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Atari Jaguar clone console project
a month ago
As a little project...I got an idea.
You know those old hardware based lone consoles, right?
I'm actually thinking of MAKING one that's homemade...an Atari Jaguar clone console, in fact!
Granted? It may seem like an odd idea for a DIY video game console project, but...knowing how expensive hardware emulation based consoles currently are? This wouldn't be a bad project! (That way, I can make it for playing video games that are on cartridge AND disk, for the Atari Jaguar, without the need of any add-ons...AND be able to test controllers to make sure they work; whether 1st party or 3rd party!
I think it's very doable. Thing is, I'll probably need a breadboard, so I don't have to worry about any soldering, and simply set it up so things are on and won't fall out so easily! (And give it a good customized case, too.)
You know those old hardware based lone consoles, right?
I'm actually thinking of MAKING one that's homemade...an Atari Jaguar clone console, in fact!
Granted? It may seem like an odd idea for a DIY video game console project, but...knowing how expensive hardware emulation based consoles currently are? This wouldn't be a bad project! (That way, I can make it for playing video games that are on cartridge AND disk, for the Atari Jaguar, without the need of any add-ons...AND be able to test controllers to make sure they work; whether 1st party or 3rd party!
I think it's very doable. Thing is, I'll probably need a breadboard, so I don't have to worry about any soldering, and simply set it up so things are on and won't fall out so easily! (And give it a good customized case, too.)
Granted? It's old. But there are CERTAINLY some clever homebrew video games that are being made for it!
It's got a cult following these days, with a lot of well made after-market indie games that are worth trying out!
Proving that the post 1st party commercial lifespan market is actually something that is doing the said old video game platform a FAVOR, too!
Bear in mind that if you're using breadboard, signal integrity will be a big issue, and your system won't clock very fast. A 6502-based machine is doable, but something in the performance league of the Jaguar (~25 MHz) will need a proper PCB.
If you're on a budget, probably the best pre-built console right now is the Agon Light. I think you can get one for about $50, and being based on the EZ80, it's pretty capable for an 8-bit system. If you're really on a budget, you might still be able to get an Uzebox. Most other retro systems, like the Commander X16, are just way too damn expensive for what they offer.
If a breadboard can't do it? I'll just worry about getting a regular PCB on that...but good advice! I thank you for letting me know!