TL;DR
Wario Synth is a browser-based tool that converts songs into Game Boy–style chiptune tracks by analyzing MIDI and resynthesizing it with Web Audio oscillators. The project is a non-commercial, hobby effort by a developer known as @b1rdmania and runs entirely in the user’s browser.
What happened
A developer released Wario Synth, a web app that turns songs into Game Boy–style versions by working from MIDI sources. Users search for a song, select a MIDI input, and press Generate; the Wario Synthesis Engine then analyzes the MIDI data and recreates the music using Web Audio oscillators configured to imitate the Game Boy’s four-channel sound hardware. All audio processing happens client-side in the browser, so no server-side rendering is required. The author notes a particular behavior on iPhones: Apple blocks audio until the user explicitly taps an on-page control, and the site provides an Enable Audio button with an additional tip to check the phone’s ringer switch if sound remains muted. The project is presented as a non-commercial, lighthearted experiment by @b1rdmania, built with tooling credited as Claude Code, and a GitHub repository is available.
Why it matters
- Runs entirely in the browser, avoiding server-side audio processing and potential upload delays.
- Recreates the distinct four-channel Game Boy sound using Web Audio primitives, making nostalgic chiptune conversions accessible.
- Low barrier to try: search, pick a MIDI, and generate without installing software.
- Offered as a non-commercial experiment, signalling it’s intended for hobbyist use rather than commercial distribution.
Key facts
- Interface flow: search for a song, choose a MIDI source, then click Generate.
- The core component is called the Wario Synthesis Engine.
- The engine analyzes MIDI and resynthesizes audio with Web Audio oscillators tuned to mimic the Game Boy’s 4-channel sound chip.
- All processing happens in the user’s browser—no server-side rendering required.
- On iPhone, users must tap an on-page control to enable audio due to Apple’s autoplay restrictions; the site provides an Enable Audio button and advises checking the ringer switch if needed.
- Project is described as non-commercial and created by the developer @b1rdmania.
- Built with Claude Code according to the project notes.
- A GitHub repository is available for the project.
- Project URL: https://www.wario.style/
- Published on 2026-01-01 (source metadata).
What to watch next
- Potential legal or licensing questions around converting and distributing songs are hinted at but not detailed; not confirmed in the source.
- Compatibility and audio behavior across different browsers and devices beyond iPhone are not detailed; not confirmed in the source.
- Future updates to the synthesis engine, quality improvements, or added features are not described; not confirmed in the source.
Quick glossary
- MIDI: A protocol that encodes musical performance data (notes, timing, velocity) rather than audio; often used as input for synthesis.
- Web Audio API: A browser API for generating and processing audio in web applications, including oscillators and filters for synthesizing sound.
- Oscillator: A basic sound source in synthesis that produces periodic waveforms (sine, square, triangle) used to create tones.
- Game Boy sound chip: The handheld console’s onboard audio hardware, known for a characteristic four-channel chiptune sound.
Reader FAQ
How do I convert a song with Wario Synth?
Search for the song, choose a MIDI source, and click Generate; the app analyzes the MIDI and resynthesizes it in the browser.
Does the conversion happen on a server?
No. According to the project, all processing runs in the browser.
Is this a commercial product?
No. The creator describes it as a non-commercial project.
Why is there an Enable Audio button on iPhone?
Apple blocks audio playback until a user interaction occurs; tapping the button satisfies that requirement. If sound still doesn’t play, check the device ringer switch.
Is the source code available?
The project references a GitHub repository, but specifics about licensing or content are not detailed in the source.
How it works Search a song, pick a MIDI source, hit Generate. The Wario Synthesis Engine analyses the MIDI and resynthesises it using Web Audio oscillators tuned to mimic the…
Sources
- Show HN: Wario Synth – Turn any song into Game Boy version
- Hacker News
- Creating Music with Game Boy XY and Arduino Boy
- Radical Research Podcast
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