# Fruit Jam Nintendo Entertainment System and Retro Jam
## Overview
https://youtu.be/T93l6xc8DAU
Nearly 40 years on, the original **Nintendo Entertainment System** (or _Famicom_ in Japan) still holds a certain mystique, with genre-defining games like _Super Mario Bros._ and _The Legend of Zelda._
The console remains a popular target for emulation, which is what we’ll do here on the Fruit Jam paired with an HDMI TV or monitor for display. You've got several controller options for single player or two player using a USB gamepad and/or a Nintendo Wii Classic/NES Classic/SNES Classic controller over I2C with a breakout board.
The software for this guide is Frank Hoedemakers’ [_pico-infonesPlus_](https://github.com/fhoedemakers/pico-infonesPlus) — which came from Jay Kumogata’s _[InfoNES](https://github.com/jay-kumogata/InfoNES),_ ported to RP2040 by [Shuichi Takano](https://github.com/shuichitakano/pico-infones) (building on Luke Wren’s [_PicoDVI_](https://github.com/adafruit/PicoDVI) library), Frank’s work on the SD card and game menu, [Gavin Knight](https://github.com/DynaMight1124) for metadata file work, and some controller code from Adafruit. That’s a lot of pieces…but you can use a **ready-made .UF2 file** to make installation easy.
In this latest version, Frank has ported it to Fruit Jam and included support for:
- DAC headphone output
- Onboard speaker output
- NeoPixel VU meter
- Two player gaming with one USB controller plus a second I2C Nintendo classic controller (Wii-chuck style)
- Screensaver using metadata-based game info and box artwork
Primary: Looking for some ROMs? Check out some of these excellent NES homebrew games!
- [Best of NES Homebrew](https://www.nesworld.com/article.php?system=nes&data=neshomebrew_bestof)
[INDIE NES](https://retrostack.substack.com/p/the-top-500-indie-nes-games-vol-9)
- [Homebrew Game Guide](https://tedium.co/2025/04/24/homebrew-nes-games-guide/)
- [Micro Mages](http://morphcat.de/micromages/)
- [Itch.io NES Homebrew](https://itch.io/c/632436/nes-homebrew-games)
## Parts
Featured
### Adafruit Fruit Jam - Mini RP2350 Computer
[Adafruit Fruit Jam - Mini RP2350 Computer](https://www.adafruit.com/product/6200)
We were catching up on a recent [hackaday hackchat with eben upton](https://hackaday.io/event/202122-raspberry-pi-hack-chat-with-eben-upton) and learned some fun facts: such as the DVI hack for the RP2040 was inspired by
In Stock
[Buy Now](https://www.adafruit.com/product/6200)
[Related Guides to the Product](https://learn.adafruit.com/products/6200/guides)
Featured
### USB Game Controller with SNES-like Layout
[USB Game Controller with SNES-like Layout](https://www.adafruit.com/product/6285)
This is a generic USB game controller, which plugs into to provide a two-handed gaming experience for retro gaming, or really any game you want to use a handheld rather than keyboard controller! Use it with your Raspberry Pi or desktop computer while playing emulated games, or as a...
In Stock
[Buy Now](https://www.adafruit.com/product/6285)
[Related Guides to the Product](https://learn.adafruit.com/products/6285/guides)
Featured
### SD/MicroSD Memory Card (8 GB SDHC)
[SD/MicroSD Memory Card (8 GB SDHC)](https://www.adafruit.com/product/1294)
Add mega-storage in a jiffy using this 8 GB class 4 micro-SD card. It comes with a SD adapter so you can use it with any of our shields or adapters. Preformatted to FAT so it works out of the box with our projects. Tested and works great with our
Out of Stock
[Buy Now](https://www.adafruit.com/product/1294)
[Related Guides to the Product](https://learn.adafruit.com/products/1294/guides)
## Wii Classic Controller
Controllers with the Wii nunchuck port can be used along with [this breakout adapter](https://www.adafruit.com/product/4836) and a [STEMMA QT cable](https://www.adafruit.com/product/4210). These are highly responsive controllers option, with less lag than USB controllers.
These were made for use with the Wii in the case of the Wii Classic Controller and the [NES Classic Mini](https://www.nintendo.com/en-za/Misc-/Nintendo-Classic-Mini-Nintendo-Entertainment-System/Nintendo-Classic-Mini-Nintendo-Entertainment-System-1124287.html) and [SNES Classic Mini](https://www.nintendo.com/en-za/Misc-/Nintendo-Classic-Mini-Super-Nintendo-Entertainment-System/Nintendo-Classic-Mini-Super-Nintendo-Entertainment-System-1238330.html) consoles.
