2026-03-04
I have acquired 108 stars in SM64! I have only 12 castle secret stars remaining, which I found an IGN guide for. Reminds me of the old days where we would borrow magazines from friends or the Library to complete difficult games. I’m recording the gameplay and webcam footage of the entire run, which has been progressing in little chunks every dew days. Look forward to that video!
Ok onto the case. We have a table, camping chair, and 2 telescoping stools. We have a cardboard placeholder template of the platform/shelf and a couple screws anchoring the N64 to the cardboard.
There are lots of constraints to mounting everything in the case. The cables take a lot of space, the lid has to be able to close, there is only so much surface space to work with…
The idea right now is to come up with a 2 stage setup, where the N64 in stage 2 is fully deployed and able to be played, and stage 1 is where the N64 is recessed into the case and stored for transport.
The same stowage has to occur with the PC case too, which needs to be out of the way so the monitor/lid/webcam/mic combo can close.
The idea for the PC is to have it permanently recessed under the level of the shelf. This way, a selection games can be displayed to the right of the console while the case is in stage 2 (game mode.)
I ordered some Gorilla mounting tape, which will be necessary to secure the monitor, mic, and webcam to the lid. I’m having second thoughts about that— maybe I should get Velcro instead, so I can pull things off, reposition, or maintain them. I think the monitor especially would benefit from removability because that one has so many connections on the bottom which may need to be swapped out at some point.
The first challenge that I want to tackle is the N64 stage 1. I think it will be the most complex, and I like doing the most difficult thing first. Right now, I’m thinking of creating an upper and lower shelf system. The upper shelf section that holds the console would be detachable, shimmied under the remaining upper shelf section, then lowered down and constrained by four corners of a lower shelf system. This way, the N64 would be secure for transport, and out of the way of the lid.
Easier said than done, but that’s where I’m at right now. I think we can do it and I think it will be great!
This is a difficult project for me in the physical realm, but I’m doing it because it’s worth it! I’ve been dreaming of having this setup that I can take anywhere and play with friends and family. I’m really excited to have it complete so I can start making new memories with friends and family on an old console.
Thinking ahead, once we get the cardboard template finalized, we could commission Ponoko to cut us a panel that matches our case. Material wise, I’m thinking stone acrylic or Bamboo premium veneer MDF or Amber Bamboo Plywood or Walnut Premium Veneer MDF