What’s it about?

This is an open-source hardware adapter that brings online achievements (like Xbox or PlayStation trophies) to the original NES console, working with physical cartridges and no console modifications.

Why did I decide to make it?

I’m a retro gaming enthusiast who loves mixing old-school hardware with modern technology. While achievements have been available in emulators through the RetroAchievements platform, there was no existing solution for real NES consoles. So, I challenged myself to make it happen!

How does it work?

• The adapter fits between the NES and the cartridge, using two microcontrollers (ESP32 + Raspberry Pi Pico) working together.
• The Pico monitors the memory bus in real time, detecting achievement conditions.
• The ESP32 handles Wi-Fi, a tiny LCD display, and online communication with RetroAchievements.
• As you play, achievements unlock and sync to your online RA profile — just like on modern consoles.

See more!

Check out images, videos, firmwares and source code on GitHub:

👉 https://github.com/odelot/nes-ra-adapter