Featured
### Adafruit Wii Nunchuck Breakout Adapter
[Adafruit Wii Nunchuck Breakout Adapter](https://www.adafruit.com/product/4836)
Dig out that old Wii controller and use it as a sleek controller for your next robot if you like. The Adafruit Adafruit Wii Nunchuck Breakout Adapter fits snugly into the Wii connector and performs the level shifting and power regulation needed to use the controller with any microcontroller or...
In Stock
[Buy Now](https://www.adafruit.com/product/4836)
[Related Guides to the Product](https://learn.adafruit.com/products/4836/guides)
Featured
### STEMMA QT / Qwiic JST SH 4-Pin Cable - 50mm Long
[STEMMA QT / Qwiic JST SH 4-Pin Cable - 50mm Long](https://www.adafruit.com/product/4399)
This 4-wire cable is 50mm / 1.9" long and fitted with JST SH female 4-pin connectors on both ends. Compared with the chunkier JST PH these are 1mm pitch instead of 2mm, but still have a nice latching feel, while being easy to insert and remove.
In Stock
[Buy Now](https://www.adafruit.com/product/4399)
[Related Guides to the Product](https://learn.adafruit.com/products/4399/guides)
Featured
### Black Woven USB C to USB A Cable - 2 meters long
[Black Woven USB C to USB A Cable - 2 meters long](https://www.adafruit.com/product/6324)
This cable is not only super-fashionable, with a woven pattern in classic Adafruit black, it's also made for USB C for our modernized breakout boards, Feathers, and more.
First, let's talk about the cover and over-molding. We got these in custom colors, and if you...
Out of Stock
[Buy Now](https://www.adafruit.com/product/6324)
[Related Guides to the Product](https://learn.adafruit.com/products/6324/guides)
Featured
### 5V 2A Switching Power Supply w/ USB-A Connector
[5V 2A Switching Power Supply w/ USB-A Connector](https://www.adafruit.com/product/1994)
Our 5V 2A USB power adapter is the perfect choice for powering single-board computers like Raspberry Pi, BeagleBone, or anything else that's power-hungry!
This adapter was specifically designed to provide 5.25V, not 5V, but we still call it a 5V USB adapter. We did this on purpose to...
In Stock
[Buy Now](https://www.adafruit.com/product/1994)
[Related Guides to the Product](https://learn.adafruit.com/products/1994/guides)
# Fruit Jam Nintendo Entertainment System and Retro Jam
## Software Installation
Head here first to [download the latest release UF2 of piconesPlus for Fruit Jam](https://github.com/fhoedemakers/pico-infonesPlus/releases#downloads___).
## Enter RP2350 bootloader mode
Entering the RP2350 bootloader is easy. Complete the following steps.
**Before you start, make sure your Fruit Jam is plugged into USB port to your computer using a data/sync cable.** Charge-only cables will not work!
**Turn on the On/Off switch** - check that you see the ON light on so you know the board is powered.
To enter the bootloader:
1. **Press and hold the BOOT/BUTTON1 button down.** Don't let go of it yet!
2. **Press and release the Reset button.** You should still have the BOOT/BUTTON1 button pressed while you do this.
3. **Continue holding the BOOT/BUTTON1 button until you see the RP2350 drive appear.**
4. You can now release but BOOT/BUTTON1 button.
## Drag UF2
Navigate to the folder where you downloaded the **uf2** file, then drag it onto the RP2350 drive.
The board will automatically reboot and PicoNES will launch automatically.
## microSD Card Setup
Format a microSD card to FAT32 or exFAT and copy your legally acquired NES roms onto it.
You can optionally organize your games into folders on the microSD card.
Danger: Looking for some ROMs? Check out some of these excellent NES homebrew games!
- [Best of NES Homebrew](https://www.nesworld.com/article.php?system=nes&data=neshomebrew_bestof)
[INDIE NES](https://retrostack.substack.com/p/the-top-500-indie-nes-games-vol-9)
- [Homebrew Game Guide](https://tedium.co/2025/04/24/homebrew-nes-games-guide/)
- [Micro Mages](http://morphcat.de/micromages/)
- [Itch.io NES Homebrew](https://itch.io/c/632436/nes-homebrew-games)
Primary: The PSRAM on the Fruit Jam is used instead of flash to load the roms from SD, this makes things run as smooth as can be!
