Hacking Videogame Consoles

Click this giant book icon to it buy from Amazon! (The book, not the icon)

Would you like to build your own portable game systems, or learn the general hacking skills required to make your own mods? Well, you’re in luck because I’ve written a book called “Hacking Videogame Consoles” and it contains complete, step-by-step instructions on how to make portable versions of the following systems:

  • Atari 2600
  • Nintendo 8-bit
  • Super Nintendo 16-bit
  • Playstation 1

It’s available in bookstores or can be ordered online from Amazon. Makes a great gift for a tinkering videogame fan! To learn more about the book, or for information, support, links and files if you’re already building one of the projects from it, click below…


Book features include:

  • Written in a simple down-to-Earth style that’s easy to understand and won’t overwhelm the reader. Very little technical mumble-jumble (and any mumble-jumble that sneaks in is thoroughly explained)
  • Includes complete instructions for 8 different projects (2 versions of each of the 4 systems), plus general-purpose information on hacking the consoles that can be used to create custom projects of your own design.
  • Hand-built projects are designed to use basic, common tools such as soldering irons, screwdrivers and X-Acto knives. Advanced projects use CNC machinery as well. The book covers both types so there’s projects for everyone.
  • Drawings and practical photographs of the all wiring you’ll have to do – no schematic reading skills required!

NEW!

Download the original design files of each project in Adobe Illustrator format. Great for your own design reference, making changes, or learning about the process.

NES Hand Built
NES CNC
SNES Hand Built
SNES CNC
PS1 Hand Built
PS1 CNC
Atari 2600 Hand Built
Atari 2600 CNC

You can make the projects below!
Click on a photo below for more information, support links and parts lists.
NES portable hand-built PS1 portable hand-built
SNES portable hand-built Atari 2600 portable CNC-built
SNES portable CNC-built Atari 2600 portable hand-built
PS1 portable CNC-built NES portable CNC-built

Latest Help and Troubleshooting additions:

3-15-05: Updated with new and improved Atari 2600 composite video mod
5-19-05: Easy way to bypass the timer IC (AKA “annoying IC”) found on some models of Atari 2600 boards

9-25-05: Mouser and Digi-key part numbers for 4021 shift registers (For SNES projects, to avoid wasting old NES controllers)

You can visit the original style “Hacking Videogame Consoles” book site here.