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Modder conjoins two N64 controllers for dual-analog play in Star Wars Ep. 1 Racer, Goldeneye
We've seen a fair share of controller mods over the years, but a dual-analog Nintendo 64 pad intended for Star Wars: Episode 1 Racer? That's certainly a simpler concept that can apparently turn out to be quite intriguing -- and functional. As the story goes, a friend of a modder named Clarky is an avid player of the sci-fi title, especially a hidden mode that allows users to individually command both the left and right engines of their pod-racer using the joysticks of two controllers. To make the control scheme less fiddly, Clarky essentially chopped off the D-Pad section of one and the action button section on another to join the two as one. The final result is impressive as well -- we'd be hard-pressed not to believe it's some rare prototype from the Nintendo labs at first glance. The unit also functions with the classic shooter, Goldeneye 64, as well since the game supports a similar dual-analog mode. Notably, the gamepad plugs in with two cords, so it's unlikely you'd be able to reap its full benefits on most of the system's games. You'll find a video of the controller in action below, and a full build log at the source link. Now, if only we could get our 4MB graphics Expansion Pack to work with the titles as well.
Project Unity stuffs 20 classic consoles into one: if you can't play it, it's probably too new (video)
Most gamer who want to play with more than one or two vintage console platforms often turn to software-based emulators that may or may not be above-board. How about stuffing all of the authentic hardware into one controller and one base unit? Modders at Bacteria's forums have developed Project Unity, an attempt to natively address 20 consoles across 17 actual platforms folded into a single device. The gamepad, arguably the centerpiece, includes two each of analog sticks and directional pads, along with multiple shoulder buttons and a central button grid that can either be used to steer an Intellivision or fill in for otherwise missing controls. Stuffing the unique controller hardware into one gamepad obviously presents problems with board sizes and the laws of physics, so much of the relevant circuitry sits in modified NES cartridges. Our only dismays are the lack of original Xbox support and the slightly imposing challenge of aggregating and modifying that much classic gaming componentry in one place -- if you're more concerned about convenience in your retro gaming than preserving the original feel of that Sega Master System or SNK NeoGeo, though, you've just found Utopia.
Tiny N64 controller guaranteed to cause serious crampage
On the list of nerd pastimes, miniaturization ranks pretty high. So, we're not exactly surprised to see a tiny N64 controller, but we're kind of amazed that this rather extreme hack managed to avoid detection since January. The itty bitty controller isn't a mod, but an original construction built around a PIC microcontroller. You might notice that the yellow C buttons are absent, instead Kirren (the creator) went with a tiny four way switch, which you'll see above the blue and green A and B buttons. The design skips the L key, but you'll find R and Z on the rear face. For a short clip of it in action head on after the break and, if you want to build one yourself, hit up the source.
Bacteria's disciple improves upon technique, crafts N64 handheld capable of GoldenEye split-screen
This isn't the smallest portable Nintendo 64 we've seen, nor the most elegant, creative or complete -- in fact, it's pretty much a straight clone of Bacteria's iNto64, but with a spiffier paint job and one critical improvement. Yes, that is an extra controller port you see in the foreground of the image above, and if you click your way below, you will indeed be able to watch its creator engage in some wonderfully retro split-screen Mario Kart 64 and F-Zero X races, not to mention the obligatory GoldenEye death match and a wee bit of Quake 2. Ahhh, memories. [Thanks, Alon T.]
N64Boy Advance is one fine lookin' Nintendo 64 handheld
If you head on over to the Modded By Bacteria message boards you'll find that forum member Hailrazer has put together a little somethin' that he likes to call the N64Boy Advance. And like all successful mods, not only does the thing look good, it also boasts tweaks suited to the builder's tastes: he uses a Gamecube joystick instead of one from a Nintendo 64 controller, he's decreased the smaller trigger buttons (which our man hardly ever uses), and done away with the d-pad altogether (ditto). The case itself is an old Game Boy Advance carrying case (with the N64 board cut down to fit) and speakers, a 4.3-inch display, and a couple camcorder batteries thrown in for good measure. Of all the modes we've seen from Hailrazer, this might be out favorite yet! See for yourself after the break. [Thanks, Jonathan]
N64oid brings Nintendo 64 emulation to Android devices
There's not exactly a shortage of video game emulators for Android devices, but there has been one notable, 64-bit exception. That's finally been rectified with the just-released N64oid application, however, which finally brings emulation of Nintendo 64 games to the platform -- and, like the other emulators from developer Yongzh, it's conveniently available right in the Android Market (for $5.99). As you might expect, there are a few glitches and hiccups to be found even on high-end phones like the Nexus S, but it does seem to run remarkably well for an initial release and, as Download Squad points out, you can also use a separate, freely-available app to add some Wiimote controls to the proceedings. Also, it means you can play Goldeneye on your phone. Video after the break. [Thanks to everyone who sent this in]
Gaming's first-person history lesson: 1958 to 2008 edition (video)
There's just so much to love about this video, described by co-creator Florian Smolka as a university video-project from Munich. In a little over four minutes, we're given a first-person tour of console gaming from 1958's Tennis for Two (played on an oscilloscope) through late 2008's Rock Band for Xbox 360 (using a Guitar Hero drum set, but hey, nobody's perfect). Not every console gets a mention -- apologies to Atari Jaguar and 3DO apologists -- and it unfortunately stops before new hotness Move and Kinect get a nod, but that should in no way deter you from setting aside a handful of minutes to watch. Be sure to note the passage of TVs, too, and remember fondly the CRTs of your youth. Unless you grew up with LCD flatscreens, you lawn-lounging whippersnapper, you. Video after the break.
