MVS Micro - first project

[bjamis]

I have plans to build a full size cabinet at some point in the near future, but for now I have decided to build something small just for fun (and it's cold outside). I have always had a soft spot for the Neo Geo hardware. From playing the original MVS machines and drooling over the unaffordable AES system back in the early 90's. I have been playing around a bit with Arduino and the Raspberry Pi and was inspired by a few other projects I've seen to build a small scale MVS cabinet. I have assembled nearly all of the required parts, including an almost impossible search for a very small 8 way joystick, and hope to complete the project with a very small machine instantly recognizable Neo Geo MVS cabinet. I realize this may not be the most playable machine, but it's just for fun.

I have had a good result running the Neo Geo roms on the FBA version included in PiMAME (pimame.org). The system will run on Micro USB 5v. It has a 3.5 inch screen. Typical controls and layout for MVS (only 1 player) and with any luck will have a somewhat functional 7 segment LED credit counter in the CP.

I have amassed most of the items needed for the build and have built a mock-up out of foam core, next step is construction out of 3/16 plywood.

[bjamis]

Laying out the controls.

[Slippyblade]

Ok, considering I just finished my Neo-Geo bartop, I find this adorable.

[jdbailey1206]

"Boba Fett?  Boba Fett?  Where?"  Oh there he is.  He's so tiny!  Love these micro builds.

[bjamis]

Thanks guys. SlippyB I like your bartop build, I'm thinking my next project might be a Metal Slug themed Weecade using an old Eee PC.

[Vidiot]

This is gonna be cool. Looks like you're off to a great start! 

[kz1911]

 
I am also in process of doing a few Pi minis, just curious what your thoughts are on retropie vs pimame, I hope the raspberry can handle it

[bjamis]

KZ1911, I definitely need to check out RetroPie, I haven't taken the time yet. For this project I just needed an Emu that would run the NeoGeo Roms really well and FBA on PiMAME seems to do that well. The only common complaints I have heard about the Pi and emulation on older games has dealt with sound issues, its pretty impressive what it will handle considering what it is.

Interested to hear more about your project(s) and your experiences with RetroPie/PiMAME.

[kz1911]

i'll be messing around with it this wk, already have my nanocade style machines done, will work on software soon