The first step: Take apart the systems. Before I could even start working things out in my head, I had to take everything apart and get an idea of the dimensions I would be working with. I ran into a lot of stickers warning me that if I took the machine apart I would void my warranty.

You'll find Torqx bolts, so you'll need a little more than a Phillips screwdriver. No worries; I have accumulated many good tools over the years. If you don't have Torqx-brand wrenches, go out and get a set of them -- you will use them again, I promise. The Nintendo GameCube uses what is sort of like a reverse Torqx bolt. I didn't have tools for these, so I used a left-hand drill bit and drilled the bolts out (I won't be needing them again anyway).

Time out
Time to sit back and think. Talk to your friends about it; another perspective can be invaluable. I have the great benefit of having many talented friends and co-workers (thanks guys). Once you think the whole project through from start to finish, put it away for at least a day. I personally couldn't stop thinking about it, even though it was not in front of me. When I returned to the project, there were many things that I had thought about that needed fine-tuning. I guarantee you that when you come back to your project, you will think of some detail(s) you forgot or that just will not work.

Now that I've worked things out in my head, it's time to write stuff down, make some sketches, and write up the parts list. It helps a lot to see the plans in writing. I found even more stuff that needed fine-tuning at this stage. I may not be a master artist, but I understood what had been put on paper. This will help anyone. Draw, sketch, doodle, whatever -- and save them all.