Wife builds Husband surprise Cabinets - need your input

[Aurora]

In an effort to surprise my husband with a gift he will actually like, and for me to have an interesting project, I bought these two cabs and I am hoping to modify them for him:

-SEGA CHOPLIFTER, works
-KONAMI WEC LE MANS 24, runs but screen does not turn on
(according to the Arcade-museum.com, these games don't appear to be very rare or popular, added to the chassis being in fairly poor shape on both, hopefully I am not ruining a piece of arcade history with this build, is arcade-museum a good reference?)

I am pretty competent with fabrication, but not a real video gamer.  So I have been perusing these boards for information for awhile - but I am hoping you all could offer me some advice:

I have wood and metal shop so I can do many of the aesthetic modifications.  I have some experience soldering/electrical...wiring the controls sound like a fun challenge however programming is a bit intimidating so I want to make the best decision as to the consoles, controls, adapters in advance to minimize frustration.

I would like to dedicate the SEGA machine to classic arcade games like the following:
Pac-Man, 1942, Donkey Kong, Space invaders, Frogger, Asteroids, After Burner, and TMNT

And the Konami Arcade to run racing games as well as possibly modify it for shooting games as well: RaceCar, Cruisin World, OutRun, Off Road, Pole Position, Grand Turismo, Area 51, Time Crisis, Big Buck Hunter 

My husband would likely have some qualms about downloading ROMS... so I am thinking that since it is a gift, I should find a way to build these machines so that they operate using games that we can buy or own...and to incorporate in into the cab as easily as possible.. would using a PS2 or XBOX 360 instead of a PC be the route to go?   

[Malenko]

your wishlist for the driving cab is going to have issues. Games with 360 wheels (ones that turn indefinitely in either direction) for games like Pole Position are very different from 270 wheels(135 degrees left and right from TDOC) and you'll find it exceedingly difficult to use one wheel type for the other types games.

To keep the racing cab super simple, it does sound like a PS2 would be your best bet. Gran Turismo is only on playstation consoles, and time crisis 2 and 3 are on it, as is pole position via Namco classics. Sadly, no Cruisn as it a nintendo game. The Area 51 game for PS2 is nothing like the arcade game, but Area 51 did come out on PS1, but Im not sure how lightguns on PS2 interact with PS1 titles.

The Sega machine sounds like a PC would be best for it but fair warning , you are mixing vertical and horizontal games.

Keep updated!

PS if you dont want the guts from the machines, you can try to sell them here or at KLOV.com to get back some of the money to buy more stuff for the cabs.

[DaOld Man]

Welcome to the forum!

Your husband is a very lucky man!!

[Aurora]

Malenko, 

Thanks SO much for the information on 360/270 wheels.  I had no idea about that (its embarrassing to be on this forum on know so little about games- so I am very appreciative of your help and not making me feel stupid) - it gave me some direction in my research...  my Driving cab currently has a 270 wheel on it. 

In my search for a comprehensive list of arcade games for the 360 and 270 wheel games  I found the BYOAC wiki on controls regarding wheels,   http://wiki.arcadecontrols.com/wiki/Driving_Controls  (basic info no comp. list) and  BadMouth's very informative post here: http://forum.arcadecontrols.com/index.php/topic,105961.msg1122648.html#msg1122648

Initially I am leaning towards just keeping the 270 wheel - but I have some reading to do - the authentic feel of this original wheel and its pedals really has some charm... it seems sad to replace it with some hi-tech newer wheel, unless there is a vintage option, but changing out an analog for optical sounds tricky... hopefully I can get a range of games working on this 270 for him (??)... what are your feelings about adding a trackball and using this trackball for games that were originally designed for a 360 wheel? 

This is a super basic embarrassing question, but will help clarify a lot for me:   Do I need a emulator and/or a frontend -  if I am just using a PS2 as the brains of the machine - or are emulators and frontends just used when a PC is the brains?

I am also going to read up on "Project Arcade: Build Your Own Arcade Machine by John St. Clair".. I know that there is a ton of information on BYOAC but this will fill in some gaps for me and help me have a better dialog with the experts on this forum.


-------------------

DaOldMan,

My husband is pretty awesome.. and I am confident that he will love me more than these machines.. but the up-side is, if they prove to be too interesting, since I built them, I could also haul them out to a field somewhere and invite some friends over to blow them up with his stash of backyard ballistics and firearms... I would no longer have to compete for his attention.      Its a win. win. win.  ...jk... maybe.

