Console Cab (need ideas/help/suggestions)

[TouchedArtist]

Hello all,

THIS IS ALL VERY NEW TO ME-  I got the TV, and the sound system that I wanted... and I'm attempting a 'mini cabinet' no bigger than 4 feet tall (so if I want to be lazy and sit and play, I still can) LOL

Here's the idea:

22 inch Widescreen TV
surround sound speaker system w/ sub
XBOX360 (loaded with XBLA games)
PS3

The systems have to be accessible because I want to be able to console game as well.  I need it to also contain ALL of my extra controllers and headsets and I'm HOPING to be able to put it on wheels.  (I live in a condo and SPACE is limited)  The speaker system does not have to be 'true surround sound' but the sound is VERY IMPORTANT because of my passion for MUSIC GAMES.

I'd love to hear suggestion ideas on how I should go about building this PROJECT  I don't see any ARCADE CONTROLLERS that work for the 360 that have both the left toggle and right toggle.  So, I don't know that CUSTOM controls can even be used

THANK YOU SO MUCH FOR YOUR INPUT and IDEAS.  This idea came to be after a couple of friends and I were talking about how we miss going to the ARCADES...  I've already been flamed on XBL forums and the PS3 forums- so I could use a lil help from people who have a passion for it! 

THANKS AGAIN!

[javeryh]

Get ready for more flames.   

A console arcade isn't unheard of but most people build them for much older systems.  I'm not saying it couldn't be done for a PS3 or Xbox 360 but think about why you would want to.  95% of the games made for the system (including the XBLA and PSN games) are made to be played with a gamepad while sitting on the couch.  There are tons of issues I can think of that would need to be addressed like the viewing angle for the HDTV, switching games, interfacing the controls (the PS3 pad has tilt functionality), etc... I don't know...  I'd be curious to see something built that worked but I have my doubts.  Give it a shot though if you really want to - I love seeing new ideas!   

[TouchedArtist]

The reason behind this is because I want one...  I have a dreamcast which I have also thought of making a BARTOP arcade of (after taking a part a DC and realizing how easy it was- I've seriously considered that as well.)

The reason behind the 360 arcade cab is to just make something a lil different I was considering making the 360 access from the COIN DOOR (that would not be a real coin door obviously)

I was originally thinking of this as a BAR TOP--- with just one console (360) but with the speakers that I have, It's going to be too big for that    as a musician, Sound is very important to me.  This is a MULIT USE system which will also be used as a 'juke box' if I figure this all out right.

[Dizzle]

Has anyone managed to get custom controls to work with the newer systems? (besides the Wii)

The Dreamcast is definitely a great choice for a cabinet, but I'm not sure about the 360 or PS3 -- although I'd love to play some 4 player Castle Crashers on an arcade panel.  Personally, I wouldn't think it's worth building a cabinet around consoles if you're just going to use the original gamepads, but that's just my opinion.

And why would you get flamed on the XBL or PS3 forums??

[Namco]

I'm looking into this. Ultimarc makes an Xbox interface, but I don't know if it will work with the 360. I'm getting a 360 soon and would like to pop it into my Street Fighter cab for some SF2 HD action.

[BASS!]

I don't exactly know how well it would work, but I imagine if you used an ipac ps2 version and a xcm xfps you could interface it with your console. I've been wanting to figure out if this works, because I'd love to hook my 360 up to my cab.

[BASS!]

Nearly forgot, they also make a ps3 version:-)

[HairyDVD]

If anyone is thinking of using any of the newer consoles in cabs, be very carefull thinking about ventilation as they run very hot and can fail quite easily if not adequately ventilated ( the xbox 360 has well known problems regarding overheating on the gpu )

[TalkingBull]

The reason behind this is because I want one...  I have a dreamcast which I have also thought of making a BARTOP arcade of (after taking a part a DC and realizing how easy it was- I've seriously considered that as well.)

The reason behind the 360 arcade cab is to just make something a lil different I was considering making the 360 access from the COIN DOOR (that would not be a real coin door obviously)

I was originally thinking of this as a BAR TOP--- with just one console (360) but with the speakers that I have, It's going to be too big for that    as a musician, Sound is very important to me.  This is a MULIT USE system which will also be used as a 'juke box' if I figure this all out right.

I have a Dreamcast sitting around I would love to do someting with... interested in any plans or ideas you might have on that front.

[HaRuMaN]

Those XFPS systems have horrible lag, and are generally regarded as crap.  You're not going to get anywhere going that route.

Xbox360 controllers can be hacked, just minus the analog sticks.

PS3 controllers can be hacked, too, but its a HUGE PITA.  Again, no analog sticks.

[BASS!]

Thanks for the reply HarumaN! I knew that they were too good to be true. So no one has figured out a way to hack the analog to a joystick yet?

[HaRuMaN]

Thanks for the reply HarumaN! I knew that they were too good to be true. So no one has figured out a way to hack the analog to a joystick yet?

As far as I know, no.

The problem lies in matching up potentiometers.  You have to match the neutral resistance (stick centered), which in itself probably wouldn't be too hard, but then you would have to match the extremes as well (as in 100% left / 100% right).

[Namco]

Yeah, I just want to play SF4 when it comes out. No need for analog sticks there . Plus Winter is nearly upon us, so cooling won't be a problem

[HaRuMaN]

Yeah, I just want to play SF4 when it comes out. No need for analog sticks there . Plus Winter is nearly upon us, so cooling won't be a problem

Well, in that case, the best solution for you would be a hacked Xbox 360 controller.