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  • Author Author: makerkaren
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Ultimate Gaming Console Hacks

Whenever a new game system comes out, we like to get our hands on one and have take it apart and tell us what juicy goodness is inside. When time permits or inspiration strikes, we like to take those systems and hack them into something new and glorious.  Here are some of the console hacks Ben has done over the years:

Sega CDX Portable

Atari Xbox 360

Xbox 360 Disc Changer

Portable Atari 2600

Coin-operated Xbox 360

Xbox 360 Laptop

Slot Loading Nintendo Part 1, Part 2, Part 3

WiiU-Xbox 360-Ps3 Combo System Part 1, Part 2, Part 3

Xbox One Portable Part 1, Part 2, Part 3

Sega Dreamcast Portable Part 1, Part 2, Part 3

Xbox One S Laptop

Portable N64 Part 1, Part 2, Part 3

 

One of the things Ben is most known for is modding controllers for individuals with disabilities or a physical limitation. Here are some of the controller mods he's done in the past:

Xbox 360 Accessibility Controller

Rock Band Controller Mods

Xbox Single-handed Controller

Xbox 360 Macro Accessibility Controller

Power Glove Xbox Remote

Single-handed Xbox One Controller

PS4 Accessibility Controller

Xbox One Controller Mods

Nintendo Switch Joycon Mod

 

Ben's had a lot of ideas and requests for console and controller hacks. He turns portable systems into consoles and consoles into portables. He's modded controllers to be played in various alternative ways. He's combined multiple systems into one. But there are always more ideas out there. What ultimate console mod can you come up with that Ben hasn't done yet. No system combos. No portable to console or console to portable. Show me your creativity. Share your ideas in the comments below!

Parents

  • Hello Karen! I have to say my son and I really enjoy watching you and the rest of the teams shows so thank you for the cheesy acting and incredibly informative content you all provide.

     

    • Raspberry Pi integrated into an old CRT television - The use of emulators on the RPi is the easiest go to project available to new RPi users out there in my opinion. Instead of installing the RPi into a case and plugging it in an LCD/LED, why not bring it down to its roots and install it INSIDE the CRT with the power coming from the board somewhere in the CRT's circuitry. Having it power on and off on Channel 3 or 4 may be a crazy request but there are CRT's with AV inputs so that would be easier. If the SD card becomes corrupted, opening the CRT would be annoying and possibly dangerous so having the RPi close to edge of the CRT with access to the SD card from the outside would be ideal or you can come up with a crazy way of making/using an SD Card extension. As for controls, using a USB HUB is the easiest choice to complete this creation but that would be boring. Creating an attachment with specific console ports (i.e. box with NES ports only, box with Genesis ports, etc.) would allow users to swap out controllers easily using original accessories.
    • Children's series giving them simple beginner projects - I took my son to a Mini Maker Faire this past weekend in NJ (Princeton) and he enjoyed it. It wasn't the best event but it got us out and he wanted to do some projects. We found a book and it perfectly showed him how to make a simple flashlight using a 9V battery, a resistor, and an LED. Maybe a separate series giving kids, or new to the field adults, ideas introducing them to electronics and explanations on what to do and what not to do. You all have a great sense of humor so I think this would be right up your alley.

     

    Thank you all for what you do and what you continue to do in the future! My son and I look forward to many more episodes and possums.

     

    JRF

  • in reply to rivera82falcon

    Interesting idea to put a Raspberry Pi into a CRT. I'm not sure how it would have to work, and you might have to add additional hardware to make it work, but it could be interesting. I wonder what controls you could get to work with the system.

     

    As for your second idea, be sure to check out The Learning Circuit. It's rolling out a bit slowly, but we'll continue to post videos aimed at beginners and children. Once we get past some of the basic concepts, I'd like to focus on projects exactly like what you're asking for.

Comment
  • in reply to rivera82falcon

    Interesting idea to put a Raspberry Pi into a CRT. I'm not sure how it would have to work, and you might have to add additional hardware to make it work, but it could be interesting. I wonder what controls you could get to work with the system.

     

    As for your second idea, be sure to check out The Learning Circuit. It's rolling out a bit slowly, but we'll continue to post videos aimed at beginners and children. Once we get past some of the basic concepts, I'd like to focus on projects exactly like what you're asking for.

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