To celebrate the 35th anniversary of the Super Nintendo, designer Gustavo Bonzanini created the AIR SNES, a pair of custom Nike Air Max 90s that don’t just feature a design inspired by the legendary console: they actually work as a real game system. A bold artistic project blending sneaker culture and retrogaming.

As reported by Engadget, the idea came to Bonzanini after noticing the many collaborations between sneaker brands and video game franchises. “I always wondered: wouldn’t it be cool if these shoes that look like video games actually worked as consoles?” the designer explained in a statement.

A Raspberry Pi hidden in the shoe’s tongue

Since it was impossible to fit the bulky components of an original SNES inside a wearable shoe, Bonzanini opted for emulation. He used a Raspberry Pi Zero W placed inside the sneaker’s tongue for easy access. A small rechargeable battery powers the system, offering up to 30 minutes of gameplay before needing a recharge.

Even though the Raspberry Pi includes a built-in Mini HDMI port, Bonzanini added an analog converter to connect the AIR SNES to a television using classic RCA cables. A deliberate choice to recreate an authentically retro experience.

Design and gameplay experience

The colors come directly from the Super Nintendo’s palette. The soft grey suede upper evokes the console’s matte shell, while the purple tone appears on various parts of the sneakers.

To play, you simply connect an SNES controller. Bonzanini modified his with an 8BitDo Bluetooth kit, preserving the original feel while adding the convenience of modern wireless connectivity. Despite the embedded electronics, the AIR SNES weighs only a few grams more than a standard pair of Air Max 90s. The shoe’s air-cushioning system remains intact, ensuring comfort for extended wear.

A unique piece of art

Bonzanini explicitly presents his project as a work of art rather than a commercial product. “This artistic project was my way to celebrate both worlds and push the boundaries of what sneaker culture and technology can become when they merge,” he said.

Unfortunately for collectors, the AIR SNES is a one-of-a-kind creation with no commercial plans. Bonzanini crafted the sneakers in his workshop in Brazil, and they will remain a unique piece celebrating two inseparable icons of the ’90s: the Super Nintendo and the Nike Air Max 90, both released in 1990.

At a time when retrogaming is thriving and sneaker culture has never been more popular, the AIR SNES stands as a creative expression of this dual passion—a reminder that innovation can emerge in the most unexpected places when it comes to retrogaming.