Researcher Ported Doom to Hasselblad X2D Camera

A new project has enabled the classic game to run on the high-end 100-megapixel camera system.

Updated on Oct. 7, 2026 in Gaming

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A researcher has successfully modified the firmware of a 100-megapixel camera to run the classic 1993 video game Doom. AI Illustration. Upload story photo >

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A researcher has successfully ported the iconic video game Doom onto the Hasselblad X2D, a camera retailing for nearly $8,000. The modification allows users to interact with the game using the device's touchscreen for movement and the shutter button to fire.

Why it matters

This experiment continues a popular community tradition of testing the limits of embedded systems by running Doom on unlikely hardware. It highlights the technical adaptability of modern camera firmware and serves as a challenge to programmers worldwide.

The Hasselblad X2D features a 100-megapixel sensor and a 3.6-inch touchscreen display. The original version of Doom, which required 4 MB of RAM when launched, is now accessible via a GitHub repository.

The players

GitHub

This platform serves as the primary repository for hosting the open-source code and software ports used by the developer community.

Hasselblad

This is a Swedish manufacturer of high-end medium-format cameras and photographic equipment.

The details

To execute the port, the developer modified the camera firmware to support the game engine. Users can reproduce the installation by downloading the necessary code hosted on GitHub.

Timeline

  1. Doom was originally launched in 1993.

  2. A DSLR model mentioned in historical contexts was released in 2010.

  3. A related port to an entry-level DSLR occurred in August 2026.

  4. The Hasselblad port was completed in October 2026.

Culture Shift

This project participates in the Run Doom On Anything community meme, which continues to challenge programmers to force the 1993 game onto unlikely consumer electronics. It reflects a shift in hardware hacking where modern, high-cost devices are treated as modular platforms for nostalgic software experimentation.

This project requires users to modify their camera firmware, which could potentially impact the device's warranty or core functionality. It is intended for technical enthusiasts rather than as a standard feature for photographers.

The takeaway

Running classic software on expensive professional equipment underscores how accessible and modular modern embedded systems have become. It serves as a reminder that consumer hardware often holds processing capabilities far beyond its intended use.

Further reading

For more on the latest trends in hardware modding, visit the Gaming section.

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Would you install classic games on your own electronic devices if given the chance?