First look: Analogue has unveiled updated versions of its Super Nintendo and Sega Genesis-compatible consoles, adding wireless controller support and USB-C power to its cartridge-based hardware. Super Nt Plus and Mega Sg Plus also allow players to turn on the consoles using a gamepad and swap cartridges without shutting them down. The changes focus on improving usability rather than overhauling the technology the games run on.
Both consoles are priced at $219.99 and are available for pre-order this weekend. Shipping is expected to begin in December.
The biggest connectivity upgrade is support for Bluetooth and low-latency 2.4GHz wireless connections on both consoles. Players can connect wireless gamepads without connecting a receiver to a controller port.
Analogue describes the 2.4 GHz connection as low latency, but does not provide any measurements or comparisons with Bluetooth in the announcement. It also doesn’t specify which controllers or accessories each wireless connection supports.
Analogue still supports wired controllers, making wireless connectivity optional. Players can also turn on both consoles remotely using their primary gamepad.
USB-C replaces the current power port and allows owners to use the same type of cable they use for phones and other mobile devices. Both consoles also have a USB-A port for peripherals. Analogue describes these changes as part of a “revamped industrial design.”
The Super Nt Plus plays Super Nintendo cartridges, while the Mega Sg Plus supports Sega Genesis cartridges. Like their predecessors, both use FPGA (Field Programmable Gate Array) technology to replicate the functionality of the original consoles. Analogue maintains this hardware-based approach rather than switching to software emulation, with upgrades focusing on connectivity and control.
Both Plus models retain 1080p video output, unlike the Analogue 3D which supports 4K output for Nintendo 64 games.
According to Analogue, players will be able to swap cartridges without shutting down either console, provided they first exit the current game via the system menu.
This distinction is important: Analogue describes replacing cartridges after finishing a game, not removing a cartridge while the game is running. Players can leave the console on, but will still need to exit the current game before changing cartridges.
With these revisions, Analogue maintains its cartridge-based technology while updating the way players interact with its consoles. The latest version focuses on convenience, not higher resolution, as it targets the retro gaming market.
