GBA Arcade Bartop

[megatron-uk]

Here's my latest project, a GBA bartop arcade cabinet.

It's a non-SP, using the Innovation TV out module, converted to RGB. Output sent through a GBS-8220 scaler, to a RetroVGA scanline box, to a VGA panel (800x600 native). I'm still currently playing with the various settings - at the moment I'm using 800x600 with thin scanlines, 640x480 with thick lines looks good, but a little chunky.

Audio is provided by a preamp and equaliser/tone control and then a 5W stereo amplifier. It pumps out some fantastic sounds when the case is all together.

Plus proper arcade controls of course.

The GBA is running an EZFlash IV so no need to keep taking the cover off to change carts.

Couple of things left to do - a reset switch for the GBA (flash cart only saves backup ram on reboot), wire in the front panel (has start/select buttons), plus get some plastic covers for the screw heads. Finally paint in Nintendo purple

[KalessinDB]

I like it! Did you buy a kit for the bartop? Find plans somewhere? Freestyle it?

[megatron-uk]

Just drew some shapes on some MDF and cut it out... I'm amazed the sides are roughly the same shape LOL!

[megatron-uk]

Short clip of Golden Sun and FF6 introduction screens:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fqGwSTY ... e=youtu.be

[ninjainspandex]

I like it! One suggestion though, maybe put a Snes controller port on it so you can kick back and play an RPG

[Anapan]

That is so cool! It'll look so great in purple. Are you going to put the GBA boxart logo on it somewhere?

[megatron-uk]

That is so cool! It'll look so great in purple. Are you going to put the GBA boxart logo on it somewhere?

I'd like to get a Nintendo logo across the top bezel and a couple of Game Boy Advance stickers down the sides. Not sure I want to put any box art on it. I'm thinking a look similar to the actual original purple GBA

I've got the buttons for the upscaler and retrovga scanline module to extend and bring up to where the volume and lcd panel controls are (the front bezel will be on a hinge to get access). Other than that, it's just tidying up and paint left to do. I was toying with putting a link port in the side, but: 1. I don't have another GBA and 2. I don't think there's anything I'd really use it for - the cabinet is a bit big to use as a controller for my Gamecube

[megatron-uk]

And here it is, all painted and virtually finished - just the screen to fit in place (just pushed in place at the moment).

It's not quite Gamecube purple, but pretty close

P1050471-.JPG (184.54 KiB) Viewed 3042 times

[KalessinDB]

Hot! Very nice, I like it.

[Anapan]

Beautiful - stunning! Can you give us a view under-the-hood (or is that too personal)?
How about a video?