It will be really fun for me to build them, and he will have loads of fun inviting people over to enjoy them.   

Thanks for the compliment.

[yotsuya]

The SEGA cab can be easily converted with a JPAC, ArcadeVGA card, PC, and Jamma Harness. This will be optimal since the games you mentioned use different monitor orientations. 

[keilmillerjr]

My suggestion would be to keep these machines actual arcade machines. Sell the game boards and use money towards buying a pc and jpac/arcadevga to connect pc to the arcade monitor and controls. Then use a front end and filter out roms to only play ones with intended controls and monitor orientation.

I'm not saying to download roms, but remember that many of these games are no longer operating and some of the companies are defunct. No one will chase you down for home use of a product no longer in service or for sale.

Don't worry about not being a "gamer". Hell, girls kick my butt so bad at newer games, I can't even enjoy them. But arcade is not about just games. It's about entertainment and social interaction, something now lost. Building one of these machines makes be feel good to be born in the 80's. Anyone younger than me only experienced being alone in grandmas basement.

[pbj]

Who says aurora is a girl?  Go be painfully heteronormative somewhere else.

[rablack97]

 

[yotsuya]

Who says aurora is a girl?  Go be painfully heteronormative somewhere else.

Considering the title of the thread is Wife builds Husband surprise Cabinets - need your input, well....

[crtrrss]

Who says aurora is a girl?  Go be painfully heteronormative somewhere else.

I'm going to take a wild guess and say that you're a Tumblr user.

[jaharr01]

Okay Aurora since you are being barraged with bull$hit I'll chime in with mine.

Roms-Most arcade games were produced on original boards which the " Rom", the software part of the board was was extracted from it. that is where you get "Roms" from.

Emulators-Since these "Roms" were written in some computer language other than MS windows, an emulator is used for that.The emulator interfaces with windows and "emulates" the arcade game. M.A.M.E is the most common but there are others for more specific arcade types and consoles.M.A.M.E. could handle most games you are wanting.

Front End- If you have multiple emulators such as M.A.M.E., Playstation 2,NES, and Sega Model 2 then you need a frontend to list the games in an organized fashion so you can choose the one you want to play. Variants of M.A.M.E. have user interface but it is not very "pretty". Most people on here who are fairly new use something like MALA or Maximus arcade because they are fairly simple to set up.And are customizable.

Encoder- the wheel controls and your buttons need a way to interface with windows. They are basically on off switches (buttons) and like volume controls on a stereo ( Wheel and pedals) you could take apart a controller and solder wires to the leads, but it is a pain in the --I'm attempting to get by the auto-censor and should be beaten after I re-read the rules--. Easiest is to get a JPac. or if the board on the arcade is J.A.M.M.A type, which I think those you have are. You might be able to use a Jamma to USB which you use your wiring and controls and plug this device in to where the board goes and it lets interface with windows.

it's not too bad once you learn the "lingo". As far as downloading roms, nobody really gves a $hit, I mean if you do, the "Rom" police are not gonna come knocking at your door. This is definitely the cheaper route. If you start buying legal games,which there aren't that many available, you will end up with $$$. You could possibly use a console, such as an XBOX or PS3, but the windows route has the most options. I hope this helps.Do your own research Aurora. Also,because I suffer from Chronic Rectal Cranial Inversion Syndrome.Additionally, if you are a guy, Aurora is a good "Drag" name.If I screwed up any of this explanation, these guys on here will flame me up in about 1.5 seconds. Anyway good luck Aurora ,I wish my wife would get me a gift like that. I just get underwear and a regular good dose of bitching.
Jay

[jennifer]

     I would just give him the games as they are, let him do all the planning of their future, OEM Mame like whatever. Its a thoughtful gift however....As for you Pbj, SHAME ON YOU!!!, Posts like that are a disgrace to this forum.

[Malenko]

As for you Pbj, SHAME ON YOU!!!, Posts like that are a disgrace to this forum.

I didn't see anything disingenuous in his post.

