Ben Heck guides workshop participants in assembling an updated design for his single-board gaming computer! The workshop is intended to teach how to assemble a simple computer. Each participant will get to take home the assembled computer (Ben Heck gameBadge). Attendees are expected to bring their own soldering supplies. Help will be provided so everyone is assured of a completed project to take home. Please note that the project must progress from the first step to the last, meaning people must be on time to do the first step. If you are late, you may not be able to complete your project.

Click here to see the project in further detail!

gameBadge Project Preview Video

Workshop Requirements

Emulator support requires a microSD card, not provided; please bring your own if you wish to install emulators.

This workshop DOES NOT PROVIDE soldering tools; you will need to bring your own, at a minimum:

• Soldering iron, with a medium to fine tip
• Sponge/stand, for holding your iron and keeping it clean
• Solder (lead-free or leaded, leaded is easier) for best result, bring LEADED solder
• Tweezers, for holding small parts
• Side cutters, for cutting wires and leads
• Work mat (even if just a piece of cardboard!)

There will be a finite number of extra tools, but these are mostly so that Ben or assistants can help people if they get stuck during assembly. If you sign up for this workshop, please bring the tools listed above so we can ensure you and everyone else are able to complete their Gamebadge3 in the time allotted.

Skill Requirements

We recommend that attendees have *some* soldering experience before building this project or bring a parent/friend who does and can help them out. Ben and his assistants will help you if you get stuck, but we will not have time to build entire kits for people. This kit has been simplified compared to previous workshops, which will help.

The Game Gear was the ultimate Sega handheld, but if you’re like me, you’re tired of the same old look and feel that it has. So let’s give it a refresh! Join Kris, AKA GameDad as he guides you through a complete reshell of your Game Gear – featuring the MGC logo and a a variety of colors to choose from! The workshop will be one hour in length to ensure everyone has ample time for the reshell, and will provide step-by-step guidance and hands-on help with how to swap the shell on your Game Gear. Shells will be provided for you. Tools and silicone mats to work on will be provide for use by Midwest Gaming Classic and must be left at the workshop upon the classes completion.

Workshop Requirements:
Participants will bring their own working Game Gear to be reshelled.

Skill Requirements:
While this is a beginner level class, we do recommend that participants have a familiarity with tools or have a parent or friend who can assist them, as some of the internal parts and pieces can be small and require some dexterity to add or remove.

Workshop Price: $30

The GameCube was one of the best Nintendo consoles around, but if you’re like me, you’re tired of the same old look that it has. So let’s give it a refresh!
Join Kris, AKA GameDad as he guides you through a complete reshell of your GameCube – featuring the MGC logo on a custom jewel in the lid and a a variety of colors to choose from! The workshop will be one hour in length to ensure everyone has ample time for the reshell, and will provide step-by-step guidance and hands-on help with how to swap the shell on your GameCube. Shells will be provided for you. Tools and silicone mats to work on will be provide for use by Midwest Gaming Classic and must be left at the workshop upon the classes completion.

Workshop Requirements:
Participants will bring their own working GameCube to be reshelled.

Skill Requirements:
While this is a beginner level class, we do recommend that participants have a familiarity with tools or have a parent or friend who can assist them, as some of the internal parts and pieces can be small and require some dexterity to add or remove.

Workshop Price: $60

Join Kris, AKA GameDad as he guides you through a complete reshell of your GBA SP – featuring the MGC logo and a a variety of colors to choose from! The workshop will be one and a half hours in length to ensure everyone has ample time for the mod, and will provide step-by-step guidance and hands-on help with how to swap the shell on your GBA SP. Shells will be provided for you. Tools and silicone mats to work on will be provide for use by Midwest Gaming Classic and must be left at the workshop upon the classes completion.

Workshop Requirements:
Participants will bring their own working GBA SP to be reshelled and modded.

Skill Requirements:
While this is a beginner level class, we do recommend that participants have a familiarity with tools or have a parent or friend who can assist them, as some of the internal parts and pieces can be small and require some dexterity to add or remove.

Workshop Price: $30

Step into the arena with John Parrish (Jax in Mortal Kombat 3) and Lia Montelongo (Sindel in Mortal Kombat 3) for the ultimate Mortal Kombat Warrior Workout! As legendary characters from the iconic franchise, John and Lia bring their strength, agility, and warrior spirit to this high-energy fitness experience. John, known for his powerhouse portrayal of Jax, brings his background in strength training and athleticism to the workout, while Lia, the fierce and agile Sindel, infuses dynamic movement and flexibility to push you to your limits. Together, they’ll guide you through a fun, intense, and action-packed session designed to make you feel like a true Kombatant. Are you ready to train like a warrior? Join us for an unforgettable fitness experience that will test your endurance, challenge your strength, and unleash your inner fighter!

45-minute class, One Autograph from Each Instructor, and Selfie with Instructor: $45 per person