When the ever-versatile Raspberry Pi was released, the potential for cheap video game emulation was immediately obvious. Some of the very first Raspi projects to hit the internet were arcade cabinets, and it wasn’t long until people were making them portable. A purpose-build Linux distort called RetroPie has become very popular specifically because of the Raspi’s game-emulation potential. However, the actual hardware for these emulation systems isn’t always the most aesthetically (or ergonomically) pleasing. That’s where reddit user [Cristov9000] has managed to stand out from the crowd.
[Cristov9000] accomplished this by combining high-quality design (and 3D printing) with the careful use of original Nintendo parts. Game Boy and SNES buttons and elastomers were used to achieve the correct button feel. Other original Game Boy parts, like the volume wheel and power switch, ensure that the system feels as much like 1989 OEM hardware as possible.
Also impressive is the internal hardware, including 3 custom PCBs used to tie everything together to work via the Raspberry Pi 2 GPIO pins. The display is a 3.5″ TFT screen, and with the 6000 mAh it can handle gameplay for more than 7 hours. Other details, like the integrated mono speaker and rear shoulder buttons complete the experience. Combined with the RetroPie and an assortment of emulators, this is one of the most impressive portable gaming builds we’ve seen, especially among a crowded list of awesome raspi-based Game Boy builds.
This is awesome!
I would waste a prodigious quantity of time playing this. Well done!
That’s crazy slick. I have a pi I setup as a pvr for my parents that I will be getting back soon, may attempt to built one of these but add an hdmi out etc.
Having accessible HDMI out would be awesome for this!
Hack the planet!
Wow where can I find the project web site?
He’ll be working on that later: https://www.reddit.com/r/raspberry_pi/comments/3mz2hx/my_raspberry_pi2_gameboy/cvjc0xn
Thanks. I hope to see a web site with shopping list and how to. Fingers crossed.
where’s the R and L buttons?
On a keyboard… where they belong.
http://i.imgur.com/VaSsYD1
Impressive work I have to say. Nicely done!
Shame he’s being shifty about releasing the source files.
6000mAH and 7 hours makes the Lynx and Game Gear look good :p
except 6 batteries for an extra hour then a trip to the store certainly takes that away quick.
Finally someone did it right
Nice one, have a look at this one here if you like. It is in the look of the very first grey DMG Gameboy https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Vg4QNKEwUyo
Here Cristov9000 shows how to build his SuperGameGirl http://imgur.com/a/gFhk7
and here it’s all programming and 3d print files for this build https://github.com/Cristov9000/SuperGameGirl