A redesign of the original Megadrive, the smaller Megadrive II board can be fit into a variety of casings, and its power requirements are low enough that it can be used for a portable system, like my earlier project, the SEGA MDP. After purchasing the console, I took it home and ripped out the circuit board for my next Sega-related project.
In the meantime, I was left with the empty plastic casing, which I knew from previous experience makes a great basis for a retro-geek fashion accessory. I'd already made my last MDII into a backpack with built-in MP3 for my lady love, but I liked it so much I had a hard time giving it away. Now was my chance to have one for myself.
Grinding out the inner framework leaves a bigger interior space and a sturdy outer shell, perfect for carrying your personal possessions.
Megapack
I chopped some straps off a cheap schoolbag, which as well as having a red and black colour scheme to match the console, are adjustable for added comfort
Megapack showing straps
Keeping things together at the fat end are these silver hinges, originally intended for jewel boxes and other woodwork projects.
Hinges
The pointy end of the console is held closed with these silver latches, also intended for use on wooden boxes. A little bending was needed to get them mounted cleanly onto the curved surface of the Sega, but they fit well now and have that great "clicky" briefcase feel when you open them.
Metal Latches
For the inside, I chose the same black fur as my last Sega backpack, but with a different choice of fabric for the side panels.
The sides are still covered with a red Chinese print fabric, glued at the bottom over an accordion-folded cardboard frame. The expanding side panels let the bag open wide enough and fold away when closed.
Megapack Open
The side panels and lining are sewn together by hand and form a single unit that is then attached to the plastic case with velcro.
Megapack Open
The finished backpack is fairly small, big enough for my wallet, keys, mobile phone and, ironically for an old-school Sega fan, my Nintendo DS Lite (which I then use to play Sonic Rush, so it's OK)
To give you an idea of the scale of the finished backpack and how it looks stuck on someone's back, you can check out these glossy model shots below.
I call this look "Blue Steel"
For extra credit, try getting one of these past the bouncers on a Saturday night. "Why yes, it does look like a suicide bombing rig..."
My back isn't that big, the bag is just small
As well as being incredibly stylish, the Megapack is a lightweight and tough receptacle for your personal effects when out at the arcades playing Virtua Fighter and guaranteed to trump your mate's ironically hip "Vote Pedro" t-shirt at the next techie social event.
My only complaint is that the Megadrive is a bit thin to keep much stuff in. Now the N64, on the other hand...
