Casio Unveils Game Boy-404 Hybrid That Samplers Hope Will Sample Success
KEY POINTS
- •Casio debuted its SX-C1 prototype sampler at NAMM 2026, a show known for music gear innovations.
- •The device features a 1.3-inch OLED screen, directional pad, four buttons, and 16 rubberized sample pads with pixelated labels.
- •Casio intends the final SX-C1 to offer 16 voice polyphony, record samples at 16-bit/48kHz, and include 10 sample banks.
At NAMM 2026—truly the Coachella for synth obsessives—Casio debuted the SX-C1, a sampler that looks like it was conceived during a very confused family reunion between a Game Boy and a Roland SP-404. This proto-sampler sports a 1.3-inch OLED screen, directional pad, and four controller buttons acting like cosplay rejects. Its 16 touchy rubber pads come with pixelated numbers because, obviously, nothing screams pro audio like ’90s video game nostalgia vomited on plastic. Not finalized specs promise 16-voice polyphony and 16-bit/48kHz sampling, presumably so you can smash emoji-sounding beats with a sprinkle of CrunchyPixelVibes. Meanwhile, musicians await its 10 sample banks like kids for a Tamagotchi update. All this wrapped inside booth 9102 in hall B, where music gear dreams go to either take off or collect dust.
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Casio’s sampler blends Game Boy nostalgia with pro gear – perfect for musicians who still wish pizza came on floppy disks.
When you can't decide between gaming and making beats, Casio's SX-C1 says, 'Why not confuse everyone?'
The SX-C1 proves you can slap pixelated numbers on stuff and call it ‘retro professional’—musicians, ready your wallets.
Source: Theverge | Published: 1/23/2026 | Author: Terrence O’Brien
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