So I’m going to try and explain a major project I’m working on and document it. I will probably post pictures later. Basically it goes like this.

*use a http://retrode.org to make legit ROMs of existing physical SNES games

*use an open source, publicly licensed emulator

*Use real SNES controllers with special usb adapters

*Create a ‘kiosk’ setup with a flat screen monitor

*Develop controller-controlled front end software

*Make it coin (and later, bill) operated. $25 = 5 minutes of playtime then the screen locks and you have an option to continue.

I don’t actually plan to make money on this. But I think it could be an appealing item for trendy hang out type places - maybe they would leave it free play.  Are there any advantages over a regular snes? Well there are no cartridges to mess with -the customer can change games whenever they want. And it’s a potential revenue stream like gumball machines. Essentially they are ‘renting’ the games for short periods of time. I don’t think it’s anything horribly illegal - but I’m going to go for it reguardless.

Today I finally implemented controller-based menu stuff for the first time. For now, it only works with a 360 controller but I hope to extend it to the SNES controllers with time. The software I’m using to make the front end is called ‘Construct’ by scirra.com - right now the emulator i’m tying it into (via batch files) is bSnes (http://byuu.org) hopefully pictures and diagrams soon.

Also recently I found out that Meghan [Flynn] Desomer works at the coolest local coffe place I have ever seen [Tempo] and showed her some sketches and pitched the idea. It’s not a good fit for Tempo - but the idea  holds some appeal in a retail/hang space.