Gamecube U

If you think that Nintendo GameCube is dead, you should guess again. Nintendo GameCube was released in 2001 so it can parry Xbox and PlayStation 2 and it was the first console from Nintendo that could read optical discs. Nintendo GameCube might have been a great console but it was discontinued in 2007. Soon Nintendo Wii replaced GameCube but that does not mean that GameCube is dead.

Recently we have come across an interesting video that shows interesting GameCube handheld mod that allows you to play your favorite GameCube games on the move. This interesting mod is called GameCube u and it is made of CNC cut acrylic and MDF plywood. GameCube u comes with 5-inch display and with two ports for external controllers so you can enjoy in multiplayer as well. It remains a question how can two players actually play with two separate GameCube u controllers on a 5-inch display, but it still a great that multiplayer is supported on a single device. In addition, GameCube u comes with AV output, and a built-in memory card. We should mention that you would not find GameCube u in retail stores but if you lucky you might get one from eBay for $484.

GameCube u looks interesting enough and it surely beats other handhelds such as PlayStation Portable and Nintendo DS, but sadly, it is just a mod. Sure, Game Cube u has all the hardware power that Game Cube u has and if you thought that Game Cube is dead, I suggest that you check out the video bellow.

Originally posted on gossip gamer -kaokensho

Quasi Portable Playstation 2

One of the things I love most about Ben Heck's book, Hacking Video Game Consoles: Turn your old video game systems into awesome new portables is that he gives two methods for creating custom cases.  One shows how to do it step by step by hand!  While the other gives instructions for CNC machinery (basically a laser cutter with a robotic arm).  Laser cutters can be found in almost every city via a sign shop.  Found this little gem at geek.com.  The PlayStation 2 is a console few gamers will ever forget. Unlike the PS3′s awkward start it was a perfect follow-up to the PSOne and sold like hot cakes, and has continued to sell millions even as it was being replaced.  While I still have a PS2 under my TV, some people have decided to start experimenting with the hardware instead. One such person is a UK modder by the name of techknott who has managed to transform a PS2 console into a PS2 handheld unit.

The disc drive is mounted on the back of the unit while the DualShock controller has been rearranged and mounted on the casing surrounding a PSOne display taken from the console’s screen accessory. It’s a 5-inch LCD color TFT display that does a good enough job.  While it’s quite a bulky unit, I can still see it being acceptable for holding while playing for relatively long periods of time. It’s non PSP, though, and can’t currently be played on the go due to the lack of a battery pack.  - Ben Heck would have a heart attack!

-kaokensho

Minecraft USB Powered Nether Portal

A second usb "powered" product from thinkgeek.com?  You bet!  Any of the current 3 million Minecraft players out there should recognize the nether portal. Let's check out what they have to say about this awesome gag gift!

If you’re a Minecraft addict, chances are the game invades your thoughts even when you’re not playing. Get the new Minecraft USB Desktop Nether Portal, and now instead of just thinking about Minecraft you can play with your very own operational Nether Portal. You’ll think you’re deaming of Minecraft when you use this desktop Nether portal to clean up your office by transferring your clutter to the next dimension.

Minecraft USB Desktop Nether Portal

• 8″ x 10″ Desktop Minecraft Nether Portal
• Hums calmly till something passes through the plane
• Serene, yet eerie purple glow
• Corners are removable if you’re the efficient type
• Requires 10w, high-power USB port to transfer matter
• Doubles as a photo frame for people you’d like to put in the Nether
• Official, licensed Minecraft collectible

-kaokensho

USB Powered Pet Rock

Yes, this has nothing to do with retro video games...at first glance.  Found this gem while browsing at this great retro greek website called thinkgeek.com, that does in fact feature some awesome old school Nintendo goodies.  The USB Powered Pet Rock does it all!  Huh, come to think of it I do have a gallon bag full of usb cables and a hot glue gun.  If only I could find a rock somewhere...  Here's the ad info and direct link:  The Pet Rock phenomenon was an unbelievable experiment performed in the 70s by an advertising executive. The challenge: could he take a simple idea, market it, make people happy, and use it all to turn himself into a millionaire? The answer: yes. And . . . well, we at ThinkGeek love performing famous experiments to see if we can duplicate the outcome. But we need your help.  Simply plug the USB cable into a free port and let the fun begin. The USB Pet Rock will instantly begin to work its magic. People will stop by and ask you what your USB Pet Rock does. Each time, you can make up a new story; for no matter what you say, it will be greater than the truth - because these USB Pet Rocks don't do a dang thing. Except make you smile. And confuse your friends and coworkers, which will make you smile even more. So, get your USB Pet Rock today, and help make us rich tomorrow.
FYI fellow Retrotizers' the original Pet Rock is still out there via Edmund Scientific and other uber nerd outlets.  Curiously the old non-usb powered Pet Rock offers the same features as the update.  You can't make this kind of stuff up! -kaokensho

Wiitendo

This project earns its merit for concept, not aesthetics.  I more than most understand the need for a good logo splash but those stickers and Robins' egg blue color is just ugly.  

“This project was a labor of love and took some hours to gut our original Nintendo so that the Wii fit nicely inside. This required lots of dremel tool action. Wired in some fun LEDs, used some Gamecube extention cables to access the ports, threw in a large Gamecube memory card, and waalah, the Wiitendo is born!"