Retrocube

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Retrocube is a project of using a GameCube case for a retropie project (retro gaming using raspberry pi) This first part describe the hardware of this project.

Project

The aim is to build a retro gaming console using :

  • A GameCube case
  • A Raspberry Pi (with retropie)
  • 2 GameCube gamepad

The console should run :

  • Without keyboard
  • The original power button from the GameCube should be working
  • The original reset button from the GameCube should be working
  • The front gamepad connectors (2) should be working
  • The GameCube should be powered through the original power supply unit or any other supply unit

Hardware Part

GameCube opening tool

The GameCube uses 4 special screw. We need to build a tool to open it. Such a tool can be made using a simple Bic :

  • Remove the ballpoint part
  • Carefully, burn the end of the pen with a lighter
  • Quickly put the burned end of the pen onto one of the 4 screw and wait for the pen to cool down
  • Then you can use this tool to remove the 4 screw

GameCube dismantling

Safely dismantle all the parts

GPIO to gamepad

The gamepad will use the gamecon_gpio_rpi driver which use the following GPIO pins:

Carefully identify each pins, i use small paper to identify the interesting wire :

  • 3.3V
  • 5V
  • PAD1
  • PAD2
  • PAD3
  • GROUND

I found an adapter in an old dvd reader to connect the GPIO to the GameCube front panel. Each ( port 1 and port 2 ) gamecube controller should be connected to

  • Pin2 to PAD2 or PAD3
  • Pin3 to GROUND
  • Pin6 to 3.3V
  • Led to 5V
  • Reset switch to PAD1

I used a continuity tester and the following connecter pinout to identify the wire :

and here is the result :

Links

GameCube opening http://www.ifixit.com/Teardown/Nintendo+GameCube+Teardown/1727
gamecon_gpio_rpi driver https://github.com/petrockblog/RetroPie-Setup/wiki/gamecon_gpio_rpi
GameCube gamepad pinout http://www.int03.co.uk/crema/hardware/gamecube/gc-control.html