[Mod] Vertically Oriented N64 Project

[dvatreknerd314]

Hey everyone! Decided I would start a thread for a project I want to pursue: modding an N64 to be vertically oriented.

I have a fairly good grip on the design I want to make, but I still need a few more materials and tools before I can get to work. Namely, I need a material that will be fairly sturdy for the new chassis. I'm thinking about doing 3d printing, but I have no idea who would make pieces large enough for a chassis or how much they would cost.

Anyone have any ideas on this?

 

[CABAL]

No ideas, but I'm very interested to see how it turns out. Where to you plan to put the cartridge port?

 

[dvatreknerd314]

I'm planning on putting the control ports in a 2x2 grid near the bottom of the console, the cartridge port facing outward on the front of the console, and the memory pack and power/reset buttons above it. I think. I still need to work out exact design details but I can't do that until I take the N64 apart and measure the components

 

[dvatreknerd314]

I've attached an approximate design for what I'm wanting. The bottom four pieces are the controller ports, the indented area above is the cartridge slot, with the power and reset buttons to either side. Above the cartridge slot is the N64 logo thingy, which will be backlit when the console is on, and above that is the memory pak/jumper pak slot.

 

[CABAL]

That's a good idea with the cartridge; it shouldn't jut out that way while still being easy to grab. I do have a question, though. Why make the memory pack accessible? Why not just use the 8MB unit and seal it inside?

 

[dvatreknerd314]

Because I have no memory unit. Yet.

 

[Zelph]

An interesting project, I like the the design you posted. Very..."wii-esqe." Is that the right word? It looks modern and sturdy, and the location for the cartridge is a good touch.

 

[CABAL]

Because I have no memory unit. Yet.

Well, that would certainly put a damper on that plan. I'm not sure where you could get one nowadays since major retailers haven't carried N64 things in a long time. Over here, there's a local game store that sells used games and so forth from older systems in addition to new ones, including the N64. There's also a computer recycling place that refurbishes hardware that can be saved, including N64s. If there's something like either of those where you live then there's decent odds of them having the memory pack. If not, then somebody on the internet is probably selling them.

 

[dvatreknerd314]

Here's a slightly shorter design that would look good being either horizontal or vertical

 

[Zelph]

So I know that USB versions of the N64 controller are sold online - my roommate has one.

Would it be possible to go with USB ports instead of the 64 ones. In my head it sounds simpler...but then again I know practically nothing about hardware.

 

[dvatreknerd314]

I doubt it as I don't know a lot about USB hardware. I can buy extension cables for the N64 controllers and trim them down to a reasonable length and use those to connect the ports on the N64 motherboard to the front of the console

 

[CABAL]

I think the N64 would need new drivers to use the USB controllers, and that's not really viable.

 

[Majestic]

A very interesting project, I've never seen anyone try something like this before. Keep us posted, curious to see how all this goes.