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MIT students build $12 PC based on NES
‘Students are convinced they can beat the OLPC product with a modified version of the original Nintendo console that is internet ready.’ -
The One Laptop Per Child (OLPC) project has yielded a mix of success and failure. On the positive side, it has managed to put together a relatively low cost, fully functional laptop; the XO. On the downside many features were left out, including the sometimes criticized, sometimes praised idea of crank power generation. Also on the not-so-good front, the laptop, which was supposed to be a $100 laptop, ballooned to a cost of $188. Other bad news came when chipmaker Intel pulled out of the project, launching a potential competitor – a second generation Classmate notebook.
Now a group of MIT students look to add to OLPC’s woes by offering up a functional computer at a far lower price – around $15 to $20 USD. American graduate student Derek Lomas was inspired on how to design the device when he came across a “TV” computer selling for $12 USD in India. The computer was nothing more than a clone/rip-off of the original Nintendo Entertainment System (NES), with more functionality added. The device was so similar it accepted NES cartridges.
The computer features the same technology as the NES – a muscular 1.78-MHz 8-bit processor, a gargantuan 2k of video memory and the ability to display 256-by-240 pixels in 25 colors. Originally launching in 1985 in the U.S., the console went on to sell 62 million units worldwide, and was a runaway success that remained a culture icon into the 1990s. Its games still sell through the Nintendo Wii’s Virtual Console legacy system.
The popularity led to many knockoff models, such as the Victor-70 that Mr. Lomas encountered. Many of these models were unlicensed machines manufactured in China. Mr. Lomas states, “A lot of the Srishti Design students who saw me playing with this used to have one themselves, several years ago. Back then, this cost nearly 3,000 rupees [$75 U.S.].”
Unlike the NES, though, all the hardware including the memory, processor and cartridge case are not contained in a plastic housing, but rather inside a large keyboard. Game controllers and a mouse can also attach to the keyboard, which plugs directly into the television. Online retailers in India sell the Victor-70 for a slightly higher price of $23.99. The product may actually be legal as in the U.S. patents expire after 20 years.
One potential benefit of a modified Victor-70 is it would feature the Basic programming language, to make programming easy for new users. At the Development Design Summit held at MIT yearly, Mr. Lomas plans on presenting his findings. He and a group of other international graduate students and designers hope to transform the Victor-70 into a modern computer. They are confident they can add internet access and other perks while keeping the price low.
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An Indian retailer proudly displays the NES knockoff. (Source: Derek Lomas)
Another alternative to the Victor-70 is a laptop Mr. Lomas encountered in Indian markets which retails for $15 USD, and comes with a blank and white LCD screen.
Whichever the team chooses, if they are able to keep costs beneath $20, they may have a hit on their hands. Despite the lower capabilities and the inability to use a modern OS, you could buy 9-10 units of their device for the cost of one OLPC, given these prices. The OLPC may be more powerful, but the MIT team’s computer may prove more practical. ‘Students are convinced they can beat the OLPC product with a modified version of the original Nintendo console that is internet ready... more -
Knit a Mario level onto a scarf
Are you a crafty, gamer, who is a little bit cold? This might be for you.
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Nintendo 1988 Inside Edition TV news report with Super Mario
Check out this video game blast from the past!
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NES crammed into a light gun
[GonzoMPM-1] Has gutted an NES knock off called Super Joy III and crammed it inside of a light gun. Inspired by a daughter that loves duck hunt, he wanted to consolidate the package and make it more portable. He's managed to pull off some nice finish, it look almost professional in the picture above. The unit is powered by 3 AAA batteries in the handle. The game system works just fine, and he claims that the controls are actually more responsive now. The light gun works as well if you have a CRT television around.
You many notice that there is no cartridge slot. There really isn't a need for one in this mod. The Super Joy III comes equipped with 76 games on the board. He notes that he can make an external cart at some point, but may leave it off in favor of the compact design. [GonzoMPM-1] Has gutted an NES knock off called Super Joy III and crammed it inside of a light gun. Inspired by a daughter that loves ... more -
Super Mario Bros. Wallpaper
I just wish my wife would let me use it in my son's room.
