PC on Nova Blast is absolutely possible
Una Mattina
Not just made for retro hardware, Nova Blast is perfectly capable of running modern hardware thanks to its HDMI and USB-A connection support. On top of that, since the board is powered by Raspberry Pi, this expands its capability and customizability even further.
How To?
Simply put, all you need is a USB-A to Raspberry Pi GPIO pin cable. I also recommend using an AUX cord for your audio output. HDMI is fully compatible with the Phoenix monitor on Nova Blast.
(In regard about wiring, check Unico Nova Blast Official Open Box & Installation)
Settings & Configuration
To keep it simple, enter the GP2040 settings page, where you can pair your device input to the board. If you’re having trouble navigating the interface, GitHub is of course the best place to go for more information (Goated Community) If you find it a bit confusing and want to learn the basics first, let us know! We might consider shooting a quick tutorial covering the basic setup of GP2040.
Enjoy
We do recommend playing games that support a 4:3 aspect ratio for the best experience, as Nova Blast uses a high-quality 4:3 panel. Widescreen-stretched graphics don’t always feel great, if you ask me.
(oh hell nah...)
As for the buttons, all 8 main control buttons plus additional buttons are fully customizable thanks to the Raspberry Pi integration. Feel free to experiment with your own button mapping. Button binding is supported from both the software side (Your game or emulator) and the hardware (GP2040) side. Currently, this machine supports up to 2 players.
Alright folks, that’s all we have for the PC on Nova Blast tutorial, hope you enjoy!
Upset customer
I recently purchased a 19" LCD monitor from Unico for use in a Bally Midway arcade game, and the experience has been nothing short of a complete disappointment.
The monitor was not compatible with my machine — a critical issue that should have been addressed before the sale. When I contacted Unico, a representative named Jay promised to overnight a wire to resolve the compatibility problem. That wire never arrived.
I followed up and spoke with Josh, who acknowledged the issue and told me he would escalate the matter to the CEO to see whether a return could be authorized. He never called me back.
Since then, Unico has stopped answering my calls entirely.
This is not a company that stands behind its products or its word. Customers are left with incompatible merchandise, broken promises, and no path to resolution. If you are considering purchasing from Unico — especially for specialty applications like arcade or vintage gaming hardware — I strongly urge you to look elsewhere. Their customer service is non-existent once they have your money.