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All in one Console Game system
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Tokey:
I'm going to build an all-in-one set top console system, has anyone done this yet? 

I've got all the NES/Genesis/SNES/N64/PSX/etc... games on my Mame cab but it just doesn't feel quite right.  So I'm going to build a small shuttle PC or HTPC case and load it up with mamewah and a console game library.  I'll have it connect to my normal TV via S-Videa and have USB controllers for it.  So essentailly it'll be the same as a cab with these library's, but it will play with controllers on a normal TV to capture the authentic feel of these classic systems.  And this way it can just sit on my entertainment system rack.

Now I'm just trying to decide what to use for a case.  If I did something like this I could use it as an "all-in-one" with the DVD rom drive:

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16811204001

But I think somethink like this would work out better:

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16856101424R

It's very small (looks almost like a gamecube) and has the USB ports right in front.

Now that I think about it it's really no different than an xbox running emulators, but this way you can get the N64/PSX games on there too.  Maybe it would be cheaper and better to get a modded xbox and go that route...
AlanS17:
Yeah it's been done, but that doesn't mean it's not a good idea.  :) In fact, I've done it already, myself.

Keep one thing in mind, though. Those cases may be small from the front, but may be deeper than you expect. Make sure it'll slide back into position on your shelf where you want it to go.

I'd recommend a mini-itx board as those things are tiny and can fit into anything (and have TV out), but it may not have the 3d and horsepower for PSX.

If you're taking the "everything" approach, you might end up with a loud, larger-than-expected box or spending more money than you'd like to. (Of course, I don't think price is much of an issue judging by the prices on those cases.) Still, they're probably deeper than you realize.

You could probably get all pre-N64 consoles working flawlessly on a mini-itx machine, and those things can run nearly silent. Depending on which mini-itx board you use, you might even be able to get N64 running.
Flinkly:
if your seriously looking at those cases, just keep in mind you can only play two player games or be forced to hook up extra controllers in an ugly way.

i've thought about this too, but deemed it too expensive.  getting original controllers that plug into usb is expensive enough to me.  i tried retrozone for that but could probably find a byo solution somewhere online, the problem would be the chip for usb utilization.

my first idea was to make a nintendo (using an old shell) that played all original nintendo games, since any other case would just look dumb.  again, it's all about the money you've got burning a hole in your pocket.
Hoagie_one:
I'm in the process (i.e. planning stages) of building one inside of an empty SNES case.  Gonna be tight.
Flinkly:
hmm...if you really wanted to make it look nice, you might think about getting an x-box case or gamecube case and then sticking it all inside fo that.  shouldn't be too bad of a fit into something like that, but it might get hot if you use a nice processor...

hoagie, will you have a cartridge that goes in or will you just leave it a console.  i've gone over the idea many times of actually having the games inside the cartridge on an sd chip or something, but it just seems too difficult and costly to try.  also, will you retain the exterior look or will you hack holes in the case for the appropriate output?
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