Last month we did a shoot here in Verona for a segment on G4’s X-Play. You can take a look at it using the link below. Enjoy!
http://www.g4tv.com/xplay/features/20666/Will_Work_For_Games_Custom_Console_Creator.html
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Ben’s Hack Pick of the Week
Today’s Hack Pick of the Week is a really well-done Super Nintendo portable by Brian Henderson.
Using a stock case from Polycase.com and a lot of good old fashioned elbow grease he created the slick SNES portable you see above. I think it’s quite well done. For more photos and information you can check out his “Making Of”, contained in our very own forums.
Answers to Frequently Asked Questions
Been going through my email today and noticed I tend to get the same few questions every time. Considering the new traffic from the X-Play appearence on G4, I figured this would be a great time for another “Answers to Frequently Asked Questions” post!
Q: I want to buy an Xbox 360 laptop! -or- Please send me detailed instructions via email!
A: I only build about 1 of these a year, and they’re expensive due to the large amount of labor – think decent used-car expensive. You can find How-To instructions on Engadget, or lots more information in general on our forums.
Q:Â Can you make me a single-handed game controller?
A: Again, there is too much labor involved to build one for every request. However the official production model – which we talked about last fall – is forthcoming. PS2/PS3 versions first, Xbox 360 to follow. Click here to read our last update.
Q: Build me a PS360 controller!
A: Again there are instructions online. I charge far too much for this procedure, again because of time constraints. But if you’re willing to drop the cost of a PS3 to get a custom controller, by all means email me.
Q: You should make / are you working on a PS3 portable?
A: Yes. My upcoming projects are always at least hinted at, if you look closely at my stories and photos.
Q: Create an Xbox 360/PS3/Wii combo unit!
A: No.
In other news, I plan to attend the 2008 Midwest Gaming Classic. As far as I know I won’t be speaking there, but if you’d like anything signed or want to talk shop dig me up. Podcast co-host Jason Jones will probably be there as well, along with many of our forum members.
Benheck Podcast #39
We’re back with another podcast for your listening pleasure! This time around we discuss self-censorship in the media, specifically the altered Indiana Jones 4 trailers, the death of HD-DVD, how serial TV shows (such as Lost, 24) may be shooting themselves in the foot and finally MP3 player/download services revisited.
Ben’s Hack Pick of the Wii-k
Thanks to everyone who submitted hacks in the past week! I skimmed over them and picked Ryan Culy’s “Wii Controller for Single-Handed Use”:
The basic idea is that you strap the nunchuck to one arm and press the analog stick against your leg to use it. The C and Z buttons are ported out and attached to the side of the main Wii-mote, thus making it the main controller but with nunchuck support. I picked this project because it has a good purpose and I’ve had lots of requests for something similar, and unfortunately haven’t gotten around to doing it myself. So this proves it can be done, way to go Ryan!
Additionaly I am impressed that he assembled the casing out of multiple layers of laser-cut acrylic – which shows patience and devotion – as well as a high tolerance for resin bond and super glue fumes. Check out his full site below (click on “Wii Controller” under “Projects”)
Link: http://rmculy.iweb.bsu.edu/web/Â
I am adding a “Submit Cool Project” link to the right frame of this website – please use it for all future submissions. I shall try and pick one per week, time permitting. Thanks again and happy hacking!
Benheck.com Podcast the 38th
Ha ha we skipped a week and only some of you noticed! The traffic clogged us up last week anyway so pushing back the ‘cast was probably a good idea.
Been a bit busy lately, but we threw together what topics we could and filled the rest with rambling and sawdust. First up is “Great Inventions of the Ages” – including spray cheese and the wheel – and how they’ve helped society. Then, in a shocking turn, I briefly discuss one of my own projects, a rariety in our podcast! Finally we do “The Sandwich List”, which, unlike a bucket list, is about which actresses in Hollywood should seriously consider eating a sandwich. I think this came up because at one point during the rambling one of us mentioned Jennifer “Rocketeer” Connelly and it kind of went from there.
Enjoy, and I hope we’ll have a more polished ‘cast next time.
Submit-A-Hack
While going through and doing some maintenance on my site I had an idea – what if people submitted their own cool hacks to Benheck.com as a way of showing them to the world? This could allow modders and builders of cool things an entry point and exposure they might otherwise not get. Also – since I do not often get around to showing my projects as often as I like – this would help keep the site’s content fresh – perhaps one “featured” project per week.
So let’s give it a try. If you or a friend has a cool project you’d like me to show on this site, email me using this link. I’ll pick my favorite each week and post a short review of it, along with links back to your home page. (Having your own site detailing the project is plus)
Main criteria: Must be something you’ve built or modded, but it won’t be limited to gaming or computers. If you’ve got a hybrid static-electricity-powered car or automatic can crusher/french fry maker it’s all fair game.
Note: Do not use comments to submit ideas – please email them to me using the link above.