In an era of complex in-car entertainment systems, one retro gaming enthusiast took a nostalgic approach by installing a Nintendo 64 console in his Chevy 3500 utility van. Eric, the tinkerer behind the project, transformed the vehicle’s dashboard into a gaming station complete with four controller ports, the original N64 power LED, and a cartridge slot arranged in a creative design. A flip-down display mounted overhead allowed for gaming on the go, showcasing classics like Super Smash Bros.
The Challenge of Installation
Eric faced a significant challenge in separating the N64’s cartridge slot from its motherboard, as they are typically perpendicular to each other in the original console. “I had to desolder the pin connector from the main board, and reconnect it pin for pin, with jumper wires,” Eric explained. This modification allowed him to reorient the cartridge slot independently of the motherboard, effectively creating the top view of an N64 within the van’s dashboard.
Technical Details of the Installation
The installation required drilling holes for the controller ports above the N64 unit and soldering jumpers for the power supply. An inverter was used to power the system, making it functional within the vehicle. Once these modifications were complete, the rest of the installation was relatively straightforward.
A Gaming Paradise on Wheels
The van became a gaming paradise, not just for Smash Bros. enthusiasts but also for fans of other N64 classics. During long road trips, the passenger could swivel the display toward them and enjoy games like Super Mario 64, Donkey Kong 64, and Star Wars: Shadows of the Empire. The setup wasn’t limited to the N64; a Nintendo Entertainment System was also installed in a cubby near the base of the center stack, further enhancing the van’s gaming capabilities.
Eric and his coworker, Johnny, would often play together during lunch breaks, usually in a grocery store parking lot. The installation remained in the van even after Eric was laid off, as he chose not to reinstall the original head unit. The fate of the vehicle remains unknown, but it’s hoped that the gaming setup continued to bring enjoyment to its subsequent users.
For those scouring Facebook Marketplace for unique automotive gems, keep an eye out for a 2012 Chevy 3500 with a built-in N64 – it might just be Eric’s creation.