## Metadata
Download the metadata pack from the [releases page](https://github.com/fhoedemakers/pico-infonesPlus/releases/latest/download/PicoNesMetadata.zip) and extract its contents to the root of the SD card. It contains box art and game info for many games. The metadata is used in the menu to show box art and game info when a rom is selected. Press **START** to view the information. When the screensaver starts, random box art will be shown, bouncing around the screen.
# Fruit Jam Nintendo Entertainment System and Retro Jam
## Fruit Jam Setup
To prep for play, hook up the Fruit Jam to power, video, audio, controllers, and micro SD card.
Plug in the following:
- **Fruit Jam USB C Power & Data** port to USB C **power adapter**
- **Fruit Jam DVI-D Video Output** to **monitor/TV HDMI input** via HDMI cable
- **Fruit Jam Stereo Headphone** output to headphones or powered speakers via 3.5mm stereo TRS cable
- **USB gamepad** to **Fruit Jam USB 1** or **USB 2** port (some controllers seem to prefer port 2)
## Classic Controllers
For two player games, you can optionally plug in a Wii/NES/SNES Classic Controller.
With the Fruit Jam powered off, plug in a STEMMA QT cable to the **Fruit Jam STEMMA QT** port. Then plug in the Adafruit Nunchuck Breakout Adapter.
Plug your Nintendo controller into the adapter.
Now, when you select "2 Player" in most games the second player will default to the I2C controller.
## Classic Controller Only Support
When an USB controller is connected, the Wii-classic controller is Player 2. To use the Wii-Classic as Player 1, unplug the USB controller.
# Fruit Jam Nintendo Entertainment System and Retro Jam
## Run the PicoNES Emulator
With everything wired up, turn on the Fruit Jam, the TV, and the speakers (or headphones) and play!
Yellow: With the SNES-style USB controller you'll see "Manta NES" listed on the menu screen -- you can press the Y button in the Retro Jam menu to switch it to "Manta SNES" which fixes the button mapping so you can use the A and B buttons properly.
## Menu Usage
Gamepad buttons:
- **UP** / **DOWN** : Next/previous item in the menu.
- **LEFT** / **RIGHT** : next/previous page.
- **A** (Circle): Open folder/flash and start game.
- **B** (X): Back to parent folder.
- **START** : Show [metadata](https://github.com/fhoedemakers/pico-infonesPlus/tree/main?tab=readme-ov-file#using-metadata) and box art (when available)
The colors in the menu can be changed and saved:
- **Select** + **Up** / **Down** changes the foreground color.
- **Select** + **Left** / **Right** changes the background color.
- **Select** + **A** saves the colors. Screen will flicker when saved.
- **Select** + **B** resets the colors to default. (Black on white)
When using an USB-Keyboard in menu:
- Cursor keys: **Up** , **Down** , **left** , **right**
- **Z** : Back to parent folder
- **X** : Open Folder/flash and start a game
- **S** : Show [metadata](https://github.com/fhoedemakers/pico-infonesPlus/tree/main?tab=readme-ov-file#using-metadata) and box art (when available).
- **A** : acts as the select button.
**USB-keyboard** : When using an USB-Keyboard in-game:
- D-pad keys: **up** , **down** , **left** , **right**
- **A** : Select
- **S** : Start
- **Z** : B
- **X** : A
## Emulator (in game)
Gamepad buttons:
- **SELECT** + **START** , Xbox button: Resets back to the SD Card menu. Game saves are saved to the SD card.
- **SELECT** + **UP** / **SELECT** + **DOWN** : switches screen modes.
- **SELECT** + **A** / **B** : toggle rapid-fire.
- **START** + **A** : Toggle framerate display
- **Fruit Jam Only**
- **Button 1** (on board): Mute audio of built-in speaker. Audio is still output to the audio jack.
- **SELECT** + **UP** : Toggle scanlines.
- **Button 2** (on board) or **SELECT** + **RIGHT** : Toggles the VU meter on or off -- NeoPixel LEDs light up in sync with the music rhythm
Info: The standard NES style layout is used for all controller types. So when using XInput controllers, B and A are swapped.
## Save Games
For games which support it, saves will be stored in the /SAVES folder of the microSD card. Caution: the save ram will only be saved back to the microSD card when quitting the game via ( **START** + **SELECT** )
## USB Game Controller Latency
Using a USB game controller introduces some latency. The classic controllers over I2C have less latency.
