Designer Builds Fully Playable SNES Inside Custom Nike Air Max Sneakers

Designer Builds Fully Playable SNES Inside Custom Nike Air Max Sneakers

To celebrate 35 years of the Super Nintendo, designer Gustavo Bonzanini has created one of the most impressive blends of nostalgia and fashion: the AIR SNES, a custom-built Nike Air Max 90 sneaker that also functions as a working retro gaming console. The project pays homage to ‘90s gaming and sneaker culture by transforming a classic pair of sneakers into a fully playable Super Nintendo.

Instead of trying to squeeze the original Super Famicom hardware into a shoe — which would have been nearly impossible given the size of the console and its cartridges — Bonzanini chose to build the system using a Raspberry Pi Zero W. The tiny computer runs RetroPie, a popular emulator that he customized to match the sneaker’s retro design. This approach keeps the shoe wearable while still delivering the full SNES gaming experience.

Interestingly, the electronics are not hidden in the sole. Instead, Bonzanini cleverly placed all components, including the battery, inside the sneaker’s tongue. The built-in battery can power up to 30 minutes of gameplay, making the AIR SNES more than just a wearable prop — it’s a functional console you can actually use.

Although the Raspberry Pi includes a Mini HDMI port, the designer added an analog converter so the sneaker connects to a TV using classic RCA cables. This choice was intentional, keeping the experience as authentic to the 1990s as possible.

Even the controller gets a modern twist. The AIR SNES works with an original Super Nintendo gamepad, but Bonzanini modified it using an 8BitDo Mod Kit. This lets the controller connect wirelessly via Bluetooth, reducing cable clutter and making the setup surprisingly convenient.

While the AIR SNES is attracting huge attention among retro gaming fans and sneaker enthusiasts, it’s strictly a one-off creation. Bonzanini has no plans to mass-produce the design meaning this rare fusion of fashion and nostalgia may remain a unique collector’s dream.

TechCity