Hello! Had a friend send me his NGPC for a Pi3 renovation. His screen didn't appear to be working anymore, so after a quick trip to my doorstep, I got right to work.
Plans are to add a composite 2.5" LCD from a rearview camera monitor, add AB buttons under the existing buttons, tactile buttons on top for LR, BangGood power module and re-use as much of the original placement for components as possible (volume pot, EXT now USB, headphone jack and power jack). Found a 1S 2000mAh Lipo on Hobby King that will fit perfectly in the existing battery space, but the Pi3 sticks into the battery area a bit, so it made the space rather tight. Reused to legendary joystick, just had to wire directly to the micro switches. The Power button will probably be used for Start and the Option button will probably be used for Select.
Testing casing fit with main PCB cut and joystick wires ran between PCB and case half.
Pi3 fits in very well after trimming out most of the center and right-hand interior bits. Left all case supports possible to make it solid when re-assembled.
Pi3 pokes into the cartridge spot with a bit of room on the rear shell half. Might need to slip an audio amp or something in there. Battery cover still fits into it's original spot, closes and opens. Lipo will eventually find it's way into that spot.
Pi3's new home. Using a burned out Pi to mock-up and test.
I'll post more as I get more done. Screen, lipo and some other bits are on the way this coming week. Turns out GBA buttons are the same diameter (within 0.02mm) and just a bit taller, but they'll be easy to trim. Using copper tape for membrane pads, much easier and trustworthy than trying to scratch traces.