This $5 Cardboard Retro TV is Actually Kinda Cool
ฝัง
- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 5 ก.พ. 2025
- Is your retro gaming experience not quite retro enough? Well you can fix that! With... cardboard...
BUY IT HERE: amzn.to/3DcYOTc
ALIEXPRESS: s.click.aliexp...
THE CONTROLLER I USED: amzn.to/3kLHrCT
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MUSIC CREDITS -
Intro: Captive Portal - Intro For A Nonexisting Video Game
Outro: RoccoW - Chipho instrumental
#retrogames #retrogaming #crt #crtgaming #emulation #retro #videogames
I think the best gifts are the ones that the person would like but it wouldn't buy for themselves. In this case, I know a lot of people that would love to get this as a gift. I would even gift it to myself. Great finding!
They actually sold giant magnifying glasses for CRT TVs back in the day as a cheap alternative to getting a bigger more expensive TV. I remember thinking those things were so weird when I was a kid
en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fresnel_lens
Love this.. Just use wood instead and give it that old floor model design
I actually like this thing, if I were single living in a studio apartment, this would be perfect.
I think my kid might get a kick out of this.
This thing gets an A++ for creativity! Too bad they didn't spring for the protective film on the screen.
IDK, the damage adds character. And flaws are kind of the point of retro. But the Fresnel lens is kind of doing a pincushion thing on the whole screen, as well as annular rings. That, I don't dig. So if they're trying to emulate a CRT, it's not extremely authentic. But kind of retro anyway (these lenses aren't new). Besides, I think that's because of the design. If it did something else, (like simulate horizontal scanlines) it wouldn't be a Fresnel lens.
also, after looking into the Fresnel lens, I realize that it was the only way to go if they wanted to cut costs. Fresnel lenses are designed to minimize thickness for a given power. The power used here isn't very high (maybe 1.5, if that) so a very thin lens can be used.
that magnifier screen sorta makes the image softer like a CRT.
tmnt for life!
Wow. I totally agree with you. I thought that was going to 'way lamer' than it turned out! I love it! I have a couple of old cell phones that I could totally repurpose something like this. My big concern is the logistics involved with actually getting it up and running when you just want to turn it on. You'd have to make sure the phone is charged, put the cell phone back in the cartridge, turn it on and make sure it's on the right screen, and then slide the cartridge back in the box. Not exactly a turn key system. I was thinking it would make a good desk ornament for my office but showing it off would be kind of a pain.
Yeah it could be way better. I actually have another fun little 'tv' cell phone holder thing that I'll be making another video on, it's a much more user friendly setup, but this cardboard version is still pretty cool for the price. Kind of a pain to get a game or show going, but once you do you're in CRT land baby!
hey, what do you want for $5? It can be cheap, fast, and good. Pick two. Oh right, fast is out, so at least it's cheap and good.
@@SeeJayPlayGames fair enough!
My memory of the '80s is hazy, but I don't remember having to dismantle my old CRT to answer a phone call...
No you just had to run over to the tv to turn the volume down with the knob, dodge a pile of TV guides & ashtrays, and then get to the phone at the same time as everyone else in the house so the person on the other end got 3 "hello?"s at the same time.
@@TechDweeb or you could use an old phone not your actual phone. Assuming the screen's not broken.
Love me some ninja turtles! Michaelangelo for life... and yes, we're all kids deep down.
(maybe wifey threw me a dorky tmnt 40th bday party)
That's a good wifey you got there
Instead of a unboxing, it's a boxing
BA DUM TSS 🥁
This thing reminds me of all the clever stuff they did with cereal boxes back in the day. The box would have integrated cutouts, and the rest, like the magnifier, would be inside the box.
Totally!
How awesome! I will buy a few of these to gift out to friends
I have a couple of ideas for one of these: for playing a switch lite ( would have to do some rigging and need a controller) or get one of those portable 5 inch tvs off Amazon and stick inside. Im sure both ideas will involve trimming some in the back.
