New Project, looking for input & gauging interest

[Azarkhel]

Crazy spaceship looking, high-design, or something else?
High Design or actualised versions of the prototype cases. I'd love something like that Sony SnesStation for my SNES Mini, but it's gotta be matte black

What consoles would you like to see re-shelled?
Do something popular and simple first so you have more options to expand, I think the SnesStation or the Sega Neptune style would be great sellers for you.

What price would you be comfortable paying for an item like this?
For a nicely styled replacement shell i'd happily pay $60-$100.

Do you want extra features or not?  Things like lighting, custom paint, personal logos and whatnot, etc.
Beyond a power LED not really, I don't particularly want to combine consoles or any of that stuff, just looking for a good design aesthetic. The Sega Neptune would be a different case of course as it's supposed to be a combined console, that said I doubt i'd bother as it's quite a complicated mod to do yourself.

Do you want to re-case the console yourself, or have me provide a service?
If it's simple enough I have no issue replacing a shell myself.

Do you want to preserve the original state of the internals?  I.e. Do you want to be able to easily slap the guts back into the original shell, or are you interested in something that has been modified to fit into a vastly different casing, or has repositioned switches, or whatever?
Just a simple swap with no hardware hacking would suit me best, i'm definitely interested in modified hardware and whatnot but I think you'd be setting yourself up for an apocalyptic level of work if you offered that service. I suppose it would depend on features and price.

Are you even interested in this idea at all?
Absolutely.

High Design or actualised versions of the prototype cases. I'd love something like that Sony SnesStation for my SNES Mini, but it's gotta be matte black

[wiggy]

There are several consoles I would love to see revised/modded to fit certain tastes. Below I will suggest some consoles and changes I would like

PS1/PS2

- I hate disc trays, pop up disc covers etc, I would love to see a PS1 for example with disc intake like that of the current PS3's
- Universal color, I have a PS1, PS2 and new PS3 and all 3 are different colors or for example PS3 (60 GB) is shiny. Possibly a matte or metallic gray or so
- Logos that look more uniform, again not completely different from each system
- Mods/Lighting : really keep this conservative, blue lighting at disc input and possibly an underglow or whatever while the system is running/processing
-If wanted to get really fancy a small touch screen or something that can be manipulated through controller to utilize and manage memory card data.
-ONBOARD MEMORY (screw memory cards alltogether)

Price I would be fine paying - 100$-200$ if not more depending on what all can be done

NES/SNES/64

Probably 10 or so years ago I thought of a design for combining multiple systems, much like the retro-duos etc. I always pictured a Trifoce (triangle design) with each side having a cartridge slot and controller ports for each system. It could be any color, even glow. Figured find a way to have the outputs come out of the base and make the base a lazy susan type deal where it can easily spin. System selects can be auto-detecting or even switchable buttons on top/side, that way can leave others on. However, that being said here are some general suggestions

- ON/OFF switch for NES (much like top loader)
- Ability to insert cartridges laying down (much like original NES) to help eliminate space requirements above system, have had many problems trying to put stuff in cabinets etc in past and pain to get carts in and out.
- Ejector switch/button (like snes) fine it better than ripping carts out on angles etc
- 4 controller ports on NES/SNES, screw you multitap

Price - 100-200$ as well

Genesis/32x/CD/Saturn/Dreamcast

- Backwards compatibility (however this might be that impossible) on CD games
- Genesis w/ 32x slot attached, much like picture above

Price 75-175$

These are some great ideas, but again, I'm not an electrical/computer engineer.  I won't be adding LCD displays, on-board memory, or anything like that.  I just can't do that sort of thing.  Lighting, fans, and other items like that I can do.

Colors are no prob.  I can have them produced in pretty much any color, plus I can give them a proper automotive finish if that's what someone wants.  Pretty much anything is possible as far as finish/color goes

My 1st thought when I started this was to make a front-load SNES.  I don't know if it's practical being that it would require some modification to the hardware, but I think it's a really cool idea anyway.

I could add 4 controller ports, but being that I'm not creating any new hardware, it would all require donor parts.  

Crazy spaceship looking, high-design, or something else?
High Design or actualised versions of the prototype cases. I'd love something like that Sony SnesStation for my SNES Mini, but it's gotta be matte black

What consoles would you like to see re-shelled?
Do something popular and simple first so you have more options to expand, I think the SnesStation or the Sega Neptune style would be great sellers for you.

What price would you be comfortable paying for an item like this?
For a nicely styled replacement shell i'd happily pay $60-$100.

Do you want extra features or not?  Things like lighting, custom paint, personal logos and whatnot, etc.
Beyond a power LED not really, I don't particularly want to combine consoles or any of that stuff, just looking for a good design aesthetic. The Sega Neptune would be a different case of course as it's supposed to be a combined console, that said I doubt i'd bother as it's quite a complicated mod to do yourself.

Do you want to re-case the console yourself, or have me provide a service?
If it's simple enough I have no issue replacing a shell myself.

