Game system hacking noob question...

Skiggy · Post by **Skiggy** » Sun Jun 10, 2007 8:56 am

I have been reading the site for a while and I really would like to build my own portable gaming system. The problem is, I've got no idea where to start. Should I just get a system off of ebay, do a little research, and just go for it or should I do a bunch of research before even touching a console? Please help me.

jeroen · Post by **jeroen** » Sun Jun 10, 2007 9:42 am

bunch of research. Buy ben's book. Buy the right equipt. Stick around for awhile till you know enough and don' t feel the need to ask " this question" anymore.

THON · Post by **THON** » Sun Jun 10, 2007 9:59 pm

Although I haven't made my first portable yet, I highly suggest reading

http://www.classicgaming.com/vcsp/Step% ... acking.htm

over and over and over again. It has a bunch of great tips, and I already feel like I can tackle a portable Atari. Also, find a console you REALLY want to make portable. Start with something you hate and you won't be motivated enough to finish it. Then again it wouldn't be too smart to start with a portable PS3 either... Just find your balance, and read read read these forums.

gamemasterAS · Post by **gamemasterAS** » Sun Jun 10, 2007 9:59 pm

jeroen wrote:bunch of research. Buy ben's book. Buy the right equipt. Stick around for awhile till you know enough and don' t feel the need to ask " this question" anymore.

you can still be n00by with electronics after being here for a while, look at me, I couldn't make a portable to save my life.

lifeisbetterwithketchup · Mon Jun 11, 2007 10:08 pm

Also, don't rush into it. Ask questions BEFORE you break stuff.

Post by **CronoTriggerfan** » Mon Jun 11, 2007 10:49 pm

lifeisbetterwithketchup wrote:Also, don't rush into it. Ask questions BEFORE you break stuff.

A lot of people say this, and it's probably the smartest way to go, but it's not how I learned. I automatically rushed in headstrong, and tried to build a portable from Ben's book. Needless to say, I failed miserably the first few times, spent numerous dollars, but learned more along the way than any book can teach you. That's not to say I don't read electronics books, but experience in the field will help more than anything.

Personally, I think it's best to get your hands dirty as I did, but do it more intelligently than me; instead of having high expectations for your output product and buying the most expensive consoles and parts to work with, start out as small as possible; grab up a Nintendo-on-a-chip, a cheap project box from somewhere like RadioShack, and a simple to use screen like the HipGear. There's pinouts for these things everywhere on the forums, and any questions you have, we're always here to help! Just looking around here it's incredible the stuff you can learn. Good luck!

CTFan