Joystiq http://www.joystiq.com Joystiq http://www.blogsmithmedia.com/http://www.joystiq.com/media/feedlogo.gif Joystiq http://www.joystiq.com en-us Copyright 2013 Weblogs, Inc. The contents of this feed are available for non-commercial use only. Blogsmith http://www.blogsmith.com/<![CDATA[Ben Heck's new 360 laptop, the Xbox 360 Portable [update]]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/12/09/ben-hecks-new-360-laptop-the-xbox-360-portable/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/12/09/ben-hecks-new-360-laptop-the-xbox-360-portable/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/12/09/ben-hecks-new-360-laptop-the-xbox-360-portable/#commentsFiled under: ,


We're not really sure what causes Ben Heckendorn's obsession with cramming large electronic devices into smaller electronic devices, but we certainly admire it. Having already created several Xbox 360 laptops, BenHeck has done it again, this time adding several improvements. The Xbox 360 Portable comes with three new features unseen on previous models, which include built in WiFi, Memory Unit slots, and a removable hard drive. The removable hard drive and Memory Unit slots are an especially nice feature, as they allow for easy trasportation and swapping of data. The keyboard is gone (pointless when we have the Chatpad, says Ben), and the extra space has been outfitted with lots of ventilation. You wouldn't want one of these babies to overheat, after all.

Check out a video of the 360 Portable after the break. Head over to BenHeck's official site for a look at how the laptop was built, including lots of pictures.

[Update: The THQ contest is actually over. However, it looks like BenHeck still has yet to reveal the prize laptop itself, which will be identical to the Xbox 360 Portable with additional artwork on the case.]

Continue reading Ben Heck's new 360 laptop, the Xbox 360 Portable [update]

JoystiqBen Heck's new 360 laptop, the Xbox 360 Portable [update] originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 09 Dec 2008 16:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>ben-heckendornbenheckmodsxbox-360-portableTue, 09 Dec 2008 16:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Ben Heck's one-handed controller now available]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/06/06/ben-hecks-one-handed-controller-now-available/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/06/06/ben-hecks-one-handed-controller-now-available/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/06/06/ben-hecks-one-handed-controller-now-available/#commentsFiled under: , , ,


Nothing brings us more pleasure than when a single product can unite both the disabled and the lazy, and that's exactly what your friend and ours Ben Heck has cooked up with his new, commercially available one-handed peripheral: the Access Controller, compatible with PCs, PS2 and PS3. You can now pre-order the unit here.

Though the footprint is a bit larger than previous one-handed attempts we have to give him credit, if only for figuring out how to make all the buttons accessible (the layout's even customizable). Now, when can we get our hands hand on a 360 version?

JoystiqBen Heck's one-handed controller now available originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 06 Jun 2008 03:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>accessben-heckbenheckPCPS2PS3Fri, 06 Jun 2008 03:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Ben Heck assembles the PlayStation 3 Laptop]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/04/11/ben-heck-assembles-the-playstation-3-laptop/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/04/11/ben-heck-assembles-the-playstation-3-laptop/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/04/11/ben-heck-assembles-the-playstation-3-laptop/#commentsFiled under: ,


Forget that "PlayStation Portable" nonsense you've got sticking out of your pocket. If you're going to be carrying around a PlayStation, why not make it a proper one that can play Warhawk and Uncharted? Consumer electronics crammer, Ben Heck, has finally completed the PlayStation 3 Laptop, a beautiful black contraption packed with all the blue rays, cells and ex em bees you can shake a Sixaxis at. Seriously, you can shake your Sixaxis at it and it'll work.

Other fancy things in it:
  • Original backwards-compatible 60GB model
  • 17-inch LCD HDTV screen: 720p
  • HDMI-DVI connection
  • Built-in keyboard, USB ports, stereo speakers, headphone jack
  • Size: 17 x 13.75 x 3-inches
  • Weight: 16 pounds!
Since it's clearly too heavy for us to lift, we're hoping a reader manages to walk off with this laptop as soon as Engadget begins auctioning it for charity. In the meantime, be sure to have a look at Ben Heck's Wii Laptop and his assorted Xbox 360 offerings.

JoystiqBen Heck assembles the PlayStation 3 Laptop originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 11 Apr 2008 07:03:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Ben-HeckBenHeckLaptopModModsPS3Fri, 11 Apr 2008 07:03:00 EST<![CDATA[One handed 360 controller redux]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/03/18/one-handed-360-controller-redux/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/03/18/one-handed-360-controller-redux/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/03/18/one-handed-360-controller-redux/#commentsFiled under: ,


That crazy Ben Heckendorn is at it again. No he's not shoving an Xbox 360 into an even tinier laptop (360book Air, anyone?), but instead making some refinements to his one-handed controller. The new controller is much smaller, and also a little bit easier on the eyes than his previous model. With the right stick on the top, and face buttons, triggers, and bumpers on the bottom, it's got everything you need for some one handed fragging. The right stick, in case you're wondering, is meant to be placed on a leg or available surface, thus manipulating the stick by moving the controller itself. Pretty ingenious if you ask us. Don't go crazy trying to procure one for yourself though, as it wasn't intended for mass consumption. Ben's other one handed controller, called the Access, on the other hand, is soon to be made available to the masses.

