Retroheads GB2

[Retrohead95]

Hey everyone so I decided to tackle the Pi Gameboy. I'm 20 but have been soldering since I was 14 so the soldering isn't a problem. The only thing I'm worried about is keeping everything together to upgrade later and wiring it correctly. I'm guessing I'll have to go through a few iterations or small steps to get it where I want it to be.

I also got the pi 3 but after discovering its tendency to overheat and its heavy power consumption I decided to go to the pi 2. I have all the parts I need except the teensy, battery, power switch, breadboard and the pi 2. After seeing adafruits expensive shipping I have a hard time convincing myself to get it.

I cut my x and y buttons in my last case and surprisingly I had the exact dremel bit for cutting the buttons so all I did was mark the buttons and dremel. I did however manage to mess up the back when dremeling it to fit my r and l buttons so I ordered a new case. I got my housing from eBay and it came on the same day as @kitch-bent s 4 button PCB board, clear screen cover and buttons.

Here's what it looks like

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I plan on dremeling the hole for the x and y buttons tomorrow so I'll see how that goes.

[Kilren]

I plan on dremeling the hole for the x and y buttons tomorrow so I'll see how that goes.

I like the yellow case. I saw a semi-transparent green one the other day I might try doing a build in later just because it looks fun.

Are you super comfortable with the dremel? Unless you're doing a lot of woodworking or other heavy router work, they can be tricky. If you have access to a drill, it is a safer method for holes that have to constantly be seen. Just always start with either a pilot hole or a punch.

Now if you are comfortable with a dremel, have fun. I'm excited to see your build in the yellow submarine.

[Retrohead95]

I plan on dremeling the hole for the x and y buttons tomorrow so I'll see how that goes.

I like the yellow case. I saw a semi-transparent green one the other day I might try doing a build in later just because it looks fun.

Are you super comfortable with the dremel? Unless you're doing a lot of woodworking or other heavy router work, they can be tricky. If you have access to a drill, it is a safer method for holes that have to constantly be seen. Just always start with either a pilot hole or a punch.

Now if you are comfortable with a dremel, have fun. I'm excited to see your build in the yellow submarine.

Thanks man I'll keep you posted. I'm relatively comfortable using the dremel now. I used it on my last case and cut the x and y holes perfectly, Only thing that I'm worried about is cutting the L and R buttons like chiz did in the back which is what ruined my last housing . The trick that I use is start small and increase the size gradually. Then use the low setting on it. I also put my left hand on one end, hang it half way off the table and use my right hand to dremel. Been working great so far.

[Retrohead95]

Decided to work on the front of the housing today. I also decided to go with the pi zero since I'll mostly be isn't this for Gameboy and Super Nintendo Roms. Now back to the housing. I Checked and @kitsch-Ben s controller board fits perfectly.

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You can see here where I messed up on my original housing. Was rushing it and my dremel battery died twice during this.

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Dremeled the holes for the x and y buttons and they fit perfectly. Dremel battery died 3 times lol. I have no idea how it dies so fast, it's not even 2 months old.

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Dremeled the screen area. Not exactly happy with how it came out. There's also a clear screen protector that I got from @kitsch-Ben on there as well but it's kinda hard to see. I'll probably take the protector off and sand down some more of the bezel to get it looker cleaner.

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I've been trying to get the snes silicone button pads to fit but have had no luck. Guess I'll try to modify it some more to get it to fit since I don't like how the buttons feel without the pads. I also added button wells but I'll take pictures as soon as I start working on the case again.

[crispy_tofu]

Looking good! What's with your dremel battery though?

[Retrohead95]

Looking good! What's with your dremel battery though?

Lol. It's probably laying on the desk dead as we speak.

[Retrohead95]

Well I managed to ruin the back of this case too trying to get the l and r button holes. Guess I'll have to order a different housing and just using the rear screw hole tactile switches like @wermy did

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[crispy_tofu]

That doesn't look too bad, what's wrong with it?

[Raquor]

I agree with crispy_tofu, the back looks okay to me, maybe try adding a slight angle to the hole to "pretty" it up a bit?

[DirtyBullets]

If there are some gaps then why not make it even better by adding some LED's and let it glow rings around the buttons?