A modder by the name of Timo (Retro Time) has created a mod that utilizes the expansion port on the the bottom of the North American NES. Nintendo never commercially released an accessory that used this port (with the only know use being for the Minnesota Lottery), so it remained unused for nearly 40 years.
The mod that Timo created is called the NES HUB. It’s a plug n’ play kit that simply inserts into the expansion port. One of the most interesting things about the kit is the custom connector that Timo used. Since Nintendo developed a completely property port, there was no commercially available connector that Timo could use. So Timo designed and manufactured one from the ground up. This connector is indistinguishable from an OEM Nintendo part. The connector is injection molded with integrated pins. That, in and of itself makes this such an incredible product!
The connector part for the NES Expansion Port is now final, which makes this the first time since the active lifetime of the console, that a off the shelf part is available.
In the past, there have been a handful of great projects for the NES Expansion Port, (1/3) pic.twitter.com/uNF35kWsuL— RetroTime (@Time2Retro) September 6, 2024
Now, the NES HUB is primarily a Blue Retro device for the NES, allowing up to four wireless controllers to be connected to the console simultaneously. Timo also developed an accessory the plugs into one of the three available mini display ports that allows for the use of wired and wireless SNES controllers. The HUB has these three connectors (mini display ports) that allow for new capabilities/accessories to be added in the future.
The last feature that the NES HUB currently has is Expansion Audio. This is, again, a feature that never made it to North America. The NES HUB activates this feature enabling it for games that support it such as Castlevania 3 for the FAMICOM.
What makes the NES HUB such a compelling mod are potential future capabilities. For example, Timo is working with Muramasa to integrate compatibly with the FAMICOM Disk System or a device like the FDS Key. Nintendo never brought the FDS to North America so it would be amazing to finally be able to hook one up to the NES!
If you want to pick up a NES HUB for yourself, you can pre-order one here. Shipping is expected to start in December:
