Homemade SNES Arcade Machine

Intro: Homemade SNES Arcade Machine

This is my second entry in the homemade arcade machines. A Super Nintendo in a bartop arcade machine. I'm now up to 3 machines. Some of these pics are also of the Sega Genesis Arcade machine that I did not make build pics for. My next machine will be an original xbox running MAME with hundreds of original arcade games. 

Comments

[PatrickF36]

How did you get the snes to put a picture on the monitor?

[colossalman]

I'm not the maker, but it looks like that monitor just has AV inputs on it.

https://cdn.instructables.com/FJA/BP3B/HPZMROMX/FJABP3BHPZMROMX.LARGE.jpg

[elliot.humiston]

I was wondering if you could list the general dimensions of this project? or maybe even a template???

[djkurtz92]

I used regular exterior latex paint. Yes I used t-molding which requires a router and bit to cut the slot. I used regular off the shelf 20 gauge wire.

[drew.selling.5]

Love your work, they look awesome. I have no carpentry skills and lack the technological know how, but I am still having ago at building one. I have done a lot of research and Google brought me here. If you could just answer a couple of questions it would be much appreciated.

1. Where do you solder the ground wire to on the control pad board?

2. Did you use a separate ground wire for each button to the board or link them all with one wire then solder just that one to the board?

[djkurtz92]

Thank you for the nice comments.

1. First I scrape off the graphite coating off of each button exposing the copper beneath. I then drillied small holes in each point to feed the lead wires through and bend to hold into place. Then I soldered.

2. If you are using Happ controls its just as easy to make a seperate ground wire for each because you'll need 2 wires per switch. If using the Sanwa version of the joystick, those are wired for a common ground so you could save some wiring and time. My preference is the Happ joysticks, I just like them better.

I hope this helps. The NES version machine build pics show almost everything you need to do to get a similar result. The game played great with that setup. I could still beat Dracula on Castlevania with that control setup.

[drew.selling.5]

Thank you for replying and sorry for all of the questions, but I really am that much of a novice.

What kind of paint did you use?

Did you use T molding for the edges?

Do I need a certain type of wire for the controls?

[HI I AM SETH]

Neat bro. I might check em out.

[HI I AM SETH]

Two things:
1. Cool! I like those cabinets dude! I'm planning on making one with my Sega Genesis.

2. I live in CT also! (I saw the CT license plate hanging on the wall. I'm not a stalker!)

[djkurtz92]

If you are interested in checking this out in person that would be cool. I'm also looking to off load this item so if you made me an offer on it, I might take it. I'm hooked on pinball machines now so I need the room.

[BrianC7]

Awesome stuff!!! I'm looking to start a project similar to this but an all-in-one via emulators. Quick question that I don't think has been asked yet: where do you get your joysticks and buttons from? Thanks.

[djkurtz92]

Suzo-happ makes the best joysticks in my opinion.

[neonkid]

Where did you get the decals made?

[djkurtz92]

Gameongraphix.com they have tons of stuff.

[neonkid]

Awsome, thanks

[macaleese]

What kind of plywood did you build this out of and what thickness ? I recently built an arcade machine from 1/2" mdf and painted it and it looked like crap afterwords. I threw it out it looked so bad. I want to build another but use plywood. I'd like to know what you used for it

[djkurtz92]

My NES machine was made with 1/2" mdf and it came out great. It just weighed a ton. The SNES was made with 3/4" cabinet grade plywood. It's like $48.00 for a 4 x 8 sheet from Lowes or Home Depot. Good luck with the build.

[Crafterkid123]

Could this work with a gamecube/wii? I mean both are smaller than the snes so they have to fit right??

[djkurtz92]

You can make anything work. I am making one for a ps3 right now so I can play streetfighter 4 with arcade controls. It's basically going to be a shell that can plug and play a ps3 into it. Then I can move it back to the living room for Netflix or regular games.

[themacguru]

How much would it cost for you to build one of those for a dad of 3 year-old twin boys?!! I have little time and energy to build one of my own - sadly to say... Please let me know... 562-413-0336 text me