CRT-NES: A Pixelated Dream in the Palm of Your Hand!
In an age dominated by crisp flat modern displays displays (LCD,LED,OLED etc), one modder has dared to go back in time, delivering a truly unique and wonderfully “blast from the past” gaming experience: a handheld NES powered by a glorious, miniature CRT screen!
Behold the “CRT-NES,” a retro gaming marvel with authentic, glowing pixels. This isn’t just a novelty; it’s a meticulously crafted homage to what many consider the golden era of video games, bringing the true aesthetic of 8-bit to a portable form factor.
A Glimpse into the Past, Today
The creator MrColdSolder (Reddit), clearly a visionary with a penchant for classic tech, started with the guts of an NES clone console. These internals were then carefully integrated into a custom-designed, 3D-printed shell. But the true star of the show is undoubtedly the display: a charming 5-inch black and white CRT, originally salvaged from a door telecom system. While photographs might not fully capture its brilliance, the MrColdSolder assures us that in person, it’s a vibrant, glowing window into NES history.
Imagine the satisfaction of seeing Mario bounce across the screen, his sprites rendered with the beautiful scanlines and subtle curvature that only a CRT can provide. This isn’t emulation trying to mimic a CRT; this is the CRT experience, shrunk down to something that you can play on the bus to work.
Features That Matter
Despite its compact size, this handheld marvel doesn’t skimp on functionality. It proudly accepts full-sized NES cartridges, ensuring compatibility with the entire library. MrColdSolder has also thoughtfully included adjustable brightness, contrast, and volume controls, allowing for a personalized viewing and listening experience.
Powering this powerhouse is a custom-built, rechargeable battery pack utilizing 18650 cells, providing a respectable two hours of battery life, more than enough for a few rounds of Tetris or a speed run of Super Mario Bros.
Inspired by a Legend
For those who might wonder about the inspiration behind such a unique project, the creator openly credits “James Channel.” Another channel that creates many unique retro dream gadgets.
Dive Deeper into the Build!
Curious about the intricate process of bringing this badbou to life? MrColdSolder has documented the entire build process in a video, embedded below.
While acknowledging the video’s length and their developing presentation skills (presentation is top notch btw), MrColdSolder hopes it serves as a valuable insight into the challenges and triumphs of such a unique project. It’s a testament to the dedication and learning curve involved in custom electronics.But honestly, what a guy and what a project!
The CRT-NES stands as a brilliant example of how passion and ingenuity can breathe new life into old technology, offering a truly authentic and unforgettable gaming experience. It’s a handheld console that doesn’t just play games; it evokes feelings of pure love and joy.
