Something that may interest you guys, need input...

[substantial_snake]

Forgive me if this is stupid but I'm not sure how the S-Video and RBG mods work.

Are they mutually exclusive or can you have both S-video and RGB output as options?

[wiggyx]

As best I can tell, there's no reason that both mods can't be don't to the same system. I'll do a little more research to make sure, but it doesn't seem like it would be an issue

[Kiddo]

Hey, silly idea time.

Can you do something combining the Satellaview and the Super Famicom/SNES/clone in one unit, akin to Sega's CDX/Wondermega for the SCD/Genesis?
-Especially- if you can simplify the setup, and perhaps make it smaller (I'd imagine it can theoretically be as small as two SNES Jr.'s taped together), I think it'd be a neat idea.

(Modding the Satellaview A/V Selector so it can do better than composite A/V might be cool as well.)

[wiggyx]

Why would you want to do that though? The Satellaview is useless (don't get me wrong, I actually have one, but it's just a show piece at best).

[Kiddo]

Why would you want to do that though? The Satellaview is useless (don't get me wrong, I actually have one, but it's just a show piece at best).

Currently, yes, but when we're talking about homebrewers and modders, it's probably a good idea to think ahead. It's very possible the work being done on "simulating" the Satellaview's online functions could lead to the hardware being able to be used for something close to it's original functions again.

At the very worst, it still does -something- which causes some compatibility differences on the sd2snes.

Besides, hardware mods tend to be more for cool factor than function to begin with.

[theclaw]

Space for region switches is more useful. SNES Jr was never released in PAL. It must use some form of adapter or mod to play those games.

[wiggyx]

Currently, yes, but when we're talking about homebrewers and modders, it's probably a good idea to think ahead. It's very possible the work being done on "simulating" the Satellaview's online functions could lead to the hardware being able to be used for something close to it's original functions again.

At the very worst, it still does -something- which causes some compatibility differences on the sd2snes.

Besides, hardware mods tend to be more for cool factor than function to begin with.

Wow, it'd be really cool to get some use out of that stupid thing!

But, as far as custom shells go, there's NO way the market is big enough to support a case for the Satellaview. I can't imagine I'd ever sell ore than a couple, at best.

Space for region switches is more useful. SNES Jr was never released in PAL. It must use some form of adapter or mod to play those games.

The rear of the unit has a fair amount of flat surface that switches could easily be mounted to, not to mention the existing plastic shroud that houses the power input and A/V out. The SNES mini has a big ol' blank spot where the RF out and channel switches were.

[wiggyx]

Well, the proto is on its way, but it's gonna need some color as its being machined from raw white ABS. So, I figured I'd ask you guys and gals for some opinions. I want to get a Kickstarter page up ASAP, and having some nice photos of a complete painted proto will obviously be a big plus. So, let me know what you think! Here are a few quickies to get started



















I'm also considering making matching cart shells.

[SpaceHarrier]

I want this. Stop making me want this!!

I like the matching cart idea. Even though I don't have any of the matching high-end equipment this project is styled after, I still like it. While I'd never convert any of the carts I've owned for years, I might purchase another copy of certain common games just to have that matching cart shell, perhaps just to have some unique items in my collection.

Shoot, I don't even have a mini snes... swapmeet time!

[wiggyx]

I want this. Stop making me want this!!

I like the matching cart idea. Even though I don't have any of the matching high-end equipment this project is styled after, I still like it. While I'd never convert any of the carts I've owned for years, I might purchase another copy of certain common games just to have that matching cart shell, perhaps just to have some unique items in my collection.

Shoot, I don't even have a mini snes... swapmeet time!

Check eBay for accessory-less units. You can find them fairly regularly for about 10-20 bucks as a bare unit. Of course, I'm assuming that you have a SNS-001 to borrow hookups and controllers from.

I've been stocking up on them for this project. I've got 6 right now ready to be torn down and re-cased

[Robocop2]

Im not even a huge SNES guy and I'm already in love with the black one and the one that mimics the original colors

[substantial_snake]

^^This

My two favorites are the black/grey variation fourth from the top and the version done up in SNES grey/purple. It'ed be pretty hard to chose between either of them.

Really like the idea of matching custom carts too, they have Super Everdrive/SD2SNES written all over them They would also be nice as replacements for any trashed carts found in the wild and as just an oddity in your collection.

[o.pwuaioc]

You should post these around other forums too, like Racketboy. Personally I really like both the black one and the gray/purple one, although I only like the gray and purple because there were the original colors. The red would clash too much with the rest of my consoles, although I know some people like collecting colored consoles.

