Build a Prototype Windows Gaming Console (PC Hardware + Custom Dashboard)

Hello! I'm looking for an experienced developer who can build a working prototype of a Windows-based gaming console for personal evaluation and testing. This is NOT a commercial production run. This first unit is a home testing prototype that I will personally evaluate for hardware quality, software usability, controller support, overall user experience, cooling performance, reliability, and future expandability. The prototype should function like a living-room gaming console while using Windows as the operating system and supporting compatible PC games on a television. ============================== PROJECT GOALS ============================== The completed prototype should include: • Complete hardware assembly • Professional cable management • Windows installation and configuration • Custom controller-friendly dashboard • Steam installed and configured • Automatic launch into the custom dashboard • Wireless controller support • HDMI television output • Wi-Fi networking • Ethernet support • USB ports • Bluetooth support • System settings • Power menu • Automatic software update capability for future versions • Recovery environment • Clean, professional user interface • Quiet cooling system • Complete testing before shipment The console should arrive fully assembled, fully configured, fully tested, and ready for me to connect to my TV, sign into Steam, download compatible games, and begin testing. ============================== ENGINEERING DOCUMENTATION ============================== I have created a detailed engineering documentation package covering: • Hardware specifications • Software architecture • Dashboard design • User interface • Assembly procedures • Testing procedures • Manufacturing documentation • Source code architecture • Future expansion plans To help keep this project as private as possible, the complete documentation will only be shared with serious candidates after initial communication. ============================== BUDGET ============================== My current target budget is approximately $600 USD. This budget is intended to include: • All hardware components • All required parts • Assembly • Windows installation • Software configuration • Dashboard development • Testing • Packaging • Shipping However, this budget is NOT set in stone. If you believe there are hardware components that would significantly improve the prototype, please tell me. For every suggested upgrade, include: • Part name • Why you recommend it • What it improves over the currently selected part • Additional cost • Whether you believe it is worth adding to Version 1 I would rather understand my options before making a final decision. ============================== FUTURE OPPORTUNITY ============================== If this prototype is successful, I would like to continue working with the same developer. Future work may include: • Version 2 hardware • Dashboard improvements • Software updates • Additional features • Controller improvements • Hardware revisions • Manufacturing improvements If the product eventually becomes commercially successful, I would like to discuss a long-term manufacturing partnership. My long-term vision is that customers would purchase the console through my online store. The chosen developer or manufacturing partner would assemble each console, perform quality control, and ship the completed console directly to the customer. Compensation would be based on an agreed manufacturing price for each console produced and shipped. While this prototype does not guarantee future manufacturing work, I am looking for someone interested in building a long-term relationship if the project is successful. ============================== WHAT I'M LOOKING FOR ============================== Experience with: • Windows desktop software development • C# • Windows application development • PC hardware assembly • Mini-PC or custom PC builds • System integration • Hardware troubleshooting • Software testing Communication is extremely important. If you believe something in the design could be improved, I want you to tell me. I welcome engineering feedback and practical suggestions. ============================== WHEN APPLYING ============================== Please include: • Your experience with similar projects • Experience building custom PCs or hardware prototypes • Experience developing Windows desktop applications • What improvements you would recommend • Estimated timeline • Whether you believe the proposed budget is realistic • Any questions or concerns before starting I'm looking for someone who enjoys building innovative products and is interested in creating a high-quality prototype with the possibility of future collaboration. Thank you, and I look forward to hearing from you!