Designer Gustavo Bonzanini reimagined the Nike Air Max 90 as something far more playful. Dubbed AIR SNES sneakers, his custom creation celebrates the Super Nintendo’s 35th anniversary not just with themed colors, but with an actual working emulator hidden inside.
AIR SNES sneakers include real SNES hardware
The magic sits in the tongue. Inside, there’s a Raspberry Pi Zero W running RetroPie. It doesn’t rely on HDMI either Bonzanini added an analog converter, so users can hook the sneakers up to a TV using old-school RCA cables. A small battery provides around 30 minutes of gameplay.
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The wireless controller setup keeps it nostalgic
Bonzanini didn’t redesign the controller. Instead, he modded a real SNES controller with an 8BitDo Bluetooth upgrade kit. That lets it sync with the Pi wirelessly. For those who prefer plug-and-play options, the 8BitDo SN30 Pro delivers the same performance without mods.
What’s inside the AIR SNES sneakers
Everything is packed into the tongue not the sole, so the shoes stay wearable and balanced. And yes, they still function as sneakers.
List of components:
- Raspberry Pi Zero W running RetroPie
- Analog RCA converter
- Rechargeable battery (30-minute life)
- Bluetooth-upgraded SNES controller
- SNES-inspired color palette
Why AIR SNES sneakers are staying one of a kind
This isn’t a prototype or a tease for a product launch. Bonzanini built them as a one-off tribute to the Super Famicom’s 1980s debut. While he chose the North American SNES colors rather than the Japanese originals, the end result still hits the nostalgia nerve. Don’t expect a restock, this pair lives in the space between concept and collector’s item.
