Limited Run Games has quietly released open-source tools for their SNES Rumble Controller, offering a new frontier for homebrew developers and ROM hackers alike. The project, published on GitHub under the name snes-rumble, provides everything needed to implement rumble support into SNES games — a feature the original console never officially supported.
What’s in the Repository?
The GitHub repo includes:
- A library (
librumble.asm) for Super Nintendo Assembly code - Documentation on how to trigger rumble events
- Example code to help developers get started
- A test ROM for verifying controller feedback
All of this is designed to work with the SNES Rumble Controller produced by Limited Run Games — a modernized SNES pad that includes built-in rumble support when triggered by specific signals sent from the game.
What Can Developers Do?
This release is a welcome resource for:
- Homebrew developers creating new SNES-style games or demos
- ROM hackers who want to experiment by adding haptic feedback to classics like Super Metroid or Contra III
- Emulator and flashcart firmware developers who may explore compatibility options
With the included assembler library and clear usage examples, integration into existing SNES projects is very feasible — provided you’re comfortable working in 65816 assembly.
Based on MiSTer R&D
Interestingly, the rumble signal method used here is closely based on how MiSTer FPGA cores handle peripheral signaling, including controller feedback. That connection further highlights how FPGA and retro hardware scenes are increasingly overlapping and inspiring each other’s development.
A Few Caveats
Keep in mind:
- This only works with the Limited Run SNES Rumble Controller or compatible hardware
- It does not add rumble “automatically” to existing games — ROM modification or homebrew development is required
- The controller is still relatively new, so software support is limited (for now)
Learn More
Explore the full source and documentation here:
https://github.com/LimitedRunGames-Tech/snes-rumble