Like everyone else in the world, I grew up with a love for video games. Specifically games for the Nintendo Entertainment System. I don't know why, but I can't really get into playing all the modern games. The nice thing about newer consoles is that they are easy to keep out of sight (wireless controllers). Unfortunately to get your daily fix of NES, you need to dig through the closet, find the "good" controller, all the wires, etc etc and half an hour later you are playing. My goal was to prevent this from happening. And no, emulators just won't cut it.
I've always enjoyed the feel of playing with an arcade controller. Sure the NES Advantage is OK, but it doesn't give you that authentic feel a real arcade machine does. To solve that, I was inspired by a friend to build a NES Bartop Arcade machine. I could have gone the easy route and built a MAME console, but I find emulation just isn't the same. And thanks to Brian from http://www.retrousb.com I can have all my games at my fingertips with the PowerPak.
I could have made things easier by using a NOAC (NES On A Chip) system that fits a NES in the size of a credit card. These have all sorts of problems though, sound, game incompatibility, color problems, and overall bad build quality. Since I like my games 100% authentic, both sight and sound, the only option was the original NES hardware.
Also, I want to be able to use a genuine arcade controller when my NES is hooked up to the big screen so I am doing something that has never been seen before (by me anyway). The controller part is detachable from the rest of the unit!
These were my goals for this project:
Keep it as small as possible
Make something that hasn't been done before
Maintain a good quality build
Inspire others to try something similar
I think I have accomplished all of these goals. The final footprint is 31" High x 14 1/2" Wide x 15 1/2" Deep. The cabinet has two unique features I've never seen. It has the detachable controller, and it has and actual NES mounted on the monitor with a GameGenie connector soldered directly to the motherboard. I didn't take any shortcuts with this build, and everything is strong and sturdy. Finally, I've already had people tell me they want to build one of these!
So without further adieu, I give you The Genuine NES Bartop Arcade.
*Check out the NES rom I made to show off the cabinet (future instructable?)*
**for some reason it is showing up as a .tmp file. Just change it to a .nes file and you should be able to run it on your emulator or PowerPak
I've always enjoyed the feel of playing with an arcade controller. Sure the NES Advantage is OK, but it doesn't give you that authentic feel a real arcade machine does. To solve that, I was inspired by a friend to build a NES Bartop Arcade machine. I could have gone the easy route and built a MAME console, but I find emulation just isn't the same. And thanks to Brian from http://www.retrousb.com I can have all my games at my fingertips with the PowerPak.
I could have made things easier by using a NOAC (NES On A Chip) system that fits a NES in the size of a credit card. These have all sorts of problems though, sound, game incompatibility, color problems, and overall bad build quality. Since I like my games 100% authentic, both sight and sound, the only option was the original NES hardware.
Also, I want to be able to use a genuine arcade controller when my NES is hooked up to the big screen so I am doing something that has never been seen before (by me anyway). The controller part is detachable from the rest of the unit!
These were my goals for this project:
Keep it as small as possible
Make something that hasn't been done before
Maintain a good quality build
Inspire others to try something similar
I think I have accomplished all of these goals. The final footprint is 31" High x 14 1/2" Wide x 15 1/2" Deep. The cabinet has two unique features I've never seen. It has the detachable controller, and it has and actual NES mounted on the monitor with a GameGenie connector soldered directly to the motherboard. I didn't take any shortcuts with this build, and everything is strong and sturdy. Finally, I've already had people tell me they want to build one of these!
So without further adieu, I give you The Genuine NES Bartop Arcade.
*Check out the NES rom I made to show off the cabinet (future instructable?)*
**for some reason it is showing up as a .tmp file. Just change it to a .nes file and you should be able to run it on your emulator or PowerPak
Remove these ads by
Signing UpStep 1: Materials Parts and Tools
I want to start by saying that I am not a professional builder, painter, or electronics expert. I have spent a lot of time tinkering, and a lot of time reading what other people have done. Please take this Instructable and learn from it. This is my first Instructable, and my first attempt at making an arcade, so I am open to constructive criticism and welcome feed back.
SAFETY
I am a huge advocate of safety. I have never had an accident involving tools and I plan on keeping it that way. This Instructables involves tools that can kill you if not used properly. Some can kill you right away, some may kill you down the road. You only have one body, take care of it.
