Mini SNES – Raspberry Pi 2/3 Case

License Update
I have been getting many inquiries about using this design commercially. If you want print these and sell them to people, go right ahead! The license is now CC – Attribution, so I just ask that you credit me as the source of the original case design and link to my website andrewbougie.com. Thanks!

Update 05/08/16

I’ve uploaded a STEP file for easy modification in most CAD software. Have fun remixing!

Description

It’s a mini SNES that can do anything the Raspberry Pi 2 or 3 is able to do! Skip to the instructions below if you don’t care about the back story.

I have two sons that are getting old enough to take an interest in video games. I had my wife’s old SNES in storage so we pulled that out late last year. The boys loved it, but having wires everywhere in true 90’s fashion wasn’t going to cut it. I made this Mini SNES to run Recalbox with a bluetooth controller so my boys and I can enjoy the games I loved as a kid and not have to deal with the inconvenience of being tethered. It also gives you the advantage of having modern audio and video connections so it will work with most current AV systems.

Credit for the base full-size SNES design goes to RSants over on GrabCAD:

https://grabcad.com/library/snes-console-2

His model saved me a lot of time that would have been spent measuring and modeling from my original SNES.

If you print this, be sure to share your make here on Thingiverse and tag @andrewbougie on Twitter and Instagram. I love to see what others do with my models!

Instructions

The print instructions are short, but the print may not be the easiest if you don’t have your support settings dialed in.

Print [1] top and [1] bottom with supports enabled.
Print [2] controller connections
Print [2] power/reset buttons
Print [1] Eject button

The buttons are separate so you can paint or print them in a different color and then glue them to the main case. I use Gorilla Glue super glue gel for ABS and PLA.

Screw everything together with tiny screws. I designed the case to use these:
http://amzn.com/B00GDYNHL6

The board is held in place by 4 of the above screws. The two halves are fastened with only two screws toward the front of the case. Based on the way this case is used, this should be sufficient for most people.

You can see there is some empty space in the front of the case for additional electronics should you want to get fancier with the design and add a power LED to the front or add other (very) small boards for more functionality.

You are done if you have your own plans for this case.

Full Mini SNES Parts List

If you want this to play SNES (or NES, Genesis, Gameboy, etc) games, you’ll need RecalBox or a similar emulator OS for the Raspberry Pi. Here is a full list of parts as well as relevant software links. You won’t find ROM links here, but this is 2016 after all. Google it.

Hardware

Raspberry Pi 2 http://amzn.com/B00T2U7R7I or 3 http://amzn.com/B01CD5VC92

Bluetooth game controller. PS3 or PS4 controllers work. You can also use wired USB controllers or a keyboard. Check the RecalBox compatibility list. I bought this retro SNES controller http://amzn.com/B014QP2H1E

Bluetooth adaptor since Raspberry Pi 2 doesn’t have it built in and current version of RecalBox doesn’t support RPi3 build in bluetooth: http://amzn.com/B007GFX0PY

MicroSD card http://amzn.com/B00IVPU7KE

USB A to Micro B – Get the two pack. You’ll be happy you did. 3 feet was long enough for me, but you might need longer. http://amzn.com/B00NH13O7K

Good power adapter for your Rasperry Pi 2 or 3 http://amzn.com/B009KY4BSE

Software

All you need for software is RecalBox. Full instructions here:
http://www.recalbox.com/diyrecalbox

Print Settings

Printer Brand:

Printrbot

Printer:

Printrbot Plus

Rafts:

No

Supports:

Yes

Resolution:

200 microns

Infill:

25%

Notes:

I used 200 microns, but 100 would give you a smoother curve at the top of the case.

I print all my stuff at 25% infilll. This is overkill for many models, so you my be able to get away with less.

Credits:

AndrewBougie