Do you want to preserve the original state of the internals?  I.e. Do you want to be able to easily slap the guts back into the original shell, or are you interested in something that has been modified to fit into a vastly different casing, or has repositioned switches, or whatever?
Just a simple swap with no hardware hacking would suit me best, i'm definitely interested in modified hardware and whatnot but I think you'd be setting yourself up for an apocalyptic level of work if you offered that service. I suppose it would depend on features and price.

Are you even interested in this idea at all?
Absolutely.

High Design or actualised versions of the prototype cases. I'd love something like that Sony SnesStation for my SNES Mini, but it's gotta be matte black

The SNESstation seems to be a popular pick.  So, what would you guys want from a SNESstation?  do you want it to be a functional SNES and PS1/2?  Or just a SNES in a pretty prototype candy shell?  Or something else...



Also, I just want to make this clear for everyone, I CANNOT do extensive modifications to the hardware and/or functionality of these systems.  I'm really just trying to modernize the appearance of the consoles that we all know and love.  See the link in my 1st post.  I plan to do essentially what these guys are doing.  Making console MVS Neo Geos is pretty simple stuff and doesn't require a ton of R&D.  The R&D's already been done.  I really do love a lot of the ideas I'm hearing from you guys, it's just that a lot of them aren't within the scope of this project

[TyrannicalFascist]

Wouldn't it be hard to have it be a functional SNES and PS1/2, considering they use different controllers?

[Azarkhel]

Just a pretty shell for my snes or whatever suits me fine.

[TyrannicalFascist]

On a kind of related note, check out all the other system prototypes: http://www.platypuscomix.net/interactive/protoboxes.html

That Sega Saturn one is crazy...

And here's a Playstation that looks like a black SFC: http://playstationlifestyle.net/2009/12/31/original-playstation-concept-the-mess-it-could-have-been/

Where do you load the CD?

[wiggy]

As a product designer and super dorky gamer I tend to go nuts for that sort of thing.  Even though I've seen all those before, it's still a blast to see them again. Most of them are just so ugly, which is oddly part of their charm. The purple SNES with the 45* cart port has always been a favorite. It's just so nasty I'd love to see some of those concepts in person. Oh well.

 There are TONS of other hideous Dreamcast concepts too. I'll have to see if I can find the pics...


As far as the SNESstation goes, yeah, that is one of what would be a slew of issues with a project like that. Just another reason that I'm not really trying to go that route right now. Possibly down the road if this proves to be a worthwhile business venture I can start thinking about bringing in other people that have the skill sets to make something like that happen. I can't say the idea doesn't get me excited!  I'm keeping my fingers crossed


And on a nice related note, the SNES compatible SFC shell would be really, REALLY easy!  I just took my SFC apart, and besides being incredibly dusty inside, I found that its made up of way more plastic plastic parts than the US SNES. I'm guessing this was a big part of why the redesign happened when it came over the Pacific. More parts = greater manufacturing costs. Anyway, look what I found while fearing it apart and giving it a bath...



See that?  The only thing keeping a SNES cart from going into the SFC is that thin piece of plastic.  Making a replacement trim piece would cost nearly nothing. I may start on that this week. I'd be pretty happy with a product like that for myself as well!

That was a nice little find that I stumbled upon while doing something completely unrelated

[TyrannicalFascist]

Nice!

Have you come across this? http://forum.teamxbox.com/showthread.php?t=425530 Looks like an unreleased prototype redesigned Famicom that looks a lot like the Super Famicom.

[zakurowrath]

You know come to think of it, I'd love a black NES, SNES, PS1 and Dreamcast based on the original designs. Most of my electronics are black and most of my video game systems are black.

I just don't want to spraypaint them or use some weird paint on them, I think an ABS plastic dye would be best solution. A SNES "Super Famicom" would cool to see thou. It would be unique.

Something else you may wanna consider. I'd love to see transparent console cases like the N64, Gameboy, Dreamcast and Xbox did. It's kind of cool seeing the insides of your system.

Also any chance you have any interest in making cartridge case reproductions? Meaning for cart based systems you just make the shell of the cart any colour you want, original colours or in the case for certain NES, SNES, N64, and Gameboy games red,blue,yellow, green, gold, silver, crystal, black white, transparent.

It would be especially helpful for people who want to replace their ratty scratched up used carts. Especially since it took me an hour to get that damn BlockBuster sticker off my N64 cart and now it looks like crap xP

[wiggy]

I actually uploaded that pic to my photobucket acct for this thread LOL!  Just didn't want to use too many pics in that first post, but I figured I'd use it later.

On the right is the wacky SNES proto with the mystery "Famicom" button/switch that we never heard any official info about. It always seemed especially strange because it's placed right next to a Famicom proto.


Zakurowrath, I do have some plans for the carts themselves, but not so much repro shells. I there are repro SNES shells out there already, based on some of the repro carts I've seen in various colored transparent shells. So someone out there is producing them already. Maybe I'll hit a few of those repro places and see what their deal is with the cart shells.

Buuuuut, I could see maybe some N64 shells with a slight redesign that allows for a fold over sticker like the NES/SNES cart designs. I know that always been an issue for many gamers. It definitely pissed me off before I started casing my carts.