[Via Engadget]

JoystiqOne handed 360 controller redux originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 18 Mar 2008 16:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>ben-heckben-heckendornbenheckcontrolleronehandedTue, 18 Mar 2008 16:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Ben Heckendorn's Xbox 360 Elite laptop]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/02/04/ben-heckendorns-xbox-360-elite-laptop/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/02/04/ben-heckendorns-xbox-360-elite-laptop/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/02/04/ben-heckendorns-xbox-360-elite-laptop/#commentsFiled under: , ,


Modding wunderkind Benjamin Heckendorn has unveiled his latest invention: The Xbox 360 Elite laptop. If this seems vaguely familiar it's probably because you're remembering Heck's Xbox 360 laptop how-to design guides from last spring. The difference here is that this one is a modded Elite with built-in camera and other upgrades (video after the break).

If you're just hearing Heckendorn's name for the first time here, please feel free to take a trip down memory lane. Other mods of interest created last year include the Wii laptop and the freaky PS360 gamepad.

[Via Engadget]

Continue reading Ben Heckendorn's Xbox 360 Elite laptop

JoystiqBen Heckendorn's Xbox 360 Elite laptop originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 04 Feb 2008 18:55:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>ben-heckendornbenheckheckendornmodXbox-360xbox-360-elitexbox360eliteMon, 04 Feb 2008 18:55:00 EST<![CDATA[Xbox 360 Elite: the laptop]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/02/04/xbox-360-elite-the-laptop/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/02/04/xbox-360-elite-the-laptop/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/02/04/xbox-360-elite-the-laptop/#commentsFiled under: ,


Ben Heck is at it again. You may remember his work from a project we reported last year, in which Ben crammed the innards of an Xbox 360, along with a full keyboard and monitor, into a svelte laptop case. He's done it again, this time adding perks from the Xbox 360 Elite, including HDMI video, a 120GB hard drive, and a built-in Vision camera. In short, the thing is effing amazing (and practical). Check out Ben's BioShock inspired video about his new creation after the break.

Continue reading Xbox 360 Elite: the laptop

JoystiqXbox 360 Elite: the laptop originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 04 Feb 2008 18:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>360-elite360-elite-laptopben-heckbenhecklaptopxbox-360-elitexbox-360-elite-laptopMon, 04 Feb 2008 18:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Ben Heck's NEStari is virtually a virtual console]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/08/27/ben-hecks-nestari-is-virtually-a-virtual-console/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/08/27/ben-hecks-nestari-is-virtually-a-virtual-console/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/08/27/ben-hecks-nestari-is-virtually-a-virtual-console/#commentsFiled under: ,


In a way, it's better than our own Virtual Console, because it's portable and it can play Journey Escape. Master console portablizer Ben Heckendorn made this portable NES/Atari monster out of an Atari Flashback 2 and a "NES-on-a-chip" found in many Famiclones and joystick-based TV games.

The placement of the Atari cartridge slot is a little unfortunate, but we're sure he wouldn't build a device with an unusable screen, so we doubt the cartridge obscures the view too severely. Cramming two whole consoles and four rechargeable AA batteries into a tiny handheld takes some maneuvering!

Seeing Ben's work always makes us want to learn electronics. It also makes us want to play old games-- guess which one we end up doing.

[Via Engadget]

JoystiqBen Heck's NEStari is virtually a virtual console originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 27 Aug 2007 13:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2600benhecknesnestariMon, 27 Aug 2007 13:30:00 EST<![CDATA[A peek at the Atari Flashback Portable prototype]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/06/27/a-peak-at-the-atari-flashback-portable-prototype/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/06/27/a-peak-at-the-atari-flashback-portable-prototype/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/06/27/a-peak-at-the-atari-flashback-portable-prototype/#commentsFiled under: ,


Curt Vendel, designer of the all-in-one Atari Flashback -- also known as the perfect holiday gift for that difficult person on your list -- let the readers of the AtariAge forums in on the design of the upcoming (and no longer rumored) Atari Flashback Portable.

Sure, it's not quite as ... large as BenHeck's portable Jaguar or as expandable as his VCSp Rev. 7, but what the AFP is lacking in street cred it makes up for in sheer functionality. Like the Atari Flashback units that came before it, this petite package (which isn't much larger than a 2600 cartridge) will undoubtedly house dozens of classic Atari games, with nary a cartridge in sight. And for those two-player games? The handheld has two controller ports so you can plug in some joysticks for that authentic Atari experience.

Update: more details gleaned from the AtariAge forums: the unit will run off 3 AAA batteries with a 15-hour runtime; the USB port will be a mini-port on the final release and games will be loaded via USB (from where? Will it play ROMs? Will we need to buy games individually?); screen resolution is 320X240 and the NTSC units will support AV out. Lastly, for those upset by the look of the unit, peep an even earlier spyshot of the Atari Flashback Portable after the break and bask in the glow of faux woodgrain.

