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NES controller lets you stomp Koopas, save Princess Peach in capacitive fashion (video)
Is your NES controller in another castle? Maybe you're just pining for your smartphone's capacitive game controls for some reason. Regardless, here's a little piece of tech that just might put the fire in your flower: the capacitive touch NES controller. This sucker is milled from a copper board using a device called the MezzoMill, which -- besides making turtle-stomping peripherals -- also can be used to produce guitar effect pads, virtual keyboards, bicycle rim lights and all sorts of circuits that might tickle your fancy. Unfortunately, the creator isn't as well-funded as this inkjet-based control circuit project so he's trying to raise money through Kickstarter to make the mill in a large enough run to lower costs. Given how Kickstarter generated nearly $100 million in funding last year, maybe he's got a fighting chance. See the buttonless controller work its capacitive magic after the break.
RoboTouch brings a wired NES controller to a wireless iPad (video)
Oh Arduino, is there anything you can't do when put in the right hands? The hands in this case belong to a guy named Joven of ProtoDojo, and they whipped up the contraption you can see in the video below. Basically, it's a wired NES controller that goes to an Arduino board, which in turn controls a set of servos. Those servos articulate conductive arms to touch the screen in just the right places. The whole contraption enables a rather playable version of Reckless Racing, making it feel all the more like the RC Pro Am successor it's trying to be. Check it out in the video below, and then hope that Jovan hurries up and posts the instructions so we can start building our own. [Thanks, Chad]
NES controller pressed into service to Android overlord (video)
Perhaps the worst, and least repairable, shortcoming of touchscreens is their failure to act as viable game controllers. Keyboard-equipped smartphones alleviate that pain a little (particularly if you pair them with a Game Gripper), but ultimately we'd all prefer real controllers for our real games. Such was clearly the thinking behind the homebrewed setup here, which combines an HTC EVO 4G -- with Android and an NES emulator inside -- with an Arduino board, a BlueSMiRF Bluetooth module, and a classic NES control pad. The result might look like a mess of wires, but who cares when you can rock Super Mario 3 the way Nintendo surely intended?
ProtoDojo turns NES controller into flash drive with Konami-level security
The humble NES controller has certainly provided plenty of inspiration for mods over the years, and even a little dreaming, but it doesn't look like the well is showing any signs of drying up just yet. The latest to take a crack at the iconic gadget is one man shop ProtoDojo, which did what many others have done and turned the controller into a flash drive, but went the extra step of adding an ingenious security measure to ensure that only true NES veterans are able to mount the drive. We won't spell it out here, but let's just say this drive stands a better chance at Contra than most -- all possible thanks to the magic of Arduino, as you might have guessed. Head on past the break for a complete overview on video.
Hold your corporate contempt in this Famicom controller business card case
Does that corporate tie around your neck feel like it's getting tighter and tighter? Well, loosen it up by putting your little Patrick Bateman calling cards in this NES controller-inspired case. The aluminum shell can start protecting your analog contact information as soon as this October for ¥2,900 ($30). [Thanks, Dean; Via Gearfuse]
Samsung Eternity retrofitted within NES controller, has never looked better
Not that we've never had the pleasure of seeing an NES phone mod before, but there's just something especially elegant about this one. The not-at-all-ancient Samsung a867 Eternity was chosen by one Taylor Merrill to be shoved inside of a now-defunct Nintendo Entertainment System controller. The result, naturally, is what you see above -- er, half of it, anyway. For a look at the whole thing in its entirety, hop on past the break and mash play. Per usual, we take no responsibility for damage dealt to your retro game consoles, existing handsets or pride should you attempt to replicate.[Thanks, stagueve]
The NES purse: Worth pursuing?
Etsy user inhope has crafted a work of art. We say that not only because her enormous NES controller purse is aesthetically dreamy, but because we couldn't possibly imagine bringing it into the wild and reckless life we lead without worrying it'd be destroyed. $39.99 nets you this beast of a bag that'll go perfectly with your NES-themed earrings and that Midna cosplay outfit you've been dying to break out again. But don't come running to us when your heart gets broken by that power-hungry desert thief again. If we've warned you once, we've warned you a thousand times: Don't get involved with dudes who have glowing faces![Via Engadget]
NES soap won't help you rescue the Princess, may help you get a date
Videogame controllers are typically rated on ergonomics, durability, and responsiveness -- though they sometimes get a few bonus points by looking especially cool. The original NES game pad really didn't have any of those attributes going for it, but that didn't stop it from becoming a cultural icon, one that has inspired reproductions of all shapes and sizes. The latest one varies not in dimensions but in composition: it's made of soap. Yes, this controller, which sells for just $8.25, is designed for bath time fun, and what it lacks in functionality it makes up for with natural ingredients and lovely (we presume) fragrances that surely smell a good bit better than those musty hunks of discolored plastic you probably have stuffed in a box somewhere.[Via Shiny Shiny]
Hacker crams NES experience into NES controller
While we lack the skills (and free time) it takes to do anything other than blog, folks are out there, doing crazy DIY projects. This is one of them. Now, we don't condone the use of illegal emulators and ROMs, but cramming an entire NES experience into the NES controller is impressive nonetheless. [Via Engadget]
Modder shoves emulator, ROMs into actual NES controller
This one has been around the block a time or two, but considering you have absolutely nothing else to do on a Sunday, you might as well dust off that DIY kit and get to work. What you're looking at above is a genuine (albeit modified) NES controller playing a bona fide classic on a laptop. Amazingly, all of the software required for such a marvelously good time is stuffed tight within the controller itself. Take a step back and digest that -- your very own NES emulator (with ROMs), shoved inside a Nintendo Entertainment System controller. Does it get any more awesome than that? Hit the read link to start building your own and let us know. Video of the action after the jump.[Via Hack-A-Day]
