Back to the Future…?
Ben combined an Atari and an Xbox 360 portable laptop; using the look and feel of a 1970s Atari console to help support the debut of new games based on iconic titles.
The entire build process is detailed, including designing the system with Adobe Illustrator, routing each piece of the new casing, re-wiring and connecting the Xbox 360 components, and prepping the circuit board inside the new LCD screen and backing panel to ensure the electronics fit properly.
“I was thrilled when Atari approached me to build this unique gaming system – this is the most ‘Ben Heck’ type project I could possibly build,” said Ben.
Elements from the original Atari system, such as wood paneling, sharp, contoured edges and Atari’s classic metal switches, have been incorporated. He even combines graphics from the original Atari joystick with the “ring of light” required by the Xbox system.
After powering up the machine for a quick game of ‘Street Fighter IV,’ Ben concludes the project a success. “We are thrilled with the final build of Ben’s custom Xbox 360 1977 Edition system,” said Lee Jacobson, SVP of Licensing and Digital Publishing, Atari. “Ben clearly had a lot of fun and it’s great to see how the classic, retro Atari design is incorporated. The system completely exceeded our expectations and we’re sure that any Atari enthusiast would be thrilled to use this unique system.”
Show fans are invited to visit www.element14.com to register for a chance to win one of Ben’s recent builds, submit videos of their own builds or to throw Ben a challenge for a future episode.
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