@Aurora : I suggested the PS2 for the driving/shooting cab for ease of set up.There are a plethora of PS2 wheels for next to nothing and light guns for the PS2 are also readily available and are all plug and play. Will require you pulling the arcade CRT out and putting a composite CRT TV in its place. When it comes to wheels and lightguns for the PC, they are a pain in the dickhole to set up. When it comes to driving games each game has to be set up individually and will require a multitude of emulators to get the most out of it on a PC. PS2 games are cheap and modding a PS2 with FreeMcBoot is a cakewalk if you want to load games up on a hard drive.

That means putting a MAME PC in the other one. We'll help you with that as much as we can, but we cant show you where to get roms (but google will).

[pbj]

I vote get them working as-is and give him a copy of the project arcade book along with them.

 

[rablack97]

Source you an old XBOX throw Coin-ops on it and call it a day.....

Welcome to the forum!

Your husband is a very lucky man!!

I agree with this comment here, if you are a female and you have taken the time to research this project and speak the arcade lingo we all are super impressed, I know i am anyway.  If not, no one cares we are all here to help out on your build.

On these forums when you see wife, "I'm building my husband an arcade" doesnt normally follow in the next line.  So I applaud your efforts to make hubby happy 

[wp34]

I agree with this comment here, if you are a female and you have taken the time to research this project and speak the arcade lingo we all are super impressed, I know i am anyway.  If not, no one cares we are all here to help out on your build.

On these forums when you see wife, "I'm building my husband an arcade" doesnt normally follow in the next line.  So I applaud your efforts to make hubby happy 

+1 

Usually we only hear about the wife when it is in a sentence like "if the wife gives approval" or "if I can convince the wife". 

My only suggestion would be to keep it simple.

Good luck with your builds.   

[Aurora]

@yotsuya  -  Thanks for the technical info of the basics I would need... this has gotten me started on some research...but I am concerned that the SEGA isn't Jamma... I am pretty sure the driving cab is Jamma.... I can send photos ..but everything is crammed into a corner of the garage and it will take a bit to get the photos of the interior.

@keilmillerjr  - I agree with the "social interaction" of these older games... if my husband was constantly playing some kind of newer game and emerging covered in doritos debris and hopped up on energy drinks... well, I just wouldn't be so excited about this.. but with these older games there is a certain undeniable nostalgia.. and it will be fun to get friends of all ages to join in on the gaming.

@PBJ... it just doesn't really matter... but it is confirmed I am a lady

@crtrrss ...I don't know how offensive or if your comment is offensive in the context of this forum, but it made me laugh

@jaharr01...your explanations were VERY helpful!  I have a long ways to go on the lingo..thanks for the encouragement.  Your explanation of the "frontend" really clarified things for me..reading the forums I wasn't sure how MALA and Maximus Arcade fit in.  Thank you!

@Jennifer and PBJ...  My husband doesn't want to build/modify an arcade.  He has projects he is working on right now, and this particular project is more up my alley... if I just gave him a working arcade he would never take the time to put on the games he likes or make the cab beautiful.  This way I get to have fun making him something that he will really enjoy.  We both win.

@..rablack97 and and @wp34..... Thanks for the encouragement..maybe i shouldn't have even mentioned i am a gal...regardless, thus is fun and thanks to everyone for their input!

[Aurora]

I have noo idea, but would this be a good candidate for the Driving Cab monitor (current broken CRT in the driving cab has a viewing area of 18", yes i measured diagonally) this is 20".   Would this be "composite"?

[jdbailey1206]

[wp34]

I have noo idea, but would this be a good candidate for the Driving Cab monitor (current broken CRT in the driving cab has a viewing area of 18", yes i measured diagonally) this is 20".   Would this be "composite"?

It looks like those inputs on the left are component (RGB).  I did some testing with a similar monitor and component inputs before ultimately going with an arcade monitor.  To be honest I was pretty happy with the results of the testing.  You will need a video card that can convert VGA (or DVI) to component if you want to use that TV.

[harveybirdman]

  You will need a video card that can convert VGA (or DVI) to component if you want to use that TV.

or soft 15khz and a transcoder.

[JDFan]

You will need a video card that can convert VGA (or DVI) to component if you want to use that TV.

Or one with an S-video out (like this old ATI 4550) since the TV does have the s-video connector also !

[Malenko]

You will need a video card that can convert VGA (or DVI) to component if you want to use that TV.

Or one with an S-video out (like this old ATI 4550) since the TV does have the s-video connector also !

or soft 15khz and a transcoder.