[djshok]

Awesome idea. Id really like to see a new genesis/sega cd Unit that combines both hardware pieces into a single unit BUT in a stacked form instead of it being all lengthy like an X Eye or combo....

I'd pay good money for something that's a Genesis + Sega CD + 32X + Master System in one.

[Jaruff]

I'd pay good money for something that's a Genesis + Sega CD + 32X + Master System in one.

Funny you mention that; I actually have some design plans somewhere of a similar idea. Except in my diagram I used a JVC X'Eye since it uses the same laser deck as one of the Saturn models, leaning towards compatibility for that unit too with some modification. Maybe one day when I get the time. The plan was an "all-in-one" for my game room so I could put my actual systems away. I just have a habit of procrastinating on projects.

Doing a SMS + Genesis + SCD + 32X wouldn't even be very difficult; just extremely time consuming.

[wiggyx]

Prototype will be done tomorrow! Buuut, it's gonna be a week or two before it arrives. The company that's having the work done has another job that'll be done in a few days, so I'm gonna wait those few days to have it shipped (it's coming from China) in order to be lumped in with the other project to save some $$$ on shipping costs.

I'll probably have pics of the raw parts before they ship tomorrow or Friday. If they're worth showing, I'll post em up ASAP! I will also have a quote for tooling either today or tomorrow. One-off parts (CNC'd or additive rapid proto) are going to be far too pricey, so I'm gonna have to go with injection molded or possibly cast parts. For those of you that may want a more exotic material, wood, aluminum, or any other material that's soft enough to be CNC cut, that will still be an option. Once I'm a little closer to production I will gladly quote prices for one-off units. It's unlikely that I'll advertise prices for such things, since they'll all be one-off and prices will vary a great deal based on materials and finishes.

I should be able to get a kickstarter page up shortly after I get the quote for tooling and price-per-part. I'm pretty amped about the project still. I hope you guys and gals are still excited as well! Hopefully this will prove a viable product and we'll see a whole line of other products in the same vein

Still moving forward. Hang tight...

[wiggyx]

Prototype will be in my hands on Thursday! Have a good, safe 4th!



(pay no attention to the cartridge bay doors not being flush. They have them stuffed in there upside-down)

[Jaruff]

Prototype will be in my hands on Thursday! Have a good, safe 4th!



(pay no attention to the cartridge bay doors not being flush. They have them stuffed in there upside-down)

That looks incredible.

[substantial_snake]

It does look really nice, can't wait to see a molded/painted version!

[wiggyx]

Well, here it is, in all it's raw pigment-less glory!









And just so you can see how blah and transparent icky, yellow raw ABS is, check this sucker out.



So, there are a few tiny adjustments that need to be made, but nothing of any real concern, which is great (obviously). So, I shold have tooling quotes tomorrow or Monday. Once I do, I can start working out a budget and get a kickstarter page up. Just gotta get this guy all painted up and looking good! Stay tuned...

[theMot]

I appreciate all the effort your putting into this and i dont want to be a downer but do we really need a new shell for the snes or any other console for that matter? Are people really going to pay for something like this? I think most people still into these systems appreciate them for what they are and wouldnt want to butcher them when push comes to shove. I noticed the analogue interactive example you gave at the start, its a really nice system, i have it, but its to play mvs carts of which the only other way to do so is with a cab, supergun or a glitchy aes converter. It a practical solution to a real problem and it oooks great to boot. But this? Im not so sure.

Just my 2 cents.

[theclaw]

This is a demonstration. The real challenge will be arcade boards. Countless different layouts, several of them far larger than any console. Yet they need it most. superguns can look ugly and often don't protect the board much if at all.

[kai123]

I appreciate all the effort your putting into this and i dont want to be a downer but do we really need a new shell for the snes or any other console for that matter? Are people really going to pay for something like this? I think most people still into these systems appreciate them for what they are and wouldnt want to butcher them when push comes to shove. I noticed the analogue interactive example you gave at the start, its a really nice system, i have it, but its to play mvs carts of which the only other way to do so is with a cab, supergun or a glitchy aes converter. It a practical solution to a real problem and it oooks great to boot. But this? Im not so sure.

Just my 2 cents.

You are not alone on that. I also think it looks like a Retro Duo..

[wiggyx]

It's obviously not for everybody. Nothing is.

I'd also like to clarify, again, that this shell requires ZERO modification to the original hardware. No "butchering" required.


I have no plans for doing arcade boards other than MVS. Like you said, too many configurations and whatnot. No way to make that a worthwhile enterprise unless I were to make them all by hand, which would cost a fortune.

[wiggyx]

Painted and assembled. I'm beat, so here are some quick cellphone pics until I get some better shots.*











Stay tuned...