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RoboTouch brings NES controller to iPad
Mix a handful of micro servos, an old Nintendo Entertainment System (NES) controller, a pinch of open-source Arduino magic, an iPad running Reckless Racing, a few pounds of ingenuity and elbow grease, and what do you get? Most of us would probably end up with an iPad and a small yard sale. But avid technology tinkerer Joven of ProtoDojo used these ingredients to build a contraption that let him play his favorite iPad game using a classic Nintendo controller. "I hacked my old NES controller to control micro servos with custom conductive arms that simulate touches to the screen of my iPad," writes Joven. "The servos are attached to the screen with mini suction cups and can be easily positioned for any game." The RoboTouch appears impressively responsive in the video demo below, allowing its builder to play Reckless Racing, a game fittingly reminiscent of R.C. Pro-Am for the NES. Joven hasn't provided the complete recipe for cooking your own Nintendo-controlled iPad, but he does briefly explain how to convert a classic NES gamepad into a USB flash drive secured by the Konami Code. He also suggests this article as a reference for adapting your old NES controllers for use with Arduino. Keep reading to see the video demo.
NES becomes world's least efficient flash drive (video)
Hold on to your Zapper, because we're about to blow some minds -- this Nintendo Entertainment System has been outfitted with a USB port, and its Tetris cartridge transformed into an 8GB USB flash drive. Not only that, there are simple step-by-step instructions to craft your own online, so you too can slot, socket, mount and feel blissfully anachronistic all the same time. Speaking of time -- it looks like we've finally got a sufficiently retro alternative to your Iomega ZIP drive.
The Legend of Zelda prototype surfaces, makes itself readily available
Retro gamers, take note -- The Legend of Zelda is back, and this version's more intriguing than ever. From the pits of a mythical, magical unknown lair has arisen an early build of the original FDS version of Zelda, and thanks to the wonders of the internet (along with a few dedicated Earthlings), we're able to break down the differences between the prototype and the retail edition, download the FDS image and pore over the disk scans. From what we've been able to gather thus far, the early version is quite a bit easier to beat than the final build, with fewer enemies, easier money and more gullible partners. Sounds like our kind of place. Hit the links below to nerd out in fantastic fashion.
NES controller gains a Rumble Pak, DIYer gains a dedicated following
Ah, the Rumble Pak. It was arguably the must-have accessory for the Nintendo 64, and had it been around during the time of R.B.I. Baseball, we're certain it would've went over well. One Andy Goetz decided that he'd be interested in reshaping history a bit, and spent 20-some-odd hours building a rumble device for his NES controller as a deadline loomed. He ended up submitting it in Oregon State University's Engineering Expo, and while it seems that they can't actually control when the rumble happens, at least your youngster will likely believe that he / she is doing something right while they're being humiliated by CPU racers in Excitebike. Cruel? Maybe. But totally practical.
iFixit tears apart the Nintendo Famicom
Do you remember the Nintendo Family Computer, or Famicom? Well, you might not -- it came to earth in 1983 and was Japan's version of the NES. Now, continuing its week of vintage teardowns, iFixit's gotten its hands on one of these colorful gems and done what it does. The Famicon is pretty easily dismantled, and simple inside, as well. As you can see, there's almost nothing going on in there! There's one more photo below, but hit up the source link for the full set.
Papercraft NES and Dreamcast cost less, play just as many cutting edge games
Finally, your lovingly prepared SNES model is getting some well-heeled new friends to hang out with. Cubeecraft is a website wholly dedicated to the paper-based recreation of cultural icons, and it's prepared a pair of exquisitely detailed clones of the NES and Dreamcast. While some such projects might require patience and finesse, putting together the above templates doesn't even ask for any glue or tape. So what are you waiting for, grab your scissors and run to the links below for full 150dpi printouts -- just be sure to make the time for some imaginary Contra action afterwards.[Via Technabob]Read - NES cutoutRead - DC cutout
NES gamepad mouse is the most amazing piece of industrial design in the history of humankind
Apparently as of right now, this stunning piece of high art is just a foam model mock-up, but listen to us, mouse manufacturers of the world: if you build this, we will give you every penny we have to own it. Our only gripe? The D-pad should definitely be up top for navigation duties. Still... where's the waiting list? [Via Technabob]
NES Joystick Test Cartridge lands on eBay, complete with lowest replay value ever
Not that we haven't seen some pretty crazy Nintendo gear fetch some pretty crazy prices on The Bay, but this is definitely amongst the weirdest. Shipping directly from the frigid tundras of Fairbanks, Alaska, this Joystick Test Cartridge for the Nintendo Entertainment System will undoubtedly spend a record low amount of time within your still kickin' NES console. Put simply, these carts were passed out to game stores for them to test out their NES machines, and after they were done, they were instructed to ship the cart back to the Mushroom Kingdom. Clearly, one renegade employee shoved it in his coat pocket and made a beeline for The Last Frontier. Surely all that's worth $1,050, right?[Via TechEBlog]
NES Belt Buckle: most inelegant, awesome NES-in-a-whatever mod out there
Just as Mr. Adams wrote of the summer of '69, some heralded pop star decades from now will pen a smash hit recalling the summer of two-thousand and eight. Oddly enough, the tune will likely focus on the revitalization of the Nintendo Entertainment System, which has somehow wiggled into just about everything imaginable over the past few months. The latest concoction is a bit different, though, as the NES Belt Buckle doesn't really shove NES capabilities into a buckle; rather, the NES is the buckle, which is sort of weird to be frank. Still, for $300 you can have your very own, but we'd recommend boosting your self-esteem and saving your cash by just making your own with that dusty system that's still in your attic. Tons of laughs await you in the demonstration vid just past the break.[Thanks, Harrison]
Power Pad hacked into musical controller, DDR trembles
We're not quite sure how Seth Sternberger, one member of 8 Bit Weapon, was able to pull this off, but he somehow compiled a number of old parts from local shops and eBay in order to transform an NES Power Pad into an instrument of awesomeness. Click on through for a video of Micro Boogie being performed on said Pad, and don't be shocked to find yourself immediately overcome with the need to get one of these in your own house (only to remember that you can't dance).
