DIY mod fixes one big issue that plagued Super Nintendo for over 30 years

Launched in 1991, the Super Nintendo Entertainment System (SNES) is still sought after by enthusiasts. But if you're planning to get one, the gaming console can cost up to over $200, especially if you want to get the one-chip variant. This one-chip SNES addresses one big issue that the two-chip variant has: muddy video output.

Worth noting that the two-chip model is the one that's widely available today, and the one-chip variant has become quite rare, resulting in a much higher resale price than usual. The good news is that a hardware hacker named Voultar has managed to come up with a solution that can make the two-chip SNES deliver one-chip-level video output.

This DIY kit, called Edge Enhancer, has been in the works for years. The main issue is that the DAC in the PPU of the two-chip console can't quickly transition between two colors, resulting in poor video sharpness and washed-out colors. Voultar's kit corrects and restores this muddy output.

You can install this Edge Enhancer mod in all two-chip releases of SNES and get a video output quality that's comparable to the one-chip models. But the kit isn't available for purchase yet. Voultar first plans to offer an installation-only service to ensure the initial installations are perfect. This service is planned for the end of the summer, and after that, the DIY kit is set to be available at around $60.

Note that the installation requires some soldering skills and the removal of small SMD components. Even so, this mod is perfect for those who want an SNES but don't want to spend too much by getting the rare one-chip model.

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