Or ya know, a Playstation 2 

That's component video on the left, and it shares audio with the composite video on the right. You can use component , just plug the guns into the green wire, else just use composite.

[bfauska]

It looks like there is both a composite and component input on there. That should work for the PS2 if that's why you are asking.

[rablack97]

@yotsuya  -  Thanks for the technical info of the basics I would need... this has gotten me started on some research...but I am concerned that the SEGA isn't Jamma... I am pretty sure the driving cab is Jamma.... I can send photos ..but everything is crammed into a corner of the garage and it will take a bit to get the photos of the interior.

@keilmillerjr  - I agree with the "social interaction" of these older games... if my husband was constantly playing some kind of newer game and emerging covered in doritos debris and hopped up on energy drinks... well, I just wouldn't be so excited about this.. but with these older games there is a certain undeniable nostalgia.. and it will be fun to get friends of all ages to join in on the gaming.

@PBJ... it just doesn't really matter... but it is confirmed I am a lady

@crtrrss and @wp34...I don't know how offensive or if your comment is offensive in the context of this forum, but it made me laugh

@jaharr01...your explanations were VERY helpful!  I have a long ways to go on the lingo..thanks for the encouragement.  Your explanation of the "frontend" really clarified things for me..reading the forums I wasn't sure how MALA and Maximus Arcade fit in.  Thank you!

@Jennifer and PBJ...  My husband doesn't want to build/modify an arcade.  He has projects he is working on right now, and this particular project is more up my alley... if I just gave him a working arcade he would never take the time to put on the games he likes or make the cab beautiful.  This way I get to have fun making him something that he will really enjoy.  We both win.

@..rablack97.. Thanks for the encouragement..maybe i shouldn't have even mentioned i am a gal...regardless, thus is fun and thanks to everyone for their input!

Uh no you did right, the fellas once they come out of "Am I dreaming" state of mind will surely assist you in your task.  This is really cool to see a real lady par-take in this awesome hobby.

 

The ps2 came out with cable for all the applications on your TV.  So your good either way.

[wp34]

Or ya know, a Playstation 2 

I see the comments now but I missed that she was using a PS2 for the driving cabinet. 

[DaOld Man]

I could also haul them out to a field somewhere and invite some friends over to blow them up with his stash of backyard ballistics and firearms...

DaOld Man is at a loss for words.
I didn't know women like you still walked the earth.
There is a God! And He is good!
 

[Aurora]

I am going to work on the Driving/Shooting cab first by installing a PS2.. it seems the easiest and most economical compared to using our XBOX 360 instead  (I will likely use a PC in the SEGA cabinet).  But this will help me get to know my way around the insides or an arcade before undertaking the more complicated SEGA/PC build.

Basically I want to get all the guts working first, "trashcade" style in the garage before installing anything permanently in the cabinet. 

I need a shopping list for the PS2 Driving/Shooting Cab: In addition to the CRT, PS2, what will I need to connect the existing arcade buttons to the PS2? - will I want to get an I-Pac or will I modify the PS2 controllers and solder right into the pad? 

Are there options for having a larger more authentic wheel for the PS2 Driving/shooting arcade other than the little plastic ones out there?  Or could I take the electronics out of one of those little guys and put it in a different steering wheel?   Am I going to want to go 270 or 360?  Do I need to get a set of PS2 pedals as well?

The only way to get "Big Buck Hunter" on this is to use a different gaming console right? 

[rablack97]

I need a shopping list for the PS2 Driving/Shooting Cab: In addition to the CRT, PS2, what will I need to connect the existing arcade buttons to the PS2? - will I want to get an I-Pac or will I modify the PS2 controllers and solder right into the pad?

For the PS2 controls the easiest thing to do is get you a couple of Kades.  http://kadevice.com/kade-miniarcade/



And wire the cable from the PS2 plug to the Kade PCB, and done, you will need 1 for each player side.  You could always just source ps2 extension cables as well and cut those instead of slicing up a good controller.

IPACs don't have PS2 functionality i dont think.

On the pad soldering Unless your a master solderer you will ruin a few controllers before you get it right.

[Malenko]

I need a shopping list for the PS2 Driving/Shooting Cab: In addition to the CRT, PS2, what will I need to connect the existing arcade buttons to the PS2? - will I want to get an I-Pac or will I modify the PS2 controllers and solder right into the pad? 

