N64 Portable

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boatman
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N64 Portable

Post by boatman »

Hello Everybody,
I began dismantling my N64 today to make a portable. I'm taking a lot of inspiration from bacteria's video series on building an n64 portable.

I haven't decided on a case yet; I think I might make something out of tupperware.
I've already ordered a Playstation LCD screen. Probably going to use a third party controller, although I haven't purchased one yet.

So far I've removed the motherboard, removed all of the ports, and relocated the game cart slot. I'll post some pictures once things get exciting. Any suggestions or advice along the way would be greatly appreciated.
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bacteria
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Re: N64 Portable

Post by bacteria »

Fantastic!

Yes, please post pics and also any issues you have. That way, if you need any help or get into any problems, advice can be given!

Feel free to PM me with questions if you like, although if you post it in this thread instead, all the better as others can also help out then too!

Tupperware is underrated. It is basically just a plastic box with uniform sides, you just need to replace the top with 2mm thick perspex or similar, and integrate it into the portable. If you use a 2 litre tupperware lunchbox, you will find it is a very good size, and suitable. Tupperware is also easy to get hold of, and cheap, and if you spend time on it, you can get a great result.

BTW - just updated my videos, up to video 15 now. Shows a preview of what mine will look like too! :wink:
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Anayo
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Re: N64 Portable

Post by Anayo »

Post pics please.

I tried playing Zelda Ocarina of Time on my PSP and it didn't work very well. :(
dudex77
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Re: N64 Portable

Post by dudex77 »

Tupperware? Really? Maybe you guys have higher quality tupperware in England but from my experience it's some flimsy stuff. I think if you put forth the effort into rewiring the n64 cartridge slot and don't fry it the least you could do is make a nice case. Go make a vac table, it's not to difficult and odds are you'll find more uses for it in the future. At this point in technology where you can already get portable devices that can emulate n64 games near perfect I feel a portable system has to look nice for it to be worth the time and money invested. Idk maybe I lost the plot.
@Bacteria: Woah, that n64 portable looks sweet also way to make video tutorials someone needed to do that
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boatman
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Re: N64 Portable

Post by boatman »

After researching vacuum tables, i think i might build one myself and see how it works out. I'm really looking forward to forming my own case. I just might have a little fun with this. What thickness of styrene did you use for yours, bacteria, and how durable is it?
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bacteria
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Re: N64 Portable

Post by bacteria »

2mm (0.08") styrene, or as we call it in the UK, Plasticard. Thicker than that and it is harder to form around the mould, thinner and the result can be too weak. There are guides on my (guess what i'm going to say) site for vacuum forming.

dudex77 - I am sure the tupperware in the US is the same as in the UK. When the structure is secured, like with the "teeth" method i'm using, it is perfectly strong enough on the sides (you hold the sides, not pressing hard against), the top and bottom of the case being 2mm perspex, is very rigid and further adds strength to the final product. I used tupperware on my IntoDream project (the DreamCast portable).

Emulation for the N64 is not perfect on all but a few games (as far as I am aware); artifacts, frame skip, slowdowns, etc are an issue otherwise; yes? The best way to play N64 games is on an N64 console.
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weasels
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Re: N64 Portable

Post by weasels »

good luck man. i have seen some really nice mods on this site and i hope yours ends up just as good as the others.
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DNT 2.5
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Re: N64 Portable

Post by DNT 2.5 »

If you use bondo, Sand it. I don't think anyone wants to see the hobby killed more by another crappy thrown together unsanded portable. Good luck.
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bacteria
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Re: N64 Portable

Post by bacteria »

Bondo isn't needed unless you either attach additional parts to the case like you did with the shoulder button assembly DNT, or if cutting out button sections and integrating them into a case; yes, then you need to use bondo or some other filler. Problem is then you spend a long time trying to get it perfectly flat, integrated and smooth (some don't bother, however I don't like bumps and grooves). That is why I make the button holes in the case itself, mod the button assemblies and integrate that way into a case, like I did on my current N64 project. No filler needed, no bondo, nada. Method in my N64 video logs, videos 8, 9, 14 and 15
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Re: N64 Portable

Post by DNT 2.5 »

No, bondo is terrible, heavy and doesn't flex well at ALL. the BEST method is Injection molding, but that is REALLY expensive, another almost equal method is Vacuum forming. the only reason I am using Bondo on type64 is the fact that it was the only option I had at the time (I was short on cash) my next ones (If I manage to finish this one) will be designed around the Dreamcast controller.

To the OP, If was going to start again, don't remake the wheel, draw inspiration from success and take your time, there is no point in rushing through.There is so much documentation on the N64 now there is almost no point in finding the info out yourself, just creates headaches. However, some models may differ slightly so you will have to check often for little stuff like the placement of some traces (if you are cutting it down)
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