6:27 😍😍😍😍😍😍😍😍 My favorite was Donatello, and I'm still in love with April.
SAME! (I know I've said on the channel my favourite is Michelangelo, but that's just for branding purposes, because he's orange. I'm a Donny boy in my heart.)
@@TechDweeb he was the nerdiest of them all, even then I knew he was my kinda Turtle.
@@TechDweeb Donatello rulez
This is a very cool gadget! Also a TMNT fan here as well, nice!
I had a ninja turtles stack too. I also had the Burger King kids club vhs tapes.
I was that annoying kid who would rewind over and over to watch the intro.
Trying the sleeve to wipe the screen and then realizing it was worse is very familiar to me
That's actually pretty cool. One thing you might want to consider, is taking that cardboard box to your woodworking friend, and have him use the box as a template. He could then build you a box of the same dimensions. Us woodworkers usually have small pieces of wood sitting around, so he may even be able to build you a nice box out of something like walnut which would look really cool. You can then go and get some plexiglass to use for the glass front. Now that would look really cool.
BTW I have a Sony Trinatron in my garage that I bought for 10 bucks! The girl was moving and it was too heavy to move across the Country so she just wanted to get rid of it. I have my original Xbox hooked up to it, and it works great. Those old CRTs are getting really hard to find. Cool video. Thanks.
Oh man that is an amazing idea!
I just saw a magnifier lens.. when dissasembling an actual arcade machine. Thinking what kind of magnifiers were used on those machines.. Together with amoled phone screen,120hz refresh and capable emulator will be great combo!!
Admit it, you paid for the overnight shipping just to avoid Dvorak! I do love that TV though. And TMNT!
I have a different magnifyer, it's completely collapsible to take no space. It's got a phone holder in the back and magnifyer in the front. Scratches included free of charge.
I really like that small controller, perfect for pocket.
I always find something cool and fun to get on your channel.
Was fun to watch, and that is quite cool I'd say. I know it's cheap and scratched and ridiculous but still cool in it's own way lol. Great video. And yeah hopefully you don't get a strike for that, that is too nostalgic and right on for the tv.
Niice, wind tunnel tested, mother approved.
Bro your sub count that’s what I meant by when I said you were gonna blow up congrats on 11k
Thanks buddy!
Ohhh... it uses your phone as the screen.
I think my latest Aliexpress order was better spent on that cute little Lego brick Love, Death, and Robots mascot.
Okay, the final results do seem pretty neat, especially just for five bucks.
This thing is actually awesome
That's a good $5 spent. Great content! I enjoyed.
Thanks bro
Sometimes i just let your vids play in the background to listen to
Glad I could keep you company 🥰
I can't be the only one that was thinking "play atari" because that thing was made for this.
This is actually pretty neat ..
2:58 try using wd40 and a magic eraser pad. Seriously. The oil acts like a buffing compound and the magic eraser does well with plastics, just go slow, and test a spot first. 3:22 is the front magnified? Or is it ridged to make a magnifying effect?
Thanks for the tip! Yeah it's magnified, but it adds blurryness so it's not like it helps much haha.
Your voice reminds me of the character Jason Penopolis from the TV show "Home Movies".
I LOVE Home Movies! One of my favourite shows of all time!
@@TechDweeb Agreed.
Great show!
What a cool idea.
great video dude... now I have the ninja turtles song in my head again :P
My gift to you.
Love your content dude, keep it up :)
Thanks, will do!
What's that retro shell app on a phone? A video guide on smartphone retro shells would be nice (if you have not made one yet).
Dig! th-cam.com/video/2nM1Pyq1FYA/w-d-xo.html
And yeah, I do want to make a comprehensive video about all the different frontends. Hopefully sometime soon.
@@TechDweeb good to know. thanks. Also, did you get the blizzard and homm game files from gog for your dos+miyoo videos? The abandonware website does not let me download those while gog version fails to launch on a handheld. Sorry for asking here but my comment under a corresponding video left unanswered while I really want those games on the go.
