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Epilogue, the company behind the popular GB Operator accessory for Game Boy cartridges, has opened pre-orders for its SN Operator, a USB cartridge interface that lets users play, authenticate, and back up original Super Nintendo and Super Famicom games on modern devices including PCs, Macs, and handhelds like the Steam Deck.
Unlike typical emulation setups that rely on downloaded ROMs, the SN Operator works directly with original cartridges, reading the game data and preserving save files through Epilogue's accompanying Playback app.
Preorders went live today, December 30, 2025, with the device expected to ship in April 2026 at a price of $59.99, which makes it both a relatively affordable and highly practical tool for enthusiasts who want to keep their physical collections playable and preserved for the future. Or just want an easier way to capture clean, crisp footage.
Epilogue SN -- Digitizing SNES Cartridges
The core appeal of the SN Operator lies in its ability to combine the authenticity of original cartridges with the convenience of modern hardware. Users simply plug the SN Operator's USB interface into a supported device, insert a Super Nintendo or Super Famicom cartridge, and launch Epilogue's Playback software. From there, the games can be played directly, just as they would on original hardware, but on screens that are far more practical than a CRT television, and with modern controllers. I'd probably pick a Buffalo SNES replica USB gamepad, personally.
The Playback app isn't just an emulator shell, either. It supports features such as save game backup, synchronization across devices, and integration with RetroAchievements, adding layers of functionality that classic systems never had. For Steam Deck users, this means old favorites can become portable experiences without losing the tactile connection of dropping in a physical cartridge. It's a blend of old and new that speaks to modern collectors who want both authenticity and convenience.
Another standout feature of the SN Operator is its cartridge authentication capability. With retro game collecting becoming increasingly commercialized and inflated with counterfeit or reproduction cartridges, having a way to verify the legitimacy of a game before backing it up or displaying it offers real value.
Epilogue's move is part of a larger trend in the gaming accessory market: blending authentic retro experiences with modern platforms, similar to companies like Analogue and Evercade. The company's earlier GB Operator proved there's strong demand for tools that let players re-engage with physical libraries while benefiting from modern display clarity, controller support, and portability. That product's steady evolution, including ongoing software updates, helped build confidence that Epilogue could deliver a more complex device for SNES cartridges.
While emulation will likely remain popular due to its convenience and low cost, devices like the SN Operator occupy a unique niche. They provide a legitimate, hardware-based pathway to play and preserve original cartridges, which is a distinction that appeals to collectors, historians, and purists alike.