Bitcoin Embraces SNES Gaming with ‘Pizza Ninjas’

Bitcoin developers at Ninjalerts have taken a giant leap in blockchain innovation by successfully inscribing a Super Nintendo Entertainment System (SNES) emulator on a Bitcoin satoshi. This initiative, named ‘Pizza Ninja,’ not only demonstrates the versatility of Bitcoin Ordinals but also paves the way for preserving digital cultural artifacts through blockchain technology.

The SNES emulator, designed to run classic Nintendo games on platforms they weren’t originally intended for, has found a new home on the Bitcoin blockchain. This integration underscores the potential of Bitcoin to host and preserve classic games, especially those that have entered the public domain.

Trevor Owens, CEO of Ninjalerts, highlights the importance of this project in addressing the pressing issue of preserving classic video games. With a vast majority of classic games not in active, licensed circulation, ‘Pizza Ninja’ emerges as a beacon of hope for safeguarding these digital treasures.

‘Pizza Ninja’ embeds the SNES emulator into each Ninja Profile Picture, allowing users to access and play games directly in their browsers through Ordinals explorers or marketplaces. The developers have also compiled an extensive GitBook, providing a detailed guide on the project, which spans 88 pages and includes images, code, and a comprehensive walkthrough.

This project marks a significant evolution in the concept of NFTs, challenging the notion that NFTs should be limited to static images. Owens emphasizes the potential of this technology to create custom animations and social stickers for NFT holders, as well as to enjoy SNES games through their NFTs.

The ‘Pizza Ninja’ project follows in the footsteps of earlier endeavors, such as the inscription of a playable version of the classic game Doom on the Bitcoin blockchain. The BRC-69 standard, introduced in July, has been instrumental in facilitating this development by enabling recursive inscriptions, a feature extensively used in this project.

While ‘Pizza Ninja’ has been lauded for its technical innovation and contribution to the preservation of gaming history, it has also sparked debate within the Bitcoin community. Some members express concerns over the use of the network for non-financial transactions. However, Owens views this discussion as an opportunity to further explore the role of Bitcoin in preserving digital cultural artifacts.

As the world of NFTs continues to evolve, ‘Pizza Ninja’ stands out as a prime example of how blockchain technology can be leveraged beyond financial applications, offering a glimpse into the future of digital preservation and gaming.