A detailed guide on homm1..2 and wc1..2 for miyoo/anbernic handhelds would be pretty unique.
Now i'm wondering if you can get a cardboard arcade cabinet that holds the phone upright? Disappointed at the missing scart socket though... ; ) Still appeals to my inner child however, nearly as much as the mjolnir toolbox i discovered earlier today.
Look up the "GamesPower" super-cheap mini handheld with built-in NES games. It costs about the same as this and is the ideal geek gift imho... also I loved this video.
Legit for 5$ !
You make me spend my Money TechDweeb
Exactly.. it barely pays the cardbox/ink. I´m getting it!
I have one of those kind of boxes too. It's the projector one. I got it from a Goodwill.
I use it at night when all the lights are off to play some videos or a nostalgic anime movie on the ceiling. Nice when you don't want to stare at your phone screen.
Yet, this only happened for a while. Biggest issue with it was it makes all images backwards. First, you have to lock your phone upside down cause the lens makes your image turn °180 degrees. Now, this soubds simple. But MAN is it hard to geg right. Which is why I set it down and pointed it at the ceiling eventually....only to still have the screen flipped..'sighs'..
But I still keeping it. Cause if one day I'm not lazy. I'll use a mirror and make my own makeshift box to get a better image cause the lens is honestly the most important part.
Kinda interesting yet not at all surprised that such a cheap, little piece of cardboard wants to make me such a perfection. Gonna have to bring that one up with the therapist again.🤣
Hope you have a good day dude. 👍
Haha good point about the cardboard perfectionism. I'm the same way. If something can work IN THEORY, it becomes my JOB to make it work!
where did u get that joypad from? btw i subcribed yesterday just getting into retro gaming got launch box on pc and dig on a android tablet and waiting for a powkiddy v90 its in post was looking at the anbernic range maybe thas next???????????
It's the 8bitdo Zero2 controller, got it off amazon (amzn.to/3kLHrCT). It's a great controller to grab when you need something quick and easy.
LMAO this was not what I was expecting...
Great Intro!!!
Thanks!
Was young too when watched tmnt. 39 age now
if you can repair a CRT I have two sort of working ones, that you can have if you want for just shipping.
I appreciate the offer! I see them all the time on my local marketplace for pretty cheap. I'm just holding out until I find one with *just* the right look to it.
@@TechDweeb well I thought I’d ask the channel that is the hot new sexy! Your work is so good, out of 500+ subscriptions (and probably 40 or so tech channels) I always insta click on yours!
Holy Crap this is actually really cool 🤣
Pretty cool!
DUDEEE!! I have something like thisss. I use it to play my android emulation games
8:14 OH I WISH!
This is the kind of stupid crap I live for. And since I get my sodas free (generic diet ginger ale)I can use my meagre funds on junk like this, so maybe I'll give it a shot. BUT I'm more interested in that itty bitty controller. Where did you get that?
Amazon. It's the 8bitdo 'zero2' controller. Bluetooth. Comes in yellow, blue, and pink (I have the whole set). I love them!
Bruh If I could just find a girl who likes watching old cartoons that's all I need in life. I'm also starting my Action cartoon collection because I got tired of watching SpongeBob and adventure time over and over again so I'll probably get to Ninja Turtles Eventually.
Turtles has survived the test of time surprisingly well!
I wish some chinese company starts making new REAL crts for us retrogamers. Man can I imagine choosing the design of it like we do on Retroid Pockets/Anbernics etc.
Thing is if they screw up some electronics it can set your house on fire. But hey, risk is a part of our lives :D
That's been a risk with AliExpress junk since the dawn of time.
@@TechDweeb yep, my thoughts exactly
Ha, cool!
This is pretty neat! And admittingly, I've spent $5 on worse things.
image what they can do with $20.00 haha
Hi.
Sup
I love you
Back at ya 😘
Man, please drop the voice.