[Thanks, Chad]

Continue reading A peek at the Atari Flashback Portable prototype

JoystiqA peek at the Atari Flashback Portable prototype originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 27 Jun 2007 11:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>AFPAtariAtariFlashbackbenheckCurtVendelWed, 27 Jun 2007 11:58:00 EST<![CDATA[Behold Ben Heck's headphones of mystery]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/06/05/behold-ben-hecks-headphones-of-mystery/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/06/05/behold-ben-hecks-headphones-of-mystery/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/06/05/behold-ben-hecks-headphones-of-mystery/#commentsFiled under: , , ,


No, there's nothing particularly mysterious about them now, but those retro cans are the first consumer product by mod genius (and Engadget contributor) Ben Heck, hinted at through a veil of secrecy in late April. The Audio FX Pro 5+1 Headset sports a USB connection, an integrated 5.1 surround sound decoder and force feedback tech that allows you to feel frequencies that are too low for humans to hear. So ... superpowers.

It's coming in July, but you can pre-order it right here for $80. The audio works with PS3 (just not the mic) but the 360 looks to be a no go. Now, Ben, just finish up your Wii Laptop that makes iced tea and hoverboards, and we'll see what we can do about that Nobel Prize.

JoystiqBehold Ben Heck's headphones of mystery originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 05 Jun 2007 19:33:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>accessoriesbenheckengadgetPCTue, 05 Jun 2007 19:33:00 EST<![CDATA[Gameport: retro-focused portable with help from Ben Heck]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/05/30/gameport-retro-focused-portable-with-help-from-ben-heck/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/05/30/gameport-retro-focused-portable-with-help-from-ben-heck/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/05/30/gameport-retro-focused-portable-with-help-from-ben-heck/#commentsFiled under: ,


The inimitable Ben Heck is taking his considerable console building talents and going pro. Well, maybe "pro" isn't the exact right word, but he's lent his design skills, as well as his portable handheld naming skills, to the Gameport handheld system. The device is just a prototype, so we have no information on availability or price, but we do know it should pack a 5-hour battery life, a 480 by 234 pixel screen, a video-out for playing on your television, SD card support (for storing your games, et al), and a USB 1.1 port for loading the thing up. Their goal is to create a system that reproduces the original experience of the 8-bit classics as closely as possible and, with open source software, encourage a development community to grow around the platform. Check out Ben on GameTrailer's GameOne and jump ahead to the last segment for some video of the Gameport.

[Via Engadget]

JoystiqGameport: retro-focused portable with help from Ben Heck originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 30 May 2007 13:14:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>BenHeckEmulationGameportWed, 30 May 2007 13:14:00 EST<![CDATA[Engadget's how-to make an Xbox 360 laptop (part 3)]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/05/22/engadgets-how-to-make-an-xbox-360-laptop-part-3/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/05/22/engadgets-how-to-make-an-xbox-360-laptop-part-3/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/05/22/engadgets-how-to-make-an-xbox-360-laptop-part-3/#commentsFiled under: ,

Mod guru Ben Heckendorn, having taken a break to write a how-to for his PS360 pad, has returned like a trained Jedi (oh, wrong day, sorry) to complete the Xbox 360 laptop trilogy.

In the final act, Heck puts all the pieces neatly together and fills in all the plot holes with with pretty pictures and Digi-key part numbers. Our enjoyment is hindered only by our jealousy and inability to follow in his footsteps. For those with engineering skills, give it a shot. For those without said skills, enjoy the show and wait until Heck reveals his next crazy contraption.

See Also: part one, part two

JoystiqEngadget's how-to make an Xbox 360 laptop (part 3) originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 22 May 2007 19:50:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>ben heckBenHeckheckheckendornmodmodsxbox laptopXbox-360XboxLaptopTue, 22 May 2007 19:50:00 EST<![CDATA[Ben Heck teaches us how to make a 'PS360' gamepad]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/05/02/ben-heck-teaches-us-to-make-ps360-gamepad/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/05/02/ben-heck-teaches-us-to-make-ps360-gamepad/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/05/02/ben-heck-teaches-us-to-make-ps360-gamepad/#commentsFiled under: , ,


Not content with putting a PlayStation 3 Sixaxis inside an Xbox 360 gamepad and letting the world be jealous, Ben Heckendorn is showing us how to make our own PS360 controller. All you need is a Sixaxis, an Xbox 360 gamepad, various tools and circuits, and a bit of technical know-how.

The end result leaves us, alongside the freakish monster of Science seen above, a Sixaxis shell and the innards of an Xbox 360 gamepad ... hmm, sounds like Heck should find a way to combine those parts into a controller and save us having to throw away perfectly good circuitry.

According to the post, part 3 in the how-to make an Xbox 360 Laptop Mk II series will return next week.

JoystiqBen Heck teaches us how to make a 'PS360' gamepad originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 02 May 2007 20:55:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>ben heckBenHeckPS3six axisSixAxisXbox-360Wed, 02 May 2007 20:55:00 EST<![CDATA[Engadget's how-to make an Xbox 360 laptop (part 2)]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/04/25/engadgets-how-to-make-an-xbox-360-laptop-part-2/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/04/25/engadgets-how-to-make-an-xbox-360-laptop-part-2/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/04/25/engadgets-how-to-make-an-xbox-360-laptop-part-2/#commentsFiled under: ,

Ben Heckendorn's back to serve as educator for all those would-be modders who wish to emulate his Xbox 360 laptop (mark II). Steps covered in the second part include designing the case, modifying the heatsink, hacking (dare we say Hecking?) apart an LCD monitor and combining the console's and monitor's power supplies. Despite the many descriptive images, explanations and downloadable resources, this project is not for the faint of heart.

