Building an N64 arcade machine?

[lepodo]

Is this possible?

I would love to make one.
And would I have to get a computer and a n64 emulator, or could i just hook up an n64?
PLease, if you know how, or have a guide or know where a guide is, please tell me.

Thanks,

Ty

[Necroticart]

If your going to play N64 games Emulation would be your best bet keep in mind that the arcade controls are limited so some games might not work as well as others. also with emulation you are able to implement Mame onto your arcade which is the main focal point of most computer build arcade machines

[ViciousXUSMC]

Most N64 games should emulate well but not all of them are 100% so you may want to pick the games you want now and try it before deciding the way you want to go.

You can do it both ways though.

The most pain free way to do the "real N64" method would be with an X-Arcade product and there N64 adapter, or get there BYOA PCB build your own Control Panel and get the adapter.

The much more involved way would be to hack some N64 controllers and hook them to your control panel.  I wouldn't think a N64 controller would be too hard to hack.

Keep in mind N64 uses an analog stick, most arcade controls are digital not analog, so your not going to be able to play games well that need analog like say aiming your cursor in golden eye, or controlling your wave runner in wave race.

It should work great though for games like Killer Instinct Gold, I honestly cant think of many N64 games that would go with arcade controls, mind sharing your list of games you want to play?

[lepodo]

I would like to emulate Super Mario 64 and Super Smash Bros 64.

So is it possible to use a n64, just the console, and not a computer?

[daywane]

yes.
any console has some 3rd party pad that can be hacked.

analog stick will cost you some $$$$

I would go PC and Emulator
Mario cart is fun on a set of sidewinder wheels

[Red]

"The most pain free way to do the "real N64" method would be with an X-Arcade product and there N64 adapter"

X-Arcade has an N64 Adapter?

[lepodo]

"The most pain free way to do the "real N64" method would be with an X-Arcade product and there N64 adapter"

X-Arcade has an N64 Adapter?

I've had a look, they don't.
How much would a pc cost to go in a arcade machine, are we talking expensive?
I want the CHEAPEST way.

[srarcade]

This depends on your cabinets monitor. If you have a high-res monitor capable of 31khz signal and has a VGA input, that saves you a lot of $$ and hassle because you will be able to plug the PC directly in at 640x480. Otherwise if you have a standard resolution monitor, you need either an ArcadeVGA or VGA to RGB converter, with the card offering better results but seems to me like its much more of a hassle to deal with. The last option (and probably cheapest) is to buy a video scaler that will also convert VGA to RGB gracefully with a lot of control and extra options that the ArcadeVGA card or standard converter wont have. Check out Extron Emotia, they are very cheap and generally on ebay once in awhile.

The rest of the cost is all up to your electronics skills. If you are a wiz with a soldering iron, all you need is a keywiz or similar interface product, a cheap audio amp and a jamma edge connector, all totaling around $50 or less depending where you shop. If you do not have electronics experience, then you will have to go the IPAC route but my knowledge is limited on that but its more costly to begin with.

Good luck!

[daywane]

a strong Pent 4 PC 1.8 or more
a good video card 128 meg or more svid
svid TV
empty cab.
I use PJ64 emulator

[Reptilz]

But nothing plays the N64 games better than the "real" N64 system.  My only problem, b/c I want to do this as well for MK Trilogy and KI Gold, is how do you hook up the N64 to the low res monitor?