Released just over a week ago, the latest device by Nintendo has been getting some fan’s hopes up. The possibility of being able to modify the console’s internals like other classic systems Nintendo has released is quite appealing. Both the NES and SNES mini are hackable to run more roms and even emulate other systems. Thus, the new Super Mario Game & Watch has been in the spotlight for some time now. The potential to carry around a small pocket sized clock that can run any NES game is a lucrative idea many would love to get their hands on. While the first steps of getting into the device took place fairly quickly after its launch, hackers have found a way to play a version of DOOM. Published in a YouTube video, Stacksmashing has found a way to port a copy of DOOM onto the device.
Due to the hardware limitations of the Super Mario Game & Watch, stacksmashing explained how this port is even achievable. From dumping the original code of the device to porting a very specific version of DOOM, the modification is very impressive. Packed with simple 1 MB RAM and only 128kb of flash storage, the capabilities to run massive libraries of games is quite slim. Coupled with the fact that the cable cannot carry data to the device, the chances of turning it into a full portable NES is quite slim as of now. Still, Stacksmashing was able to compress a low polygon version of DOOM into the device. Going so far as to increase the clock speed and implement frame buffer support for the display, this port is no simple feat. You can check out the full sourcecode of the mod on his github page. So while it may be a long time until there is a more accessible and better performing hack, the release is a testament to the potential of the device.