Rest your DS in these oldschool pouches
Since we're unabashed game enthusiasts, we appreciate any opportunity to combine our love for modern day gaming with our nostalgia for gaming of the past. That's why we find these DS covers to be absolutely darling. The Game Boy cover makes more sense to have, since the system belongs in the same family tree as Nintendo's dual-screened handheld. Yet, the NES controller is a perfect shape for a DS pouch -- and who doesn't love a NES controller? -- so that works, too.Should you like these as much as we do, you can check them out at Janis13's Etsy store, along with some other DS cases.[Via Technabob]
Mini NES is as cute as a button (same size, too)
Perhaps it's the little girl inside of me -- or maybe it's an issue of some deep-seated problems -- but whenever something exists in miniature form, this writer can't help but squeal.Those who agree that small things are cute might also love this penny-sized, clay NES. There's really no purpose to owning it except that it's mini, but that seems like reason enough for us. Finding more ways to impress us, Lauren of TheClayCollection also made an Xbox 360 and an original Xbox. Whoever thought an Xbox of all things could be so adorable?Unfortunately, there's no mini Wii currently available, but Lauren takes requests if you'd like her to make you one. She also has nice little NES controller earrings at her Etsy store, among other things.So, are these ridiculously cute, or do we need psychological help? You decide.[Via Technabob]
NES on our pillows isn't pain in our hearts
Granted, there comes a point in your life when it should no longer look like your mom decorates your room. Still, these fantastic NES pillow cases made by Penguinotic might be too cute to resist.Given that they're 1) handcrafted, 2) video game related, and 3) on Etsy, you can bet these covers don't come cheap. Just one will cost you $40, although if you buy two you only have to pay $70. That's still an exorbitant amount of money for pillow cases, but at least there's a small deal involved. We're also not sure how practical they are, since the design might make sacrifices in terms of comfort. If your NES nostalgia runs deeper than your concerns of practicality, though, then there's no doubt that these covers will make your pillows incredibly awesome. Also, the next time you get so frustrated with a game that you want to throw your controller, you can just beat up your doppelganger pillow instead.[Via Technabob]
Big damn NES controller is really a big damn PC
var digg_url = 'http://www.digg.com/mods/Big_damn_NES_controller_is_really_a_big_damn_PC_2'; We may have seen a giant NES controller that can actually be used to play the system, but some Swedish students have just given us an entirely new reason to want such an oversized object in our homes. This time, the giant controller is being used as a case mod for a working PC. The students put this together for 1500 Kronor (about $300 USD), so we imagine that the specs aren't all too great, but it's still over 9,000 times cooler than anything we've ever done. Nerd your way past the break to see more pics of this giant wonder.
iPod NES hack explained
If f00 f00's NES-enhanced iPod has left you seriously reconsidering your choice of portable Doom controls, you can now do more than just stare at your iPod's suddenly inadequate click wheel, with f00 f00 following up his tantalizing video with a full step-by-step guide for bridging your own iPod/NES divide. As with most hacks involving a soldering gun, however, it's not exactly for the faint of heart or those concerned with warranties. That said, as far as NES-related hacks go, this one looks to be relatively straightforward, requiring just a few readily available parts and the requisite amount of skill and patience. As it turns out, however, the controller doesn't actually function as a dock, although f00 f00 says that would be a relatively easy modification to make.[Thanks, Matt N]
NES hacked into an NES controller
Sure, you could go out and buy one of those ready-made systems-in-a-controller that provide a handful of games to let you wax nostalgic about your button-mashing youth, but to really fulfill that old school craving without cluttering up your living room with dusty consoles, the DIY route remains your best bet. While it may not be quite on the level of some of Ben Heckendorn's own NES hacks, benheck.com forum member G-force nonetheless holds his own with his modded NES controller. Using the ever-versatile system-on-a-chip, the controller boasts 70 built-in, not-quite-legal games, and a cartridge slot on the back so you can put your well-worn collection of carts to good use. The controller also apparently manages to squeeze in a port for a second controller, or a light gun, should the Duck Hunt mood strike you. Of course, no hack would be complete without the requisite LED lights, which G-force artfully positioned inside to illuminate the Nintendo logo when the controller's in use (check it out in action after the break). Unfortunately, he hasn't provided step-by-step plans for the less-l33t among us to build our own unit, but skilled modders should be able to crib enough from the ample supple of pics to whip up their own variation.[Via Ars Technica, thanks Mike]
Ninty NES mints box; retro fresh breath
Continuing the trend of placing the iconic NES controller design on practically everything you can imagine, here's a packet of NINTENDO POWER MINTS for your bad gamers breath. C'mon, just because Contra is addictive doesn't mean you have to go in for the whole "we're men with guns, we don't care about our dental health" thing.[Via Wonderland]
NES pad + anything = art
Jonic over at Re:Retro provides some heated commentary on the latest example (pictured right) of the iconic NES pad being commandeered for use as art. "That's right folks... To be considered an artist paying homage to the video games of days gone by all you have to do is glue a NES pad to absolutely anything you damn well please! I mean, some fucker will blog about it!"I don't want to get into the whole "what is art?" debate on this humble blog post, but I agree that slapping a game controller on a traffic light button is stretching the definition a little. Still, that's not to say there aren't guides for turning the NES controller into something practical. In the past we've linked to how-tos for turning the NES controller into a laser mouse and a USB gamepad. There's also a guide for making a NES controller digital audio player which will add that little extra touch of nostalgia to your daily NES tune chillout session. That's if you're not busy performing music on your NES controller musical instrument. There's even a guide for turning the NES pad into a TV remote. That's the last NES pad mod we're gonna link to, we promise. OK, one more.
