Epilogue, the company behind the GB Operator, has released the SN Operator, a new device designed to preserve Super Nintendo and Super Famicom cartridges. This $60 peripheral allows users to back up both game data and save files from their physical 16-bit game carts to a PC via USB-C. The SN Operator aims to provide a convenient solution for collectors concerned about the longevity of aging game cartridges and their save batteries.
The device itself is straightforward to set up and use. It connects to a computer with an included USB cable, and Epilogue's accompanying Playback software, available for Windows, macOS, and Linux, handles the game interaction. Once connected, users can choose to play the inserted cartridge, back up its data, or load data onto it. The backup process for both game ROMs and save files is remarkably fast, taking only seconds due to the USB Type-C connection and the relatively small file sizes involved. Epilogue claims that backing up around 30 games can be accomplished in approximately 20 minutes.
When used for playing games, the SN Operator functions as a cartridge reader, with the Playback software providing the emulation layer. This approach utilizes popular emulators such as bSNES by default, offering features like multiple shader options, cartridge autosaving, and cheat support. Other emulator cores, including variations of SNES9X, are also available within the software. The game backups created are not tied to Epilogue's hardware or software and can be used with any Super Nintendo emulator. Testing indicated that latency was not an issue, with games feeling as responsive as they did on original hardware. The Playback software also supports integration with Retro Achievements.
Compatibility with official Super Nintendo and Super Famicom cartridges appears to be strong. The SN Operator successfully read and identified most official North American and Japanese titles, though a