next project: multi-media entertainment pc

[vynsane]

now that i'm finishing off yet another computer, of course the time has come for thinking about the NEXT computer i'm going to build.

this time around, it's going to basically be like another component to my entertaiment system, to go along with the dvd, vcr, cable box and the like... it will act as a tivo, web portal, dvd/cd copier, and game machine.

the last part could be VERY interesting. using the emulation software out there, it will be able to play whatever games i want to put on it. what i would like to do after that is actually be able to use the original gamepads for NES, Genesis, and whatever else i put on there. i've been doing research on the web about modifying the ports and such, and it's doable. should be a challenge, but it should turn out to be pretty fun!

most of the stuff i've seen deals with changing the port on the controller to USB, but i'm not sure if i want to cannibalize a classic controller like that. it might be the easier way to do it, however.

[jjreason]

Man, some of them controllers are easy to come by (especially the old NES ones). Once you start looking for the better "dog bone" NES controllers though, you're into a bundle. That 2nd Gen NES "toaster" with the updated controllers is a real collector's item.