Hardware Modification
Ongoing coverage on Hardware Modification.
Latest coverage
My MiSTer FPGA is better than your MiSTer FPGA – here’s how to build the ultimate, ultimate retro gaming rig
This guide details how to build an ultimate MiSTer FPGA retro gaming rig by modifying its hardware for a more robust and aesthetically pleasing setup. It covers integrating a DE-10 Nano board into custom 3D-printed cases, selecting appropriate screens and keyboards, and adding features like NFC readers for game loading.
Hello gorgeous – The Commodore 77 turns the C64 into a glorious Cyberpunk 2077 relic
Commodore has unveiled the Commodore 77, a special Cyberpunk 2077 edition of its FPGA-powered Commodore 64 Ultimate. This limited edition machine features an exclusive exterior inspired by Cyberpunk 2077's fictional technology manufacturer, Seocho Electronics, and includes a special "Shard" cartridge with an 8-bit Cyberpunk demo and chiptune music by LukHash. The Commodore 77 also comes with a themed guide for BASIC programming and exclusive merchandise, offering a blend of retro computing and modern gaming aesthetics.
Someone hooked an RX 9070 XT up to their Steam Machine and it works surprisingly well, like fitting a V8 engine into…
A Reddit user successfully integrated a high-end AMD RX 9070 XT graphics card into a Steam Machine as an external GPU (eGPU) using an NVMe to Oculink adapter. This modification reportedly allows the Steam Machine to achieve over 100 FPS on High settings in games like Crimson Desert, significantly boosting its performance.
The humble Wii Nunchuck has been turned into a video editing tool because it's 'one of the most ergonomic…
A Nintendo Wii Nunchuk has been repurposed as a video editing macro-pad for DaVinci Resolve by a creator named John Dingley. Using an Anavi Handle adapter, the ergonomic controller allows for split clip and undo functions, offering a comfortable alternative to traditional keyboard shortcuts for video editors.
'Slightly ugly, and insanely functional': Check out this custom Steam Machine faceplate that doubles as a…
A creative community member has designed and shared a custom faceplate for the Steam Machine that doubles as a charging stand for the Steam Controller. The design utilizes the controller's magnetic charging puck and friction to hold the controller, offering a functional and aesthetically clean solution. Valve's release of CAD files for the Steam Machine and Controller encourages such community-driven hardware modifications.
Valve has released the CAD design files for the Steam Machine's exterior, leaving us asking: how long before someone makes a GabeCube skin?
Valve has released the CAD design files for the Steam Machine's exterior under a Creative Commons license, allowing users to create custom modifications. While damage from modifications will void the warranty, Valve encourages creative customization, though commercial use is prohibited. This move has sparked discussions about potential custom skins, including a 'GabeCube' design referencing the Nintendo GameCube.
'Easily the dumbest thing I've ever built': Guy puts spikes and taser on Steam Deck to stop family from…
A Reddit user named ConroyyJenkinss has created a unique security system for their Steam Deck, featuring a 3D-printed spiked case and a taser rigged to a Raspberry Pi. The system is designed to deter family members from using the device without permission by playing an audio clip and activating the taser after a short delay.
Streamer builds a battery powered PC with over 100 AAs, uses Hannah Montana Linux to benchmark their abomination
Streamer Uwos Lab successfully built and benchmarked a desktop PC powered entirely by 192 AA alkaline batteries over a five-hour stream. The custom-built rig, running Hannah Montana Linux, managed to operate for 30 minutes before the power drop became too significant.
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A PC gamer has ingeniously adapted a 2.5-inch SSD system to store Steam games on 128GB cartridges. This setup includes a script that automatically launches the game once the cartridge is plugged in, offering a novel approach to portable game storage.
You can now use the Steam Controller with your PS5, Xbox, and Switch thanks to an open-source puck
An open-source project called OpenPuck allows the Valve Steam Controller to be used with PlayStation 5, Xbox, and Nintendo Switch consoles. This modification uses a Pro Micro NRF52840 board and custom firmware to enable cross-platform compatibility, effectively mimicking official controllers.
