If Ben Heck worked for the new company Atari sold, he can help the company create portable Atari 2600 and 7800 systems. This is something he should do.
Ben I love your channel. I just got an Atari "Flashback-1" for $3 at Goodwill; all there but the manual and all works...21 games for $3. My 1st gaming system.
Gaming History Source Actually, if you think about it, with it sticking out like that, not only can you read the title of the game you’re playing, but the cartridge acts like a sort of shade so playing in brighter light is easier.
Ben Heck your the best! I thoroughly enjoy your videos and am always waiting for the next video. You have deepened my passion for computer science and electrical engineering and now more than ever to I want to major in the subject in college. One day I hope I can make portable systems just like you!
Oh, I also remember that at that point, Ben had two VCSp's, and you could play two player head-to-head. I was amazed, until he pointed out that the 2nd player just acted as a joystick and a 2nd screen. The 2600 hardware wasn't being used. (That also explained how he could do two player Combat with only one cartridge. :) )
You should try making one form one of those 2600 tv games. From what I have hear they use most of the same hardware to the original 2600 and you can even add a cartage slot but they are much smaller.
The cartiridge also acts as a shade for the screen, so you don't have to walk backwards with it because the reflections are blinding you, I guess it wasn't intentional, but still pretty good for a walk afternoon.
I saw that original at CG Expo :) I think Ben came to show it off to me when he saw me sitting there with two Lynxes, and no one playing with me. ;) Ben came with my wife and I when we went to the Star Trek thing in Las Vegas. Still have the tribble we bought. It's battery sadly exhausted... Good times...
You ought to make a version that incorporates one of the multi-cart designs available that allows you to have pretty much every game ever made on one cart, then you don't have to worry about having to plug big cartridges in it.
Okay ben, with the NES and Atari VCS, one could remove all the IC chips and re-create the PCB to the custom size that you need. I have done this with other projects with WAY more ICs and other parts then an Atari or NES. This is something I need to try with a console and see how small I can actually make the portable.
"serve drinks to the thirsty patrons and catch the empties" maybe that could be a new project, a machine or robot that will serve you a fresh drink and take away the old glass, ooo, kinda gets you excited, don't it!
I'm putting all of the 2600 on a breadboard, and then trying to skrink it down as much as possible. I will then make a plexi-glass enclosure for it. I like to SEE the circuitry in my electronics, and generally like to do this kind of stuff. This will be my first major electronics project. It's going to be like the Rasberry Pi of an Atari 2600. Respond and tell me what you think. Thanks, Nick
my question may have been asked and answered.... however is a console like this able to play games like Ghostbusters? where more then select and reset buttons are required????
I was really hoping you would have but the game slot in the top of the system going up, I mean its cool that it has the original feel but it isn't conducive to be sticking out the front, even with the limited room I'm sure you could have made it fit.
You should make the versión 3.0 in 5 years. With even more vintage Atari look. This one has a feeling more close to a Gameboy. For example, it definitely has to have an Atari control button.
Great video! I figured this would be a good spot to ask for a tool I'm looking for but for the life of me can't remember the name. It looks like a flat head screwdriver but the tip has a "v" cut in the tip and it's curved a little. The hand tool is good for guiding screws into tough to reach place. lol thanks
Was is an aesthetic choice to have the cartridge slot on the front, making it look more like a actual VCS, rather than a more streamlined version with the slot on the top like a Gameboy? Or is the process of rewiring too complex? Don't get me wrong I think it's fantastic looking but I think if I had to remake it, I'd choose to have it resemble an actual handheld. Everyone seems to follow this design principle with the slot in the top, it just feels more... user friendly?
Wasn't there a released portable version of the Atari 2600? I remember it having a screen on one side and a joystick on the other. I don't know it it took the real 2600 carts or modified ones, but I do remember seeing an ad for it and wanting it as much as I wanted the Sega Nomad.
@lvvipervvi The way he designed it the cartridge casts a shadow on the screen so you can see it in bright light (I believe that was his original intent).
People have done this already, look in my favorites, there is a really good one there I like and will be making. Nice and thin and can accept a full sized cart.
I can't wait to get my Raspberry Pi. My order went through in June, and it said it would ship in 11 weeks... so.. uh... soon? I think the MaKey MaKey and Raspberry Pi were meant for each other.
Nice Rebuild but no parts list in the description nor are the viewers able to order the custom Atari case... Thanks! Q1. What exact LCD Display model did you use for the composite video signal???
I wonder if it would b possible to use one of the Jakks Atari 10 in 1 joystick to make a nice, compact portable unit and maybe, add either a cartridge slot, or an sdcard or similar to have all the games on the unit.