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NES controller coffee table
It's good to know that I can sleep easy at night now. But why does the chick in this video seem oblivious to the fact that she's playing Mario on a controller bigger than a small child? It's good to know that I can sleep easy at night now. But why does the chick in this video seem oblivious to the fact that she&#... more
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Need a NES fix? Play Nintendo from your browser
The top 100 8-bit games for your nostalgic gaming pleasure. Apparently the site doesn't host any ROMs. It does refer you to the Wii Virtual console though if you want to BUY games. The top 100 8-bit games for your nostalgic gaming pleasure. Apparently the site doesn't host any ROMs. It does refer you to the W... more
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Puppy vs. Roboquad = Puppywars
Ever wondered what would happen if you were to pit the Wowwee Roboquad against an excitable, yapping puppy?
Wonder no longer, as the answer to this age-old question has been captured on video -- replete with NES sound effects and 8-bit scorecard.
Let the battle commence. Ever wondered what would happen if you were to pit the Wowwee Roboquad against an excitable, yapping puppy? ... more -
Drumming to Super Mario 2
Super Mario 2 has a great soundtrack. In this awesome rendition, though, Andrea Vadrucci proves that everything sounds better with percussion. We're also impressed by his drum set itself --- that thing is at least fifteen pieces.
The Italian drummer just plays his beats on top of the 8-bit Mario songs, but we love it. Vadrucci is clearly very talented. If there's anything we've learned from games like Rock Band, it's that drumming isn't as easy as it looks. Super Mario 2 has a great soundtrack. In this awesome rendition, though, Andrea Vadrucci proves that everything sounds better with per... more -
Well EXCUUUUUUUUSE Me, Princess!
This is why Link should never speak in "The Legend of Zelda."
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8 Bit Rain
Mega-man inspired remix of the Tay Zonday legend, "Chocolate Rain"
The hating on rickrolling at the beginning is lil' odd, but the song and video are pretty epic.
The full MP3 is avail via link in the comments...the crescendo is breathtaking! Mega-man inspired remix of the Tay Zonday legend, "Chocolate Rain" ... more -
Final, Final Fantasy Retrospective
Over the past 13 or so weeks, Game Trailers has taken a look back a groundbreaking series of video games that is about to enter it's second decade of existence. Join Game Trailers in a thirteen part series as they look through every core, spin off, and somewhat related game that is involved in bringing joy and fun to millions of people around the world.
Here is part one of thirteen with the rest at the link below.
http://www.gametrailers.com/game/4831.html Over the past 13 or so weeks, Game Trailers has taken a look back a groundbreaking series of video games that is about to enter it... more -
I Shot Andy Warhol (hacked NES cart by Cory Arcangel)
"Cory Arcangel is one of a group of artists who work within the strict limitations and visual styles imposed by early digital technologies and media. For I Shot Andy Warhol, Arcangel reprogrammed a 1980s Nintendo videogame, Hogan's Alley, and populated the game with mass-culture icons. The artist chose the iconic personalities based on their ability to be readily recognizable even at the extremely small pixel size in which they are rendered."
Yep, that's the Pope, Colonel Sanders and Flavor Flav. This piece was made in 2002 but I thought it'd be a good introduction to Cory's work. He's got some amazingly clever work in his portfolio. This includes a slew of other hacked NES carts, Dooogle (a Google hack which only returns information on Doogie Howser M.D.) and the "Slim Thug Status Bot" for AIM to tell if Slim Thug's "Already Platinum" album has gone platinum yet. Ha!
Check out his work here:
http://www.beigerecords.com/cory/tags/artwork/ "Cory Arcangel is one of a group of artists who work within the strict limitations and visual styles imposed by early digital tec... more -
The End of a Nintendo Era
After 22 years, Nintendo is finally dropping it's support of the original NES.
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now's the time of year to relive the greatest moment in Red Sox history...
In case anyone missed this when this did not come out during the postseason last year...
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RetroZone - play games on your PC old school style
This site sells USB versions of NES and SNES controllers. Perfect for playing ROMs. (works with most emulators)
Also, you can buy NES and SNES controllers that are compatible with the new Nintendo Wii. This site sells USB versions of NES and SNES controllers. Perfect for playing ROMs. (works with most emulators) ... more -
Just for you retro gamers
NES emulation on your iPhone - just might be the best reason to buy one.
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