The final chapter of the how-to trilogy will show how to compile everything into a working beauty and is coming soon.

See also: part one

JoystiqEngadget's how-to make an Xbox 360 laptop (part 2) originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 25 Apr 2007 20:26:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>ben heckBenHeckXbox-360Wed, 25 Apr 2007 20:26:00 EST<![CDATA[Engadget: how to make your own 360 laptop]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/04/25/engadget-how-to-make-your-own-360-laptop/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/04/25/engadget-how-to-make-your-own-360-laptop/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/04/25/engadget-how-to-make-your-own-360-laptop/#commentsFiled under: , ,


Hey, remember that super sexy Xbox 360 laptop we reported last week? Remember how we said that Engadget would be posting all the information you need to build one for your very own? Well, they've already posted parts 1 and 2 of their "how-to" series. Now, we would be putting our brains at risk of explosion if we were to try and follow the directions. As such, let's just say that building a 360 laptop involves soldering, desoldering, clipping, snipping, attaching, detaching, and magic.

If you have the means, and if you can read the directions without damaging your grey matter, then you can start with part 1. If you manage to make it through that unscathed, proceed to part 2. All that remains is the looming madness of part 3. We'll let you know when it goes live.

JoystiqEngadget: how to make your own 360 laptop originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 25 Apr 2007 18:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>360 laptop360Laptopben heckBenHeckxbox 360 laptopXbox360LaptopWed, 25 Apr 2007 18:45:00 EST<![CDATA[Engadget's how-to make an Xbox 360 laptop (part 1)]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/04/20/engadgets-how-to-make-an-xbox-360-laptop-part-1/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/04/20/engadgets-how-to-make-an-xbox-360-laptop-part-1/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/04/20/engadgets-how-to-make-an-xbox-360-laptop-part-1/#commentsFiled under: ,


Following Ben Heckendorn's unveiling of the Xbox 360 Laptop mk2, you've had a couple of days to prepare your mind and body for the inevitable how-to series you knew would follow, so braid up your hair and gather 'round as Master Heckendorn teaches you how to control your anger jealousy and build your very own Xbox 360 Laptop. Be warned: the process is fraught with peril and this guide (part one of three!) is comprised of nearly three dozen pictures and over 3000 "words." So grab your soldering iron and your power converters (available at Tosche Power Supply if you're plum out) and get reading. Us, we're content to just admire the pretty pictures, thanks.

JoystiqEngadget's how-to make an Xbox 360 laptop (part 1) originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 20 Apr 2007 18:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>benheckEngadgetXbox-360xbox360laptopFri, 20 Apr 2007 18:28:00 EST<![CDATA[Today in Joystiq: April 17, 2007]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/04/17/today-in-joystiq-april-17-2007/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/04/17/today-in-joystiq-april-17-2007/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/04/17/today-in-joystiq-april-17-2007/#commentsFiled under:

The Heck 360, in both its first and second terms. With mk1 being released in September, it's amazing what difference 7 months (and various other hardware mods) can do. While you congratulate Ben Heck on having a great job, check out the highlights for today:

Joystiquery
Readers pick best webcomic: brain fart
Today's most umbrella-worthy video: Pokéballs!

News
Casual gaming girl power; overall boys rule console market
Midnight launches for Lord of the Rings Online
Halo 2 'Blastacular' maps now available for $4
Vince Young tapped for Madden '08 cover
Former EA devs start Jet Black, new Nintendo-focused studio
Trash talk with the Aqua Teens over XBLA Uno next Tuesday
Super Paper Mario breaks 3rd dimension, fourth wall
Game publishers threatened by user-generated content
LOST video game confirmed for PS3, Xbox 360 and PC
Final Fantasy I & II remakes hit PSP late June & late July
Games shoehorned onto a digital camera
Halo: Uprising #1 spotted in Marvel solicitation
Pricey Daily Show, Colbert Report now on XBLM
Stringer: Euro PlayStation 3 approaching 800,000 sold
BBFC publishes research on gamer demographics, perception
Mizuguchi working on Al Gore environmentalism project
RedOctane promises new Guitar Hero every year
Dyack breaks Too Human silence, talks four player co-op

Rumors & Speculation
SCEE may lay off 10 percent of staff

Culture & Community
Mega64 parodies GRAW 2, border security
Engadget unveils Ben Heck's Xbox 360 Laptop mk2
Times Online offers 'Wii warm-ups' before gaming
Produce a TV show for Xbox Live, get $100K distribution deal
Are game system web surfers an untapped market?

