Mumbo, a self-described “weird and impractical tech” lover, begins the video by tinkering with an ancient VHS-based entertainment system which, after much effort in setting up, is ultimately disappointing. The interactivity on offer using the ActionMax and its peripherals is so limited and imprecise that it is a clear dud, and though it sounds fun, it truly lacks novelty in 2026. However, the ActionMax wrangling time wasn’t wasted, as it inspired Mumbo to remake a VHS-video gaming system augmented by some of the widely accessible modern maker tech that is available nowadays.
On the journey, we learn how the old ActionMax worked and how an FPGA-powered SBC improves the VHS 'gaming' experience. At its heart, as demonstrated in the Doom version on the system, the FPGA powers overlay graphics and switches to one of eight simultaneous video streams being played by the VHS deck. In every new scene, your timely interaction selects another of the eight streams. Meanwhile, a counter tallies your timely pressing of the correct button on the controller and keeps score. This on-rails game is nothing like the original Doom in terms of gameplay but feels close in the audio /visual department.
The version of Super Mario Bros. offers a different take on FMV in games. Here, the SBC plays a faithful-looking version of the Nintendo classic, but the game backdrop is replaced by some snazzy VHS-taped imagery. I think a similar technique was sometimes used in early CD-ROM games to raise their visual appeal above the standard computer or console version of the game upon which they were based.
GitHub programmer ports Doom to DSLR camera with 3-inch TFT LCD display
Key considerations
- Investor positioning can change fast
- Volatility remains possible near catalysts
- Macro rates and liquidity can dominate flows
Reference reading
- https://www.tomshardware.com/video-games/retro-gaming/SPONSORED_LINK_URL
- https://www.tomshardware.com/video-games/retro-gaming/doom-and-super-mario-bros-converted-into-a-vhs-tape-fmv-game-it-looks-and-sounds-authentic-but-suffers-from-familiar-fmv-interaction-limitations#main
- https://www.tomshardware.com/membership
- Why Deploying Physical AI at Scale Demands Safety at Every Layer
- Why Deploying Physical AI at Scale Demands Safety at Every Layer
- Doom and Super Mario Bros converted into a VHS tape FMV game
- Used PS5 Pros now cost $1,399 at GameStop, 50% more than new ones
- Samsung 9100 Pro SSDs slashed up to 41% while supplies last — huge price cuts hit all capacities from 1TB to 8TB
Informational only. No financial advice. Do your own research.