Fan-made world’s smallest portable Nintendo 64 console is literally the size of its cartridge!

Just in case you’re wondering… no, this isn’t the latest Nintendo Switch, even though it quite strongly resembles one. In fact, its predecessor isn’t even from this decade, or era. Meet the world’s smallest portable Nintendo 64, a handheld version of the popular 64-bit gaming console from 1996 that’s designed to be as small as humanly possible. In fact, if it hadn’t been for the hulking cartridge, I’d venture a guess that this console could be a whole lot smaller.

The World’s Smallest Portable Nintendo 64 is the work of Gunnar, who goes by the name GmanModz on YouTube. Only earlier this year he designed a version of the N64 with a GameBoy Advance SP-style folding screen. While that version was more user-friendly, this one focuses more on scaling down the tech to its smallest avatar… and with a 118mm x 84mm form factor (with just 20mm of thickness), it quite literally is the world’s smallest N64 ever made; and in more ways than one, because this variant doesn’t use custom PCBs. It actually uses original parts from the stock Nintendo 64 console that have been expertly trimmed down, re-organized, re-wired, and re-soldered together. In a very Ship-Of-Theseus sense, GmanModz’s N64 is more original than other consoles that use emulators and ROMs to run N64 titles, because this bad-boy plays the original games on original hardware!

However, certain trade-offs needed to be made to make the device handheld and as tiny as possible. This includes the addition of a 18650 lithium-ion battery, a 3.5-inch 320×240 display, a speaker, and joy-cons pulled from the Nintendo Switch (for the smallest footprint). GmanModz’s console also ditches a few controller buttons due to space constraints, and the 18650 battery gives it roughly an hour and a half’s worth of playing time, but that doesn’t discount exactly how impressive it is to make a console as small as this!

Designer: Gunnar (GmanModz)

WCW’s Nintendo 64 legacy lives again, in mod form

Growing up, my friends and I were obsessed with Nintendo 64 wrestling games. That was all thanks to THQ, the AKI Corporation, and their AKI Engine. The AKI Engine made playing as your favorite on-screen personality simple yet refined, introducing a g...

Is a Nintendo 64 Classic Edition In The Works?

Look at this glorious line art. No that isn’t a new Rebel fighter from the coming Star Wars flick. This is a basic line art drawing of a Nintendo 64 controller. I spent many, many days with one of those in my hands playing Goldeneye. I always hated the analog stick being on the center arm and wanted it on the far left arm instead, but it never stopped me.

This image trademark filing turned up at the European Union Intellectual Property Office, where similar art for controllers on the NES Classic Edition and SNES Classic Edtion has also turned up. This has led to speculation that Nintendo may be working on a Nintendo 64 Classic Edition.

This isn’t much of a stretch to me. With the massive success of Nintendo’s Classic retro consoles, I think this is a given. I’d be more interested in the Nintendo 64 Classic Edition than the other versions, with games like Super Mario 64 and GoldenEye 007 on its resume. I hope this rumor is true.

[via NeoGAF via Polygon]

Coolest NES System Mods

coolest-nes-system-modscoolest-nes-system-mods

Why would you settle for just a useful device when you can have one that not only works well, but also stands out? This is something that I’m sure NES stalwarts would agree to. A number NES fanatics have long been on this trend: either on their own or having it made through a professional. And we are not just talking about system modifications here, but more of fancy casing designs that would speak of your character or your geekiness.

To make it easier for you there’s a number of crafty makers that have been creating NES mods online and putting them up for sale. So, whether you are new to NES modifications, or you want to have something new to replace a new one, here are some that may suit your style:

Zelda Triforce Custom Nintendo NES

Meanwhile, Legend of Zelda geeks can have an NES that looks a lot like a Legend of Zelda’s chest. Oh and look at that Triforce design that gives off a nice blue light. I don’t know about you, but this Legend of Zelda-inspired NES looks fascinating to me!

Not to worry about that window though as the maker has used a crystal polystyrene that does not only allows for a sparkling appearance, but also keeps the dust off your NES. It also comes with a gold-colored console. Nice match!

