Posted in Games, handhelds hacks, Nintendo Hacks Tagged custom hardware, FFC, flexible circuits, flexible flat cable, portable console, portable N64 Post navigationĭegrees Of Freedom, But For Whom? 48 Comments

There’s no way to be sure what the state-of-the-art will look like in another 5 or 10 years, but we’re certainly excited to find out. Projects like this one, along with other incredible creations from leaders in the community such as are changing our perceptions of what a dedicated individual is capable of. Now, with the low-volume production capabilities offered by companies like OSH Park, you can have your own flexible cables made that are neater, faster to install, and far more reliable. As explains, when you wanted to relocate the cartridge slot on a portable console in the past, it usually involved tedious point-to-point wiring. But this isn’t a story of one maker’s personal journey through the ranks, it’s about the sort of techniques that have become available to the individual over the last decade.Ĭase in point, custom flexible flat cables (FFC). In the video after the break, breaks down the evolution of his portable consoles from hacked and glued together monstrosities (we mean that in the nicest way possible) to the sleek and professional examples like his latest N64 commission. Today, those details are becoming increasingly commonplace in the projects we see. A custom made FFC to relocate the cartridge port. The case has been FDM 3D printed on a Prusa i3, the highly-detailed buttons were printed in resin on a Form 3, and several support PCBs and interface components made the leap from digital designs to physical objects thanks to the services of OSH Park. While the device is using a legitimate N64 motherboard, nearly every other component has been designed and manufactured specifically for this application. This Zelda: Ocarina of Time themed portable N64 by is a perfect example.

But with all the incredible tools and techniques the individual hardware hacker now has at their disposal, modern examples are pushing the boundaries of DIY. In general, building custom portable game consoles a decade or so in the past was just a bit…messier than it is today. Plus some tape, and a not inconsiderable amount of Bondo.

3d printed n64 cartridge slot