I started a new project today.

I've got 3 N64s lying around, so I wanted to do something a little different.

I took the one that I damaged (most likely to die due to a knock I gave it a while back on the mobo but managed to fix)

I desoldered every port and switch from the board, and I hacked up the case.

I toyed around with a few design ideas, but I'm quite fond of this one.

This is day one.

I decided to have everything of importance at the front of the console. As most of you should know, changing the N64 cartridge is a bitchy task, especially when you have it inside a cabinate with only about an inch or two between the top of your cartridge and the top of the shelf meaning you bang your hand getting the cartridge in or out just leave your N64 to get covered in dust because it's just not worth the hassle anymore.

With that in mind, I decided to build an upright N64. I'll be doing away with the fat ass power brick that plugs into the back by putting the connector on a cable and make the games load from the front of the console.

With that in mind, I started doing some estimate markings and started work today.

Already, this project is looking half way complete.







I'm relocating the expansion bay to the back of the console. Everything else will be on the front. The motherboards height makes the job a bit more difficult, but I haven't decided upon the orientation of the expansion bay (top of the back, or the bottom of the back.. Most likely bottom)

Feedback is appreciated as always if any, and so are catchy names!

Day Two.

I've started constructing the back of the case.

I've decided to have the whole case as 3 sections, the base, the front, the back.

The bottom is partly finished now, and the back is partly finished. No real progress on the front of the case.





Bit disappointed nobody has commented, but the site has been down for 3 weeks...

whats with the rubix cube on the back???

I was planning on reconnecting my N64 to play old games. It works fine and everything the only problem is that it will not display anything on screen. I tried to use 2 different cables and nothing. I dont know if its the cables or if there's something wrong with the connectors. I would buy a new cable but if thats not the problem then I would have spent time and money for nothing.

Oh well I guess it will remain in the closet for the rest of its days until I decide to do something with it or smash it to pieces.

They're rubiks cubes.. 5x5x5, 4x4x4, and 3x3x3.

I can do the 3x3x3 and 4x4x4, but the 5x5x5 is really tricky. Nearly got it, but I've put it aside for now.

You tried a Gamecube cable for the video? Because that's the same connector.

If you haven't got one, see if you can borrow one from a friend.

Also check the games don't have any scum on the connectors, because that can be a common cause. No video is output until it knows there's a game. Sometimes blowing the cartridge isn't enough, and a full clean is in order.

Yea I tried a gamecube connector and still nothing. The light turns on but the TV says no signal just like if nothing was plugged in. Its been so long since I used it maybe something got messed up inside or something. I will probably try it one more time because I want to play Star Fox again and I dont want to buy in on the Virtual Console because I barely use my Wii.

Has there ever been a portable N64 and where are you going with this project?

Yes there has, L64.. it's an awesome N64. It's in our news, search for it.

Just a different N64 really, All of the main parts will be on the front of the system.

How come you dont make it more smaller more portable the like SNES 2 or something?

Because that's not my goal. If I wanted to make it smaller, I'd have trouble with the expansion pak since that's designed to be flush with the N64. At the same time, the cartridge undoes everything because it still sticks out the top of the console.

Day Three..

I've finished the base (roughly) and I'm about ready to start on the back tomorrow.

I've filled and sanded the front and base, but it was so hot today that the filler was drying too quickly that I couldn't get a smooth finish, but tomorrow is another day and once filled and sanded again it should be ready for painting. A nice dark grey should do the trick.

I'll also cut out the power supply port whilst I'm at it. You can see where it's going to go outlined in green.

I'm going to modify the power supply so it supplies power via a cable instead of from the brick.









More tomorrow.

Today I did some work on the back. Got a bit hot in the sun, gave up for a bit to cool off.

Then I went out when the sun had moved to give me shade.

I've done more filling and sanding today, and I've cut the power supply socket.

I've also mounted the power and reset buttons on the front.

Pictures as always...





It's taking shape.. Any comments?

I've also considered a name. Frankenstein 64 (even though Frankenstein wasn't the monster, but the man; So nobody point that out, OK?)

What do you guys think?

Seriously I still dont know what the hell you are trying to do or what you plan to accomplish

I think Ill wait until you finish the final product before I share my thoughts on it.

How long do you think it will take you to finish it?

Progress is good, it could take 10 days for the shape to be finished. Painting could take a bit longer, we'll see.

Impressive as always. Keep up the good work Ben.

Thanks..
Overall it's probably going to be slightly bigger than an N64, but the trade off is that everything I need is accessible at the front.
More work on the weekend hopefully. The weather has been bad, the weekend was too hot, but I still got work done. There just isn't time during the week to work between working, eating, the gym, and living.