JoystiqToday in Joystiq: April 17, 2007 originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 17 Apr 2007 23:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>ben heckBenHeckdaily recapDailyRecapengadgetXbox-360Tue, 17 Apr 2007 23:59:00 EST<![CDATA[Ben Heck creates the 360 Laptop mk2]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/04/17/ben-heck-creates-the-360-laptop-mk2/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/04/17/ben-heck-creates-the-360-laptop-mk2/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/04/17/ben-heck-creates-the-360-laptop-mk2/#commentsFiled under: ,


Of all the wonderful things that can be said about the Xbox 360, "portable" doesn't usually come up. With a sizable case and a monstrous power brick, the 360 takes some effort (and preferably a comfy backpack) to haul around. Always there to heed our call, the venerable Ben Heck is at it again with the 360 laptop mk2. Many will recall his previous laptop effort, and we have to say the mk2 is definitely an improvement (the keyboard should come in handy for IM). There's no word yet as to how much the beast must have cost (HD screen = expensive), nor are there any "making of" pictures, but Engadget promises to reveal the whole process in the coming weeks. So, if you'd like to build one for your very own, stay tuned.

In the meantime, hit the "read" link to check out some images and video of the 360 laptop mk2 in action.

[Via Joystiq]

JoystiqBen Heck creates the 360 Laptop mk2 originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 17 Apr 2007 15:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>360 laptop mk2360LaptopMk2ben heckBenHeckhackshacks and modsHacksAndModslaptopmodsTue, 17 Apr 2007 15:15:00 EST<![CDATA[Engadget unveils Ben Heck's Xbox 360 Laptop mk2]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/04/17/engadget-unveils-ben-hecks-xbox-360-laptop-mk2/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/04/17/engadget-unveils-ben-hecks-xbox-360-laptop-mk2/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/04/17/engadget-unveils-ben-hecks-xbox-360-laptop-mk2/#commentsFiled under: ,


Ben Heck has been busy, indeed. When he isn't busy gutting Xbox 360 controllers and cramming the guts of a Sixaxis into the hollow carcass, he's apparently gutting Xbox 360 consoles and cramming them into custom enclosures with integrated HD screens and keyboards (TID be damned). Engadget has pics of his latest revision, the Xbox 360 Laptop mk2 (sucks to be you, mk1) but all they're showing now is the finished product. Not to worry though, Ben promises an exhaustive three-part how-to (à la Wii laptop) soon.

JoystiqEngadget unveils Ben Heck's Xbox 360 Laptop mk2 originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 17 Apr 2007 13:24:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>BenHeckEngadgetXbox-360xbox360laptopTue, 17 Apr 2007 13:24:00 EST<![CDATA[Heck crams a Sixaxis into an Xbox 360 controller]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/04/16/heck-crams-a-sixaxis-into-an-xbox-360-controller/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/04/16/heck-crams-a-sixaxis-into-an-xbox-360-controller/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/04/16/heck-crams-a-sixaxis-into-an-xbox-360-controller/#commentsFiled under: , , ,


Is there anything Ben Heckendorn can't do? It wouldn't shock us to read tomorrow that he's managed to build a combination Xbox 720 / PlayStation Quattro / Nintendo Hologlobe into one case, using only the interior components of a Casio watch and a Texas Instruments graphing calculator.

For now, he's content to put a PS3 Sixaxis controller into an Xbox 360 controller shell, and make it look good. While it might be blasphemy to some and a slap in the face to others, there's no denying that the guy does great work. Check out the amazing pictures here, and find out how the surgery was performed.

For just a few other Heck miracles, check these out:
Amazing Wii laptop
Stupendous Xbox 360 laptop
Retro-tastic portable Atari Jaguar

[Via Engadget]

JoystiqHeck crams a Sixaxis into an Xbox 360 controller originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 16 Apr 2007 08:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>benheckPS3SIXAXISXbox-360Mon, 16 Apr 2007 08:28:00 EST<![CDATA[Ben Heck explains how to make Wii laptop]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/02/06/ben-heck-explains-how-to-make-wii-laptop/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/02/06/ben-heck-explains-how-to-make-wii-laptop/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/02/06/ben-heck-explains-how-to-make-wii-laptop/#commentsFiled under: ,


Remember that crazy Wii laptop Engadget commissioned from mod extraordinaire Ben Heckendorn? Well, Ben Heck was kind enough to write up a thorough how-to guide so that we can emulate his work. The third and final part of his instructional guide has been posted onto Engadget so that you can now get out your soldering iron and copies of Hardware Hackery for Dummies and give your Wii a crazy makeover.
  • Part 1 ripped up the console. (O, the humanity!)
  • Part 2 rearranges the parts and designs the case.
  • Part 3 creates the casing and puts it all together.
Hack, mod and enjoy, but be wary: if you screw up, a replacement will be extremely hard to find.

