Alright guys, I need some help - no, it's nothing serious or anything like that.
Short version: if ANYONE out there has an nes or snes they could let go of for free or for cheap, I would love you for all of eternity. There are none cheaper than 35 bucks on eBay, and the game shops local to me want 50 bucks for one in questionable condition. If you can help, send me a pm or reply here!
Long version, with backstory: You see, I am a Nurse Aide who takes care of four developmentally disabled gentlemen ranging from 38 to 69, and one of them has a birthday coming up this month. This guy is Mario's biggest fan ever, you'll not find anyone with more mario stuff than him - from sheets to shower curtains to games to wallpaper, this guy's ENTIRE LIFE is Mario... But there's a problem now: despite my best efforts, his nes has finally given out on him. I've done everything in my power to revive it, and it just won't work. However, I have a plan. I am putting together a raspberry pi (a small, compact computer about the size of your palm) to be his new nes, and to also update his game library to include the newer mario titles as well. I'm not sure he could play mario 64, but we are going to give it a shot. What I want to do is put together this system in an nes or super Nintendo case. If ANYONE has one they could either send me cheaply or free, I would be forever in your debt. The sources local to me charge outrageous prices for an nes, and on eBay the cheapest one I found was about 35usd.
I have wracked my brain trying to tap new sources out, so I'm coming to you guys as my last resort. Many minds are much better than one on this. Also, I asked the gentleman in question if I could use his broken nes for this, and he said no. He's just very attached to it and doesn't want it mauled up.
Thank you for your time and help everyone! If someone can come through for me, please please PLEASE let me know!!
Short version: if ANYONE out there has an nes or snes they could let go of for free or for cheap, I would love you for all of eternity. There are none cheaper than 35 bucks on eBay, and the game shops local to me want 50 bucks for one in questionable condition. If you can help, send me a pm or reply here!
Long version, with backstory: You see, I am a Nurse Aide who takes care of four developmentally disabled gentlemen ranging from 38 to 69, and one of them has a birthday coming up this month. This guy is Mario's biggest fan ever, you'll not find anyone with more mario stuff than him - from sheets to shower curtains to games to wallpaper, this guy's ENTIRE LIFE is Mario... But there's a problem now: despite my best efforts, his nes has finally given out on him. I've done everything in my power to revive it, and it just won't work. However, I have a plan. I am putting together a raspberry pi (a small, compact computer about the size of your palm) to be his new nes, and to also update his game library to include the newer mario titles as well. I'm not sure he could play mario 64, but we are going to give it a shot. What I want to do is put together this system in an nes or super Nintendo case. If ANYONE has one they could either send me cheaply or free, I would be forever in your debt. The sources local to me charge outrageous prices for an nes, and on eBay the cheapest one I found was about 35usd.
I have wracked my brain trying to tap new sources out, so I'm coming to you guys as my last resort. Many minds are much better than one on this. Also, I asked the gentleman in question if I could use his broken nes for this, and he said no. He's just very attached to it and doesn't want it mauled up.
Thank you for your time and help everyone! If someone can come through for me, please please PLEASE let me know!!
'ey mang!
I'm afraid we don't really carry much retro Nintendo gear at my house. If you haven't already, I think you should put out a want-ad on some local community boards, as this is basically a community service project. You may be surprised at the response from nearby interest groups or junk shops.
Maybe do up a certificate of appreciation for the donor, to say that they helped your care agency. That stuff looks real good up on a wall!
I'm afraid we don't really carry much retro Nintendo gear at my house. If you haven't already, I think you should put out a want-ad on some local community boards, as this is basically a community service project. You may be surprised at the response from nearby interest groups or junk shops.
Maybe do up a certificate of appreciation for the donor, to say that they helped your care agency. That stuff looks real good up on a wall!
I have an original NES still; let me see if I still have the cables and if it works.
Or that could happen. 
Have you recently searched the caverns of your butt, mi amigo? Also, I miss your face.
...but not your butt.
...but not your butt.