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View Full Version : So I'm thinking of making a portable genesis...


nobble
11-11-2009, 10:18 PM
And first off, yes I know it has been made already (the nomad), but i decided i want to try to make my own just for the heck of it. So I'm a genesis freak and always loved the cartridges themselves (nostalgic factors). Would taking THIS SYSTEM (http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/tg/detail/-/B00066LG60/ref=sr_11_1?_encoding=UTF8&v=glance) and adding THIS MOD (http://www.racketboy.com/retro/2006/01/more-pictures-of-megadrive-genesis.html) be easiest? I would be putting a small screen like the ps1 screen in there. Any good and easy to setup screens anyone could think of? I am pretty new to making portables and really need this communities help. Thanks in advance!

Nobble
jonjandran
11-11-2009, 11:01 PM
And first off, yes I know it has been made already (the nomad), but i decided i want to try to make my own just for the heck of it. So I'm a genesis freak and always loved the cartridges themselves (nostalgic factors). Would taking THIS SYSTEM (http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/tg/detail/-/B00066LG60/ref=sr_11_1?_encoding=UTF8&v=glance) and adding THIS MOD (http://www.racketboy.com/retro/2006/01/more-pictures-of-megadrive-genesis.html) be easiest? I would be putting a small screen like the ps1 screen in there. Any good and easy to setup screens anyone could think of? I am pretty new to making portables and really need this communities help. Thanks in advance!

Nobble

Actually the easiest way is with the newer Genesis clones. Like the Gencore System :

http://technabob.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2009/10/sega_genesis_gen_core.jpg

or the FireCore System:
http://www.blogcdn.com/www.joystiq.com/media/2009/09/blazefire2.jpg

They already have the built in Game cart slot and they are tiny inside.

The Psone screen is one of the easiest to use and best looking 5" screen available. It also has the advantage of built in audio and speakers.
Ryaan1234
11-11-2009, 11:26 PM
If you haven't seen this site (http://benheck.com/all-game-projects) already then you need to. Benjamin Heckendorn is the master of making all things portable and you will learn everything you need to know about portabilizing video game systems from what he has written. If you don't want to read a bunch here is a list of the key components that you want to make a portable game system:

-A game system (duh) The original system is preferable, but you can use the "whatever-system-on-a-chip", which is the famiclone version of that system. For Atari it's the Flashback, for the NES the Super Power Joy III Player whatever.

-A screen. You can use a PS1 screen, but it would set you back some decent money. You can also use a portable DVD player with A/V input abilities, as well as other LCD screens/monitors. It depends on what you want to use.

-A casing. You can custom make or re-use a case if you want something neat looking. If you don't care so much about looks you can make a "frankencase", which is just a jumble of cases, like a cardboard box with plastic siding.

-A power source. While you can use enough AAA or AA batteries you can also use rechargeable batterys for an RC car or something. Rechargeable batteries cost extra, but you don't have to keep on buying more batteries.

I hope this helps you with your endeavors. I'm on my way to having a NES portable using a Yobo system and a 7.2 inch widescreen LCD screen. I need batteries and a casing.
nobble
11-11-2009, 11:32 PM
I hope this helps you with your endeavors. I'm on my way to having a NES portable using a Yobo system and a 7.2 inch widescreen LCD screen. I need batteries and a casing.

Thanks a bunch guys! I didn't think about the gen on a chip systems even tho i have an FC3! LOL. I have seen ben heck's site and will probably sign up for an account and look around on there. I can't wait to see your nes portable when it's done. post some pics!
MASTERWEEDO
11-12-2009, 08:41 AM
Personally, i just bought the Nomad, I just wish it had a better battery life
jonjandran
11-12-2009, 09:58 AM
Personally, i just bought the Nomad, I just wish it had a better battery life

But the screen is absolutely CRAP on a Nomad. I have a nomad and I took the screen out and put in a new 3.5" and now I will finally play it. LOL
horseboy
11-12-2009, 10:29 AM
http://stoneagegamer.com/genmobile.aspx
jonjandran
11-12-2009, 10:41 AM
Yep they make several different kinds of those.

Some of us like to make things though. :)
Steve W
11-12-2009, 02:58 PM
http://www.amazon.com/Sports-Madden-Games-Two-Player/dp/B0001HYSFK/ref=acc_glance_vg_ai_-2_3_img
What if you modded one of these instead? Then you could take off the second player controller and make it a handheld unit with a cartridge slot. That is, if it's really a Genesis-on-a-chip like the first unit you were considering modding.
Push Upstairs
11-12-2009, 03:14 PM
But the screen is absolutely CRAP on a Nomad. I have a nomad and I took the screen out and put in a new 3.5" and now I will finally play it. LOL

A better screen and some LED's as opposed to the light in it would make the Nomad a perfect portable Genesis.

If I knew how to do it I would. I'd also convert and RC car bettery into a rechargeable battery for it.
jonjandran
11-12-2009, 03:15 PM
A better screen and some LED's as opposed to the light in it would make the Nomad a perfect portable Genesis.

If I knew how to do it I would. I'd also convert and RC car bettery into a rechargeable battery for it.

Yes a new screen does make it nearly perfect. And the new screen is already led backlit so you don't nee led's added :bigmac:
horseboy
11-12-2009, 03:25 PM
Yep they make several different kinds of those.

Some of us like to make things though. :)

I don't think so. This is the first portable Genesis that actually has a cartridge slot (other than the nomad obviously). Not to mention it is an officially licensed product.

I understand that people like to tinker and make things, but I would personally focus on things that aren't readily available. To each his own though.
jonjandran
11-12-2009, 03:48 PM
I made a guide for replacing the Nomad screen if anyone cares :)

http://steamportables.freeforums.org/replacing-the-nomad-screen-t58.html
jonjandran
11-17-2009, 10:27 PM
I don't think so. This is the first portable Genesis that actually has a cartridge slot (other than the nomad obviously). Not to mention it is an officially licensed product.

I understand that people like to tinker and make things, but I would personally focus on things that aren't readily available. To each his own though.

Wrong :

Genmobile and RetroGen


http://video-game-central.com/sega-genesis-portable-retrogen.html

http://images.channeladvisor.com/Sell/SSProfiles/60000165/Images/7/retrogen.jpg

http://i.ebayimg.com/17/%21BedUPKQBmk%7E$%28KGrHqIOKj4Eq1gbik9SBK9Y%29JpJc w%7E%7E_12.JPG
horseboy
11-18-2009, 10:56 AM
.....
googlefest1
11-18-2009, 11:15 AM
I made a guide for replacing the Nomad screen if anyone cares :)

http://steamportables.freeforums.org/replacing-the-nomad-screen-t58.html


now a guide for the game gear would be awsome -- i never had a problem with the nomad screen - but thanks for the leg work on the nomad man. If i ever find a beat up nomad i will give this a try

have you researched other lcds? i would think lcd components would be less expensive - IE the screen/cold cathode+ driver board -- if i remeber corectly a full color samsung 5"-7" screen was 50$ including the driver 4 years ago when i looked into it for a diferent project