Console controller storage unit (standalone/flat/upright)

[rabidpuppy]

Looking to build a storage rack for console controllers, to fit 40-ish.  To make better use of space in my nerd shack, and stop cord tangle and damaging cords when wound up tightly.

These are a mix of original controllers, plus usb versions (e.g. retrolink brand), as well as original to usb adapters (e.g. mayflash brand).

I've thinking doing a standalone vertical stand (am renting so needs to be standalone, can't attach to walls), which will consist of a upright piece of MDF, like 1800mm x 1000mm.  Then cutting out 20 square holes (e.g. 4 x 5 grid) and use some 42mm x 19mm pine slats sticking out slightly longer then a controller width.   To each side of these I would attach one of these controller holder wall clips:

http://www.laboratory424.com/project/wall-clip

The cords will just dangle down to the base.  I will perhaps have some 45 degree angle holes near the bottom so any cords longer than the unit can be tucked behind.

I don't have an exact design yet just some scribbles on graph paper. Any other controller storage projects out there? 

edit: I have worked out a design (900mmx1200mm on a 1000mmx300mm base with a few right angle supports at each end).  Have got 40 of those wall clips on the way, but I can also have some notched supports for the square controllers (nes, master system) and mayflash adapters, so can have another 12-16 controllers/adapters without the need for wall clips.  The front face will have a 900x1200 decal of Bowser, MDF painted blue, and red t-molding.    Just need a dry weekend in Melbourne to get this done.

[DaveMMR]

I was thinking of doing something similar when I built a quick little desk for my consoles (I still need to upload that to project announcements). I was going to kind of have a pegboard on which the most oft-used controllers can reside. It'd be kind of like the product you linked to but a tad cheaper. My other idea was a simple shelf with inclines and a front lip for the controllers to rest upon (the wires fed through the back.)

But then I got lazy - I ended up just tying them down with velcro zip ties. I put one of each controller in plastic storage drawers for easy access and then I have two tubs for the spares. Yeah, some collectors will tell you wrapping the wires will wear them out after a while but I've had no problems so far.  (And I'm not entirely convinced free-hanging wires wouldn't just get tangled up anyhow leading to the same stress with the unintentional pulling.)

I do kind of wish more console manufacturers followed the design of the Intellivision, Colecovision, etc. and had built-in storage for controllers.

Do be sure to post pictures of your work; curious to see how your solution works out.

[Howard_Casto]

I'm thinking of doing this as well. 

My old consoles actually do get played fairly often, but in all honesty they are more for decoration than anything else. 


I was thinking of scratch building a "World of Nintendo" case and putting all my crap in there.  They are crazy high online, but are basically a box with a shelf and some pegboard in the back. 

Here's one: 

[Well Fed Games]

Hmm. Hadn't seen those clips before. Eventually I am going to get to my Pac Man vs. cabinet and those would be good for holding the GBA and Gamecube controllers to the front. Love to hear your thoughts when you have them on hand.

[rabidpuppy]

That pegboard gives me some ideas for storing my consoles (currently just using some metal shelving from Bunnings)..

However. Regarding the controller storage stand, am full steam ahead with construction, have finished cutting my pieces.  Just need to await the wall clips and the Bowser vinyl decal.   Have got red tmolding for the edges.

While I wait have decided to route out holes underneath each pod of controller holders to pass the cables through to the back (just for looks).  I'm going to try and do them in the company/console logos.   Try.

[ark_ader]

I use a door organiser with slots for PS3 Xbox etc.  It has a big nylon bag underneath where I store all my "large" controllers.  Sits on the back of the door and is real handy.

[ChadTower]

I always used the nonglamorous plastic chests of drawers.  No cool points but it sure gets the job done.

[hypernova]

I built a box, about 3' x 4' with numerous cells that laid on the floor.  It fit neatly under the sofa.

Then we bought a new sofa, which had recliners.  So it currently sits in the dining room, out of the way, until I'm struck with inspiration.  I'll have to keep an eye on this...

[sharpfork]

I have all my console controllers that I use on a regular basis stacked up in the smallest and second to smallest size of these:


http://www.ikea.com/us/en/catalog/products/S49871676/

Somewhat related, I'm looking for the best way to wind up the cords of the less used extras I have.  I'm looking for a balance of them not getting tangled stored in milk crates while not tweaking the cords to the point where they might degrade over time.

[DaveMMR]

Somewhat related, I'm looking for the best way to wind up the cords of the less used extras I have.  I'm looking for a balance of them not getting tangled stored in milk crates while not tweaking the cords to the point where they might degrade over time.

I get those velcro zip ties from Amazon (they're like 200 to a package for under a few bucks) and attach them to the wires and wrap them up that way.  This way, they're not wrapped around the controller (less stress on the wires) and are easy to wind up/unravel.

[sharpfork]

I get those velcro zip ties from Amazon (they're like 200 to a package for under a few bucks) and attach them to the wires and wrap them up that way.  This way, they're not wrapped around the controller (less stress on the wires) and are easy to wind up/unravel.

I picked up some of these Velcro brand on sale for $5.99 and am super happy with the results: http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B001E1Y5O6/ref=oh_details_o01_s00_i00?ie=UTF8&psc=1http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B001E1Y5O6/ref=oh_details_o01_s00_i00?ie=UTF8&psc=1
thanks!

Now back to your regularly scheduled thread.

[rabidpuppy]

I am almost finished, the last thing I needed came in the mail today.  I should be able to finish this upcoming weekend and put up proper photos, but here is a sneak peak with my phone:

[rabidpuppy]

Finished:  http://forum.arcadecontrols.com/index.php/topic,140454.0.html

IMG_1378 by rabidpuppy, on Flickr

[Howard_Casto]

Could we get a broader view?  I'm a bit confused as to if I'm looking at the front or the side.

[rabidpuppy]

There are more detailed photos here https://www.flickr.com/photos/_rabidpuppy_/sets/72157645710700172/

This is front on. 

001 by rabidpuppy, on Flickr

[Gatsu]

for the cabled controllers....how much of a b*tch is it to get them out when you wanna play?

[retrogamedude]

here is my giant controller shelf display, its not really blue its just the camera sucks

[rabidpuppy]

for the cabled controllers....how much of a b*tch is it to get them out when you wanna play?

Not as much as the picture would allude to, thanks to gravity it works okay.  If I don't like how it's working out I can just leave them down the front side.  But it's on wheels to spin around if I need to. 

[rabidpuppy]

here is my giant controller shelf display, its not really blue its just the camera sucks

Awesome. Tell me more about those stands the controllers are on!

[Slippyblade]

Awesome. Tell me more about those stands the controllers are on!

http://www.ebay.com/itm/10-Folding-Hinged-4-Easel-Plate-Picture-Stand-Acrylic-/370452971800

They're pretty plain stands actually.  The kind folks display collector plates and such on.

[retrogamedude]

Awesome. Tell me more about those stands the controllers are on!

http://www.ebay.com/itm/10-Folding-Hinged-4-Easel-Plate-Picture-Stand-Acrylic-/370452971800

They're pretty plain stands actually.  The kind folks display collector plates and such on.

function over form, clean and easy is better than most IMO

[Slippyblade]

Awesome. Tell me more about those stands the controllers are on!

http://www.ebay.com/itm/10-Folding-Hinged-4-Easel-Plate-Picture-Stand-Acrylic-/370452971800

They're pretty plain stands actually.  The kind folks display collector plates and such on.

function over form, clean and easy is better than most IMO

Sorry, wasn't meaning to sound degrading at all.  I think they look great and it is a wonderful re-purpose of something that would never occur to mose folks!