Super Mario 1up Mushroom Custom Nintendo NES

Do you love Super Mario? Then here’s a Super Mario-game inspired custom Nintendo NES for you: the casing is designed to look like the walls of the castle, and the top portion is designed with the 1up mushroom.

Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles Custom Nintendo NES With Controller

Here’s another design that will make you relive your childhood: a Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtle-designed Nintendo NES! Look at that attractive green shade matched with prints of a turtle shell! Thanks to the maker’s idea of topping that design off with a protective glossy shine, this NES has become more eye-catching. The consoles and LED lights even match to that TNMT vibe.

Custom LEGO NES Case

Something NES players-slash LEGO fans will sure love: a LEGO-inspired NES case that is made of – wait for it – authentic lego bricks. You will be able to receive the authentic bricks together with the instructions on how you can build this cool NES case.

Custom Nintendo 64 Biohazard

Here’s another fancy NES custom design for biohazard geeks. It’s made up of more high-intensity lights, giving a glowing effect to the device.

Custom Nintendo 64 Rock Cyberpunk

Or maybe you prefer something punk. Here’s a custom rock-inspired Nintendo for you. Black with a metallic finish, blue LED lights. Look at those studs that complete that rock-punk character!

Vintage crossover Nintendo NES and Zapper

Interested in having a NES with a simple-but-cool look? How about this retro looking design. It even includes a Zapper with the same hip design. Via instructables.

Be social! Follow Walyou on Facebook and Twitter, and read more related stories at 8-Bit Super Mario Mushroom PC Case Mod and Custom-Painted SNES Pays Homage To Yoshi’s Island

This Custom Nintendo 64 Will Give You Wood

When is wood not really wood? When it’s the case of this sexy customized Nintendo 64. The shiny console looks like it’s made out of polished mahogany or some other dark hardwood, though it’s actually only been painted.

n64-wood-1zoom in

The dude who cooked this up is one Marshall Clark. He used some fancy painting and airbrushing techniques to make it look just like wood. He even painted the bottom of the console. I’d have just done the top and told people they would scratch it if they pick it up thus hiding the bottom forever.

If you are wondering why someone would customize an old and obsolete console, two words: Mario Kart. I wonder how he kept paint from clogging the cooling grates on the bottom. I’m guessing he sprayed that section, then delicately brushed the woodgrain over top.

n64-wood-2zoom in

Great job, Marshall!

[via Kotaku]

My Retro Game Box Sends You Classic Video Games Every Month: For Casual Collectors

While some geeky gift box subscriptions offer merchandise related to your favorite games, the new UK-based My Retro Game Box actually sends video games, albeit used ones from classic systems.

For about $35 (USD) you’ll get one to three used games from cartridge-based consoles every month. Fortunately you can tell the company what games you already have and what your preferences are to ensure that your mystery package will always be a good surprise.

my_retro_game_box_gift_subscription_service_1zoom in

My Retro Game Box currently delivers games for the NES, SNES, Nintendo 64, Game Boy, Game Boy Color, Game Boy Advance, Sega Master System and the Sega Mega Drive/Genesis. It will occasionally send stickers and other small trinkets as well. Here’s YouTuber Odd pod’s mystery box last month:

Sadly My Retro Game Box isn’t accepting new subscribers as of this writing. Leave your email on its store page so you’ll be notified when they can accommodate more subscriptions.

[via ThisIsWhyImBroke]

Nintendo 64 Coffee Table Base: Insert Glass Top

A few years ago, we saw a beautifully made coffee table based on the Nintendo 64 logo. If you’ve ever wanted one but can’t tell a hammer from a, uh, from another woodworking… stuff, Geeks With Wood is your man. He had the exact same idea except he opted to make money out of it. You’ll have to provide the glass top though.

nintendo_64_table_base_by_geeks_with_wood_1zoom in

nintendo_64_table_base_by_geeks_with_wood_2zoom in

The base is made of MDF and measures 18″x 18″x 18″. Order one from Geeks With Wood for just $125 (USD).

[via ThisIsWhyImBroke]