JoystiqBen Heck explains how to make Wii laptop originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 06 Feb 2007 17:50:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>ben heckBenHeckengadgethackhackinghard wareHardWaremodWiiTue, 06 Feb 2007 17:50:00 EST<![CDATA[Today in Joystiq: January 19, 2007]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/01/19/today-in-joystiq-january-19-2007/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/01/19/today-in-joystiq-january-19-2007/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/01/19/today-in-joystiq-january-19-2007/#commentsFiled under:


Thought we'd show off Ben Heck's crazy portable Wii again. Check out the highlights for today:

Joystiquery
Happy cute-people-playing-bad-video-game-music day
Japanese hardware sales, 8 Jan - 14 Jan: post-holiday blues edition
Joystiq hands-on: SSX Blur (Wii)
Today's hottest game video: WoW Level 70
We destroy a Blu-ray Disc

News
Bungie profiles Halo 3's MA5C Assault Rifle
Jane Jensen's Gray Matter bumped to 2008
XBLA file size limit raised to 250MB
Get out or split: WoW free transfers on overloaded realms
MotorStorm won't be riding dirty in US 'til March
Engadget builds a Wii Laptop, world stares
December NPD: PC gaming on the rise, influenced by WoW factor
Free games! 101 and then some
Crackdown gold, you know what that means...
Gamestop: $200 Wii with Gamecube trade-in
Gears of War a failure, sells a meager 3 million copies
PS3's Europe launch all FUD up
Stan Lee: games trump movies
Why American and Japanese games are different
What's inside the Big Box Project?

Rumors & Speculation
Mercenaries 2 on Xbox 360? IGN thought so, but changed mind
EA offering FIFA for free?

Culture
Preserving the culture of games
A Flickr gallery of Perler beaded pixel art
Make Bill happy, run Windows on your PlayStation 3
Brain tumor victim makes-a-wish for PS3
Ze Frank plays with his Wii
Toying with God of War figures

JoystiqToday in Joystiq: January 19, 2007 originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 19 Jan 2007 23:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>ben heckBenHeckdaily recapDailyRecapWiiFri, 19 Jan 2007 23:59:00 EST<![CDATA[Engadget builds a Wii Laptop, world stares]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/01/19/engadget-builds-a-wii-laptop-world-stares/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/01/19/engadget-builds-a-wii-laptop-world-stares/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/01/19/engadget-builds-a-wii-laptop-world-stares/#commentsFiled under: ,


We trust that you'll be able to refrain from Wii in your lap jokes long enough to gaze adoringly on BenHeck's latest creation for our friends at Engadget. Behold: the Wii Laptop! Painstakingly crafted from a Wii, a 7" 16:9 LCD monitor, and magic, the Wii Laptop has a built-in sensor bar, A/V output jacks (so you can hook it up to an external display), and a Gamecube controller port! Engadget has an image gallery and some video of the beauty , but just enough to whet your appetite before the multi-part How-To begins next week.

JoystiqEngadget builds a Wii Laptop, world stares originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 19 Jan 2007 12:33:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>BenHeckWiiWiiLaptopFri, 19 Jan 2007 12:33:00 EST<![CDATA[Look Mom, one handed 360 controller]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2006/12/03/look-mom-one-handed-360-controller/http://www.joystiq.com/2006/12/03/look-mom-one-handed-360-controller/http://www.joystiq.com/2006/12/03/look-mom-one-handed-360-controller/#commentsFiled under: ,


The talented Ben over at BenHeck.com has come up with a new take on your standard Xbox 360 controller. Ben must have had the logic that using two hands on your controller is so 2005, why not just condense the control scheme and make it so you only need one hand? This modded 360 controller allows just that, only one hand required! All kidding aside, the inspiration for this mod what so that people with disabilities or those who have function of just one hand could play the 360. This is actually a great mod and very well thought out, gold star for you Ben!

[Via Digg]
[Thanks, kade]

JoystiqLook Mom, one handed 360 controller originally appeared on Joystiq on Sun, 03 Dec 2006 18:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>ben heckBenHeckbenheck.comcontrollerdisabilitiesmodmoddedxbox 360Xbox360Sun, 03 Dec 2006 18:45:00 EST<![CDATA[The wait is over! A portable Atari Jaguar]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2006/10/30/the-wait-is-over-a-portable-atari-jaguar/http://www.joystiq.com/2006/10/30/the-wait-is-over-a-portable-atari-jaguar/http://www.joystiq.com/2006/10/30/the-wait-is-over-a-portable-atari-jaguar/#commentsFiled under: , ,


We'll admit it. While the Atari Lynx was an incredibly svelte and sexy gaming machine, it was just too small for us. Even if we managed to find it at the bottom of our oversized backpack, our expansive grip completely obscured our round of Electrocop. Nope, we've been 64-bit gaming at home with our Jaguar ever since then, dreaming of a day when Atari would make their triumphant return to the hardware space and deliver us a real portable Jaguar ... a Jaguar Lite if you will. Though that day hasn't come, we're more than happy to settle for Ben Heck's homemade handheld. Finally, we can load this thing up in back of our pickup and play Aliens vs. Predator on the road ... or, even better, some Kasumi Ninja.

