The Satellaview, a Japanese peripheral, was originally used to allow fans to play exclusive games on the Super Nintendo Entertainment System (SNES). Today, a group of dedicated Nintendo fans have successfully recreated this device.
Although many believe that the ability to download games and new content is a modern advancement, this has actually been possible since 1995. Nintendo developed a peripheral for the Super Famicom that enabled players to download games, magazines, and other media via a satellite service.
Currently, a group of committed modders and Nintendo enthusiasts have successfully replicated the Satellaview service. While the original was exclusively available to Japanese users, the introduction of Satellaview Plus allows anyone to connect to a server and relive some beloved retro games.
Satellaview offered a selection of exclusive games, including popular titles like Legend of Zelda, F-Zero, Fire Emblem, and Kirby from well-known franchises.
During the initial launch of the service, users were able to obtain the games by downloading them onto a designated cartridge. However, these downloads were only available at specific times, meaning that if one missed a broadcast, they would also miss out on the corresponding content.
When the Satellaview service was discontinued in 2000, it was believed that the broadcast games would be lost forever. However, thanks to the dedication of fans and modders, many of these forgotten games have been revived.
The Satellaview Plus service also offers the opportunity for fans to experience these games in the same way as Japanese players did during the 1990s. This includes specific ‘broadcast times’ when the server will be active.
The functionality of Satellaview Plus was demonstrated by YouTuber Video Game Esoterica, who provided a thorough explanation of its workings.
At present, Satellaview Plus is accessible for emulation users, and it is said that broadcasts will commence on August 1st. However, the current schedule does not show any listed broadcasts.
The project’s team intends to eventually have it running on authentic Super Famicom hardware.
An even more ambitious goal is the creation of an entire MiSTer FPGA core, which will require a substantial amount of additional effort to achieve.
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