Are there options for having a larger more authentic wheel for the PS2 Driving/shooting arcade other than the little plastic ones out there?  Or could I take the electronics out of one of those little guys and put it in a different steering wheel?   Am I going to want to go 270 or 360?  Do I need to get a set of PS2 pedals as well?

The only way to get "Big Buck Hunter" on this is to use a different gaming console right?

There are logitech hacks to interface with happ arcade steering wheels, but then you're adding a layer of complexity. Lots of PS2 wheels have pedals.
Same goes for the existing buttons and sticks, you can use a cade or solder PS2 controllers, or you can just leave 2 controllers inside the coin door. if you plan to play more PS2 games like fighting games and the like then hack/kade. I thought it was going to be strictly for driving and shooting cabs, which dont need arcade controls.

I think Big Buck Hunter had a TV games version, and you could juts plug that right into the TV.

[Well Fed Games]

If you want to stay 100% legal, an old console is a great way to get games playing on a cab using a TV as a monitor. The PS2 had some very good arcade game compilations released (this was before online services and thus companies charging $4 to download a classic game).

You can't go wrong with (on PS2):

Capcom Classics Collection 1 & 2
Metal Slug Anthology
SNK Arcade Classics vol. 1 (there was only one volume)
Midway Arcade Treasures 1-3 (3 has a number of arcade driving games on it)
Atari Anthology
Namco Collection 50th Anniversary
Taito Legends vol. 2 (Vol 1 is also good, but depending on what you use to interface the controls, they may not work on that volume- vol 1 has to have a controller with analog support attached to work, which is silly since none of the games use analog controls) 

all of which can be found cheap used, and sometimes new on Amazon.

One caveat: going the console/official route, there are certain games that will be unavailable- for instance Nintendo never licensed its games (Donkey Kong, Mario Bros, etc.) for release on the PS2, Xbox, etc. if those are a dealbreaker, you will need to use a MAME computer as the brain or a hacked Xbox using custom software (coinops), etc.

Good luck in your project! 

[bfauska]

If you want to stay 100% legal, an old console is a great way to get games playing on a cab using a TV as a monitor. The PS2 had some very good arcade game compilations released (this was before online services and thus companies charging $4 to download a classic game).

You can't go wrong with (on PS2):

Capcom Classics Collection 1 & 2
Metal Slug Anthology
SNK Arcade Classics vol. 1 (there was only one volume)
Midway Arcade Treasures 1-3 (3 has a number of arcade driving games on it)
Atari Anthology
Namco Collection 50th Anniversary
Taito Legends vol. 2 (Vol 1 is also good, but depending on what you use to interface the controls, they may not work on that volume- vol 1 has to have a controller with analog support attached to work, which is silly since none of the games use analog controls) 

all of which can be found cheap used, and sometimes new on Amazon.

One caveat: going the console/official route, there are certain games that will be unavailable- for instance Nintendo never licensed its games (Donkey Kong, Mario Bros, etc.) for release on the PS2, Xbox, etc. if those are a dealbreaker, you will need to use a MAME computer as the brain or a hacked Xbox using custom software (coinops), etc.

Good luck in your project! 

You could always use some fancy splitters and actually run other consoles too for some of those titles, like Mario.

[Aurora]

@rablack97... thanks for the heads up on the Kades!!! I can't believe a person can get all this custom stuff.. this is great.. also thanks for the controller extension cord tip

@Malenko....this is where not being a gamer is definite disadvantage... I had absolutely no idea that driving/shooting games wouldn't need buttons    I just assumed I needed buttons.   Also, I didn't know about the Big Buck Hunter for TV.. that is a great tip.. Although he is mostly into vintage games, this is a favorite of my husband's so it would be nice if I could incorporate it somehow.  Any idea if this TV version is any good compared to the other Big Buck Hunter games?

@WellFedGames... Whoa... this is REALLY helpful.. I would really rather stick with the 100% legal route.. so I might end up putting a PS2 in both cabinets... having this feedback on vintage games for PS2 is extremely helpful. Thank You!

@Bfauska... I know that this adds some complexity to the project, but in order to get the nintendo games what would be involved with this switch set-up?   Would I be able to switch between consoles without having to open up the arcade cabinet to manually change settings on the consoles?  If there was a PS2 and XBOX (?) in the cabinet how would I handle game selection on the screen?  Is there a particular frontend that I can use if a PC isn't involved?

