Nike is tapping into gaming nostalgia with its upcoming Air Max 1 “Big Head Mode,” a sneaker that pays tribute to the iconic Nintendo 64 first-person shooter GoldenEye 007. Part of Nike’s Low Poly series, this release celebrates the groundbreaking 1997 game that redefined the FPS genre. Thanks for Footwear News
Nike’s Air Max Video Game Sneaker Tribute Series Moves to Its Biggest Icon Yet: ‘Goldeneye 007’ https://t.co/SmzGL0kaPL
— Footwear News (@FootwearNews) March 24, 2025
The sneaker’s design cleverly references James Bond’s signature tuxedo with black and white base layers, while gold accents pay homage to the game’s legendary Golden Gun weapon. The “Big Head Mode” nickname is a direct nod to the beloved cheat code that humorously enlarged characters’ heads in the original game.
This GoldenEye-inspired release follows previous Low Poly editions that referenced other gaming classics like Tomb Raider and Donkey Kong. Before its physical release, the sneaker has already made its digital debut as a cosmetic in Fortnite.
IN-HAND: @dotSWOOSH x Nike Air Max 1 “Big Head Origins” (“Donkey Kong”)
— Sole Retriever (@SoleRetriever) March 15, 2025
🗓️ March 21st 🦧🍌🌴
📹 @jennizerr pic.twitter.com/xQNNqNrhqv
The Nike Air Max 1 “Big Head Mode” is expected to release in Summer 2025 with a retail price of $160. Meanwhile, the Donkey Kong-inspired “Big Head Origins” colorway is scheduled to drop on Air Max Day, March 26, 2025.
The Low Poly series has gained significant popularity since its debut last September with the help of streamer Kai Cenat, with Nike continuing to blend gaming and sneaker culture through these nostalgic collaborations.
