Kid-sized NES themed cab, Raspberry Pi powered

[gojetsgo]

I'm a newbie here, but have read this forum for years seeing all the amazing projects that have been posted. I've done a couple of projects before this one, but never a build from scratch. 

I decided I wanted to start with a kids sized arcade, since I have a two year old boy, and I want to give him an appreciation for the classics as he grows up.  Also, a kids sized arcade is lower on the difficult scale, which is perfect for my first build.  I have no woodworking experience, so try not to critique my cab too harshly!

I also wanted to repurpose some old mdf that I had laying around that was originally a cheap wardrobe that fell apart.  An old 13" crt tv was rescued from a curb for this project too.

For the brains, I chose a raspberry pi (model 1B) that I had laying around.  For a theme, I chose Super Mario Brothers, with a retro NES feel. 

This project is 90% done.  More posts to come...

[reptileink]

Looking great so far! Nothing I can really critique on as it all seems to be coming together beautifully! I'm a sucker for Nintendo, so I will look forward to seeing this done.

[yotsuya]

If the cab is meant for a kid,  you might want to find a way to round off some of those edges. I like the control panel idea. 

[Slippyblade]

... you might want to find a way to round off some of those edges...

[vwalbridge]

+1 on using a CRT


I might have put it at more of an angle to cut down the depth of the cab but I could see that makes it more tricky to mount.

[vwalbridge]

Oh and +1 for building it in the bathroom.

[gojetsgo]

Yotsuya - Yes, I might round off the edge of the control panel just a bit - good idea appeals to the nervous jewish dad in me (just a couple notches less nervous than a jewish mom).
vwalbridge - Yes, CRT all the way.  So many advantages! #1 authentic look, #2 easily interface with the Pi using composite (unlike VGA monitors), #3 built in speakers #4 they always seem to be FREE at the side of the road! I have a few more freebies in my basement for future projects...

Yes, building in the bathroom... and the hallway...and kitchen..  I don't have a proper workshop, but have a very understanding wife!

[gojetsgo]

More progress!

Side art printed and cut out.  Inspired by the NES black box/sprite art from the original game.



I'm not a fan of the marquee from the SMB vs arcade cabs, so I made a custom one that is simpler and stands out more, IMO.



Better view of the closer to finished control panel hand painted.  Screen shows RetroPie boot up animation.

[yotsuya]

That side art is so simple and so beautiful, I could weep tears of joy. Great job.

[matsadona]

Normally I'm not a fan of console themed arcade cabinet, however I'm not consistent since I have Final Fantasy characters (Yuna) on my MAME cabinet sideart 
The Nintendo characters are cross plattform and this build pulls it off anyway.

What could be a really cool idea is to extend the concept and do the design based on the Nintendo M82 display cabinet. I.e  having a button chosing from some pre-selected games.

[Xerobull]

Ah, this build is superb and evokes strong nostalgia for the good ol' NES days. The tube TV really makes it.

[Phreakwars]

Love the build, I guess the only issue I have, (opinions will always vary), is using a Rasberry Pi in it. Don't get me wrong, a Pi will work just fine. But I always feel a Pi is made more for compact projects with space constraints. Seems you'd get more performance and options out of it by using a PC inside instead. Myself personally, I'd use a low watt microATX/ITX AMD AM1 board or something. Maybe even an ITX intel.