-------------------------

Really, thanks so much for everyone's help... I let my husband know about the project to make sure I am setting up the games he really wants.  He is very excited, and as I anticipated, too busy with other projects to take this one on.. he is happy to be the "usability supervisor" and to lift heavy things for me    

The Saint's book should arrive in the mail by the weekend.

[bfauska]

@Bfauska... I know that this adds some complexity to the project, but in order to get the nintendo games what would be involved with this switch set-up?   Would I be able to switch between consoles without having to open up the arcade cabinet to manually change settings on the consoles?  If there was a PS2 and XBOX (?) in the cabinet how would I handle game selection on the screen?  Is there a particular frontend that I can use if a PC isn't involved?

I can't think of a particularly elegant way to switch between consoles on screen with a menu or anything, the simplest way (and it basically kills the illusion of playing an arcade game) is if the TV allows switching between inputs that you could use for each console. For example if the PS2 was hooked up to the component or svideo input and the NES was hooked up to the composite then you could use a button on the tv or a remote (or add a button to the tv with some creative surgery if the tv happened to be easy to meddle with). If the TV doesn't have multiple inputs or inputs that are compatible with the systems in question then you'd need to pick up a video switcher that the consoles could be plugged into and then you would switch between them with a physical switch.

It's all fairly crude and wouldn't be near as nice as a good frontend, and in addition to the complications of switching between consoles you'd also have to actually switch game cartridges for something like a NES that doesn't have a hard drive to put the games on.

[Locke141]

I can't think of a particularly elegant way to switch between consoles on screen with a menu

You could use a Component switcher. Here is a link to one with more inputes then you will ever need, it comes with a remote, and its $20.
http://www.monoprice.com/Product?c_id=101&cp_id=10110&cs_id=1011007&p_id=3027&seq=1&format=2
This one is out of stock but there are others out there.


I think a PS2 (with a HD mod so you don't have to switch the disk) and that plug and play Buck hunter thing would serve all you needs for that sega cab. As a plus you would not need to set up any front ends.

For the other one a cheep original x-box running Coin-ops should be a fairly simple option. You could add a PS2 (also with a HD mod) to that one as well with a second Component switcher.

A Component switcher would not address how the Kade and the controls would work with both consoles. Maybe you could use a cheep Parallel Printer Switch Box, with all the component cables and Kade (the controls) wiring into it. I don't know how well the component single would hold up but someone around here has probably tried this already and will hopefully pop in with feed back. 

http://www.amazon.com/CablesOnline-Parallel-Printer-Rotary-SB-001/dp/B00E6SQL46/ref=pd_cp_pc_0

Below I did a quick diagram to show my idea with just one switch box. You may need to do one Parallel Printer Switch Box per player to accommodate all the connections. Hopefully you get the idea from this chart that just has one to keep it clean, the only difference between the two should be that the  player 1 box should have the component and the TV hook up  and player two should not.
 

[Aurora]

@bfauska and Locke141.. Thanks for taking the time to explain the switching question.

I am going to read the Saint's book over this next week and do some more research on the threads on this forum (I can't believe how much information is on here, what a resource).  I will return with more questions but hopefully with some decision on the definite direction I am going to head with these cabinets.

Thanks to everyone for getting me started with great tips!!!   

[Aurora]

A Component switcher would not address how the Kade and the controls would work with both consoles. Maybe you could use a cheep Parallel Printer Switch Box, with all the component cables and Kade (the controls) wiring into it. I don't know how well the component single would hold up but someone around here has probably tried this already and will hopefully pop in with feed back. 

http://www.amazon.com/CablesOnline-Parallel-Printer-Rotary-SB-001/dp/B00E6SQL46/ref=pd_cp_pc_0

In the meantime, if anyone comes across this post and has some experience with a switch solution on their build and has any advice, please let me know!  Thanks

[yamatetsu]

You might want to take a look at the wiki, there's tons of information as well.

[thomas_surles]

How about a Sega dreamcast? Some great arcade titles (or arcade style ones) also tons of good homebrew. Plus house of the dead. I haunt seen a dreamcast used before. It would be great.

[crtrrss]

Or if you want to get really fancy, a modded wii plays all of the above (except PS2). Wii softmodding is super easy and plays awesome stuff. Plus, you can use the wiimote for light gun support. They make some controller attachments that work very well with those games.