Designer Gustavo Bonzanini just created the ultimate crossover between sneaker culture and retro gaming nostalgia: a pair of custom Nike Air Max 90s that literally double as a functional Super Nintendo.
To celebrate the 35th anniversary of the Super Nintendo’s launch in Japan (where it debuted as the Super Famicom), Bonzanini designed the AIR SNES, a fully wearable homage that blends ‘90s aesthetics, modded hardware, and pure fan obsession.
It’s a Sneaker… and a Console.
Instead of trying to cram the original console’s chunky electronics into the shoe, Bonzanini used a compact Raspberry Pi Zero W running a custom SNES-themed RetroPie build. It has more than enough power to run classic 16-bit titles, from Super Mario World to F-Zero, all inside a sneaker.
And here’s the wild part: All of the electronics, including a battery that delivers around 30 minutes of gameplay, are housed inside the tongue of the shoe. No hidden soles, no bulky midsole hacks.
Retro Details Everywhere
The Raspberry Pi’s Mini HDMI port is upgraded with a tiny analog converter so the AIR SNES connects to a TV using classic RCA cables, making the whole design feel like something that could have launched in 1990.
Even the controller gets a nostalgic upgrade. Bonzanini modded an original SNES gamepad with an 8BitDo Mod Kit, giving it Bluetooth support so it pairs wirelessly with the sneaker, no cable required.
Given today’s obsession with nostalgic tech and limited-edition sneakers, Bonzanini could probably sell out drop after drop. But unfortunately, these AIR SNES kicks are a one-off creation with no plans for commercialization.
Still, they’re a perfect reminder of how far creators will go when sneaker culture, modding culture, and ‘90s gaming collide. And honestly? Nintendo and Nike should call him.
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