Give New Life to Old Consoles

We've all become so enamored with our shiny new next-gen consoles that sometimes it's easy to forget their roots. Yes, I'm talking about that unsightly PS1 that's been banished to your closet, or that shameful Nintendo 64 that's hiding under your bed. Before you head to the dumpster or try to pass your old system off to a younger sibling as a secondhand birthday present, consider these five ways of recycling your old school game consoles.

Be a Hacker

Even if you're not technically inclined whatsoever, you don't need to be a 1337 hax0r to revamp your old console. Hacking Video Game Consoles is a step-by-step guide on how to turn your old Atari, Nintendo, Super Nintendo, or PS1 into a fully-functioning, battery-operated handheld portable. The book tells you everyone you need to know from materials to tool tips to help you play your old games anywhere. Take that, PSP.

Get Creative

If tinkering with electronics isn't really your thing, there are still a billion ways in which you can dress up your old system. Turn your old console into a work of art by painting it, adding extra appendages, and making it into a modern work of art. Take this Gamecube turned adorable Wall-E robot, for example. Check out modding contests like those that Extreme Tech hosts, and see how your creation stacks up against others from around the world.

Find It a New Home

It's a proven fact: people love junk. If you can't see yourself using your console ever again and it still works, you shouldn't have too much of a problem selling it on eBay. If you're wary of pawning your stuff on the Internet, consider having a garage sale or a swap session with friends. You never know which of your buddies has been secretly pining after your Dreamcast for all these years.