Iconic Arcade has unveiled the Street Fighter™ Alpha 2 XXL Arcade Machine, a 9/10 scale replica designed to bring the classic arcade experience into your home.
Key Features:
• Authentic Design: Captures the look and feel of 90s arcade cabinets, complete with a lighted marquee and faux coin door.
• Responsive Controls: Equipped with high-quality joysticks and buttons for precise gameplay.
• Game Selection: Includes 14 classic Capcom titles, offering a diverse range of retro gaming experiences.
• Modern Hardware: Powered by Raspberry Pi 5, ensuring smooth performance and featuring HDMI output for streaming or recording gameplay.
• Online Multiplayer: Enables competitive play with friends and other players.
Pre-orders are now open, with a special price of $699.99 (regularly $799.99). The expected shipping date is June 6, 2024. For more details and to place an order, visit VMInnovations’ website.
The retro gaming scene thrives on nostalgia—a powerful force that keeps us hooked on the cherished games of our youth. Despite Nintendo’s successful ventures with the NES and SNES Classic Editions, fans have long awaited a Nintendo 64 Mini Classic Edition. While no official product exists, the creative spirit of the gaming community has bridged the gap. This blog explores the creation of a DIY Nintendo 64 Mini Classic Edition using the versatile Raspberry Pi 5, blending nostalgia with modern technology.
A Nostalgic Look Back
When Nintendo introduced the NES and SNES Classic Editions, they rekindled the flame of retro gaming. These consoles catered to a generation that grew up on Mario, Zelda, and Metroid, packaged in sleek miniaturised forms. Released between 2017 and 2018, these editions aligned perfectly with the launch of the Nintendo Switch, providing a sense of continuity in Nintendo’s gaming universe.
The SNES Mini (EU Edition)
What Made Them Popular?
• Nostalgia Reimagined: Players relived classic games with modern ease.
• Plug-and-Play Convenience: No fiddling with cartridges or blowing on connectors—just pure gaming.
• Speculated Expansion: Rumours about potential Game Boy or Nintendo 64 Mini editions buzzed for years, fuelling anticipation.
However, the Nintendo 64 Mini never materialised. Meanwhile, Sega dipped into the nostalgia pool with its Genesis Mini, but consumer interest in such official products eventually waned. Enter the enthusiasts who take matters into their own hands.
Enter the DIY Nintendo 64 Mini Project
Determined to bring the Nintendo 64 Mini to life, a creative gamer embarked on a project to build one from scratch. At the heart of this endeavour was the Raspberry Pi 5, a credit-card-sized computer renowned for its versatility and affordability. The Pi, coupled with a custom Nintendo 64-style case, created the foundation for this retro revival.
Raspberry Pi Model 5
What Made This Project Special?
1. Authentic Aesthetics: A Retro Flag case designed to mimic the colourful charm of the original console.
2. Powerful Hardware: The Raspberry Pi 5’s advanced specs made it perfect for emulating Nintendo 64 games.
3. Tailored Experience: A handpicked selection of 60 iconic titles ensured every gaming session was a trip down memory lane.
Building the Console
The Components
Before diving into the build, assembling the right tools and components was essential:
1. Raspberry Pi 5 ($45-$80 depending on spec): The brain of the operation.
2. RetroFlag Case ($29.99): Shaped like the Nintendo 64 for that authentic retro feel.
3. Heat Sinks and Cooling Fans: To keep the Pi running smoothly during intense gaming sessions.
4. Micro SD Card ($21.05 – suggested Sandisk 256gb): For storage, loaded with games and the operating system.
2. Flash the SD Card: Use Win32 Disk Imager (or a similar tool) to write the image to the card.
3. Boot Up the Pi: Insert the SD card into the Pi, power it on, and let Batocera work its magic.
Adding Games
Transferring ROMs (game files) is a straightforward process:
1. Connect to Wi-Fi: Configure your network for easy file transfers.
2. Use FileZilla: This FTP client allows you to drag and drop ROMs into the Pi’s storage.
3. Organise Your Library: Add box art and video previews for a polished look.
Reliving the Nintendo 64 Experience
Gaming Setup
Once everything is in place, the DIY Nintendo 64 Mini boots to life, displaying a clean interface and an array of familiar games. With a controller in hand, the nostalgic journey begins.
• Customisation: Users can tweak splash screens, add background music, and personalise settings.
• Controller Pairing: A quick Bluetooth sync connects the classic Nintendo 64 controller for an authentic feel.
And there you have it! Your own Nintendo 64 mini console. If you are a Nintendo 64 game collector then make sure you protect your precious collection with a RetroShell, and if you love retro, then sign up to our free weekly retro gaming newsletter.
What do you think of this Nintendo 64 Mini Classic Edition? Are you tempted to build your own or perhaps adapt this idea for another console? Let us know in the comments below!