If I were you, I would've replaced the cartridge port with a ROM chip with every game for the system or an SD card slot. I would also replace the six AA batteries with a thin rechargeable battery. These changes would make the unit thinner.
Great episode... I was wondering since old game console. I was wondering if you can add hd/converter to hdmi build into a Super Nintendo with out changing the out side look of it???
4:15 lol Ben, you should retry the N64 and stuff with the info available on your site and its children (ModRetro, Made by Bacteria). Lots of stuff has been discovered since your endeavors.
I'm wondering on a Nintendo 64 Mini and i seen how you cut the ground around the board and was wondering do you even need that big of ground? and do you need the RF Shield?
+Damian Wezzterman It's not too hard to make a portable nes. Instructables has a instruction for it. and it's not expensive either: a nes and a controller(good deals=about 20$) a screen(price changes with size) and some tools. If you are still a kid you could ask your parents(or other adults like your uncle, adult cousin if you have one or friends of your family) for help with soldering
+Gra130503 I'm still a kid at heart lol, but I'm 35. If I make one I'll just use a top-load NES board. Even have a design with a sliding/locking double sided cartridge slot that would allow it to be able to play both NES and Famicom cartridges. You'd have to see my disigns to understand the workings better.
Absolutely cool, if only the cartride input can be turned 45 dagrees sothat it just just goes into the systdm just like on a gameboy, it will not hinder your vision on screen,
I'm gonna make a dual console Atari 2600 connected to an xbox360 or original. This is something I've wanted to do for a while. Thinner I'll make a handheld Xbox!
What type of soldering iron do you use to de-solder a mother board power jack on a Net book, because I'm currently using a 60 watt and it's not doing the job fast enough.
would be neat to just see you make one come to think of it a much bigger screen would be cool on a game gear cut out a larger area and put in a bigger screen
No, it was never a woody. It was a vader. And again, how is it ruined, or shitty? It still works. It's still capable of it's intended function. It is now freed from needing either a analog tv or a wall socket. By any method of evaluation, it is superior.
These videos which demonstrate things which people may actually attempt are waaay better than the previous lot of videos. Bring on more like this!
If Ben Heck worked for the new company Atari sold, he can help the company create portable Atari 2600 and 7800 systems. This is something he should do.
you should make a portable game boy
???
A portable game boy? But, how? What? Why?
that'd be crazy right
Calvin Scherbarth I hope you're trolling but A game boy is already portable, do you by any chance mean game cube?
Cieran Nolan There is a significant difference between trolling and joking.
Great on many levels. It was interesting to see how your skills have improved over the years. And equally fun to hear you comment about it.
Ben I love your channel. I just got an Atari "Flashback-1" for $3 at Goodwill; all there but the manual and all works...21 games for $3. My 1st gaming system.
Yeah, you also got a linux computer at goodwill, do you like live in that store? xD
why does every leave out the paddles
I would love to collaborate with you on a video sometime. Your stuff is amazing Ben!
This needs to happen
Please let this happen! It would be so awesome! :D
Hey jerry nice to c ya man can you do a review on the sony Ericson Expedia play
Mark Heaton sorry I ment xperia play
Barnacules
I wish He would have changed the angle of the cart port so that it would have been on top instead of the front.
Gaming History Source Actually, if you think about it, with it sticking out like that, not only can you read the title of the game you’re playing, but the cartridge acts like a sort of shade so playing in brighter light is easier.
Ben Heck your the best! I thoroughly enjoy your videos and am always waiting for the next video. You have deepened my passion for computer science and electrical engineering and now more than ever to I want to major in the subject in college. One day I hope I can make portable systems just like you!
Oh, I also remember that at that point, Ben had two VCSp's, and you could play two player head-to-head. I was amazed, until he pointed out that the 2nd player just acted as a joystick and a 2nd screen. The 2600 hardware wasn't being used. (That also explained how he could do two player Combat with only one cartridge. :) )
Ben Heck should see the Invention Development Company video. He should show his great inventions to this company.
I'm sitting here with a Pi Zero and an original B. they've changed so much!
You should try making one form one of those 2600 tv games. From what I have hear they use most of the same hardware to the original 2600 and you can even add a cartage slot but they are much smaller.
I wish I was that talented. I did make my own DDR dance pad once using press board, plexi glass and tin foil though!
My god, man. You have talent. Graphics AND electronics! Inspiring. Thanks for the videos.
Dude, I've been looking for a show like this for a long time. Thank you!!!! xD
Cartridge slot is great and covers light from outside... Want one for sure!
