Gameboy Color Coffee table underway! (updated first post)

[jay_red]

I was thinking. Since viewing the screen from the couch would be somewhat bothersome. What if you cut the bottom legs and added hinges to them so that you can lower the table down a bit when playing for better viewing? Just a thought lol.

That is interesting, makes sense for playing from the couch. However, if I am reading jay's guide correctly, the Gameboy interface is already on a hinged board that pivots up to the couch as seen in the OP.

Actually, I had to remove the original lifiting function of the table, and just put on normal hinges, the monitor would not fit with the original hardware in place. As it is, it just sits flat.

That being said, I got the controlls working last night, and was able to play a bit of tetris on the table, it was awesome! And the viewing angle was actually fine when sitting. I am on the home stretch now, just need to install some buttons for start and select, clean every thing up, and secure the monitor in place.

[TheSegaSaturnGuy]

Jay, you should definitely post a video of the finished product in action. I am excited to see how it turns out.

[jay_red]

Jay, you should definitely post a video of the finished product in action. I am excited to see how it turns out.

I think I will make a video after its done, which should be in the next couple of days. Tonight I tackled a few things, I installed the start and select buttons on the side, cut out a hole on the other side that will allow the extension cable to run through, and tackled the only real problem I had, got the gamecube to fit!

I had been planing on de-casing the gamecube in hopes of gaining the extra 3/4 inch or so I needed, but after removing everything I could (and still have it hold its self together, it still would not clear the top. Then I thought, why not just cut a hole in the bottom of the table to let it drop down the necessary height? And with that in mind, I traced a square and cut away! After looking at the cut, there was no way this would work... or would it? The gamecube fit perfectly! the little ridges on each side stick out enough to catch it, and allow it to sit in the perfect height, I made a quick bracket to ensure it would stay in place and its good to go!

Start and select:


the cube, in its new home.



Now I have plenty of clearance, and am another step closer to being finished.

[Hobie-wan]

Don't forget to add some ventilation. With the GC and monitor in there, it will warm up and you don't want to suffocate them.

[jay_red]

Don't forget to add some ventilation. With the GC and monitor in there, it will warm up and you don't want to suffocate them.

I will look into something in the future to address that if it becomes an issue.

I felt like I was on a roll tonight, so I finished up the control wiring, and threw everything together to experience it in a "finished" state. I have to say, it plays better than you would think, I tried a few different games, Tetris DX, Iridion II, Metroid Zero Mission all were playable, and the controls are very responsive. I cant imagine sitting in the position for an extended gaming session, but this whole thing was a novelty.

Here is the pad hack with wires, hot glue is my best friend when it comes to projects like this!


A full shot of the interior, all the wires will be cleaned up once I get everything finalized


A view of the "finished" product. I still need to get the monitor secured, and get the speakers hooked up.

[Hobie-wan]

I will look into something in the future to address that if it becomes an issue.

It's going to warm up in there pretty fast with the GC, power brick, and the monitor all closed in there and only the small hole where the cables are coming in.

[manowarjoe]

Wow! This looks awesome! One of the best customs I've seen in awhile. I can't wait to see the finished product! Good work!