Project: Emulation, you're doing it wrong (About 40 pics)

[MrPete1985]

So the biggest problem I have with emulation is not being able to use a real console controller, sure you can buy adapters but I always wanted to have a USB built right into the controller.  As luck would have it RetroZone sells such a kit, then I got to thinking again, wouldn't it be great if I could store my ROMs on the controller?

 

So here is what I came up with, if you want to do this mod you will need:

A converter kit from RetroZone

A SNES controller

A USB hub (one with surface mounted ports helps make the mod easier)

A flash drive

And you basic soldering equipment

 

First start out by prepping the hub and the flash drive

pop those guys out of their shells

 

Next remove all the ports from the hub and flash drive and add some new solder to clean the pads up.  I took off the LEDs, cables and plugs.

 

I used a dremil cutting disc to cut a line through the USB port on the hub, then bent the plastic part up to snap it off of the PCB and used my soldering iron to remove the little bits of metal from the solder pads

 

Everything I took off, time to start wiring everything up and cleaning up the solder pads

 

Prepping the controller

 

I just put a blob of solder on the connector to remove it then used some solder wick and isopropyl alcohol to clean the pads

 

Adding some wires and mounting everything

 

Now that everything is hot glued in place some to start soldering all the wires

 

Not my cleanest job but it works

 

Grind down the back plate to make room for everything

 

And put it back together

 

And Linus is all excited about getting a converted lol

[Chevaishr]

lol pure epicness right there  

[MrPete1985]

Thanks Chevaishr.

 

I have also done the same mod to a Sega Genesis and NES controller

[prolemur]

oh my god this would be the best thing ever!

[Purple]

Wow that's pretty cool! 

Nice job. :)

[Patramix]

i almost did this myself, but it was cheaper just to buy one already made ;) but not the same quality.