# Fruit Jam Nintendo Entertainment System and Retro Jam
## Retro Jam Multi-Emulator
As the Pico RP2350-based game console emulator field grows doesn't it feel limiting having to pick just one? Fear not, Frank Hoedemakers has created a new multi-emulator launcher called Retro Jam that solves this very issue!
[Retro Jam](https://github.com/fhoedemakers/retroJam) combines the emulators Frank has ported to Fruit Jam into a single drag-and-drop .UF2 file with a launcher for these systems:
- Nintendo NES (including save states)
- Nintendo Game Boy
- Nintendo Game Boy Color
- Sega Master System (including save states)
- Sega Game Gear (including save states)
- Sega Genesis
Plus, there's a .wav player for just jamming to your favorite tunes.
You can see the Retro Jam in action in this video below:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=whPayCYHspI
Yellow: With the SNES-style USB controller you'll see "Manta NES" listed on the menu screen -- you can press the Y button in the Retro Jam menu to switch it to "Manta SNES" which fixes the button mapping so you can use the A and B buttons properly.
## Software Installation
First, download the latest [retroJam release here](https://github.com/fhoedemakers/retroJam/releases).
## Enter RP2350 bootloader mode
Entering the RP2350 bootloader is easy. Complete the following steps.
**Before you start, make sure your Fruit Jam is plugged into USB port to your computer using a data/sync cable.** Charge-only cables will not work!
**Turn on the On/Off switch** - check that you see the ON light on so you know the board is powered.
To enter the bootloader:
1. **Press and hold the BOOT/BUTTON1 button down.** Don't let go of it yet!
2. **Press and release the Reset button.** You should still have the BOOT/BUTTON1 button pressed while you do this.
3. **Continue holding the BOOT/BUTTON1 button until you see the RP2350 drive appear.**
4. You can now release but BOOT/BUTTON1 button.
## Drag UF2
Navigate to the folder where you downloaded the **uf2** file, then drag it onto the RP2350 drive.
The board will automatically reboot and retroJam will launch automatically.
## microSD Card Setup
Format a microSD card to FAT32 or exFAT and copy your legally acquired game roms and wav files onto it.
You can optionally organize your games into folders on the microSD card.
## Metadata
Download the metadata packs from the [releases page](https://github.com/fhoedemakers/retroJam/releases) and extract their contents to the root of the SD card. These contain box art and game info for many games. The metadata is used in the menu to show box art and game info when a rom is selected. Press **START** to view the information. When the screensaver starts, random box art will be shown, bouncing around the screen.
## Guide Products
### Adafruit Fruit Jam - Mini RP2350 Computer
[Adafruit Fruit Jam - Mini RP2350 Computer](https://www.adafruit.com/product/6200)
We were catching up on a recent [hackaday hackchat with eben upton](https://hackaday.io/event/202122-raspberry-pi-hack-chat-with-eben-upton) and learned some fun facts: such as the DVI hack for the RP2040 was inspired by
In Stock
[Buy Now](https://www.adafruit.com/product/6200)
[Related Guides to the Product](https://learn.adafruit.com/products/6200/guides)
### USB Game Controller with SNES-like Layout
[USB Game Controller with SNES-like Layout](https://www.adafruit.com/product/6285)
This is a generic USB game controller, which plugs into to provide a two-handed gaming experience for retro gaming, or really any game you want to use a handheld rather than keyboard controller! Use it with your Raspberry Pi or desktop computer while playing emulated games, or as a...
In Stock
[Buy Now](https://www.adafruit.com/product/6285)
[Related Guides to the Product](https://learn.adafruit.com/products/6285/guides)
### SD/MicroSD Memory Card (8 GB SDHC)
[SD/MicroSD Memory Card (8 GB SDHC)](https://www.adafruit.com/product/1294)
Add mega-storage in a jiffy using this 8 GB class 4 micro-SD card. It comes with a SD adapter so you can use it with any of our shields or adapters. Preformatted to FAT so it works out of the box with our projects. Tested and works great with our
Out of Stock
[Buy Now](https://www.adafruit.com/product/1294)
[Related Guides to the Product](https://learn.adafruit.com/products/1294/guides)
### Adafruit Wii Nunchuck Breakout Adapter
[Adafruit Wii Nunchuck Breakout Adapter](https://www.adafruit.com/product/4836)
Dig out that old Wii controller and use it as a sleek controller for your next robot if you like. The Adafruit Adafruit Wii Nunchuck Breakout Adapter fits snugly into the Wii connector and performs the level shifting and power regulation needed to use the controller with any microcontroller or...
