Saturday, August 30, 2008

Giant SNES table: Video and final touches

I'll keep adding any changes that I make to the project to this post. I'll also try and answer any questions that I see from other blogs/ sites. Heres 2 videos of the controller in action.

Me


Me and my roomate


Judging from some reactions, I think alot of people missed the point of this entirely. I love woodworking, and saw this as a big challenge for my craftsmanship. I also love video games, though I'm usually too busy to play them much. I also thought this would be a cool novelty/ conversation piece. I might eventually make it into a table w/ legs, but for now I like it as a stand alone controller. Its not 4 feet wide, its 40 inches. I did this so it would be more ergonomic to play with one person. The D pad and buttons are a comfortable arms length.

So heres a few responses to comments from some of the other blogs that posted an article about the controller.

  1. "Props for the man's craftmanship, but I think he needs a job. Possibly, a wife too."
    -I have a sweet job as an intern as well as being a Senior at UCF for Engineering, and I'm 21, not lookin for a wife.
  2. "So is this that guy's bid at becoming King of the Dorks?"
    -I don't think I'm 1st in line, but "the dorks" welcome me with open arms.
  3. "He should have just spent the time building a life sized girlfriend."
    -I might be wrong, but wouldn't that be more pathetic?
  4. "Surprised no one has said "OMG THE BUTTONS ARE THE WRONG COLOUR!!" I was expecting someone who grew up playing the PAL or Japanese SNES to at least come in with that comment."
    -I've said this a few times now, but I grew up with the purple toned SNES. I like the 4 color PAL/JAP colors better, but its not near as nostalgic for me. I've lived in FL all my life, not too many people around here would recognize the other color set.
  5. "the best controller just got bigger :P"
    -I totally agree, my favorite controller as well.
  6. "SCAD Inc., which I will charitably call a garage-based novelty enlargement collective"
    - Wow, pretentious much? First off, I live in an apartment without a garage, so I work on my front porch and store the tools in my room. Also, we don't claim to be anything but a couple guys that like to build things. We thought it'd be fun to give our not-so-company a name and logo. This was a project I took on myself, but many of the other projects on here were done by all 3 of us (surf fins, sub box... which I'll put up at some point... etc). We just build the things we want that can't be found anywhere else... not "novelty enlargement". But thanks for the post and link to my blog, I appreciate the hype.
  7. "How is this the least bit pratical? How do you use a 4 foot wide controller?"
    - Its not practical... its fun. I use it just fine, watch the video.
  8. "Yeah, thats a gag for my console but it really works. But mainly I play DAoC on the big machine. " He remarked. " DAoC ? What is DAoC ? " She asked. "Ahhh, you have to see this, it is the best RvR MMORPG on the net!" He answered. "Oh!" She exclaimed. "Nevermind, I play WoW, I think the little cartoon people are sooo cute!">>> BASH <<<>>> Thud <<<<(or date killer if you are a single guy)I like dual purpose hardware."
    - What?
  9. "didnt they do a working nes controller?now this will be even harder for just 2 people to usewhos going to be hitting the l1/l2 and r1/r2 buttons"
    - Yes the NES was done, thats why I did the SNES, and again, watch the videos for playability. Oh, and there are no L2 or R2...
  10. "not when you are over compensating and have to produce something like a 4 foot snes controller to make yourself sleep better at night."
    - I sleep fine, but thanks for the concern.
  11. "someone needs to work on their jig saw skills..."
    -really? Didn't realize Bob Vila over here was judging me.
  12. "all i can say is "why?"
    - A bad question deserves a bad response. Why not.
  13. "So this is only the.. what… 1000000th giant game controller?"
    - Third to my knowledge, though theres also an atari stick, not sure if it worked.
  14. "Those springs look too weak to support enough push for the buttons.I would like to see him fabricate a giant silicone membrane :P"
    - (this was a comment on a pictureonly showing the button mount, no buttons) The springs your referring to don't support the buttons, they are the grounding side of the contact for the button. Each of the ABXY buttons are supported by 3 springs wrapped around bolts cut off and nailed into the buttons. The other buttons are different. If you're interested read the older posts.
  15. "this creation is only 15 years overdue. Do you realize snes hasnt been around since 1993!?"
    - Old systems don't disintegrate when a newer one comes out, though clearly some people don't appreciate that.


