sounds coming from the NES-SY2.0 and can even be tuned for delays affected simultaneously by shimmering reverbs.

Stay On the Cutting Edge: Get the Tom's Hardware Newsletter Get Tom's Hardware's best news and in-depth reviews, straight to your inbox. Contact me with news and offers from other Future brands Receive email from us on behalf of our trusted partners or sponsors

... continue reading