In Stock
[Buy Now](https://www.adafruit.com/product/4836)
[Related Guides to the Product](https://learn.adafruit.com/products/4836/guides)
### STEMMA QT / Qwiic JST SH 4-Pin Cable - 50mm Long
[STEMMA QT / Qwiic JST SH 4-Pin Cable - 50mm Long](https://www.adafruit.com/product/4399)
This 4-wire cable is 50mm / 1.9" long and fitted with JST SH female 4-pin connectors on both ends. Compared with the chunkier JST PH these are 1mm pitch instead of 2mm, but still have a nice latching feel, while being easy to insert and remove.
In Stock
[Buy Now](https://www.adafruit.com/product/4399)
[Related Guides to the Product](https://learn.adafruit.com/products/4399/guides)
### Black Woven USB C to USB A Cable - 2 meters long
[Black Woven USB C to USB A Cable - 2 meters long](https://www.adafruit.com/product/6324)
This cable is not only super-fashionable, with a woven pattern in classic Adafruit black, it's also made for USB C for our modernized breakout boards, Feathers, and more.
First, let's talk about the cover and over-molding. We got these in custom colors, and if you...
Out of Stock
[Buy Now](https://www.adafruit.com/product/6324)
[Related Guides to the Product](https://learn.adafruit.com/products/6324/guides)
### 5V 2A Switching Power Supply w/ USB-A Connector
[5V 2A Switching Power Supply w/ USB-A Connector](https://www.adafruit.com/product/1994)
Our 5V 2A USB power adapter is the perfect choice for powering single-board computers like Raspberry Pi, BeagleBone, or anything else that's power-hungry!
This adapter was specifically designed to provide 5.25V, not 5V, but we still call it a 5V USB adapter. We did this on purpose to...
In Stock
[Buy Now](https://www.adafruit.com/product/1994)
[Related Guides to the Product](https://learn.adafruit.com/products/1994/guides)
## Related Guides
- [Adafruit Wii Nunchuck Breakout Adapter](https://learn.adafruit.com/adafruit-wii-nunchuck-breakout-adapter.md)
- [USB Game Controller with SNES-like Layout](https://learn.adafruit.com/usb-game-controller-with-snes-like-layout.md)
- [Adafruit Fruit Jam](https://learn.adafruit.com/adafruit-fruit-jam.md)
- [Demofruit: Demoscene for Fruit Jam](https://learn.adafruit.com/demo-jam-fruit-scene.md)
- [Adafruit RP2040 CAN Bus Feather](https://learn.adafruit.com/adafruit-rp2040-can-bus-feather.md)
- [Adafruit CircuitPython Wii Classic Controller Library](https://learn.adafruit.com/adafruit-circuitpython-wii-classic-controller-library.md)
- [CYBERDECK Expansion Plate](https://learn.adafruit.com/cyberdeck-plate.md)
- [Toddler Timer](https://learn.adafruit.com/toddler-timer.md)
- [Adafruit Feather RP2040 with DVI Output Port](https://learn.adafruit.com/adafruit-feather-rp2040-dvi.md)
- [Scrolling Countdown Timer](https://learn.adafruit.com/scrolling-countdown-timer.md)
- [PowerWash Simulator Nozzle Controller](https://learn.adafruit.com/powerwash-simulator-nozzle-controller.md)
- [Star Trek Data Dispenser](https://learn.adafruit.com/star-trek-data-dispenser.md)
- [Color Sensing Music Player](https://learn.adafruit.com/color-sensing-music-player.md)
- [Nunchuck Controlled Laser Cat Toy](https://learn.adafruit.com/nunchuck-controlled-laser-cat-toy.md)
- [Adafruit TRRS Trinkey](https://learn.adafruit.com/adafruit-trrs-trinkey.md)
- [WiFi Jellyfish Lantern with WLED](https://learn.adafruit.com/wifi-jellyfish-lantern-with-wled.md)
- [DOOM on Fruit Jam](https://learn.adafruit.com/doom-on-fruit-jam.md)
- [Apple IIe Fruit Jam Enclosure](https://learn.adafruit.com/apple-iie-fruit-jam-enclosure.md)