Something that may interest you guys, need input...

[NayusDante]

I've actually been thinking about homemade console cases myself, glad I saw this thread.

The design I was thinking of was a little larger and more minimalist. Maybe a 10x10x3 solid wood block with the inside routed out, but sold as a universal kit for any console. Knockout slots for cart slots or CD assemblies, etc...

[wiggyx]

I started off trying to make something more "universal". Doing so without requiring a lot of modification to the hardware for each console would have been really tricky. The only "easy" way I could conceive was to have the hookups/controllers installed before casing the units up. I.e. like the famicom controllers; permanently attached to the unit so that there wouldn't be a need to align the outputs for each console.

[NayusDante]

Why not just wire up the controller ports with extensions? Keep the connections hidden by a door that allows the wires to pass through.

[wiggyx]

Why not just wire up the controller ports with extensions? Keep the connections hidden by a door that allows the wires to pass through.

That's fine for a one-off, but for mass production, that would create more headache than it's worth.

But, having said that, I am working on an all-in-one shell to house either a toaster NES, SNS-001, or N64. I think I have a method worked out so at least 75% of the new plastic parts can be shared by all 3 consoles.

[wiggyx]

I've got tooling prices here along with price-per-part quotes. One step closer to Kickstarter...

[TheChristoph]

I'm looking forward to seeing this project progress. I've got to get a SNS 101 to prepare for this!

For what it's worth, I think it'd be great if you produced those matching carts as replacement shells for the Super Everdrive, Powerpak, or SD2SNES. It'd really represent and exemplify a new, modern way to appreciate old games.

[spoonman]

It looks like you are putting a lot of thought and work into this. I admire your dedication and enthusiasm.

I suppose I fall under the category of someone who likes the original systems as unmodded as possible, but I have to admit I like to see what people can come up with.
I also imagine there would be a need for this is the older shell is broken or so yellowed that it offends people. :)

[theMot]

What ended up happening with this?

[wiggyx]

I'm still working on it, don't lose faith. There's just a lot to sort out, and I've been super busy. I'll have some updates soon though. Stay tuned...

[marlowe221]

This project is fascinating!!!

For those who are not opposed to the "E word"...... I think it would be very cool to have a shell like this with, essentially, a dedicated BSNES emulator machine inside. Combine that with real carts or an Everdrive and modern video outs (VGA, RGB, Component, HDMI, or similiar) to be friendly with modern televisions.

I would pay money for that.

(Don't kill me - when hardware death inevitably happens, good emulation might be our only way to enjoy the classics!)

[samspade]

The designs look awesome. I could totally see getting a few new shells to replace the nicotine yellow snes consoles I got in the closet. Very nice mock ups and a cool concept.

[Words iManifest]

Wow, pretty new here and happy to have joined. I am absolutely one of those people who would love a little uniformity amongst my entertainment. Those SNES' look phenominal and I would love to have one ! I was searching the internet for a new one just this last hour when I decided to come over to the forums here for a break (slow day at work)...Perhaps I'll wait a bit. Keep me posted, I will check back here often.

[theclaw]

I'm also thinking Master System and Master System 2 might be other candidates to explore. Those have rather tall cases for their board size.

[o.pwuaioc]

This hasn't died suddenly, has it?

[Enmity]

I sure hope this project hasn't died. It looks great. As just a shell though I wouldn't want to spend more then $50-$75 on one.

I really like a brushed metal look. I don't know what it would take to have one made out of aluminum or something to get that look and feel. Also I would love a matching set of cases for all of my old consoles, each with their own logo markings but when put together they look like they belong with each other.

[PreZZ]

I'd pay good money for something that's a Genesis + Sega CD + 32X + Master System in one.

in a neptune console shell!! This for me would be the holy grail of my Sega collection!

[PreZZ]

This project is fascinating!!!

For those who are not opposed to the "E word"...... I think it would be very cool to have a shell like this with, essentially, a dedicated BSNES emulator machine inside. Combine that with real carts or an Everdrive and modern video outs (VGA, RGB, Component, HDMI, or similiar) to be friendly with modern televisions.

I would pay money for that.

(Don't kill me - when hardware death inevitably happens, good emulation might be our only way to enjoy the classics!)

This guy nailed it! I would not be interested in a new shell, but with a mini itx pc inside with snes controller ports and hdmi outputs, this would be awesome! Old games with graphic smoothing options on high def tvs look good!

[theclaw]

If only I were motivated to understand 3D modeling software. WAY easier to visualize possible concepts.

[wiggyx]

This hasn't died suddenly, has it?


I sure hope this project hasn't died. It looks great. As just a shell though I wouldn't want to spend more then $50-$75 on one.

I really like a brushed metal look. I don't know what it would take to have one made out of aluminum or something to get that look and feel. Also I would love a matching set of cases for all of my old consoles, each with their own logo markings but when put together they look like they belong with each other.

Definitely hasn't. Just takes time, plus I'm trying to build an entire brand around this and some other products and services including some fun lighting options for classic portables. In fact, I'm actually working on an instruction manual for one of the products right now...

http://i86.photobucket.com/albums/k99/wiggyx/Wiggy%20Design/manualprev1.jpg

http://i86.photobucket.com/albums/k99/wiggyx/Wiggy%20Design/manualprev2.jpg


And here's the logo for my brand.

edit: which I just realized is already in my sig. Derp!

http://i86.photobucket.com/albums/k99/wiggyx/Wiggy%20Design/Sig-banner-dark.png

As you can see, I'm working hard here. Just doing it all on my own, so it takes time :/




This guy nailed it! I would not be interested in a new shell, but with a mini itx pc inside with snes controller ports and hdmi outputs, this would be awesome! Old games with graphic smoothing options on high def tvs look good!

