New! want to make portable n64 but im a n00b. plz hlp meh!!!
- Thread starter Iggyrgw
- Start date
hey! 
βeta
ModRetro Legend
XCVG
ModRetro Legend
βeta said:
Actually, it is, comparitively speaking. Building an arcade machine is much more expensive if done right, for instance, and so is most types of robotics. However, something like a 360 laptop will be incredibly expensive. If you already have tools, you can probably build a portable for under $200.
What other hobbies? Oh yeah, RC will set you back quite a bit if you go for a professional setup. Metalwork or woodwork, the tools for either one are usually expensive. Case modding can be pretty cheap. Steampunking stuff, eh, the price varies. Just plain gaming costs about as much as this. If you're good at mooching you can get a lot of older stuff that's just as fun as the newest stuff for cheap.
[/rant]
EnterTheHatrix
Member
If you have the tools, you can make a portable for $100. But it won't be pretty...
Comparatively speaking XCVG, you could actually build a console based arcade machine for about $50. Plyboard costs virtually nothing, tube TVs are free from Freecycle, and whatever console you buy is what it costs. In total I'd say you wouldn't spend more than $40 on that, and then allow $10 for screws, paint and a cheap ebay arcade stick.
In general, I'd say robotics and steampunk are the most expensive, unless you happen to dumpster dive a clock repair shop.
Comparatively speaking XCVG, you could actually build a console based arcade machine for about $50. Plyboard costs virtually nothing, tube TVs are free from Freecycle, and whatever console you buy is what it costs. In total I'd say you wouldn't spend more than $40 on that, and then allow $10 for screws, paint and a cheap ebay arcade stick.
In general, I'd say robotics and steampunk are the most expensive, unless you happen to dumpster dive a clock repair shop.
EnterTheHatrix
Member
βeta said:
TV has speakers, I mentioned paint in the $10 budget as long as its black (black paint, cheap). Marquee, lights and custom paint very much depends on the style you're going for, but ultimately aren't necessary. I can't say that every arcade machine I've seen has had graphics on the side and lights, because it simply wouldn't be true. The standard classic arcade machine might have them, but who says an arcade machine has to conform to classic standards? I've seen 100s without coin mechanisms.
XCVG
ModRetro Legend
You could in theory build an arcade machine for $50. Free TV, free PC (or free/cheap console; I got an XBOX for free once), wood isn't that expensive. But it would be extremely lacking, as Beta said. Yes, not every arcade machine has a marquee or sideart. But the vast majority do, and nothing says "homemade ghetto job" like missing those things. And what about controls? For that budget you'll only be able to use the crappiest used flax imaginable. The only possible way you'll be able to get in under $50 and have real arcade controls is by finding a half-gutted machine on the side of the road, or get lucky on eBay. For Candytop the controls ALONE cost $100, and if I went cheap it worked out to a bit under $50 IIRC.
So yes, it's possible, but if you need to buy tools, break something, can't find something cheap or for free, the budget goes out the window. That, and you'll end up with a substandard machine that doesn't impress.
Most arcade machine builds are in the same price range as a portable, but the really impressive ones can cost well in excess of a thousand dollars.
So yes, it's possible, but if you need to buy tools, break something, can't find something cheap or for free, the budget goes out the window. That, and you'll end up with a substandard machine that doesn't impress.
Most arcade machine builds are in the same price range as a portable, but the really impressive ones can cost well in excess of a thousand dollars.
EnterTheHatrix
Member
XCVG said:
Yeah, it may look like flax, but ultimately YOU built it, and that alone would impress people. As for the arcade controls, you're looking in the wrong places. Look for buttons alone, they will only set you back $5 for a set, and a joy stick alone about $15 (ok, slightly more than I had originally quoted, but still *Can'tSayThisOnTV*ing cheap for an arcade machine) For a full set, you'll easily pay more.
XCVG
ModRetro Legend
Okay, it's possible, I'll give you that much. But I still maintain that you need to get quite a bit for free, and it won't be a very good arcade machine. However if it only sets you back $50 it would be an awesome project for the money.
Now I'm interested, link to those buttons?
Also, on an interesting side note, a PC-based machine is easier to do for cheap. You can get old junk computers for free, and I've seen quite a few ads on Craigslist for free monitors. You can probably scavange some speakers and a keyboard to hack. However, if you get lucky and get an XBOX (broken but easily fixed) for free like I did and had a TV already, you're good to go that route too.
Lastly, THREADJACK MUCH!
Now I'm interested, link to those buttons?
Also, on an interesting side note, a PC-based machine is easier to do for cheap. You can get old junk computers for free, and I've seen quite a few ads on Craigslist for free monitors. You can probably scavange some speakers and a keyboard to hack. However, if you get lucky and get an XBOX (broken but easily fixed) for free like I did and had a TV already, you're good to go that route too.
Lastly, THREADJACK MUCH!
For Cases go tohttp://www.okwenclosures.com/
click get samples and get samples
but i have a question,
How do i color and make holes in the cases
i feel like a newb
Cheapest screen around fo' the money
http://cgi.ebay.com/Psone-LCD-Screen-Pl ... 4150bffd09
http://cgi.ebay.com/Psone-LCD-Screen-Pl ... 4150bffd09
seanmacdonn
Active Member
That is a pretty cheap screen, and shippings only 5 bucks, I'd even make an offer for $30. I got a cheap screen by making an offer, and they were really good about it. I got a zenith PS2 screen for $35 shipped.
