Make Something Nice With a Broken Game Console : 6 Steps

A while ago my friend gave me his old PS2 that doesn't work anymore. Unfortunately, since I am not an electrical engineer I cannot fix the console, but I can use my knowledge of RetroPie to create a brand new gaming system.

(For this instructable I am going to assume that you know what RetroPie is and how to use it. If not I will hopefully do a tutorial in the future.)

The materials for this project are:

Any old console (I'm using a PS2)
4 PCB standoffs (Whatever size fits your Ras-Pi mounting holes)

The tools required are:

Drill
Assorted drill bits and drivers https://amzn.to/2Lzzlrn
Side cutters https://amzn.to/2SpC74P

The components are:

One Raspberry Pi https://amzn.to/2VagFTh

Step 1: Gut and Prep Your Console

Before you remove all the electronics from the console, check to make sure that it absolutely doesn't work. If it doesn't work open it up and remove everything inside. Ifixit is a great resource for learning how to disassemble electronic like this. (Don't forget to save the case screws and front panels!)

Console Disassembly Instructions

Once you have an empty shell, your console will look like image one. Then test the fit of the Raspberry Pi in the desired location. If the Raspberry Pi will be obstructed by any plastic or mounting posts, cut them with side cutters and sand down any remaining plastic.

Step 2: Mark and Drill Your Holes

The following procedures are fairly simple and are mostly self directed. First set the Raspberry Pi in the corner that you will mount it in. Then use a scribe or automated center punch to mark the holes on the plastic where the Ras-Pi will go when mounted. Next take a drill and a bit that will fit your screws and drill out the holes that you marked. If done properly you should have 4 screw holes in the case (If you are using a Raspberry Pi 3 B+).

Step 3: Inserting the Standoffs

For this step all you have to do is put the screws for the bottom part of the standoffs through the holes in the case like in image seven. Then set the Raspberry Pi on top of the standoffs and insert the screws through the mounting holes in the Pi. Once screwed down the case will look like image nine.

Step 4: Closing Up the Case

Once the Pi has been mounted reattach the other half of the case. For the PS2 it is as simple as putting in 6 screws, but other consoles might have more complicated reassembly techniques.

(Also the PS2 has a expansion bay cover that kept falling out so I decided to just glue it in permanently.)