Ben Heckendorn unveils his best portable 2600 yet
We're surprised that along with
writing a book and producing, directing, and starring in his own movie, video game modder extraordinaire Ben Heckendorn
still has time to hone the craft that made him famous. Although Heckendorn's latest build -- a slick-looking Atari 2600
portable -- definitely shows some signs of a busy man (unlike past projects, no step-by-step instructions or detailed
photo gallery is offered), the professional and innovative design proves that his skillz have never been tighter. After
having stuffed almost every retro console imaginable into a portable package,
Heckendorn has returned to the Atari classic for at least the third time, improving upon older versions like the Phoenix 2600 in cartridge placement,
screen size, and overall build quality. Another great job, Ben -- just don't get all Hollywood on us and forget the
adoring fans who made you the star of page and screen that you are today. Keep reading for a little more modding
madness...[Thanks, Jeffler]
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
jnasato @ Mar 23rd 2006 8:42PM
Fricking hardcore.
Jeffler @ Mar 23rd 2006 8:45PM
Yay, two Engadget/Joystiq submittings in 1 week! :D
Carl B. @ Mar 23rd 2006 8:53PM
This rocks...
NLab @ Mar 23rd 2006 9:13PM
What a god!
Jeffler @ Mar 23rd 2006 10:00PM
Oh, its his 7th or 8th VCSp by the way, lol.
cc @ Mar 23rd 2006 11:48PM
Someday this guy's grandson is going to hack an Xbox 360 to fit in the jack we'll all have installed in our heads...
Of course, the power brick will still be friggin' huge. :)
shad @ Mar 24th 2006 12:20AM
heh, pretty cool man.
Rikostan @ Mar 24th 2006 6:45AM
A pic of the front of the device would have been nice.
He shows all other sides of it , but the only front view we get is the top down one you guys show here.
Dan @ Mar 24th 2006 7:21AM
The front is pictured on the main page at http://www.benheck.com or else directly here:
http://www.benheck.com/Games/VCS_projects/Pancake/Hero_pic.jpg
Chris @ Mar 24th 2006 7:38AM
I still have one of the early VCSp units that I bought from Ben about 4-5 years ago. The thing still works great, has a TFT screen, and the battery in it is a standard Sony camcorder battery, so the thing runs, and runs, and runs. I get some crazy looks when i show it to people, they can't believe the games they grew up on are in portable form.
Keep up the good work, Ben!
yuppicide @ Mar 24th 2006 9:23AM
It's cool, sure, but it's mad ugly as far as shape. Why did he have to make it shaped like some kind of flower or four leaf clovr type design.
KilgoreTrout XL @ Mar 24th 2006 9:32AM
Whoa.
Even better than E.T. the game.
Poem58 @ Mar 24th 2006 1:15PM
Best yet!? are you crazy? The looks like the is no paddle control anymore...it's a step backwards.
Charles Garcia @ Mar 24th 2006 3:57PM
I so want one of these... I even have a PS1 screen to donate to get the project done. AWWWWWW!
Conn @ Mar 25th 2006 12:52AM
I liked the Phoenix more.
snesds @ Mar 30th 2006 5:59AM
I wonder when will Ben start mass production of his creations. Must be copyright issues holding him from it!