Jsaux doubles down on its Steam Machine e-ink faceplate plans with a dot matrix version and a panel that looks like my…
Accessory maker Jsaux is moving forward with its plans for Steam Machine faceplates, announcing new versions including a dot-matrix LED display and a color e-ink panel with a rotary knob. The company reassured customers that the original e-ink display is still in development, aiming to offer customization options beyond Valve's own DIY instructions.
This free software aims to turn Sony headphones into a head tracker for '200+ PC games'
A new open-source software allows users to utilize the motion sensors in compatible Sony headphones, such as the WH-1000XM5 and WF-1000XM5, for head tracking in over 200 PC games. This free tool, available on GitHub, captures orientation and gyroscopic data from the headphones and passes it to OpenTrack, enabling head tracking without additional hardware like webcams or infrared trackers.
25 years ago today, the GBA arrived in the US, but you don't need the real thing to play the handheld's hits
The Game Boy Advance celebrates its 25th anniversary in the US, and despite its age, there are numerous ways to play its classic games. Options range from budget emulation handhelds by Anbernic, Miyoo, and Powkiddy, to modernizing original hardware with screen and battery mods, and premium devices like the Analogue Pocket and Ayaneo Pocket Micro.
Arc Raiders fan plays game on a Nintendo handheld - but not the one you think
A fan has successfully played the upcoming game Arc Raiders on a modified New Nintendo 3DS XL by streaming it from a PC using Moonlight. While the game is not running natively, the user reported acceptable frame rates, though controls remain a challenge. This feat highlights the capabilities of older Nintendo hardware when combined with modern streaming technology.
The 3DS gets new life with clear shell project
A new transparent shell project for the Nintendo 3DS family of systems, a collaboration between Kennedy Labs and Raretro Consoles, is set to release on June 5. This project aims to provide high-quality, handcrafted shells manufactured in the United States, allowing users to see the internal components of their consoles. The initiative is self-funded and driven by a passion for customization and preserving Nintendo's final dedicated handheld.
The Insane Trip Of Going Back In Time " Get Boinged " - The AmigaGuru Gamer Blog
This article details the extensive process of restoring and modifying an Amiga 1200 computer, including troubleshooting hardware issues, installing AmigaOS 3.9 with custom Boing Bags, and integrating a PCMCIA CD-ROM drive and additional CF card storage. The author shares insights into overcoming technical challenges and implementing creative hardware solutions to enhance the retro computing experience.
Ah, yes, a custom PS2 handheld that could slice a limb off, but beats the Steam Deck on battery life
A custom PlayStation 2 handheld has been created by modder James Channel, featuring a modified PS2 Slim console with an exposed disc drive and a new LCD screen. Despite its crude appearance, the handheld boasts impressive battery life, potentially lasting around 5 hours, surpassing modern devices like the Steam Deck OLED and Nintendo Switch.
HID Remapper added support for the new Steam Controller
The open-source programmable adapter HID Remapper has added support for Valve's Steam Controller. This hardware adapter allows for button mapping, sensitivity changes, and input type modification, with configurations saved directly on the device. Recent updates on May 20th and May 25th have improved compatibility with the controller and its firmware.
I figured my Sega Mega Drive was safe from the internet, but the MegaWifi aims to take the console online
A new Kickstarter project called MegaWiFi aims to bring Sega Mega Drive consoles online, enabling features like multiplayer gaming. The accessory, developed by Juan Antonio Ruiz Pachón, connects the retro console to modern networks. While the concept is intriguing for retro enthusiasts, questions remain about the practicality of lag-free online play on nearly 40-year-old hardware.
The Steam Controller doesn't just scream for its life, it will also sing its little haptic heart out
A new application called SteamHapticsSinger allows users to make the Steam Controller produce MIDI music through its haptic feedback system. This builds upon the controller's existing haptic capabilities, which were previously known for an easter egg that made it 'scream'. The software is available on GitHub and is compatible with both the Steam Controller and the Steam Deck.
