DIY Gaming Retro Gaming Console

In this instructables I will show you how to make an amazing gaming console for multifunction everyday use. I worked on this project for about 300 hours and it will be updated in the future with multiple versions.

I used arduino MEGA microcontroller, which is capable of processing and performing multiple tasks. For example game board has an SD card module, an AUX output, a bluetooth connection and more. It is a perfect project for new programmers and everyone who is interested in electronics or 3D designing. Gameboard is 100% customizable so you can play around and discover new features.

In the next steps I will show you how to assemble, program and design your own gameboard.

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Step 1: Tools

If you work with electronics you may already have most of the tools required in your house. I have put an entire list of tools I used for making the board in one place below.

Most important tools:
-Soldering iron
-Solder
-3D printer
-CNC machine

NOTE: If you don't have access to a CNC machine you can always use etching to make a PCB and later cut it out with a saw. If you don't have a 3D printer you can search for local printing companies.

Optional tools:
-Tweezers
-Super glue
-Screwdrivers
-Pliers
-Wire-cutters

Step 2: Parts

I have placed an international purchase links below so you don't have to search for them yourself. But you will also need some extra parts witch you might already have in your house.

Extra parts:
-M3 screws
-M3 nuts
-M2,5 screws
-M2,5 nuts
-Wire

Parts and links:
•Arduino MEGA
•Button 12x12
•Nokia 5110 LCD
•Button 6x6
•Voltage regulator
•LED
•SD card reader
•Stereo socket
•USB B
•ON OFF switch
•SMD resistors (0Ω; 1KΩ; 2,2KΩ)
•Resistor 2,2kΩ
•Resistor 1KΩ
•Resistor 3kΩ
•Single row female pins
•Single row right angle male pins
•Single row male pins
•Copper Clad Plate Laminate PCB
•Mosfet
•Limit switch

Step 3: Circuit

I have designed the electronic circuit in program Sprint-Layout 6.0. Sprint-Layout file and a PDF document are available below.

If you chose etching to make a PCB and it is your first time doing it you should look it up on YouTube.

Use photos above for soldering a circuit together or download .ZIP file for offline assembly. I was not soldering in the right order (FROM SMALLEST COMPONENTS TO BIGGEST) because I had some problems with few components and I messed up the right order, but at the end everything turned out great.

Step 4: Drawing and Assembly

I used Fusion 360 for drawing the case. It is made from 2 separate peaces that I put together with some screws. Edges of the case can be sanded off with a bit of sanding paper so you don't have any sharp edges. I made a lots of designs for gameboard and this is the best one yet. STL files are available for download. I printed parts with my Anet A8 3D printer and all parts looks awesome but I had some problems with warping but at the and all looked just ass expected. Total printing time for me took around 10h form start to finish including some sanding. For buttons I printed some arrows witch can be glued on with a bit of hot glue or super glue.

Step 5: Painting the Board

If you are not satisfied with the color of game board, you can add more textures using paint from local hardware store. I tried to pour some warm water into a bucket and spray some paint on the surface of the water but did not go as expected, I had some difficulties because paint was drying too quick and paint did not stick as it should, you can experiment as mutch as you want, maybe try adding some different colours together for more colourful part. When you make texture that you are satisfied with slowly dip a 3D printed part into the spray paint. I did one other option. I used some masked tape and make small shards with knife which I randomly pasted around the part. Here is some pictures how I did it. Make sure to spreed paint eavenly across the part from 25-30cm away. Let it dry for another hour and slowly pill away masking tape.

Step 6: Programing

I have already wrote some programs and games in the Arduino IDE so you can just download them and play them as many times as you want. For music I included a library for an SD card module that is easy to use. The only tricky part is converting music into the right format, so I included some photos to help you with that.

Step 7: Conclusion

It is a lot of fun to play games on this game board and it gives kind of a retro gaming experience. I am p