Heres just a few links, there are so many more. If you know of anymore definately post them for me!: http://www.ripten.com/2008/08/29/geeked-out-giant-working-snes-controller/

http://www.examiner.com/r-1875102~Four_Foot_SNES_Controller_Actually_Works__For_Shaquille_O_Neal___Modding_.html

http://gonintendo.com/?p=54269

MAKE!!! My favorite so far.
http://blog.makezine.com/archive/2008/08/worlds_largest_snes_contr.html

http://gizmodo.com/5043619/four+foot-snes-controller-actually-works-for-shaquille-oneal

http://kotaku.com/5043796/at-last--a-4+foot-snes-controller-that-works

http://www.rssmeme.com/tag/giant-snes-controller/

http://digg.com/nintendo/Four_Foot_SNES_Controller_Actually_Works_PICS

http://digg.com/nintendo/Giant_SNES_Controller_Brings_a_New_Meaning_to_Tabletop_Games

there are so many more, google around if you're curious. Also, theres a "links to this post" section that you can see a few more.

22 comments:

mykie said...

http://insomnimania.org/gallery/albums/gamez0rz/week0_inspiration.jpg

Patricia Elizabeth Arriaza said...

The people who fault you for taking the time to build this kill me. Why not? You seem to have enjoyed making it and isn't that the point of doing things, regardless what the final result is? The fact that this is functional kicks much ass. Great job!

CaBBage said...

haha, you clearly understand! Finally, thank you.

Anonymous said...

Why are people so critical? Do giant game controllers need to have a purpose. No!
And personally attacking you? That's just lame. I know 2 different girls who would love to go out with you if given the chance. Shows what these people know!

Anonymous said...

Awesome idea! I love this thing! High compliment and greetings from Germany :)

Anonymous said...

Good finishing... it look really really neat >_< Good job

Tasha said...

Unnecessary? Perhaps. Fun? Probably. One of the coolest controllers on the face of the planet and an amazing conversation piece? Definitely. Totally awesome.

Matt said...

This is quite possible the sweetest Giant SNES controller I've ever seen. Oh wait!

Anonymous said...

I'll bet this thing is a real hit at parties. You guys did a great job! You should ignore the jerks and delete their comments. You're above responding to jealous people who are trying to bring you down.

Anonymous said...

Great job!

World ( and speclialy the web) is full of frustrating people arguing and spending time about people having fun.

Keep going! And keep enjoying life.

here is a french web site for you :
http://www.zeronews-fr.com/go-528-un-joypad-supernes-geant.html

CaBBage said...

Thanks man, good to hear that my exploits have extended to France! Though I can't understand a single comment, that might be for the best. I'll assume they all say, "Huh huh! So nice these Americans and their awesome projects!"

Anonymous said...

I'm so confused by why all those people are bashing this. It's one of the most amazing things I've ever seen haha. Personally, SNES is my favorite game console. It's a classic! And it's not like you're making this in hopes of being super original (since others have been made) or to create the newest technology. You've got some real talent, and people should realize that it's a personal project and not something you're making for the public. anyway, kudos on such a fantastic result!

Mostly His said...

THIS HAS GOT TO BE ONE OF THE GREATEST THINGS IVE EVER SEEN. ITS SUCH A GREAT PROJECT. MAD PROPS.

Anonymous said...

dude number 9 is a fucking retard and has never played a super nintendo in their life. Also, I love your response to 15, keep doin what you do, don't let the douchebags bring you down with the douchebaggery

Camille said...

I cannot understand all the dork, get-a-wife/life/girlfriend remarks. God forbid someone creates something just to have a challenge and have fun. I think it's boss.

I love #15. "Do you realize snes hasnt been around since 1993!?" LAWL

Bonedave said...

http://no-rice.com/forum2/showthread.php?tid=3111&pid=28570&#pid28570

I would like to point out that I am british and have a very dry sence of humour - I'm not actually trying to sell your controller.

If you can ship though...

Franuardo said...

Crap my ass. I guess some people would rather turn down a challenge than man up and create something they love. That controller looks perfect. If it didn't work and looked like shit, maaaaybe then they'd have something to say. But seriously, congratulations on accomplishing something awesome and ridiculous.

MB said...

Flipping awesome!

Anonymous said...

don't listen to the haterz, i think this is really sweet and creative! :)

Christopher Andersen said...

I'm not a video gamer, but I really like your controller! It looks fun! Don't listen to the haters, keeping making stuff that's different.

Charalei said...

i found your blog while trying to find a way to fix one of my SNES controllers (the buttons are so the right colours!). your video makes me squee; let's get married :D

A Mommy's World said...

I saw that you posted this early in the year, but I was wondering if you made these to sell as a coffee table? My husband LOVES his video games and this would be an AMAZING present to give him for a birthday or Christmas, or just because. If you could, email me at annastacialynn@hotmail.com and let me know what a price would be for just a table and for a working controller and how long it would take to build one. Thank you so much!! -ST-