Nintendo's SNES cartridges get a USB-C adapter for playing, backing up, and validation — $59 SN Operator SNES-to-PC device supports Windows, macOS, and Linux, ships in April

Epilogue, the maker of the GB Operator dock that lets you use the Game Boy Camera as a webcam, recently announced the SN Operator cartridge reader and has opened pre-orders for the $59 device. The company says this USB-C gadget will read SNES cartridges, allowing you to play your collection on your PC or handheld console via the Playback in-app emulator compatible with Windows, macOS, and Linux.

The SN Operator dock also makes it easy to back up your saves and game data on your computer. This is particularly important as the SNES is already 35 years old, with many game cartridges failing simply because of age. But aside from just reading the cartridge contents and backing up your extensive library, you can also use this USB-C reader to write new save files. This means you can play your SNES games on your PC, Mac, or even handheld consoles like the Steam Deck or ROG Ally and keep your progress on the original game cartridge.

Although you can play most SNES games using modern game controllers, there are a few titles that require the old Super Scope (which only works with curved-screen CRT displays) or SNES Mouse peripherals. But even if you no longer have these accessories, the Playback app can still let you play them by using your modern mouse as a stand-in for these accessories, allowing you to enjoy the old classics without having to find specialized hardware.

Another important feature that Epilogue added to the SN Operator is the ability to detect the authenticity of a particular cartridge. This can help you validate your collection and avoid counterfeit cartridges when you’re looking to expand your SNES game collection.

This SNES cartridge dock is a crucial tool for SNES fans who want to keep a backup of their game library, and for game preservationists who want to ensure we don't lose any SNES titles to history.

Nintendo is, of course, known for blocking emulators that promote ROM distribution and the unauthorized copying of games, but given that the SN Operator (and the older GB Operator) is specifically designed for personal, non-commercial use and for backing up legally owned cartridges, we hope that the company won’t take steps to kill this product that’s intended to lengthen the lifespan of the game libraries of Nintendo’s biggest fans.

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