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An illustrated history of the 'Console Wars'

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.

Game Gear mod has five-inch screen, rechargable batteries, two pounds worth of memories

Are Nintendo and Sony's portable gaming offerings not doing anything for you? Yearn for the days of Hedgehog-based adventure? You're not alone -- though, unless you're as crafty as "lovablechevy," you're going to have to settle for whatever you can find on eBay or in a dusty shoebox under a bed at your parents' house. The modder resurrected a Game Gear with a custom case created using the beloved Sega portable, a Master Gear converter, a screen from a PS One, and assorted other bits and pieces. The franken-portable can play Game Gear and Master System titles, has a rechargeable battery, and weighs a hefty two-plus pounds. Video after the break and lots more jealousy-inducing images in the Source link below.

Wii Virtual Console getting Sega Master System games

Finally, you can relive your really good youthful memories via the Wii and its latest Virtual Console addition: the Sega Master System. That's right, if you happen to be nostalgic for a certain Z80A kind of action -- and you live in Japan -- you need only look to Nintendo's cash-cow for help. Starting this February, you can play Fist of the North Star and the hallucination-inducing Fantasy Zone to your heart's content, though just like other VC offerings we expect to see more games and more territories included later on. What's important for Nintendo to know is this: the sooner we're deep in a game of Wonder Boy in Monster Land, the happier everyone will be... so step on it.[Via Digg]

Consoles take their rightful place in the public library

var digg_url = 'http://digg.com/gaming_news/Consoles_take_their_rightful_place_in_the_public_library'; Digital Press forum member Gapporin's local public library has a display case for temporary displays of collections from both the library and patrons. Being a Digital Press sort of person (i.e. someone with a lot of old game systems), he decided to exhibit some of his collection.After getting approval from the library, he installed the display seen above, which contains, among plenty of other stuff, a Sharp Twin Famicom, a Sega Master System (with Phantasy Star and Wonder Boy III!), and a Milton-Bradley Microvision. Under each console is a fact sheet with specifications and well-known games. Expect to see a lot more of this kind of stuff in the future, as the worlds of libraries and game nerdism continue to interact!Speaking of said interaction, it's worth mentioning that the Library of Congress has issued a grant for game preservation as part of its Preserving Creative America program. Not only that, but the University of Texas just started their own Videogame Archives Project. It's really a great time to be a retrogaming-obsessed Texan librarian.[Via Insert Credit]