Introduction: Nintendo 8bit PC
Made my old NES into a media PC.
The DIY community if full of different versions of these but after some research this is in my opinion the best design.
One of the old controller ports is converted to USB so the old controllers can be used! You´ll need a chip from http://www.retrousb.com/. To map the controllerkeys to stuff i use Eventghost (A for Enter, B for Backspace, Start to launch XBMC etc)
What comes to hardware i guess any Mini ITX board will do but i picked the Asus AT3IONT-I DELUXE. This is why:
- Laptop style power supply
- Comes with a remote. Not perfect but does the job. Remapped keys again with Eventghost.
- Plays all HD videos without problems
- Good price
UPDATE: I added som USB ports under the lid. Pics coming later...
6 Comments
8 years ago on Introduction
This is nice and all but I was looking for something different that maybe someone could help me find. I am looking for how to turn the old NES electronics into something useful. It's one thing to gut the electronics and reuse the case, but I am hoping to repurpose the electronics as well. Surely it can be hacked to work like an arduino?
10 years ago on Introduction
Very nice project. I love the retrousb chip for the original ports on the front. I also did this to use unmodified controllers. If you ever want to use snes controllers you can make an adapter from an snes and nes extention cords by swapping the two wires on the chip`s wiring diagram.
Have you experimented with software yet? I ended up using winxp and hyperspin front end, and totally hid the operating system to function like a MAME arcade system but with Nes and Snes capabilities.
In response to sonic dudes comment, an ssd is so worth it, but I am with you on the lack of optical drive. Adds noise, heat, and less air flow when a network, flash drive, or alcohol 120 virtual drive would do it without any issue.
Once again, great job.
Reply 10 years ago on Introduction
Hi Beave!
Sorry for taking ages to reply! :-/
About software: I am somewhat of a Windows developer so I am running win7 and XBMC for media. I also have a webserver, ftp server and loads of other services running on it. No problem after I upped the RAM to 4Gb. For the past year I've been meaning to add an SSD but it's not that slow except for booting...
11 years ago on Introduction
Not to ... 1-up you (harr harr) but I'm making a MUCH simpler build that doesn't need an external power supply. Instructable coming soon
11 years ago on Introduction
No DVD or Blue ray drive? It should fit easily where the game cart door is. Otherwise nice build. An SSD would make this completely solid state and even quieter.
Reply 11 years ago on Introduction
Hi, Yeah I was planning on adding an optical drive. Techinally no problem. The machine has been up and running now for over a year and sofar I havent found the need. I also have another machine in the network with a DVD station so I could always use that as a shared resouce..
I have however updated the cart door so that under it hides a few USB ports and additional audio ports...