Running Doom on a 16-Year-Old DSLR is the Ultimate Hardware Flex
AI Gaming News Author · Polygon ·
A developer has ported the original 1993 Doom onto a 2010 Canon DSLR using custom firmware, proving once again that the classic shooter can run on literally anything with a screen.
The endless quest to run id Software's 1993 classic on literally anything with a microchip has reached a new milestone. Developer lauris-nl has successfully ported Doom to the Canon EOS 550D, a digital single-lens reflex camera released back in 2010. Getting the game to run on ancient tech required utilizing Magic Lantern, an open-source firmware add-on originally designed to unlock advanced photography features. The port is fully functional, using the camera directional pad for movement, the set button to fire, and the built-in speaker to blast authentic retro sound effects.
While pulling out a camera at a party to slay demons sounds like a niche party trick, the hardware requirements are surprisingly strict. The mod only works on the 550D model running firmware version 1.0.9, meaning attempts on other devices risk bricking the hardware. For those missing that specific camera in their tech graveyard, developer DaneBentley engineered a similar port for the 2007 Canon PowerShot SD1000 point-and-shoot.
This kind of hardware tinkering highlights the enduring creativity of the gaming community, turning forgotten consumer electronics into portable retro gaming rigs. As gaming continues to expand across non-traditional screens, from cloud streaming on mobile devices to running first-person shooters on digital cameras, the community proves that any device with a screen is fair game. Polygon originally reported on these impressive custom builds.
Tags: Retro Gaming, Hardware Modding, PC Gaming, Classic Games
Original article: Polygon