Since reading Ben's book I have become extremely intrigued in making a portable NES, and after reading up on this forum I have decided to start my own project. I will post updates and justify my design decisions to make those whom undertake this later will have a better perspective on portable modding in general and the process involved. Please don't rant without proper constructive criticism or questions, I will not answer you.

So let's get started. I have chosen a to invest in a cheap 3.5" rear car monitor about $30AU (search 3.5" LCD and set max price to $40). The quality to price ratio I think is good, especially for me (I live in Australia one of the hardest places on earth to buy stuff like a PS1 screen etc). The reason why I have chosen 3.5" screen is because I want it to be rather compact and portable, for a bigger screen you'll need a much bigger case. Most TFT LCDs are NTSC and PAL switchable but some aren't so just be cautious before buying it.

As for the case I think 'Franken-casing' would be the best option it's far cheaper and I can only assume would be easier to modify than make. Sure your rather restricted with case design but for the less creative (and experienced) people it's a better option. I found an old 'Game n Watch' type console called 'The Dracula' I've researched it and know it's of no value. Even so I still disconnected and guttered it with care. Now I have a two part case, one that will house the screen, motherboard, speakers and everything in between. The other is for anesthetic (for looks) purposes it also gives the mini a better grip. I won't go into the specific details of the case because you won't have the same case as mine. Just remember you need sufficient space for: the motherboard, screen, battery, and speakers.

BTW I have to go with a NOAC because the case size is a quarter of an inch to big for the original NES!

PLEASE NOTE: Things have come up at home and school that take priority this project will be slower than expected.
Here's a time plan for the project:
August: Design the mini. Done
September: Gather equipment and start on case Not done
October: Wire up the console with screen and speakers. Not done
November: Finish case and do final touch ups. Not done
December: Put it all together/Test Not done
1/1/11: finished (hopefully) Not done

I've finished the design comment on what you like and more importantly dislike about this design.




Here is also the link to the sketchup file that I designed it in:
http://sketchup.google.com/3dwarehouse/details?mid=9a921fb6c53f1ff656748de927d5cf06&prevstart=0

Here is the case in it's current crappy state:



Thank you all for your patience reading this thread, Lachy17689.

That looks pretty... I like it Do you have pics of the case so far?

Was this the screen perchance?


Nice design by the way... But... You gutted a Game & Watch

It wasn't a game & watch it was a rip off done 15 years after the original game n watch seires finished. Plus I have another copy in a different colour.

I'll upload them sortly. Thanks for asking.

I found this guide you may use for the project.
http://www.instructables.com/id/How-to- ... me-System/
what is the screen size.
viewtopic.php?f=8&t=15232
viewtopic.php?f=20&t=25867

Thanks I try and read up as much as I can.

I really like the design for the front. Is the cartridge going to stick out the front like a shelf?

In short yes, but I think It might reduce glare on the screen, what it will look like with cartridge in.


Uploaded with ImageShack.us

Are you concerned about unintentionally hitting the power/reset button? I would think putting those buttons above the controller would be safer.

Also, the location of the cartridge seems a bit odd to me, overshadowing the screen. It also seems it would add too much weight to the top of the unit and tire your wrists out.

I'm kinda new to the portable modding scene, so I hope my suggestions aren't laughably inane.

No, your suggestions are completely feasible, I will seriously consider them.

I don't think the power & reset buttons position will bother me, after holding the case, I've seen that there's at least a one and a half inch gap between the bottom of my hands and the power/ reset buttons. But yes I will be constantly revising the design.

Very nice!

I hope you are going to use a better case is all

Maybe

A. |-||: Cartridge On Back, Up

B. | : Cartridge On Top, Up
..|-|

C: |-|-: Cartridge On Back, Sideways.

NOAC boards are small enough nowadays, you could completely insert the cartridge inside the the case. having it hang out unsupported like that will cause problems and be annoying.

Bang. Ow i hit my head. Ow. Ow. OUCH!!! My Head Hurts.