The cartiridge also acts as a shade for the screen, so you don't have to walk backwards with it because the reflections are blinding you, I guess it wasn't intentional, but still pretty good for a walk afternoon.
You need to show MORE of the finished product! As in each mod you make!
Never thought I'd see Ben make another portable; brings it all back, yeah.
You should have added a paddle knob.
I've never seen your videos before today; this is great stuff!
It's amazing how much your videos have improved since 2012.
Nothing better than a rejuvenated classic. I love it.
I saw that original at CG Expo :) I think Ben came to show it off to me when he saw me sitting there with two Lynxes, and no one playing with me. ;) Ben came with my wife and I when we went to the Star Trek thing in Las Vegas. Still have the tribble we bought. It's battery sadly exhausted... Good times...
Oh Snap, Ben! That looks really, really neat. Good work as always
One advantage of his version is that its a d-pad inst of joystick and the button is on the right if you prefer that setup.
You ought to make a version that incorporates one of the multi-cart designs available that allows you to have pretty much every game ever made on one cart, then you don't have to worry about having to plug big cartridges in it.
Okay ben, with the NES and Atari VCS, one could remove all the IC chips and re-create the PCB to the custom size that you need. I have done this with other projects with WAY more ICs and other parts then an Atari or NES. This is something I need to try with a console and see how small I can actually make the portable.
"serve drinks to the thirsty patrons and catch the empties"
maybe that could be a new project, a machine or robot that will serve you a fresh drink and take away the old glass, ooo, kinda gets you excited, don't it!
Love it, Ben even thought of a sun shade by use of the cartridge. lol
I love watching awesome things that he builds that i will never be able to build
I'm putting all of the 2600 on a breadboard, and then trying to skrink it down as much as possible. I will then make a plexi-glass enclosure for it. I like to SEE the circuitry in my electronics, and generally like to do this kind of stuff. This will be my first major electronics project. It's going to be like the Rasberry Pi of an Atari 2600. Respond and tell me what you think. Thanks, Nick
my question may have been asked and answered.... however is a console like this able to play games like Ghostbusters? where more then select and reset buttons are required????
It's actually a clever position if you think about the sunshine when youre at the beach etc. :)
Ever try redesigning the PCB to be smaller, and just re-using the parts that can't be substituted?
I was really hoping you would have but the game slot in the top of the system going up, I mean its cool that it has the original feel but it isn't conducive to be sticking out the front, even with the limited room I'm sure you could have made it fit.
Why dont you change so you load the cartridge from the top? It looks better and feel better in my opinion.
You should make the versión 3.0 in 5 years.
With even more vintage Atari look.
This one has a feeling more close to a Gameboy. For example, it definitely has to have an Atari control button.
Yay. Another gaming-related episode. :)
Great video! I figured this would be a good spot to ask for a tool I'm looking for but for the life of me can't remember the name. It looks like a flat head screwdriver but the tip has a "v" cut in the tip and it's curved a little. The hand tool is good for guiding screws into tough to reach place. lol thanks
I LOVE the Atari twuhsunred!
Have you thought about making a portable atari 7800?
Nice show, Ben. Your comment in the video about the large AA batteries made me think you could upgrade to a Lipo battery from a cell phone.
You should have put an audio for headphones or for external speakers.
The new company is Infogrames/Atari SA, Ben Heck should show his portable Atari 2600 and 7800.
at least it gives your screen shade in the light
2020 here. This should become some "console portabilizing 101".
awesome! would be cool if it had an analog joystick poking out though...
great job but i think the cartridge input should have been in the back or on the top, looks weird so close to the screen.
Was is an aesthetic choice to have the cartridge slot on the front, making it look more like a actual VCS, rather than a more streamlined version with the slot on the top like a Gameboy? Or is the process of rewiring too complex? Don't get me wrong I think it's fantastic looking but I think if I had to remake it, I'd choose to have it resemble an actual handheld. Everyone seems to follow this design principle with the slot in the top, it just feels more... user friendly?
Ever thought about doing a portable version of the 7800 that retains its backward compatibility with the 2600?
Wasn't there a released portable version of the Atari 2600? I remember it having a screen on one side and a joystick on the other. I don't know it it took the real 2600 carts or modified ones, but I do remember seeing an ad for it and wanting it as much as I wanted the Sega Nomad.
Man this is incredible
That is unbelievable! How about a mod for the Atari 8 bit computer? I'd love to play some of the games on a modern PC.
@lvvipervvi The way he designed it the cartridge casts a shadow on the screen so you can see it in bright light (I believe that was his original intent).
People have done this already, look in my favorites, there is a really good one there I like and will be making. Nice and thin and can accept a full sized cart.
