Those of you that have access to a 3D printer, and a spare Raspberry Pi mini PC might be interested in the Raspberry Pi powered Mini Nintendo Entertainment System created by Thingiverse user T J Owens aka ‘ferreusveritas’.
The 3D printer files have been published to the Thingiverse and offer a great way to create your very own mini gaming or multimedia system based on the Nintendo NES system.
Creating Your Mini NES System
The project involves printing a miniature Nintendo Entertainment System (NES) case designed specifically for the Raspberry Pi B+. This case is not just a simple enclosure; it comes complete with working front power/reset buttons and a power indicator LED, making it a functional and aesthetically pleasing replica of the original NES console.
The creator, T J Owens, recommends using PLA filament for the 3D printing process due to its dimensional stability and pleasant waffle smell. After printing, the case should be finished by wet sanding and priming with a plastic-compatible primer. A light wet sand again followed by spray painting will give the case a professional look. Although Owens usually uses Krylon Fusion for his projects, he noted that the specific NES grey color was not available at the time.
Challenges and Considerations
Building this mini NES system is not for the faint of heart. Owens emphasizes that honest efforts were made to remain true to the original NES aspect ratios and appearance, albeit on a much smaller scale. However, this project can be quite challenging and may lead to some frustration. It requires some basic electronics knowledge and additional parts to complete the design. For best results, the Raspberry Pi board will need to be physically altered, which might be daunting for beginners.
For those who are up for the challenge, the end result is a highly rewarding and functional piece of nostalgia. The mini NES system can be used for a variety of purposes, from playing retro games to serving as a multimedia center. The versatility of the Raspberry Pi allows for endless possibilities, limited only by your imagination and technical skills.
A miniature Nintendo Entertainment System(NES) case for raspberry pi B+ complete with working front power/reset buttons and power indicator LED.
I use PLA because of its dimensional stability and waffle smell. I finished the print by wet sanding and priming with a plastic compatible primer.. light wet sand again and spray paint. I normally use Krylon fusion for my projects but this time there were no colors close to NES grey available
Honest efforts were made to remain true to the original NES aspect ratios and appearance (only much smaller). This project is not for the faint of heart. Expect frustration. Some basic electronics knowledge and additional parts are necessary for complete design.
For best results the raspberry pi board will need to be physically altered.
Additional Resources and Community Support
For those interested in embarking on this project, the 3D printer files are available on Thingiverse. The platform also offers a community of makers who can provide support and share their experiences. Engaging with this community can be incredibly beneficial, especially for troubleshooting and gaining insights into best practices.
Moreover, there are numerous online tutorials and forums dedicated to Raspberry Pi projects. Websites like Instructables and Reddit’s r/raspberry_pi can be valuable resources for both beginners and experienced makers. These platforms often feature step-by-step guides, video tutorials, and user-submitted tips that can help you navigate the complexities of your mini NES build.
In conclusion, creating a Raspberry Pi powered Mini Nintendo Entertainment System is a challenging yet rewarding project that combines the nostalgia of retro gaming with modern DIY technology. With the right tools, materials, and a bit of patience, you can build a unique and functional piece of tech that pays homage to one of the most iconic gaming consoles of all time.
Source: : 3DP
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