Eye Protection
Dust mask
Gloves
Solder fume extractor
Materials
1/2" MDF - Came in a 4'x8' sheet only needed half of it
Krylon Spray Primer - Gray
Krylon Fusion Black Spray Paint
Krylon Fusion Red Spray Paint
Size 5 or 6 3/4" screws
Size 5 or 6 1 1/4" screws
Plexi/Acrylic/whatever - I don't know much about this stuff, I just had a bunch I salvaged
Wood Glue
Wood Filler
Tools
Drill - hand drill works, but a drill press is much easier
1 1/8" Spade bit - for buttons
1 1/4" Spade bit - for joystick
Counter-sink bit - I like to counter sink and pre-drill all my holes
Screwdrivers
Pliers
Wire cutters
Solder
Soldering Iron
Multimeter - for testing circuits and verifying connections
Scissors
Utility Knife - the sharper the better
Sand paper
Sanding blocks
Files
Router
Flush Trim router bit
Belt Sander
Table Saw
Circular Saw
Jigsaw
Hacksaw
Painters Tape
Parts
1 Front Loading NES
1 Arcade Joystick
6 Arcade Buttons
1 Galoob GameGenie Enhancer cartridge
1 NES controller
1 Set of speakers with built in amplifier
1 small light for marquee - I found a 13" wide Florescent light at the hardware store.
1 small powerbar - make sure it will fit in your controller box
4 rubber non-skid feet
2 Spring Roller Latches - for holding the top on
2 Latches - if you decide to make the controller detachable
Some small gauge wire - wiring the joysticks
You will also need the power adapters and av cables that came with the NES and other components.
SAFETY
I am a huge advocate of safety. I have never had an accident involving tools and I plan on keeping it that way. This Instructables involves tools that can kill you if not used properly. Some can kill you right away, some may kill you down the road. You only have one body, take care of it.
Eye Protection
Dust mask
Gloves
Solder fume extractor
Materials
1/2" MDF - Came in a 4'x8' sheet only needed half of it
Krylon Spray Primer - Gray
Krylon Fusion Black Spray Paint
Krylon Fusion Red Spray Paint
Size 5 or 6 3/4" screws
Size 5 or 6 1 1/4" screws
Plexi/Acrylic/whatever - I don't know much about this stuff, I just had a bunch I salvaged
Wood Glue
Wood Filler
Tools
Drill - hand drill works, but a drill press is much easier
1 1/8" Spade bit - for buttons
1 1/4" Spade bit - for joystick
Counter-sink bit - I like to counter sink and pre-drill all my holes
Screwdrivers
Pliers
Wire cutters
Solder
Soldering Iron
Multimeter - for testing circuits and verifying connections
Scissors
Utility Knife - the sharper the better
Sand paper
Sanding blocks
Files
Router
Flush Trim router bit
Belt Sander
Table Saw
Circular Saw
Jigsaw
Hacksaw
Painters Tape
Parts
1 Front Loading NES
1 Arcade Joystick
6 Arcade Buttons
1 Galoob GameGenie Enhancer cartridge
1 NES controller
1 Set of speakers with built in amplifier
1 small light for marquee - I found a 13" wide Florescent light at the hardware store.
1 small powerbar - make sure it will fit in your controller box
4 rubber non-skid feet
2 Spring Roller Latches - for holding the top on
2 Latches - if you decide to make the controller detachable
Some small gauge wire - wiring the joysticks
You will also need the power adapters and av cables that came with the NES and other components.
Visit Our Store »
Go Pro Today »
As for the joystick, it really depends on the game. It works great for some games, and others not so well. I think because there is such a dead zone between directions it can be hard to do complex quick manouvers when you are used to a D-Pad. You can probably get more sensitive sticks though, I just used what I had laying around.
Then you connect the wires to the corresponding pins/switches as I've shown in the diagram and pictures.
The artwork on the controller box was done by my wife. Basically a bunch of copy/paste from sprites obtained online.
You'll be able to see better once you view in full size.
So now you would have the 2p controller coming out the top. There would even be room to keep it plugged in all the time and just store it in the top by the speakers and light. I haven't used it for multi-player (since I have a regular NES connected to my tv), so this hasn't been a priority to add the plug.
kewl instructable dude!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Thanks man.
However, a wonderful instructable and a wonderful project !
You put me in mind to do the same with a Snes (famicom)
Also, keep in mind that with an LCD you will not be able to use the lightgun. So if that is something you want, then design your cabinet around a CRT instead.
I can't believe that last week it was just a piece of board with 5 holes in it and now it is this! WOW! So impressed I had to vote for it! Okay, let's be honest even if I wasn't I would have voted for you but it really is quite amazing that you thought of this and made it come to life!
but I do like the work and thought that was put into this. after buiding one MAME cabinet it may be time for a NES and possibly a C-64 one in our household
great ible