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Nintendo (NES) Console PC: Items List

Items Required

  1. Household tools
  2. An NES Console you're willing to convert
  3. A mini-PC
  4. Various cables and converters to permit connections from the exterior of the console to the mini-PC

Items Lists

The Sources

  • I bought the NES Console used on eBay. 
  • I bought everything else, including the mini PC, new from Amazon.

I have great memories

of this machine. I had a Nintendo console in the 1990s, and my favorite games for it were Super Mario Bros. 3 and Kirby's Adventure. 


Today in 2025, I have a need to replace my five year old laptop, and I'm willing to take a chance on a mini PC that performed very well in a review by a trusted technician. 


Obviously, my position from a retro-nerding perspective: WHY NOT COMBINE THE TWO? 



How the NES PC Was Made

Would you like to see the story of the journey? Commentary on how everything was built, and how the decisions were made? Would you like to see images of the build as it progressed? I gotchu, fam!

Get the story

Tools

Phillips-head Screwdriver

Used for removing the six screws on the underside of the console, and for removing most of the contents of the console from their mounts.

Wire Cutters/Strippers

Used for taking apart the console lamp wiring, wiring the lamp to a USB plug, and wiring the fan to a USB plug. 

Rotary Tool

Used for sanding and cutting. I used an older DREMEL brand tool we already had.

Small, Rounded File (Optional*)

I used this tool for cutting through the audio and video RCA port holes on the side, though I could have used the rotary tool for this. I'd bought this from the local hardware store for a previous project.

Handheld Blower/Vacuum

Used for getting all the dust and debris out of the case interior after cutting/sanding. Purchased previously for general use.

Electrical Tape

I used the electrical tape for the wiring I did for connecting the fan to a USB plug, and connecting the console lamp to a USB plug. Purchased previously for general use.

"Super" Glue

Used to glue the plastic building blocks together, and to adhere them to the bottom of the console. Be sure to buy a bottle with a precision applicator.

Adhesive Pads

Used to affix the USB Hub to the back of the console; the adhesive may be removed with Goo Gone or similar solvent. Not as permanent as so-called "Super" glues. Also used to adhere padding to the plastic blocks to cushion the mini-PC in case the console is moved. Kits like these may be ordered through Amazon.

Nitrile Gloves (Optional)

Optional. I wore them while working with the glue in the hope that I wouldn't glue my fingers together if an accident occurred. Happily, the use case was never tested. Previously purchased for general use.

Label Maker (Optional)

Optional. I have a thing for labeling my cables. Makes them easier to identify when they're all BLACK. Previously purchased for general use.

Major Parts List

Mini-PC

GEEKOM Mini PC IT13 2025 Edition, 13th Intel Core i9-13900HK (14C/20T, up to 5.4GHz), 32GB DDR4/1TB NVMe PCIe SSD Mini Desktop, 8K UHD/USB4.0/WiFi 6E/BT5.2/Windows 11 Pro (Amazon, $757). 

Nintendo Classic (NES) Console

Purchased used from an online auction. Prices will vary. (eBay, $78).

Fingerbot

SwitchBot Smart Switch Button Pusher - Bluetooth Fingerbot for Rocker Switch/One-Way Button. Used to push the power button on the PC, actuated from my SmartPhone. (Amazon, $32.)

USB Hub

VIENON Aluminium USB C to USB 3.0 Hub with 7 ports. Attached to the rear of the console. (Amazon, $10)

Minor Parts List

Cooling Fan

I cannot find record of my Amazon order for this, but these are similar: Easycargo 30mm Fan 5V 3.3V DC Quiet Fan. This is a set of four. (Amazon, $10).

Plastic Building Blocks

Unirolic Classic Building Bricks, 200 Piece 2x4 Building Blocks. These seemed a great option for "flooring" to support the mini PC inside of the console. (Amazon, $17). 

Digital LCD Thermometers (Optional)

HiLetgo 5pcs Digital LCD Thermometers for gauging the temperature inside of the enclosure. I bought these for separate project and thought I'd use one for this, mounted to the top half of the console. (Amazon, $11).

Cables and Converters List

USB Extension Cables

Oxsubor SuperSpeed USB 3.0 Male to Female Extension Data Cable Left and Right Angle 2PCS (20CM,8IN). I bought two sets. These cables connect the two USB ports on the front of the mini-PC to the front console exterior. (Amazon, $17). 


Poyiccot Flat Short USB C Extension Cable 5inch, 240W Right Angle USB C Male to Female Cable. (Amazon, $22)


USB plug on one end, bare wires on the other. Jienk 5Pcs 3.2Ft 22AWG USB 2.0 Male 2Pin Pigtail Cable - 3A 5V USB Type A 2 Core Bare Wire Open End Extension Cable for DIY Repair. Used to wire the fan and console lamp into a USB port on the mini PC. (Amazon, $10)

USB Splitter Cable

Adaptermvp USB 2.0 Adapter, Dual USB Female Jack Y Splitter Charger Cable (2 Pack). Two female, one male. Used to connect the fan and the console lamp to a single USB port (they only draw power). (Amazon, $5). 

Power Extension Cables

UpperFu 2pcs DC Power Plug 5.5mm x 2.5mm Male Right Angle to 5.5mm x 2.1mm Female Adapter Extension Cable. Used to connect the mini-PC to its power supply. (Amazon, $14).

USB Right Angle Converters

Jadebones 90 Degree USB 3.0 Adapter (4 Pack), Vertical Up and Down Angle, Horizontal Left and Right Angle. (Amazon, $9). 


Warmstor 4 Pack 10Gbps USB 3.1 Male to Female Adapter Right Angle Up and Down Angle 90 Degree USB 3.0 A Connector (Amazon, $6 ea.). I think you'll need two sets; I ordered three ($20).

HDMI Extension Cables

MysRuida 1ft 8K HDMI 2.1 Extension Cable, 90 Degree Left Angle Male to Female Adapter. Used to connect to an HDMI cable through the console exterior. I bought two because the mini-PC has two HDMI ports, though right now I'm only using one. (Amazon, $24). 

NES, Nintendo Entertainment System and its cartridge designs are trademarks of Nintendo of America, Inc. Some cartridge content is also trademarked by Nintendo of America, Inc.

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