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!
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 $3. My 1st gaming system.
If Ben Heck worked for the new company Atari sold, he can help the company create portable Atari 2600 and 7800 systems. This is something he should do.
You should try making one form one of those 2600 tv games. From what I have hear they use most of the same hardware to the original 2600 and you can even add a cartage slot but they are much smaller.
The cartiridge also acts as a shade for the screen, so you don't have to walk backwards with it because the reflections are blinding you, I guess it wasn't intentional, but still pretty good for a walk afternoon.
Oh, I also remember that at that point, Ben had two VCSp's, and you could play two player head-to-head. I was amazed, until he pointed out that the 2nd player just acted as a joystick and a 2nd screen. The 2600 hardware wasn't being used. (That also explained how he could do two player Combat with only one cartridge. :) )
Okay ben, with the NES and Atari VCS, one could remove all the IC chips and re-create the PCB to the custom size that you need. I have done this with other projects with WAY more ICs and other parts then an Atari or NES. This is something I need to try with a console and see how small I can actually make the portable.
Gaming History Source Actually, if you think about it, with it sticking out like that, not only can you read the title of the game you’re playing, but the cartridge acts like a sort of shade so playing in brighter light is easier.
"serve drinks to the thirsty patrons and catch the empties" maybe that could be a new project, a machine or robot that will serve you a fresh drink and take away the old glass, ooo, kinda gets you excited, don't it!
+Damian Wezzterman It's not too hard to make a portable nes. Instructables has a instruction for it. and it's not expensive either: a nes and a controller(good deals=about 20$) 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.
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 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...
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.
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
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.
@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).
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.
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?
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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???
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,
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.
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 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.
hello i was wandering can you do a video on the basics like what do you mean when you talk about ground and what are all those schematics how can you read them also i was wandering do you know of any other ways to make the cases without one of those machines i could never afford one of those just asking because i have no idea about this stuff and one last thing do you think that you would ever make a custom xbox controller like with your name engraved into it or maybe a new layout of the buttons
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?
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!
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 prefer the banana and orange Pi boards better for making a games console (handheld) at least from what I've seen on TH-cam. I'm not quite ready to be building one myself yet.
These videos which demonstrate things which people may actually attempt are waaay better than the previous lot of videos. Bring on more like this!
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.
It's amazing how much your videos have improved since 2012.
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!
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
Dude, I've been looking for a show like this for a long time. Thank you!!!! xD
My god, man. You have talent. Graphics AND electronics! Inspiring. Thanks for the videos.
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.
I've never seen your videos before today; this is great stuff!
Oh Snap, Ben! That looks really, really neat. Good work as always
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
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.
Cartridge slot is great and covers light from outside... Want one for sure!
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.
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.
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.
Never thought I'd see Ben make another portable; brings it all back, yeah.
Ben Heck should see the Invention Development Company video. He should show his great inventions to this company.
Love it, Ben even thought of a sun shade by use of the cartridge. lol
Nothing better than a rejuvenated classic. I love it.
Yay. Another gaming-related episode. :)
why does every leave out the paddles
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. :) )
Man this is incredible
I wish I was that talented. I did make my own DDR dance pad once using press board, plexi glass and tin foil though!
You need to show MORE of the finished product! As in each mod you make!
I love watching awesome things that he builds that i will never be able to build
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.
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.
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.
"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!
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.
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
Hey Ben, this is interesting to see you make a second portable Atari 2600 VCS handheld game device.
It's actually a clever position if you think about the sunshine when youre at the beach etc. :)
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...
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.
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
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.
If you got the brains and the tools, you can make this. Nice video!
2020 here. This should become some "console portabilizing 101".
@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).
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.
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?
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???
Ever try redesigning the PCB to be smaller, and just re-using the parts that can't be substituted?
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.
Ben you are my Idol
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.
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.
You should have added a paddle knob.
Ever thought about doing a portable version of the 7800 that retains its backward compatibility with the 2600?
Great work
I´ll wait 2020 version :D
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.
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.
Thanks to u Ben i have decided to take my creative and become an engineer
that is awesome i want one!
The new company is Infogrames/Atari SA, Ben Heck should show his portable Atari 2600 and 7800.
what's that choon at about 12:54 ?
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.
this was pretty damn cool
Nice Last Crusade reference.
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.
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???
I LOVE the Atari twuhsunred!
Why dont you change so you load the cartridge from the top? It looks better and feel better in my opinion.
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,
at least it gives your screen shade in the light
Totally agree
I love the opening to this show!
Have you thought about making a portable atari 7800?
Ben where do you get the small screens for your projects?
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.
awesome! would be cool if it had an analog joystick poking out though...
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
So awesome. Ever going to sell on the market? Interested.
@Dfire thank you very much hope he sees it
I wonder if you could have put the cartridge slot to make it a bit more game boy like.
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.
You should have put an audio for headphones or for external speakers.
a relocated cartridge slot would be cool!
hello i was wandering can you do a video on the basics like what do you mean when you talk about ground and what are all those schematics how can you read them also i was wandering do you know of any other ways to make the cases without one of those machines i could never afford one of those just asking because i have no idea about this stuff and one last thing do you think that you would ever make a custom xbox controller like with your name engraved into it or maybe a new layout of the buttons
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?
pretty cool i really want one those pis
@infiniteUniverse88 thats what the turbografx express is for. :]
I can't wait for RaspberryPi's are released for consumer sale. I'd love to see the price.
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!
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????
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 prefer the banana and orange Pi boards better for making a games console (handheld) at least from what I've seen on TH-cam. I'm not quite ready to be building one myself yet.
Can you make a video about fixing the sound on an AtGames Genesis?
That's soooooOOOOooo cool.
Did you buy the buttons or did you make them?
@PAFFYTFX actually if you look back through his vidoes you can find ones of when me made one
desolder the cartridge connector and wire it somewhere else (long and hard but most likely worth it)
boy would I love to have one of them :)
Just a bit more fancy to have the proper real hardware underneath, but of course an emulator is more practical.
oh wow i love it
Cool, make an atari handheld device! Something like the iPod