The Super Nintendo Entertainment System (SNES) marked its 35th anniversary this year, and the milestone has sparked a range of tributes from the gaming community. Among them, one project stands out for its unusual approach to celebrating the classic console. Singapore-based designer Gustavo Bonzanini has created a custom device that brings together sneaker culture and retro gaming in a single piece. His creation, named AIR SNES, takes the form of a pair of sneakers that house a complete, fully working SNES console.
Bonzzanini designed the sneakers to resemble the familiar shape and style of Nike Air Max 90s. However, rather than serving as a cosmetic crossover, the shoes contain functional hardware that can run actual SNES games. The designer shared that he had been inspired by collaborations that blend fashion with gaming themes, but he wanted to explore how far the concept could go. Instead of making shoes that simply look like a console, he asked whether they could operate as one. This idea became the basis of the AIR SNES project.
Inside the tongue of the shoe sits a Raspberry Pi Zero W, which handles the system’s processing and game emulation. The compact board runs RetroPie, a popular emulator platform that allows users to play classic titles. The sneakers include a built-in battery that provides roughly 30 minutes of gameplay on a single charge, making the setup portable and functional without external power. For display output, Bonzzanini integrated an HDMI port into the sneaker’s structure, allowing the console to connect to modern screens.
In addition to HDMI, the AIR SNES also features an RCA analog converter. This addition caters to retro gaming fans who prefer classic CRT televisions. With both output options, users can experience SNES games in either modern or original viewing formats. Reports note that the console supports official SNES controllers as well as 8BitDo wireless kits, giving users the option of traditional wired controls or Bluetooth connectivity through the Raspberry Pi.
Bonzzanini described the project as a tribute to two communities he appreciates—gaming and sneaker design. He aimed to explore the boundaries of how these worlds could merge in a functional and creative way. While the AIR SNES has gained attention for its inventive approach, the designer clarified that it was developed as a special concept piece for the SNES anniversary. There are no plans to produce it commercially, and it will remain a one-off creation.
The AIR SNES highlights the ongoing influence of retro gaming on modern design. By combining a classic console with an unexpected form factor, the project shows how iconic hardware continues to inspire new ideas decades after its original release.
Source: Engadget, Gustavo Bonzanini