How come you didn't make the game cartridge go I'm from the back like a gameboy instead of make it stick out at the front?
I can't wait to get my Raspberry Pi. My order went through in June, and it said it would ship in 11 weeks... so.. uh... soon? I think the MaKey MaKey and Raspberry Pi were meant for each other.
Hey Ben, this is interesting to see you make a second portable Atari 2600 VCS handheld game device.
Nice Rebuild but no parts list in the description nor are the viewers able to order the custom Atari case... Thanks!
Q1. What exact LCD Display model did you use for the composite video signal???
I wonder if it would b possible to use one of the Jakks Atari 10 in 1 joystick to make a nice, compact portable unit and maybe, add either a cartridge slot, or an sdcard or similar to have all the games on the unit.
If I were you, I would've replaced the cartridge port with a ROM chip with every game for the system or an SD card slot. I would also replace the six AA batteries with a thin rechargeable battery. These changes would make the unit thinner.
Great episode... I was wondering since old game console. I was wondering if you can add hd/converter to hdmi build into a Super Nintendo with out changing the out side look of it???
Thanks to u Ben i have decided to take my creative and become an engineer
Nice Last Crusade reference.
So awesome. Ever going to sell on the market? Interested.
4:15 lol
Ben, you should retry the N64 and stuff with the info available on your site and its children (ModRetro, Made by Bacteria). Lots of stuff has been discovered since your endeavors.
I wonder if you could have put the cartridge slot to make it a bit more game boy like.
what's that choon at about 12:54 ?
Just a bit more fancy to have the proper real hardware underneath, but of course an emulator is more practical.
Ben you are my Idol
I'm wondering on a Nintendo 64 Mini and i seen how you cut the ground around the board and was wondering do you even need that big of ground? and do you need the RF Shield?
@Dfire thank you very much hope he sees it
You should of made the cartridge plug in from the top of the case so its not close to the screen.
desolder the cartridge connector and wire it somewhere else (long and hard but most likely worth it)
This is still my favorite handheld game system of Ben's. I want to make a portable NES for myself one day.
+Damian Wezzterman It's not too hard to make a portable nes. Instructables has a instruction for it. and it's not expensive either: a nes and a controller(good deals=about 20$) a screen(price changes with size) and some tools. If you are still a kid you could ask your parents(or other adults like your uncle, adult cousin if you have one or friends of your family) for help with soldering
+Gra130503
I'm still a kid at heart lol, but I'm 35. If I make one I'll just use a top-load NES board. Even have a design with a sliding/locking double sided cartridge slot that would allow it to be able to play both NES and Famicom cartridges. You'd have to see my disigns to understand the workings better.
+Damian Wezzterman Go for it. I'd love to see it.
Totally agree
How about modifying the atari 5200 controllers and making them self center with gold overlays???
I can't wait for RaspberryPi's are released for consumer sale. I'd love to see the price.
Absolutely cool, if only the cartride input can be turned 45 dagrees sothat it just just goes into the systdm just like on a gameboy, it will not hinder your vision on screen,
a relocated cartridge slot would be cool!
A sun-blocker
Remember the original Gameboy? Sun glare was my worst enemy.
How do you identify the RF conceccion on the board and how do you convert it into composite how do you know where to wire?
I'm gonna make a dual console Atari 2600 connected to an xbox360 or original. This is something I've wanted to do for a while. Thinner I'll make a handheld Xbox!
What type of soldering iron do you use to de-solder a mother board power jack on a Net book, because I'm currently using a 60 watt and it's not doing the job fast enough.
Did you buy the buttons or did you make them?
would be neat to just see you make one come to think of it a much bigger screen would be cool on a game gear cut out a larger area and put in a bigger screen
I would love to see a portable original xbox modded to be both game player and xbmc media server.
I wonder if you can use lipoly prismatic batteries with a built in charger
All I can say is ... I WANT ONE! An ATARI 2600 Game Boy!
Cool, make an atari handheld device! Something like the iPod
No, it was never a woody. It was a vader.
And again, how is it ruined, or shitty? It still works. It's still capable of it's intended function. It is now freed from needing either a analog tv or a wall socket. By any method of evaluation, it is superior.
I don't like where you put the cartridge slot...
On the back facing upward would be better
You could've relocate the cartridge slot, it would take away the annoying cartridge over the screen.
Great work
I´ll wait 2020 version :D
this was pretty damn cool
Oh my gosh I just noticed that Element14 = the 14th element = silicon.
Ben where do you get the small screens for your projects?
I'd like to see a handheld portable Laserdisc player.