[Via Engadget]

JoystiqThe wait is over! A portable Atari Jaguar originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 30 Oct 2006 08:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>AtariAtari JaguarAtariJaguarBen HeckendornBenheckBenHeckendornMon, 30 Oct 2006 08:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Benheck turns beef jerky into a PSP mod]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2006/10/25/benheck-turns-beef-jerky-into-a-psp-mod/http://www.joystiq.com/2006/10/25/benheck-turns-beef-jerky-into-a-psp-mod/http://www.joystiq.com/2006/10/25/benheck-turns-beef-jerky-into-a-psp-mod/#commentsFiled under: ,


Engadget columnist, and console hacking guru, Ben Heckendorn has returned to the PSP thumb nub hack that he started two weeks back. Not to be outdone by others, Ben built his hack with IC sockets, an analog thumb stick, some hot glue (lots of hot glue) and ... some shredded beef jerky chew?

Yup, the not always so pragmatic Heckendorn went with the jerky's plastic tin because it was both cheap (good for us) and readily available to the novice hacker (that's good for us too). Ben's made a detailed guide, with plenty of pictures for the instruction-impaired. Watch as everyday household ingredients (like solder and beef jerky cans) coalesce into an easily detachable analog thumb stick, ready to go wherever you and your PSP do.

JoystiqBenheck turns beef jerky into a PSP mod originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 25 Oct 2006 12:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>analog stickAnalogStickBen HeckendornbenheckBenHeckendornEngadgetPSPWed, 25 Oct 2006 12:45:00 EST<![CDATA[A tale of two mods: different PSP joysticks]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2006/10/17/a-tale-of-two-mods-different-psp-joysticks/http://www.joystiq.com/2006/10/17/a-tale-of-two-mods-different-psp-joysticks/http://www.joystiq.com/2006/10/17/a-tale-of-two-mods-different-psp-joysticks/#commentsFiled under: ,


Engadget's newest columnist, hardware hacker extraordinaire Ben Heckendorn (yes, we're jealous) has built a very nifty PSP joystick mod, and provided handy steps so that you can also void your warranty and save your thumb. However, taking BenHeck's mod and improving on it, Joe Stranger has posted his own "ghetto" joystick mod in the DCEmu Forums. Stranger cleans up the design from BenHeck's schematics (giving him the proper amount of props), and makes the mod detachable with a tight little enclosure that houses a USB adapter. Check out the drool-worthy ghetto thumbstick video after the break. We want to send our PSP direct to him for pimping out.

As far as mods go, this has to be one of the most useful we've ever seen. It makes us want to pick up Loco Roco again, since we won't have to wear off the skin on the pads of our thumbs to finish it.

Read - Engadget's analog control stick how-to
Read - DCEmu's version of Engadget's mod

Continue reading A tale of two mods: different PSP joysticks

JoystiqA tale of two mods: different PSP joysticks originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 17 Oct 2006 17:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Ben HeckendornBenHeckghettoJoe StrangermodPSPSonythumbstickTue, 17 Oct 2006 17:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Xbox 360 crammed into laptop form]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2006/09/11/xbox-360-crammed-into-laptop-form/http://www.joystiq.com/2006/09/11/xbox-360-crammed-into-laptop-form/http://www.joystiq.com/2006/09/11/xbox-360-crammed-into-laptop-form/#commentsFiled under: ,

Master of all things portable and playable, Ben Heckendorn has managed to create an Xbox 360 laptop within the space of three months. The unit weighs approximately 14 pounds, is 2.8 inches thick and, more importantly, can play Dead Rising. Through an intricate process that undoubtedly involved soldering, bending and the use of arcane magic, Ben combined the 17" HD monitor, Wi-Fi adapter, a keyboard and a water-cooling system with the innards of an Xbox 360 to produce what is likely one of the least productive (and possibly best) laptop devices we've seen yet -- this stance will likely change should robotic lap dancers suddenly become the norm.

Ben's official site seems to be taking a hammering, but the page dedicated to his latest creation still appears to be functional. If you encounter problems when viewing the images (none of which depict the system placed on an actual lap), wait a few moments and refresh. If you're wondering how exactly he put it all together, you'd best start reading the article right from the beginning.

[Thanks to everyone who sent this in!]

JoystiqXbox 360 crammed into laptop form originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 11 Sep 2006 12:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>ben heckben heckendornBenHeckBenHeckendorngadgetsmodificationsportable xboxPortableXboxXbox 360 laptopXbox-360Xbox360LaptopMon, 11 Sep 2006 12:45:00 EST<![CDATA[Benheck one-ups himself with portable nPod 2]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2006/06/29/benheck-one-ups-himself-with-portable-npod-2/http://www.joystiq.com/2006/06/29/benheck-one-ups-himself-with-portable-npod-2/http://www.joystiq.com/2006/06/29/benheck-one-ups-himself-with-portable-npod-2/#commentsFiled under: , ,


Just as Nintendo has dropped the unwieldy designs of their past in favor of svelte, smaller designs, so too has hacker-extraordinaire Ben Heckendorn (that's Benheck to you kids). He's gone and updated the dated retro-Nintendo look of his original nPod with something decidely more Apple modern-Nintendo like. Behold: the nPod 2!

The Geppetto to this Pinocchio writes, "[The nPod 2] uses a different kind of NES on a chip motherboard and is actually even smaller than my original nPod. It has an easy-to-use sliding battery pack (4 AA's that last a long time) and clean, simple styling. And lo and behold it has a headphone jack! Customization would also be possible, such as all the gray parts could be a different color, for instance."

