First Portable

ian2120 · Post by **ian2120** » Sun Aug 17, 2008 7:44 am

Now, I'm in an interesting situation. I am 14, so the oldest console I own is an N64 (Pikachu Edition! FTW!) and I don't exactly have a truckload of money. I really want to mod, but it needs to be cheap, and worthwhile. Thing is, I really can't back down once I buy the first part, so I need to be sure as to what I am going to do. My ultimate portables are an N64, a PS2, and an XBox360 laptop. I know, those three happen to be very tricky, I've been following Ben's site since May now, but two of which I have in my possession (the PS2 and 360. I don't count my prized N64 because I wouldn't rip apart my Pika for my life!

), which takes a lot out of the cost. Basically, I wouldn't go as far back as Atari, but maybe NES. A PS1 sounds like fun, but I don't know how hard it is.
FYI, I do have Ben's book, but I would like some alternatives to monitors than portable TVs and PS1 screens (Been following this http://forums.benheck.com/viewtopic.php?t=25555)

Thanks for any advice. The best way to get me is to just reply on this forum. If you would like to pm me, just request for my email, and i will give it to you

Thanks

timmeh87 · Post by **timmeh87** » Sun Aug 17, 2008 2:30 pm

The ps1 has a disc drive, which has various implications for a portable. For example, the motor uses a relatively large amount of electricity, the spinning disc has to be protected, the disc might skip if you are bumping it around.

Id say just pick up a used N64 for $5 at a thrift store or garage sale and do a N64. But thats cause I personally like its hardware the best.

Its kind of in the sweet spot between obsolescence and simplicity.

Otherwise, a NES-on-a-chip can lead to some very compact and creative designs.

Don't crack open any expensive consoles yet if you cant afford to replace them. You /will/ break some consoles on your rise to greatness.

ian2120 · Post by **ian2120** » Sun Aug 17, 2008 3:08 pm

Well, before I learned anything about modding, I had wanted to do an N64, but I have learned much since then, and know it's tendency to overheat. I also know to get a black one. My other problem with an N64, and I guess in this case the NAOC as well, my soldering skills. I have none. Never even attempted anything yet. I bought one to make a USB sensor bar to use the Wii Remote w/ my PC, but never did get around to getting the rest of the parts.

Although the N64 is my favorite Nintendo console by a long-shot, I don't know if I'm ready for it (Insert encouragement here). That and there aren't any cheap places by me to pick up old consoles by me (if someone is willing to sell me one for $20 or less, that would be great!). My only option is ebay.

Well, I guess this post should be moved, since it's gone from new consoles to N64.

eurddrue · Post by **eurddrue** » Sun Aug 17, 2008 4:44 pm

Don't you have any friends your age? I bought 3 n64 for $20 because my friends didn't want them any more.

palmertech · Post by **palmertech** » Sun Aug 17, 2008 4:58 pm

Hmmm....are you attached to the case of the N64, or the guts? I would trade a revision 1 n64 mobo (the best for reliability) for your pikachu mobo. Also, could you maybe post pics of the pikachu mobo?

N64 is a neat system. It is my first portable, and it is easier than people think.

ian2120 · Post by **ian2120** » Sun Aug 17, 2008 5:59 pm

eurddrue: I actually recently sold one of my two N64's to one of my friends! I didn't know I was going to tackle this so soon, or else I wouldn't have sold it to him (In that form!).

palmertech: A little of both actually

. Thanks for the trade offer, but honestly, I haven't taken any of my consoles apart (and for an N64, it sounds like I need Nintendo screwdrivers), so I will think about it for a while, and then decide. But palmertech: how many mobos did you go through the first time? And should I get two, just in case?

palmertech · Post by **palmertech** » Sun Aug 17, 2008 6:36 pm

Well, my N64 is not quite done, but almost. Keeping in secret for the compo.

I have maybe killed one, but I might be able to fix it. I am using my backup one now. Buying two is a good idea, for sure. Plus, having a fried N64 means you can try fitting it into stuff without having to be careful.

Good luck!

ian2120 · Post by **ian2120** » Mon Aug 18, 2008 1:30 pm

I almost forgot about the compo! Well, of course I don't have time to enter, and I could never win, going against masters like Bacteria, Life of Brian, and Rekarp (Not saying that you don't have a chance!). Good luck to you, and anyone else involved!

Expect to see a N64 thread with my building process within a month or so.