The theremin isn't only good for playing "Good Vibrations", it's also good for playing Super Mario Bros. — not just the music, but the game itself.

YouTuber conquerearth explains how it works:

The sound from the theremin is split into its frequency and amplitude components in real time, which are then mapped to values in a linear scale representing the X and Y axis. Pitch becomes horizontal control, and Volume becomes vertical control.
The X and Y scales are then cut up into different zones. In this case, Left; Right and dead zones for the horizontal, and a single trigger and dead zone for the vertical.

The trigger zones are then mapped onto a virtual joystick hooked into an emulator.

The end result is a fairly usable input control for playing games like mario. The bars give the much needed visual feedback as to how "in tune" you are, so you have a better feel of where the trigger points are.

As conquerearth points out, it's possible to control the game with your voice or even a guitar or a violin.

Send an email to the author of this post at bashcraft@kotaku.com.