Introduction: Super Nintendo Hard Drive

By https://www.youtube.com/channel/
About: I love designing, building, hacking and modifying.

I had an old SNES game that didn't work any more, but I didn't want to throw it away. I stumbled upon a cool use for it - an external hard drive enclosure!

I've seen people put hard disks and larger SSDs into SNES cartridges, but not a M.2 (2280) SSD which I also had laying around, so I thought I'd give it a try and share my process.

One thing I tried hard to achieve was to make the cartridge appear stock, unless you look at the bottom of it. I didn't want to have any cutouts or openings on the sides, which would make it look like less of a clean build.

If you have any interest in seeing some of my other projects - check out my channel: Franklinstein

Supplies

Here's a list of the tools and supplies you'll need for this project:

Supplies:

  1. Double sided tape - https://amzn.to/3QqcP7B
  2. SNES cartridge - https://amzn.to/3OhlS8m
  3. M.2 SSD - https://amzn.to/44Vz9dJ
  4. USB-C right angle to bulkhead cable - https://amzn.to/3rJVwnF
  5. M.2 external enclosure - https://amzn.to/3KqZOqH
  6. #4-40 flat head screws - https://amzn.to/47o0uGW
  7. Foam tape - https://amzn.to/3KnIBhS

Tools:

  1. SNES screw adapter bits - https://amzn.to/3QjwgPl
  2. Screwdriver - https://amzn.to/3Oo8Eqq
  3. Hobby razor - https://amzn.to/3BCeSOn
  4. Dremel - https://amzn.to/3Oo8H5A
  5. Cutting blades - https://amzn.to/3zR6OrN
  6. Double sided tape - https://amzn.to/3OK1i1D
  7. 3d printer - https://amzn.to/3QbMc2Y
  8. Filament - https://amzn.to/3d3kRBN
  9. Scraper blade - https://amzn.to/44455v3
  10. Rubbing alcohol - https://amzn.to/44U9rWY

Step 1: Open Cartridge and Remove PCB

  1. Open the cartridge with these special adapter bits for SNES screws: https://amzn.to/3QjwgPl
  2. Remove the PCB

Step 2: Cut Internals on Cartridge

There are a few areas of the internal cartridge structure that will need to be removed to allow the SSD and adapter to fit inside. See image below for reference.

Step 3: 3D Print SSD Adapter and Other Parts

  1. Print the SSD adapter
  2. Print the adapter clamping straps (2x)
  3. Print the bulkhead adapter
  4. Tap the SSD adapter holes to #4-40
  5. Countersink the holes on the adapter clamping straps (not required, but looks cleaner)
  6. If you don't have a printer - you can print the files here

Attachments

Step 4: Assembly

Let's put everything together!

  1. Add foam tape to one side of straps
  2. Apply double sided tape to underside of SSD adapter
  3. Insert SSD adapter into rear cartridge - press firmly to allow tape to adhere
  4. Insert SSD into adapter
  5. Install USB-C cable into SSD
  6. Bolt clamping straps on to hold it in place
  7. Bolt bulkhead adapter to bulkhead fitting of USB-C cable
  8. Apply double sided tape to bulkhead adapter
  9. Install bulkhead fitting as shown
  10. Reassemble upper half and screw everything back together - you're done!

Step 5: Design a Custom Game Sticker

One of my favorite parts of this project was designing a super custom label for my cartridge. You should do the same!

  1. Here is the template I started out with
  2. I used Canva to edit everything
  3. I printed my stickers with Avery labels

Step 6: Project Complete!

Now you can show off your super unique hard drive, with a custom game sticker.

Enjoy!