Modded Game Gear becomes portable home for N64 (video)
It may or may not actually be the most compact Nintendo 64 we've ever seen, but even if it's holding down the second spot, you can't knock the ingenuity here. Crafted by one Evil Nod, the self-proclaimed N Gear 64 is little more than an N64 console tucked, shoved and crammed inside a Sega Game Gear enclosure. Best of all, the modder somehow stuffed an N64 controller in there too, yet still left all of the original markings for nostalgia's sake. Head on past the jump for a video of it in action, or tap that source link to learn more about the build process. Riveting stuff, we tell ya. [Thanks, Alon]
Nimbus 64: the latest in a long line of gorgeous portable N64 mods
For whatever reason, the last great game console to utilize a cartridge over a disc is finding itself in yet another portable form factor, and of course, the Nimbus 64 has been crafted by one of Ben Heck's most loyal followers. One cndowning is responsible for this beaut, and it's actually his second homemade portable; this particular miniaturized Nintendo 64 uses a custom vacuum formed case, D-pads and control sticks from used Game Cube controllers, a Zenith PS1 display and plenty of nuts and bolts that only the hardcore modders in attendance would understand. Per usual, we'd recommend heading down to the links below for more details and images, the latter of which are likely to make you exceedingly envious of the DIY skills exhibited here.
Bacteria's back with portable Nintendo 64, complete how-to guide
The quest to build the perfect portable Nintendo 64 continues, but we imagine we'll stop seeing so many disparate designs soon. That's not because Bacteria's latest bulbous handheld has achieved perfection -- far from it -- but rather because he's provided a 2.5-hour, step-by-step video guide to help you build it from the ground up. And hey, the system isn't too shabby, either. The "iNto64" portable features integrated Controller, Rumble and Expansion Paks for complete N64 functionality, built-in speakers and a headphone jack, rechargeable batteries for up to three hours of play, even a video-out port if you get tired of staring at the ubiquitous 5-inch Sony PSone LCD. The only obvious oversight is controller ports for more inputs -- seems our buddy Bacteria wasn't a big fan of GoldenEye. See it play some of N64's other best games after the break, while we dust off our gamebit screwdriver. Obvious though it may seem, know what you're getting into before you do likewise; ripping up classic cart-based consoles isn't for the faint of heart.
Hailrazer's Kamikaze 64 is the most polished portable N64 yet (video)
Money talks, and, in the world of custom hardware, occasionally yields some amazing results. Such is the case with Hailrazer's latest handheld console mod, the Kamikaze 64. It's a portable version of Nintendo's decidedly wired Nintendo 64 that someone commissioned him to build, probably after seeing his impressive NCube portable GameCube. This one is equally comprehensive, and while it doesn't compete against either of the supposed world's smallest portable N64s, it does offer the full suite of controls, plus input for a second controller, video output, and even includes the controller's I/O port on the back. (That means it's Controller Pak compatible, and its future owner can take his or her all-time greatest Mario Kart 64 ghost replays on the road.) No word on how much the mystery commissioner paid for this one, but we're thinking they got a good deal. [Thanks, Jonathan]
Neo Myth flash cart for N64 puts your ROMS where they belong (video)
N64 emulators are equal parts fun and frustrating: it's great having access to all those ROMs, but wouldn't you rather play 'em on the actual console? The Neo N64 Myth is a flash cart for your Nintendo 64 that lets you transfer games from your PC to a cart via USB. This bad boy features support for ROMs up to 512MB, all save types (it will even let you back up the saves on your PC), up to two games at the same time, and more. Sure, at $200 some might say that you're probably better off just buying the carts you want off eBay -- but they're either not as hardcore as you or as well-heeled as you. Hit the source link to see for yourself, but not before checking out the review posted to the DCEmu.uk forums: they put the thing through its paces, and they find that it holds up pretty, pretty well. Video after the break.
