Shoulder buttons update
Finally 1 headache less, I think I did it right.
Ordered loads of buttons but none really fitted well or satisfied all my needs.
My criteria were;
- 1. They should fit within the design of the case
2. They should fit within the dimensions of the case
3. Preferably round as other shapes are hard to drill
4. They should feel right when pressed
5. Not too small or too big, just right (about the size of the front buttons)
6. Preferably many colours available
7. Preferably easy to get
Well let me just show you what I've come up with!
Yes you see it right, I managed to fit the original DMG/Snes buttons in there, which are available in many colours and options.
This was a huge pain! It also requires something like the Kitch Bent button PCB's I was talking about earlier.
We can't use these due to the space constrains and the screw holes will be placed a bit different but I'll make those available later too + a 3D printable button well! So finally there will be an alternative to the Kitch Bent PCB's... and even cheaper!
It looks so easy and fitting well within the case, but why did it take this long and how did I get here?
Well, while holding a DMG shell I found myself placing my index fingers at exactly that spot.
Also adding that indentation doesn't just mirror the face of the case it also makes your fingers slide naturally towards the shoulder buttons without looking =). They have the exact same angle like the A/B buttons so it won't look off.
I've also made a cutout for the speaker on the back of the battery compartment giving it another extra 0,5mm depth for larger speakers.
A better look to the details inside;
If you want quad shoulder buttons that is totally possible! Just like I promised indentations have been made for you to place your drill. It would be relatively easy for a production option to do both versions but it would take just too much time for me to track all different versions... and this works really well I think and is the best alternative. Also look at how cramped it is, I barely did it! There's just enough space for the silicon pads towards the battery compartment and, although it's hard to see, you can still use the original cartridge readers if you wish. There's 5,2mm(!) left which I have confirmed is enough space for the DS Lite cartridge reader. However I'm still hoping for someone to develop an alternative to the cartridge reader...
Another change I might do is having the shoulder buttons protrude less than on the face of the case. Haven't exactly come up with a number but about 1,5mm looks right to me. It would also help the Retroboy to lay flat which is also a concern I took into account. And I have also considered USB-C as a way to charge but I haven't sourced a nice PCB with connector I like yet, however I did find a nice Micro USB one that makes a good alternative if an USB-C solution keeps eluding me.
BTW for all those who PM me if they can have the files or how long it will still take as "it appears to be almost done"; I haven't decided on when or if and don't bother me with it, you won't get it. Yes eventually there will be a way for you to get this case! Read this how long it might take (probably these are the same people not reading and this is quite a bit of text but worth it):
https://blog.bolt.io/the-illustrated-gu ... .wgm9r7oey
This is also good if you're (looking) into hardware development, general product development or just looking for a good read.
You might have noticed I edited out the closure mechanism for the battery compartment, this is done on purpose. I might have found myself a way of producing these cases with a factory-like finish(!) but it appears the material doesn't really have any flex to it. So I might need to go with the old fashioned screw solution. Nothing wrong with that, just initially I strived for a screw free back which isn't really possible anyways if you want to support all current GBZ hardware available.
Hopefully you all like it and this is likely the last big update. Of course you still get to see my charging port solution, the cartridge reader solution and any new prototypes. Would love to hear if you think too this is as perfect as can be for a nasty problem.