Nintendo NES PC

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Creator:
Missscarlet
Status:
Testing
Born On:
12:40, 17 September 2012 (CDT)
Last Updated:
15:22, 27 March 2013 (CDT)

Overview

After attaining an empty NES case, I plan on making it as small PC emulator for playing any number of games.

The main idea and instructions were found here

Research

Links

Materials

  • NES Case
  • Motherboard: Mini-itx board
  • Processor: Best if built into motherboard
  • DDR3 Memory: 1GB
  • Slimeline dvd/cd
    • Slimline dvd/cd adapter
  • PSU: 80 watt picoPSU
  • 2.5" Hard Drive
  • Leads(?)

If Bought

Item Part Link Price (w/o shipping)
Motherboard ASRock E35LM1 AMD E-240 Newegg.com $54.99
DDR3 Memory Crucial 1GB 240-Pin DDR3 SDRAM DDR3 1066 Newegg.com $8.99
PSU picoPSU-80, 80w output, 12v input DC-DC Power Supply Mini-box.com $25.00


Total Cost (w/o shipping): $88.98

First Build

Materials

Part Description Comments
NES Case Empty NES Case Item received from Omegix.
Motherboard Unknown Item received from Gregabyte.
Processor Unknown Item received from Gregabyte. Built into motherboard.
DDR3 Memory Not Found Item received from Gregabyte. Came with motherboard.
Slimeline dvd/cd REJECTED Due to how it is currently built, it will not fit.
PSU Purchased Bought online in two parts, Mini-Box picoPSU-80 80 watt Output 12 volt Input DC-DC Power Supply and 80W/6.6A AC to DC Switching Power Supply
2.5" IDE HDD Unknown Received from Maker's Local Member

Progress

Date Accomplished Notes
9/18/2012
  1. Removed mounting pegs from inside case
  2. Brainstormed
  • Considered removing bottom raised plate
  • Considered removing original controller connectors and replacing with USB. Looking at pre-made instructions show that the initial creation has nothing in the controller spots.
  • Need to get an 2.5" to 3.5" IDE Hard Drive Adapter
9/19/2012
  1. Research
  • Considering multiple ways to connect controllers to system
  1. USB Port on front of system for USB controllers
  2. Wireless gamepads with USB transmitter
  3. Leave original ports in front and convert the wire receivers into USB to easily attach to motherboard
  4. Combination of all of the above
  • Must remember that this is the first build and is on the tightest schedule, so must go with easiest build options.
9/21/2012
  1. Cut out back of NES to fit back panel of Motherboard
  2. Installed Motherboard
  3. Converted power and reset buttons to connect to motherboard
  4. Connected laptop hard drive attained from Gregabyte
  5. First Boot Up
  • Need to replace power source, too big for the system but can be used till new power source is purchased.
  • Still working on installing Windows XP on hard drive.
9/22/2012
  1. Hard Drive failed
  2. Attained classic NES controllers and NES Advantage
  • Hard drive attained from Gregabyte has failed, seeking new hard drive.
  • Collected controllers for NES. Tested on other another working NES to make sure controllers work.
9/29/2012
  1. Received Two Retrolink Nintendo NES USB Adapter for PC and Mac
  2. Replaced original NES controller connectors with Retrolink adapters
  3. Found new hard drive
  • Retrolink ports fit into system after slight alteration to case. However, these are untested.
  • Still working on putting Windows XP onto new hard drive
10/16/2012
  1. Installed Windows XP on Hard Drive.
  2. Researching Emulation Frontends and controller software.
  • Took me awhile, but finally got it!
  • Looking around for some good frontends and boot up screens for customization of the PC.
  • Researching controller software so I can use my nes controllers.
10/17/2012
  1. Installed drivers
  2. Installed Maximus Arcade (frontend) and emulators
  3. FIRST BOOT UP
  4. Testing software
  5. Configuring controllers for each emulator
  6. Systems working so far: NES, Nintendo 64, and Sega Genesis
  7. Two controllers tested: Steelseries USB controller and NES controller.
  • Maximus Arcade booted wonderfully, very nice software.
  • Play tested some games on the NES and Nintendo 64.
  • Controllers still needs to be set up for Sega Genesis
  • Need to test Player 2 capabilities
  • Need to test Nintendo Advantage controller
  • Still need to work on MAME
  • May consider buying more usb controllers
  • Need to purchase new smaller power supply
10/22/2012
  1. PicoPSU power supply received
  2. Power adapter received
  3. N64 Controller adapter received
  • New power supply installed but does not work
10/23/2012
  1. PicoPSU power supply modified to work
  2. SECOND BOOT UP
  3. Test N64 controllers
  • Brought the system to the shop and modified it. The motherboard needs power from the main power connection and to the 12V connection in the middle of the board. Found 12V connector, stripped and placed its wires in male crimp pins to place inside of the female PATA power connector on the power supply.
  • Boots successfully!
  • N64 Adapter works with my original green N64 Controller
10/23/2012
  1. FIRST DEMO: ChargerCon 2012
  • Brought the system to ChargerCon 2012 for its first demo. It was well received but the NES controllers had a bit of trouble with the 2nd controller not being picked up.
  • Multiplayer in 007 GoldenEye froze emulator. Unsure if multiplayer works.
  • Games were tested and played, was excited for the warm reception.

Gallery

  • NES 1.jpg
  • NES PC 2.jpg
  • NES PC 3.jpg
  • NES PC 4.jpg
  • NES PC 5.jpg
  • NES PC 6.jpg
  • NES PC 7.jpg
  • NES PC FIRSTBOOT.jpg
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