A maker known as Throaty Mumbo has built a modern VHS game rig that handles both Doom and Super Mario Bros. Neither game runs from the tape in the usual sense. Doom is a timed, on-rails FMV-style experience that switches between eight video streams. Super Mario Bros. runs as a game while VHS footage fills in as the backdrop. Tom’s Hardware reported the project on October 6, 2026.
What was built
According to Tom’s Hardware (Mark Tyson, October 6, 2026), the project was inspired by ActionMax, a VHS-based gaming system from 1987. The setup uses a DE1-SoC FPGA board and a Raspberry Pi RP2350 microcontroller. The FPGA overlays graphics on the video coming off the tape.
| # | Preview | Product | Price | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 |
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DOOM Eternal: Standard Edition - PlayStation 4 | $27.49 | Buy on Amazon |
| 2 |
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DOOM: The Dark Ages – Xbox Series X | $39.99 | Buy on Amazon |
| 3 |
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DOOM: The Dark Ages – PlayStation 5 | $69.47 | Buy on Amazon |
| 4 |
|
Doom - Xbox One | $26.99 | Buy on Amazon |
| 5 |
|
DOOM + DOOM II (Limited Run Games #144) - for Playstation 5 | $44.48 | Buy on Amazon |
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How the Doom version works
The tape carries eight simultaneous video streams. The FPGA switches among them and overlays graphics. You press the right input at the right moment, and that choice selects which stream plays next. The setup tracks successful inputs and keeps a score.
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So this is not a conventional Doom port. You don’t move freely through levels. The experience is on rails, but the report says it keeps the look and sound of Doom. The report also says it suffers from the familiar limits of FMV interaction, as the article’s headline puts it.
#1 Best Overall
- Gain access to the latest demon-killing Tech with the DOOM Slayer's advanced praetor suit, including a shoulder-mounted flamethrower and the retractable wrist-mounted DOOM Blade
- Upgraded guns and mods, such as the Super shotgun's new distance-closing meat hook attachment, and abilities like the double Dash make you faster, stronger, and more versatile than ever
- You can't Kill demons when you're Dead, and you can't stay alive without resources. These tools are the key to your survival and becoming the ultimate demon-slayer
- A new class of (destructible) demon
- Battle mode is the new 2 versus 1 multiplayer experience built from the ground up at id software
How the Super Mario Bros. version works
Mario uses a different arrangement. The system plays a faithful-looking version of the game, and VHS-taped imagery replaces the usual backdrop. It does not use Doom’s eight-branch stream switching.
Doom versus Mario at a glance
| Aspect | Doom | Super Mario Bros. |
|---|---|---|
| Role of the VHS tape | Supplies branching action footage across eight streams | Supplies background imagery only |
| Where the game logic lives | Mostly in the footage. The hardware overlays graphics, scores timed inputs and switches streams. | The system keeps the game representation and plays it separately from the tape |
| Player interaction | Timely controller input picks the next stream | Game-style play over a VHS backdrop |
What is not established
- The report gives no full parts list. It doesn’t name the exact RP2350 board, the VCR or the tape type.
- No price, purchase source or retail availability is given.
- Nothing here reflects independent testing. Everything above comes from that one Tom’s Hardware report.
If you want to experiment, an RP2350 development board is a reasonable category to look at. It is not confirmed to be the creator’s exact part.
Quick Recap
Best Value
- DOOM + DOOM II on a region-free physical disc.
- Includes: DOOM, DOOM II, TNT: Evilution, The Plutonia Experiment, Master Levels for DOOM II, No Rest for the Living, Sigil & Sigil II, Legacy of Rust (a new episode created in collaboration by id Software, Nightdive Studios and MachineGames).
- A new Deathmatch map pack featuring 25 maps
- Total of 187 mission maps and 43 deathmatch maps in DOOM + DOOM II
- # of Players: Single System 1-4, Local wireless 1-8, Online 1-16
Rank #4
- A Relentless Campaign: There is no taking cover or stopping to regenerate health as you beat back Hell's raging demon hordes
- Return of id Multiplayer: Dominate your opponents in DOOM's signature, fast-paced arena-style combat
- Near-Limitless Gameplay: Doom SnapMap – A Powerful, but Easy-to-Use Game and Level Editor That Allows for Limitless Gameplay Experiences on Every Platform
- Entertainment Software Rating Board (ESRB) Content Description: Blood and gore, intense violence, strong language
Rank #3
- Developed by id Software, DOOM: The Dark Ages is the prequel to the critically acclaimed DOOM (2016) and DOOM Eternal that tells the epic cinematic origin story of the DOOM Slayer’s rage.
- In this third installment of the modern DOOM series, players will step into the blood-stained boots of the DOOM Slayer, in this never-before-seen dark and sinister medieval war against Hell.
- A dark fantasy/sci-fi single-player experience that delivers the searing combat and over-the-top visuals of the incomparable DOOM franchise, powered by the latest idTech engine. With a customizable difficulty system, it’s the perfect entry point whether you’re new to the franchise or a long time fan.
- As the super weapon of gods and kings, shred enemies with devastating favorites like the Super Shotgun while also wielding a variety of new bone-chewing weapons, including the versatile Shield Saw.
- Experience the origin story of the DOOM Slayer’s rage in this epic, cinematic, and action-packed story.
Rank #2
- Developed by id Software, DOOM: The Dark Ages is the prequel to the critically acclaimed DOOM (2016) and DOOM Eternal that tells the epic cinematic origin story of the DOOM Slayer’s rage.
- In this third installment of the modern DOOM series, players will step into the blood-stained boots of the DOOM Slayer, in this never-before-seen dark and sinister medieval war against Hell.
- A dark fantasy/sci-fi single-player experience that delivers the searing combat and over-the-top visuals of the incomparable DOOM franchise, powered by the latest idTech engine. With a customizable difficulty system, it’s the perfect entry point whether you’re new to the franchise or a long time fan.
- As the super weapon of gods and kings, shred enemies with devastating favorites like the Super Shotgun while also wielding a variety of new bone-chewing weapons, including the versatile Shield Saw.
- Experience the origin story of the DOOM Slayer’s rage in this epic, cinematic, and action-packed story.
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