Just how small is it? "Think of 2 NES carts stacked atop each other, and that's pretty much it." Not bad, and bonus points for using Nintendo's metric of x amount of something stacked atop each other. Better still, you won't have to settle for ogling it through the dense and unloving prism of your computer screen. You'll be able to throw $250-300 (he guesstimates) down and buy one for yourself (or a loved one). Whaddya say? For the price of a Wii, are you buying?

See also:
Top 10 custom-built consoles
NES Micro by Ben Heckendorn
benheck does it again - the portable N64

[Via TechEblog]

JoystiqBenheck one-ups himself with portable nPod 2 originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 29 Jun 2006 16:25:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Ben HeckBen HeckendornBenHeckBenHeckendornhandheldNESnPodThu, 29 Jun 2006 16:25:00 EST<![CDATA[Portable N64 site lives again, mocks us]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2006/06/25/portable-n64-site-lives-again-mocks-us/http://www.joystiq.com/2006/06/25/portable-n64-site-lives-again-mocks-us/http://www.joystiq.com/2006/06/25/portable-n64-site-lives-again-mocks-us/#commentsFiled under: , ,


The site for this incredible portable N64 dubbed -- mysteriously -- the L64, has been presumably recuperating after a thorough digging and Engadgeting(?) last week. Worst part about it all: the L64's creator, Marshall, turned us onto his creation ten days before that! We missed the boat and we deal with the consequences; namely, not being able to show you this thing until now.

Now that his site is all better, we think you'll be plenty pleased with Marshall's labor of love. His site has plenty of pix of the assembly with some added commentary. Think he might have made himself a BenHeck-killer there. So sure, Marshall just happens to work as an industrial designer with a dozen years fabbing ... what's that? Marshall says, "In fact I'm not any bigwig of the game industry, I'm just a 16 year old with too much time..."

Yeah, and now we're totally dejected. Seriously Marshall, tell us you were kidding. You're a pro, right?

JoystiqPortable N64 site lives again, mocks us originally appeared on Joystiq on Sun, 25 Jun 2006 12:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Ben HeckBen HeckendornBenHeckBenHeckendornl64n64Nintendo 64Nintendo64Sun, 25 Jun 2006 12:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Top 10 custom-built consoles]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2006/06/06/top-10-custom-built-consoles/http://www.joystiq.com/2006/06/06/top-10-custom-built-consoles/http://www.joystiq.com/2006/06/06/top-10-custom-built-consoles/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,


TechEBlog has assembled a list of the "Top 10 Strangest Custom Gaming Systems." It should come as no surprise that more than one of their selections was created by console hacker-extraordinaire Ben Heckendorn. In addition to variants of popular consoles like the NES and Genesis, the list includes portable versions of famous flops like Atari's Jaguar, and Sega's Genesis add-on, the SegaCD. We're hoping these aren't ranked in order 'cause that portable Colecovision totally houses that NESPlusSega monolith!

[Via VH1's new game blog, Game Break]

JoystiqTop 10 custom-built consoles originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 06 Jun 2006 01:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Ben HeckBen HeckendornbenheckBenHeckendornColecovisionDreamcastGameCubeGenesisJaguarNESPS2SegaCDTue, 06 Jun 2006 01:00:00 EST<![CDATA[NES Micro by Ben Heckendorn]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2005/10/14/nes-micro-by-ben-heckendorn/http://www.joystiq.com/2005/10/14/nes-micro-by-ben-heckendorn/http://www.joystiq.com/2005/10/14/nes-micro-by-ben-heckendorn/#commentsFiled under: , ,

It is not the size of your console that counts so much
Hardware hacker extraordinaire Ben Heckendorm has shoved a working NES it into a tiny little container measuring just 5.25" x 2.625" x 1.63". You thought your PSP got you looks on the subway? Whip out this bad boy, pop in an NES cartridge (blow on the cartridge first, for dramatic flair), and them other brothers can't deny that you'll be the envy of the morning commute. Hot.

[Thanks, Princess Zelda]

JoystiqNES Micro by Ben Heckendorn originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 14 Oct 2005 12:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Ben HeckBen HeckendornBenHeckBenHeckendornFri, 14 Oct 2005 12:15:00 EST<![CDATA[benheck does it again - the portable N64]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2005/04/12/benheck-does-it-again-the-portable-n64/http://www.joystiq.com/2005/04/12/benheck-does-it-again-the-portable-n64/http://www.joystiq.com/2005/04/12/benheck-does-it-again-the-portable-n64/#commentsFiled under:

n64

This guy, Ben Heckendorn,  is a perfect example of how we are all put on this planet to find our talent; and to practice that talent to the best of our ability. If only we were all so lucky!

Ben is at it again, this time popping the top off of an N64. He clearly struggled to retain control over the wonky Nintendo engineering, but, in the end, there was success.

Now if he could just turn a PS2 slim version into a portable...

[via digg]

Joystiqbenheck does it again - the portable N64 originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 12 Apr 2005 11:35:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Ben HeckBen HeckendornbenheckBenHeckendornTue, 12 Apr 2005 11:35:00 EST