What could be cooler for an external hard drive than a Super Mario Bros 3 NES cartridge hard drive?
This cool external hard drive was made by Etsy seller.
I recently purchased an external drive and was disappointed with the enclosure, this may sound shallow but when you spend money on something, you want it to look and feel exactly right.
From these humble beginnings Nes-box was born, my next task was to see if my plan would work, so I dismantled one of my old nes cartridges to size it up against the drive. The cart was almost a perfect match and the drive fitted quite snugly inside its new jacket.
It was made using a 250GB SATA hard drive with 8MB of cache, and a Super Mario Bros 3 NES cartridge. It runs from USB power, so there is no need for external power.
Why Choose a NES Cartridge for an External Hard Drive?
The choice of a Super Mario Bros 3 NES cartridge for an external hard drive is not just about nostalgia; it’s about merging the old with the new in a way that appeals to both tech enthusiasts and retro gaming fans. The NES cartridge is iconic, instantly recognizable, and brings a sense of joy and nostalgia to those who grew up playing these classic games. By repurposing an old NES cartridge, you’re not only giving new life to a piece of gaming history but also creating a unique and functional piece of tech that stands out from the typical, often bland, external hard drive enclosures.
Moreover, the NES cartridge is a perfect size for housing a hard drive. Its sturdy construction ensures that the drive is well-protected, and the design allows for easy access to the USB port. This combination of form and function makes it an ideal choice for a custom external hard drive enclosure.
How to Make Your Own NES Cartridge Hard Drive
If you’re inspired by this idea and want to create your own NES cartridge hard drive, here’s a brief guide to get you started:
1. Choose Your Cartridge: Select an old NES cartridge that you’re willing to repurpose. Super Mario Bros 3 is a popular choice, but any cartridge will do.
2. Select Your Hard Drive: A 250GB SATA hard drive with 8MB of cache is a good starting point, but you can choose a drive that meets your storage needs.
3. Dismantle the Cartridge: Carefully open the NES cartridge. You’ll need to remove the screws and gently pry it open to avoid damaging the plastic casing.
4. Fit the Hard Drive: Place the hard drive inside the cartridge to ensure it fits snugly. You may need to make some adjustments or add padding to secure the drive in place.
5. Connect the USB Interface: Attach a USB-to-SATA adapter to the hard drive. Ensure that the USB port is accessible from the outside of the cartridge.
6. Reassemble the Cartridge: Once everything is in place, carefully reassemble the cartridge. Make sure all components are secure and that the USB port is accessible.
7. Test Your Hard Drive: Connect the hard drive to your computer via USB to ensure it’s working correctly. Format the drive if necessary and transfer some files to test its functionality.
If you want one head on over to, but be quick about it as the seller only has one for sale and it is available to buy for $180.
Also, check out the NES Box site, but it looks like it is still under construction at the moment.
In conclusion, a Super Mario Bros 3 NES cartridge hard drive is a fantastic blend of retro gaming charm and modern technology. It’s a unique way to store your data and a conversation starter for any tech enthusiast. Whether you buy one or make your own, it’s a fun and functional piece of tech that pays homage to the golden age of gaming.
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