We’ve featured the work of [Modpurist] before, but his latest hack is wonderful in its simplicity. He wanted to create a more authentic Game Boy feel on his iPhone, so he printed out and stuck a skin on the front that makes it look like a Game Boy. Or rather, a Phone Boy, as the form factor is a bit different.
By measuring out the on-screen buttons and using light photo paper, he was able to have buttons on the skin as well: the touch screen still works through it. You can download his printable templates… and the finishing touch is a similar print for the back of the phone to gives that genuine Game Boy feel. Okay, feel is not the right term since the classic d-pad and red buttons are still just capacitive and have no throw. But this is a clever step in a fun direction.
Check out his other hacks while you are at it, including the Game Boy Fridge.
Is it Simple?
Not simple enough, could have done it with 3 crayolas and the back of an envelope :-p ;-) :-D
Neat. Next iteration, a 3D-Printed physical button cover slip with capacitive contacts?
Sure. Steal some rubber domes from a crappy keyboard and it should work and feel like the original.
You’d need the conductive rubber to lead to the user’s finger, the user’s body is an important part of how capacitive sensing works. You could build them from something, I’m sure. Maybe even conductive ink, leading through a hole to the other side of the paper.
Sometimes the most simple solution is the best. :) You win hackaday for today.
Will it fit on a Note 7?
Flame Boy.
I love it actually, it is pretty nice and simple and cool!
Not bad. Would be cool with pressure sensitivity on the touchscreen buttons – then texture the buttons so that you can feel them without pressing.
I’d like to see this as a flip case, with real buttons and Bluetooth connectivity.