**Creating a Retro Gaming Console with Modern Features**
I have to say that I really do enjoy playing my Nintendo switch. That is why one day I thought to myself, "How awesome would it be to have a device with a similar form factor that can not only play retro games but can also be used as a Windows 10 tablet." Sadly though, such a device does not exist. So, I had no other choice than to build one by myself.
**The Heart of the System: LattePanda SBC**
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The heart of the system is this LattePanda single-board computer. It's a great device that can run Windows 10 and has a lot of features, such as Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, and USB ports.
**Adding Modern Features: Speaker, Audio Jack, and Power Button**
To add some modern features to our retro gaming console, we need a small speaker and a 3.5mm audio jack. The speaker will be mounted inside the housing and wired up to the LattePanda's audio jack, which can be used to plug in headphones.
We also need to add a power button, which will be secured inside the housing using hot glue.
**Designing the Housing: A 3D Printed Masterpiece**
After trading a couple of sketches on how the game console should look like and where all the mandatory components should be placed, I started creating 3D models of all the important components with mounting holes. I used Fusion 360 to do that, either manually measuring the components or using the dimensions I found on the internet.
With those models, I was not only able to figure out the size of the game console but also create precise mounting holes for all of them. After 50 versions of my design and around 10 hours, this was the housing I was finally happy with.
**Printing and Assembling the Housing**
I printed the upper half with black PLA filaments, the lower half with white filaments, and all the button caps, shoulder pads, and holding parts with red filaments. Once I got all the 3D printed parts, I removed their support material and did a bit of extra treatment for some sections.
**Assembling the Buttons and Power Button**
I grabbed dozens of 9.5mm long tactile push buttons and soldered two wires to each of them. Then, I positioned the 3D printed button caps inside the holes, pushed the tactile switches into them, and used a bit of hot glue to create a common ground for all the buttons.
**Securing the Speaker, USB Type-C PD PCB, and Audio Jack**
I secured the speaker, USB type-C PD PCB, and audio jack inside the housing using two-component adhesive. Then, I finally secured the LattePanda as well as the screen in place with more M3 screws.
**Wiring Up the System**
I wired up most of the buttons to the Arduino board, connected to the screen, and the LattePanda power button. Don't worry if you didn't get all the details; you can find more pictures and information about this project as always in the video description.
**Closing the System**
It was time to close the system up and use more M3 screws to hold the two halves together. And, as you can see by powering it with the power bank, it all still works fine!
I hope you enjoyed this project and maybe I even inspired you to create something similar! If so, don't forget to like, share, subscribe, and hit the notification bell! Stay creative, and I would see you next time!