In an exciting combination of nostalgia and cutting-edge technology, Pizza Ninjas has achieved a groundbreaking milestone by writing a Nintendo 64 emulator directly onto the Bitcoin blockchain. This groundbreaking undertaking, initially dismissed as impractical, was made possible by the innovative application of Brotli Compression within the Ordinals framework, which represented a significant leap in the preservation and accessibility of classic video games.
Bridging generations: N64 emulator on Bitcoin
The decision to write an N64 emulator and its iconic games into Bitcoin’s immutable ledger was motivated by both technical feasibility and a deep-seated passion for retro gaming. Brotli compression, known for its exceptional file size reduction capabilities (about 80%), has been the game-changer. This compression technique allowed the Pizza Ninjas team to reduce the size of legendary games like “Goldeneye 64” from 12.4 MB to just 3.15 MB, which fit perfectly within the constraints of a single Bitcoin block or spread across multiple transactions.
Cost-effective conservation and accessibility
With network costs at an all-time low, the cost of registering these gaming treasures on the blockchain is surprisingly affordable. A full subscription at the current rate of 15 sats/vbyte works out to about $6,000 – a small price to pay for the sustainability and global accessibility it offers. Even at a higher rate, the project remains within reach, demonstrating the team’s commitment to making gaming history both preserved and playable for future generations.
We didn’t initially think this would be practical, but the new Brotli compression on Ordinals Inscribe makes a larger system like the N64 and games more realistically achievable than before – Trevor Owens
A Multiplayer Renaissance on the Blockchain
One of the most exciting aspects of this project is the potential for multiplayer gaming. The N64, praised for its early adoption of non-DRM, 4-player multiplayer capabilities, is an ideal candidate for this experiment. Using WebRTC, Pizza Ninjas aims to enable seamless online multiplayer experiences over Wi-Fi, promising endless fun at Bitcoin meetups and beyond.
Future-proof gaming heritage
While the integration of N64 emulation into Bitcoin PFPs and the development of a user-friendly interface are still ongoing, the vision is clear. Pizza Ninjas doesn’t just submit games; they enshrine a piece of cultural heritage into the blockchain and ensure that these beloved titles will be preserved and enjoyed for as long as the Bitcoin network exists.
It’s a reminder of the limitless possibilities that blockchain technology and creative ingenuity can unlock, from preserving the legacies of the past to shaping the digital landscapes of the future.
I’m happy to share that Pizza Ninjas just registered a Nintendo 64 emulator on Bitcoin! ????????
We initially didn’t think this would be practical, but thanks to the new Brotli Compression on Ordinals
Enrolling a larger system like N64 and its games is more realistically feasible… pic.twitter.com/XcEAAqR04A
— trevor.btc — b/acc (@TO) February 22, 2024
TL; DR
Pizza Ninjas has placed a Nintendo 64 emulator on the Bitcoin blockchain, using Brotli compression to make this feat both practical and cost-effective. This initiative opens up new opportunities for preserving and accessing classic video games, with plans to introduce online multiplayer functionality via WebRTC. It’s a testament to the innovative spirit of the gaming and Bitcoin communities, ensuring cherished gaming memories are safeguarded and celebrated for generations to come.