This setup contains the following:
Note that the stock Nano2+ antenna dongles are too long for the box. I have ordered DMURRY14's antennas from Amazon which have the right-angle cables that shouldn't have this problem: http://www.amazon.com/ADS-B-High-Gain-Antenna-FULL/dp/B01EJUM83S
Just wanted to share for anyone using this Acrylic box.
Great news! RetroPi consoles are ridiculously inexpensive! Here’s everything you need.
Raspberry Pi 3 Model B Motherboard https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01CD5VC92/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_gD9lAb40651W2
Okay, the first item I linked is the latest Raspberry Pi motherboard.
Smraza Case for Raspberry Pi 3 https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01LWURJMI/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_.D9lAbV8T20DH
Second is a case that includes a power cable, heat sinks, and a fan. You need all those things and I use this kit to build RetroPis for friends.
Logitech Gamepad F310 https://www.amazon.com/dp/B003VAHYQY/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_PL9lAbA8GJ8MR
This USB controller is the one I personally use. If he has one like this that he uses with his P.C. it’s not a necessary purchase. But you need at least one to operate the system. If you’re not sure, get one. It’s good quality and can be used with his computer as well. I strongly advise you do not buy the cheap pair of controllers you find on amazon (in the $10-$20/pair range) because they are terrible quality and won’t last the first gaming session.
Samsung 64GB 100MB/s (U3) MicroSDXC Card https://www.amazon.com/dp/B06XX29S9Q/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_pQ9lAb9BKF6ET
The final thing you’ll need is a 64GB microSD card that’s class 10 or higher like this one. The 64GB card will be enough for every single video and arcade game from Atari to Super Nintendo, plus Kodi to boot!
The grand total should run you about $80. He can find the images and programs for free online. It was my first project and I had it done in a day; I’m a girl and had never programmed anything more advanced than my smartphone. If he is unsure of which image to download, I highly recommend Nacho’s Image. A google search will lead him in the right direction. Hope this helps!
Bonus—
Super Tinytendo Case for Raspberry Pi 3, 2, Model B with Large Cooling Fan https://www.amazon.com/dp/B074JJRWHH/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_xE9lAbSDKK6QX
I also included a Super Nintendo-looking case, if he’s into a particular retro system. It is not necessary but everything else is. They make them in the shape of the popular old consoles, so you can search for a different one if you like. Or if you get him the black case and he really likes his RetroPi you could gift him the case at a later occasion :)
The safest thing is a properly-sized resistor on the 5V rail. If you don't do that, the PSU may appear to run fine without it initially and then randomly shut down, reset, etc., potentially ruining prints. You need to keep drawing 1-2 amps at 5V to keep things happy. If you really want ideas for things to put on 5V that are actually useful:
Source: Have repurposed several AT and ATX PSUs for bench supplies and reprap power supplies.
Ooh I've never even heard of such a thing. Looks like there are a bunch of options for that. Something like this would work, then? http://www.amazon.com/Rasberry-Pi-Model-Mother-board/dp/B01CD5VC92/ref=sr_1_3?ie=UTF8&qid=1461174321&sr=8-3&keywords=raspberry+pi+4
OR, where it's just sending over USB like you mentioned, could I even just use my old iPad with a USB adapter? I assume the actual gcode file is rather small? Or could a tablet even run the controller software? Sorry, guys--this is the part that is way over my head!