To commemorate the thirty-fifth anniversary of the original launch of the Super Nintendo Entertainment System—known as the Super Famicom in its native Japan—designer Gustavo Bonzanini conceived an extraordinary tribute that masterfully bridges the gap between the nostalgic world of early 1990s video gaming and the distinctive trends of that decade’s fashion. His creation, the AIR SNES, transforms the familiar silhouette of the Nike Air Max 90 into a technically inventive and artistically expressive homage, merging elements of sneaker culture with digital retro aesthetics. Inspired by other gaming-themed footwear designs such as Bull Airs’ ShoeBoys, Bonzanini’s version pushes the idea further by crafting a functional hybrid: a stylish sneaker that simultaneously doubles as a fully operational vintage game console.
Recognizing the inherent physical impracticalities of embedding the entire Super Nintendo hardware—especially considering the console’s considerable bulk and the large plastic cartridges it required—Bonzanini avoided trying to miniaturize or compress its internal components to a scale that would fit comfortably inside a wearable shoe. Instead, he made the deliberate and pragmatic decision to emulate the console’s capabilities using modern technology. At the heart of the AIR SNES lies a compact yet powerful Raspberry Pi Zero W, a single-board microcomputer whose modest size belies its impressive computational capacity. Through this small device, Bonzanini was able to faithfully reproduce the genuine Super Nintendo experience, employing the RetroPie emulator, which he further customized to reflect the sneaker’s design language and evoke the spirit of the early ‘90s gaming era.
Contrary to what one might expect, the miniature computer and accompanying electronic components are not concealed within the sneaker’s sole. Rather, Bonzanini ingeniously integrated all electronic elements—including a rechargeable battery capable of powering up to thirty minutes of continuous gameplay—directly into the tongue of the shoe. This unusual design choice ensures that the footwear remains wearable while maintaining easy access to its interactive features. The Raspberry Pi Zero W, equipped with a built-in Mini HDMI port, was modified to preserve period authenticity; Bonzanini added a small analog signal converter, enabling the AIR SNES to connect to a television set using vintage RCA cables. This detail, intended to make the concept feel like an original product that might plausibly have existed in 1990, enhances both the nostalgic and visual authenticity of the piece.
Bonzanini’s attention to detail extends beyond the sneakers themselves. The AIR SNES remains compatible with original Super Nintendo controllers, ensuring that the tactile experience of gaming remains unchanged from the familiar feel of the 16-bit era. To enhance convenience and reduce the clutter of cables, he upgraded an authentic SNES gamepad using an 8BitDo Mod Kit, effectively converting it into a Bluetooth-enabled wireless controller capable of pairing seamlessly with the embedded Raspberry Pi. This elegant solution unites classic hardware design with modern wireless technology, creating a bridge between past and present that is both functional and symbolic.
Given the current cultural fascination with retro gaming and the steady rise of collectible sneaker artistry, it is almost certain that a product like the AIR SNES would find enormous commercial success among enthusiasts who appreciate nostalgic innovation. It represents the convergence of two passionate communities—those who treasure interactive digital history and those who regard sneakers as canvases for creative expression. Nevertheless, despite the project’s broad appeal and significant potential, Bonzanini’s AIR SNES remains a singular, handcrafted prototype. At present, there are no intentions to mass-produce or commercialize this concept, preserving its status as a rare and imaginative one-off creation that embodies the enduring bond between design, technology, and nostalgia.
Sourse: https://www.theverge.com/news/829880/gustavo-bonzanini-nike-air-max-90-sneaker-super-nintendo