Near-final Pandora handheld gets user reviewed, shown playing Super Mario 64
The long (long!) awaited Pandora gaming handheld is inching closer and closer to reality, with all but a few i's and t's left to dot and cross (respectively). It's so close to ready, in fact, that personnel from the device's production team invited a mere mortal (also known as a forum member) to their homes in order to test out and tinker with a pre-production model. Naturally, his hands-on experience was nothing short of glowing -- but really, we wouldn't expect anything less from a devout forum member who clearly digs even the idea of having a Pandora to hold and snuggle with. There's no denying the awesomeness that awaits you in the video past the break, though, and if the unit really does handle everything as smoothly as it does Super Mario 64, we're all in for a treat.
Komodo's Retro Adapter brings your dusty old gamepads to your dusty new Wii
While we hear Punch Out!! is quite good, it's safe to say the Wii hasn't exactly been flooded with great titles lately. The most enjoyable part of the system still comes from the Virtual Console and all the classic titles that populate it, and soon you'll be able to pair those games with the classic controllers they were written for thanks to Komodo's Retro Adapter. Sure, we've seen some rather... unsophisticated ways of making N64 controllers work in the past, and Nintendo itself hopped on the retro bandwagon with a first-party Wii SNES gamepad, but Komodo's adapter has no exposed solders, looks like a wee N64, and even lets you use your creaky old NES pad. No official word on availability, but expect a $20 price sometime in June. We'll be bringing you more from E3.
Nintendo Sixtyfree Lite-R elegantly crams N64 into a luscious handheld
Ben Heck's apprentices are showing their true colors again, with modder SifuF churning out a real winner over the holidays. The Nintendo Sixtyfree Lite-R just might be the most elegant portable N64 that we've seen to date, with a clean, low-key design, beautifully integrated buttons and a cartridge slot that's about as non-cumbersome as possible. Of note, there are no internal batteries to speak of, thus it's forced to rely on an InfoLithium (or any 7.2v supply) clipped on the rear. Tap the read link for a pictorial look at the build and final product.[Thanks, Adam]
Video: How-to guide for making your Nintendo 64 portable
Revision3's own Daniel just couldn't sit idly by watching portable N64 after portable N64 pass him by while doing nothing, so he decided to gut his own console and shove it into a battery-powered unit that can be taken practically anywhere. Sure, it's one thing to read through a step-by-step guide that you barely understand, but it's another to see the whole process broken down for you on video. Check the read link for the perfect holiday project, and yes, you can actually play the re-gift card here and not got scorned.
Modder haphazardly shoves an N64 into a Wii shell
We'll be frank -- there's nothing particularly elegant about the Wii64, but it is unique, so we just have to pay attention. Without any rhyme or reason, this here modder decided it best to gut the internals of his Wii and replace them with the innards of an N64. Of course, he could've just referenced someone else's work for getting an N64 controller to play nice with Nintendo's latest, but we suspect that just wasn't the itch he was trying to scratch. The current bid is just $49.99, so those intrigued enough to actually have it shipped to their house can bid away.[Via Nintendo Wii Fanboy]
Darth 64 mega-mod results in portable N64 that breathes funny
We wouldn't go so far as to say that the apprentice has become the teacher, but over three years after modder extraordinaire Benjamin Heckendorn crafted his very own portable Nintendo 64, along comes one of his dedicated followers with another take on things. The Darth 64 is easily one of the most convoluted console hacks we've ever seen, utilizing bits and pieces from an N64, PSOne, GameCube and a Lazer Doodle. Somehow or another, hailrazer was able to actually make those seemingly unrelated components work together to form a "handheld" N64 console -- one that's battery powered, no less. Tap the read link for lots more construction pics, and don't forget to bow down upon entering.[Via NintendoWiiFanboy]
Pokmon Snap gets Wii functionality on Virtual Console
Next Tuesday, Japanese Wii owners will be able to download the underrated N64 title Pokémon Snap on the Wii's Virtual Console. Unique to this release, however, will be newly added Wii functionality, setting an interesting precedent for future VC releases.Dengeki Online reports that photographs taken in-game can be posted to the Wii Message Board, and sent along to friends using the Wii's internet connection. While this isn't a terribly interesting use of the Wii functionality, it does show that Nintendo is willing to add new features to Virtual Console titles. No word yet on when Pokémon Snap will be making its debut in other regions, but could other upcoming VC titles be receiving similar treatment?[Via CVG]
Wii, DS ads appear in VC version of Wave Race 64
No, Marty and the Doc weren't messing around with the space-time continuum again, but advertisements for the Wii and DS are appearing in Wave Race 64, the 1996 Nintendo 64 racing title, which was made available on the Virtual Console this morning.The simple ads appear as banners alongside the courses in the game, replacing the Kawasaki ads which appeared in the original title. Most likely, whatever licensing deal Nintendo made with Kawasaki in the 90s has since expired, and they needed to replace those textures with something else for legal reasons. Still, it's a little odd seeing ads for brand new systems in a two-generations-old game. It does prove, however, that Nintendo is able to swap out textures in the VC roms. Here's hoping they don't get all evil with the practice.