Hmm, that does sound quite interesting.


If only I were motivated to understand 3D modeling software. WAY easier to visualize possible concepts.

The basics are really quite easy to learn as long as you're at all familiar with a modern PC (which I assume you are). There are plenty of tutorials online and Solidworks comes with a decent set of "lessons".

You should download a trial and check it out if you're at all interested ;)

[theclaw]

Yeah right now I'm exploring the acrylic PC case look. 3D model could help see how viable that would be.
Not that it matters unless somebody is willing to tackle whatever I come up with for financial gain. I don't have adequate tools, experience, or a workshop.

[PreZZ]

I really like what you are doing, BUT I would never replace an original case of a console unless its yellow or broken. The SNES mini is not very common, and I dont think you will sell much of these cases, the original SNES would have been a better choice since all the cases are now brown and yellow. You are very talented and I know you put a lot of efforts in this, but what I would like is "modernized" retro consoles. Built in wireless bluetooth for gamepads, wifi for online gaming and a friend list (like xlink kai on modded xbox) and media streaming, original controller and cartridge slot, hdmi output in a replica shell of the consoles. I know this would be a lot of work, but you seem like the only guy who could make something like this and I wish you the best for Rose colored gaming, im sure i will buy from you at some point since i own every consoles since 1985! An all in one Nintendo console (nes to n64 with wii classic controller lay out in a nes shell with custom colors) kickstarter for this kind of project would be a good solution. Messiah did some interesting things with generation nex and the wireless contollers but the hardware and controller were complete junk. I might buy the backlit screen for gba though, thats a really good idea.

[wiggyx]

Quite honestly, that's what's put the project on temporary hold. I decided a while back to move over to the SNS-001 for the very reasons you've cited after reading the feedback from users here and elsewhere, and looking at the costs for this project. There's no way I'll ever make up the cost of tooling if I were to do the SNS-101. I don't even know if there are enough 101's in existence to cover my projected costs LOL

I'm actually working on the 001 and consolized MVS right now. I thought it'd be easier to tackle both at once, and it may allow me to share a part or two between the two ;) Gonna be a while though. I'm super busy, and it's a lot of work, especially considering the many configurations/revisions that both the SNS-001 and MVS come in.

As far as the modernized consoles, I'm not at all in a position to tackle a product like that at the moment. That's a pretty huge undertaking, and I'm a one man show for the time being.

It seems like emulating/reproducing hardware is the big hurdle, especially at a reasonable cost. It don't think anyone has been able to perfect that yet :(

Thanks for the support! Hopefully I'll have the GBA kits for a while :)

[o.pwuaioc]

Quite honestly, that's what's put the project on temporary hold. I decided a while back to move over to the SNS-001 for the very reasons you've cited after reading the feedback from users here and elsewhere, and looking at the costs for this project. There's no way I'll ever make up the cost of tooling if I were to do the SNS-101. I don't even know if there are enough 101's in existence to cover my projected costs LOL

I'm actually working on the 001 and consolized MVS right now. I thought it'd be easier to tackle both at once, and it may allow me to share a part or two between the two ;) Gonna be a while though. I'm super busy, and it's a lot of work, especially considering the many configurations/revisions that both the SNS-001 and MVS come in.

As far as the modernized consoles, I'm not at all in a position to tackle a product like that at the moment. That's a pretty huge undertaking, and I'm a one man show for the time being.

It seems like emulating/reproducing hardware is the big hurdle, especially at a reasonable cost. It don't think anyone has been able to perfect that yet :(

Thanks for the support! Hopefully I'll have the GBA kits for a while :)

GBA kits look cool, and I seriously can't wait to see what the SNS-001 shells will look like.

My dream product are internet adapter-thingamabobs which will allow retro consoles to connect to other players through the internet. There was talk of one on the Genesis over at Sega-16, but I don't think I've seen an update recently (or maybe I just missed it). In any case, online Zombies Ate My Neighbors or Super Mario Kart would be awesome.

(Yeah, yeah, I know, I know, SNES9K and whatnot, but it's not the same...)

[wiggyx]

Definitely not the same.

That would be really cool though, more so than any other modernizing feature save for maybe RF wireless controllers.

[o.pwuaioc]

Definitely not the same.

That would be really cool though, more so than any other modernizing feature save for maybe RF wireless controllers.

Especially affordable controllers! I'd love to get some nice wireless controllers for my SNES, but I'm not about to shell out $80+ for a set.

[Greg2600]

Somewhat related but have you or anyone determined the spray color for the orig. Snes-001? Really need to paint over the yellow on mine.

[wiggyx]

No, but if you take it to an auto paint supplier I'm sure they can match it pretty damned close. It would be really tough to find a rattle can color to match :( I've found a couple of colors that are close-ish, but nothing that's nearly spot-on.

[BricatSegaFan]

Sign me up for a Neptune prototype Genesis!

Would be cool to see the innards of a genesis 1 in a Neptune shell