Yesterday, Nintendo’s Famicom, known internationally as the NES, celebrated its 31st birthday. While it may not have been the first video game console, the way Nintendo’s 8-bit system combined, for its time, high-end processing power, pleasing aesthetics, and user-friendliness elevated it to a level above both its predecessors and would-be rivals.
The Famicom was the sort of sweeping, segment-defining success that didn’t come along again until the iPhone took over the smartphone market. Now, you can combine those two iconic pieces of Nintendo and Apple hardware with a Famicom protective film for your iPhone.
Officially called the iRetro-FC, at first glance it may not scream Nintendo if you grew up with an NES, but the gold and crimson color scheme is clearly inspired by the Famicom’s iconic controller.
The film does more than give you old-school gaming cred, though. Made with 9H tempered glass, the covering will keep your screen from getting nicked and scratched as you swipe away at whatever game is holding you over while you patiently wait for Nintendo to finally start making smartphone games.
▼ Or as you frantically skip around YouTube videos of the Super Mario Bros. Super Show, searching in vain for redeeming qualities.
The design is filled with subtle nods to Nintendo’s golden age, such as a pixely Apple logo, a microphone marking that matches the one on the Famicom’s player 2 controller, and the heart monitor-like jagged line that graced early Famicom cartridges before publishers started slapping illustrations on them.
Manufacturer Spec Computer is currently taking pre-orders for the cases through its website here. The iRetro-FC sells for 4,860 yen (US$48) and ships in early August, which means if you’re keen to combine the technological juggernauts of Apple and Nintendo, you’ll be able to do so before the end of summer.
▼ Meanwhile, we’re still waiting for someone to announce a Sega Master System case for Galaxy smartphones.
Sources: IT Media, Inside Games
Top image: Inside Games
Insert images: Inside Games, Nintendo Everything, Blogspot, Famicom World, Wikipedia/Evan-Amos
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