Epilogue 's new SN Operator device , announced and unveiled over a year ago, is finally available for pre-order starting today. Like the company's GB Operator, which launched in early 2021, the SN Operator is a standalone USB cartridge port that lets you play and archive old Nintendo console games on PC, Mac, or portable devices like the Steam Deck using their original cartridges.
See also: Nintendo Store app available for iOS and Android
However, while GB Operator was designed for Game Boy, Game Boy Color, and GBA games, SN Operator supports any Super Nintendo and Super Famicom game.
Pre-orders for the SN Operator will open at 12 p.m. ET on December 30th for $59.99. That's $10 more than the smaller GB Operator, which will also remain available. The hardware is expected to ship in April 2026.
The cartridge port connects to computers or mobile devices via USB and works in conjunction with Epilogue's Playback app. The app has a built-in SNES emulator for playing your original cartridges, but you can use other emulators if you already have one you prefer. Games that relied on accessories like Nintendo's Super NES Mouse or Super Scope are also compatible with Playback and will use your computer mouse instead of those peripherals.
See also: Nintendo expects more Switch 2 sales
In addition to the new console support, SN Operator includes another feature that will appeal to retro game enthusiasts with large collections of old and worn-out cartridges. The Playback app can authenticate cartridges so you know for sure whether that rare title you found at a flea market is authentic or a knockoff. It can also create digital copies of your cartridges, including game save data, so you can archive your collection and continue playing where you left off, even if your original cartridges stop working.
SN Operator will work with any cartridge that can be played on original Nintendo hardware, including knockoffs you accidentally bought.
See also: Virtual Boy games are coming to Nintendo Switch Online
However, Epilogue clarifies that you should only back up tapes you own — so don't use this device to borrow and copy a huge collection from a friend.
