This isn’t the first time we have seen theremins and videogames mixed together. Although, we mainly see them being used as instruments, you know — the reason why they were made.

Youtube user conquerearth, decided to developed a program that controls old NES games using a theremin.A video up top in an example of his work and if you watch the clip, you’ll see him control the original Super Mario Bros. using his electronic instrument. He explains exactly how he did it.

“The sound from the theremin is split into its frequency and amplitude components in real time, which are then mapped to values in a linear scale representing the X and Y axis. Pitch becomes horizontal control, and Volume becomes vertical control.

The X and Y scales are then cut up into different zones. In this case, Left; Right and dead zones for the horizontal, and a single trigger and dead zone for the vertical. The trigger zones are then mapped onto a virtual joystick hooked into an emulator. The end result is a fairly usable input control for playing games like Mario. The bars give the much needed visual feedback as to how “in tune” you are, so you have a better feel of where the trigger points are.”

While it certainly is an innovative way of moving our favorite plumber in the Mushroom Kingdom, I would rather use a standard controller.

via