For different colored OEM designs, I would seriously reconsider paint.  With a good paint job those consoles will look BETTER than their unpainted brethren on your shelf.  And you're not limited to high gloss clear, which a lot of people seem to think is the only option. There are flat finishes, semi-flat, satin, soft touch, textured, you name it.  It's just a matter of finding the right person/place to do the job for you. There's a guy on YouTube and nintendoage that does some really beautiful paint jobs.  I'd take a look at his work before writing off paint completely.

[Deadpool]

clean and minimalist design

[wiggy]

^^^

[zakurowrath]

I actually uploaded that pic to my photobucket acct for this thread LOL!  Just didn't want to use too many pics in that first post, but I figured I'd use it later.

On the right is the wacky SNES proto with the mystery "Famicom" button/switch that we never heard any official info about. It always seemed especially strange because it's placed right next to a Famicom proto.


Zakurowrath, I do have some plans for the carts themselves, but not so much repro shells. I there are repro SNES shells out there already, based on some of the repro carts I've seen in various colored transparent shells. So someone out there is producing them already. Maybe I'll hit a few of those repro places and see what their deal is with the cart shells.

Buuuuut, I could see maybe some N64 shells with a slight redesign that allows for a fold over sticker like the NES/SNES cart designs. I know that always been an issue for many gamers. It definitely pissed me off before I started casing my carts.

For different colored OEM designs, I would seriously reconsider paint.  With a good paint job those consoles will look BETTER than their unpainted brethren on your shelf.  And you're not limited to high gloss clear, which a lot of people seem to think is the only option. There are flat finishes, semi-flat, satin, soft touch, textured, you name it.  It's just a matter of finding the right person/place to do the job for you. There's a guy on YouTube and nintendoage that does some really beautiful paint jobs.  I'd take a look at his work before writing off paint completely.

I may consider paint, would you happen to have the link to the guy who does them? I just don't want it to look like a shiny piece of metal when it's just plastic.

Ask for the N64 shells, I know exactly what your getting at, the whole "End Label" thing is something I never understood.

And lastly, I don't know what it is, but as a kid, I always loved transparent consoles, I bet they would be slightly cheaper possibly since they have no colour dye in them. But you don't want it glass or crystal clear, you want it foggy clear like the N64 did.

[Dr.Agon]

What consoles would you like to see re-shelled?

Speak up!  I'd love to hear what you folks think whether you hate it or love it

amazing idea wiggy!, id love some shells for Saturn, Dreamcast, SNES, N64, Gamecube and PS2.
yes, GC, DC and PS2 have them already, but DC is impossible to find now, GC, i have one but its for the 'backup' crowed and takes full size dvd, i.e. its shit, a retail looking one in clear green would be awesome!, PS2 ones are also for the 'backup'/'disc swapping' crowed, also shit.

damn you everyone!!, now you've got me thinking about an almost do-able PS2/SNES hybrid!

[Seraph Man]

• Crazy spaceship looking, high-design, or something else?

Crazy designs kinda go against what your original plan was. I think here your system for making covers should shine: Minimalistic. Small, simple buttons, a uniform look, and small aesthetics to give it some pop, but that's it.

• What consoles would you like to see re-shelled?

NES, SNES, and the original Playstation, though I have very specific ideas on how I'd want them designed.

• What price would you be comfortable paying for an item like this?

I'm not the right person to ask about pricing and/or cost.

• Do you want extra features or not?  Things like lighting, custom paint, personal logos and whatnot, etc.

I hate systems that light up, for the most part. I have controllers with LEDs that light up when it rumbles, and boy did that novelty wear off fast. It becomes an eyesore. Custom paint is fine (Golden Console, heh), and personal logos are a great idea. Put the two together, and you can have themed consoles, like a Golden Legend of Zelda NES or a White and Blue Mega Man X SNES. I wouldn't mind seeing an NES case that looked like a bulky Wii (as a nice parody to all those Wii stickers they had when the console came out that made it look like an NES), though I wouldn't get it for myself.

• Do you want to re-case the console yourself, or have me provide a service?

I personally know nothing about taking apart systems, so I'd probably prefer you doing it.

• Do you want to preserve the original state of the internals?  I.e. Do you want to be able to easily slap the guts back into the original shell, or are you interested in something that has been modified to fit into a vastly different casing, or has repositioned switches, or whatever?

If you were making the NES-Wii lookalike, then the internals can stay the same. Otherwise, I'd say some tweaking is in order. I'd really love to see an SNES where the game plugs in and is flushed with the system (like the GBASP). I'd also like to see a PS1 with a tray instead of opening up the way it does now (I know, I could just get a PS2. I'm just saying it'd be nice).

• Are you even interested in this idea at all?

It's very interesting indeed. There is definitely a market for this sort of thing.

[Dr.Agon]

i cant believe no americans have mentioned the TG16!, that was a horrible case!, why they didnt just go with a black PC engine is a mystery to me, AFAIK the inside is 90% empty!

also how about a genesis 2 / sega cd 2 hybrid case, similar in design to the japenese wondermega?

as far as your questions:

style, keep them looking like the originals, just in a range of colours

price, $60-$100 would be fine

fitting, i can do it myself, but you could still offer the service

no extra features for me, but again you could offer the service