Ikea'nt believe it: A fully functional giant NES controller/coffee table
First and foremost, apologies for the headline. If you can find it in your heart to forgive us, we're sure that the video above will tickle your fancy for gaming peripheral-themed furniture. We're not sure how much we'd pay for a custom-built, gigantic, functioning Nintendo Entertainment System controller (or a boxed copy of Super Mario Bros. 3, for that matter) that doubles for a coffee table with a removable glass overlay, but we could be convinced to skip a few months' rent should this epic furnitroller show up at our local Targét. Our landlord would certainly forgive us when we invite him over for an exhilarating round of comically oversized Bible Adventures.
39 sealed Power Gloves, a great gift for nearly 5 octopi
All right, here's the situation: You're staging an NES-themed musical (off-Broadway) and the big finale requires a shiny, new Power Glove for all 40 members of the chorus line. You already have access to one unopened Glove that your grandmother gave you as a present in 1995 (way after it was a hot-ticket item), but you need the other 39 before the end of the month or the opening night of your show will be ruined!This is the only situation that we could think of to justify anyone bidding on the lot of 39 sealed, Japanese Power Gloves that recently showed up as a bulk lot on eBay. Apparently we're not imaginative enough, though, because the Australia-based auction already has four bids with a high offer of AU$90.88 (not including the hundreds of dollars in shipping costs). Maybe we're just not "bad" enough to realize the economic and cultural potential of owning what is most likely the world's largest collection of sealed Power Gloves in one place. So we leave it as an open question to our commenters: What would you do with 39 Power Gloves?[Via GameSniped]
Craft Corner: NES plush
If we had a stuffed Mario doll, we'd probably sleep with him clutched tightly against our chest. But, being the manliest of men that we are, we're too busy knifefighting and growing massive beards on our lantern-shaped jaws. Still, this kickass plush NES setup is impressive and we'll give credit where credit is due. Check out more pictures in the gallery below.%Gallery-4287%
Every NES title screen in 5 minutes
While the prospect of seeing every single NES game's title screen might not sound so interesting, when you think about how many title screens you would be seeing, maybe you'll think differently. Or, maybe you won't. We still think you should check out the video, though, if only for the nostalgia factor.Video has been embedded past the post break.
NES-playin' Taiwanese smartphone comes gamepad-equipped
Oh my -- we're fallin' in love. Our always-inventive pals in Taiwan have developed a "PDA Phone" called the Century Sutra 1688 that comes complete with a gamepad controller (not Bluetooth, darn) and an NES emulation system. If you're fond of "Super Mario Brothers" and "The Legend of Zelda" from the NES craziness of the 80s, you'd probably hand over a month's paycheck for one of these beauties just to take a trip down memory lane. We know we would. The gamepad for Windows Mobile isn't exactly a new concept, but add in NES emulation -- even though there are a ton of portable NES emulators out there -- and we're sold.
Rare NES kiosk hits the auction circuit
If you're looking for something that can give you immense amounts of geek cred and totally bitch slap your wallet for all of its monies, look no further. This auction, which sadly doesn't include the rather stylish TV set in the top of the picture, only has about 2 days left. So, if you're in the market for an excellent conversation piece when your gaming buddies are over, and feel like eating Ramen noodles for a month, you can shell out for this NES kiosk.[Via Engadget]
NES transformed into a DVD player
Eventhough he owns a PSP, Joystiq reader Zach sent in this beaut to the fine folks over there, looking for some props on his masterpiece. Well, he gets them here at DS Fanboy (we'll overlook the PSP) as we wouldn't mind one bit fusing a DVD player with a NES. It's just yet another way we could instill more Nintendo into our lives (never a bad thing).What do you guys think? Senseless butchering of a timeless console or an ingenious method of putting some life back into dead technology?
We must have it: the NES guitar
There's also one that is pictured lower that was made from a Sega Mega Drive (we've included all of the pictures past the post break, plus a video of one of the guitars in action), but we have to say our Nintendo love has us leaning toward the NES guitar ourselves. Could you imagine? Shredding some classic tunes from NES games such as the Mega Man 2 theme. We imagine under the flap is where the fellow keeps his guitar picks.
Today's retroest game video: NES Batman
Today's video pick, an overview of the NES classic, Batman, is the top-watched segment at GameTrailers. The game follows parts of the Tim Burton movie, and we agree with GameTrailers that it's among the best movie-IP games of all time. The batarang rocks.Top off your nostalgia-meter -- and hope for a Virtual Console release -- after the break.
How much does nostalgia cost?
This story is really more geared for our wealthy oil tycoon readers, to tell the truth, however us smaller lifeforms (according to that tycoon) on the planet might be get a kick out of it as well. See, Ebay user sonyabscott is selling one HUGE NES collection consisting of every North American released game on the system, as well as the system and, finally, every accessory. That's 670 cartridges ...If you won the auction, what would be the first game you'd play? For us, it'd be a close call between Bad Dudes (we're bad enough to save the President from ninjas, y'know) and Burgertime.[Via Joystiq]
