Modder Turns LEGO Recreation Boy Into A Totally Playable Console Utilizing Unique Cartridges

A {hardware} fanatic generally known as @natalie_thenerd has amazed the modding group by changing the not too long ago launched LEGO Recreation Boy set into a totally useful console able to operating actual Nintendo Recreation Boy cartridges—with out counting on emulation. The mission was accomplished in lower than a day after the official launch of the LEGO set and integrates genuine Recreation Boy elements.

The LEGO Recreation Boy, praised for its devoted design and nostalgic particulars, served as rapid inspiration for Natalie. Upon analyzing the mannequin, she seen a gap behind the display screen meant to carry an ornamental cartridge. This design component sparked the thought to switch the toy in order that it may really play video games.

In keeping with Tom’s Hardware, Natalie designed a customized printed circuit board (PCB) that includes a MGB CPU, the identical processor used within the unique Recreation Boy Pocket, together with built-in RAM to save lots of area. The result’s a compact board—smaller even than a normal Recreation Boy cartridge—but totally able to studying and operating real Nintendo sport cartridges.

In movies shared on her weblog, Natalie demonstrates the modified LEGO console efficiently booting up Tetris, confirming that the system can acknowledge and cargo genuine sport cartridges. The mission additionally options what she describes because the smallest show equipment accessible in the marketplace, changing LEGO’s ornamental display screen components. To suit the digital elements, some unique LEGO items needed to be eliminated or adjusted.

Though the system can already energy on and browse cartridges, the mod stays a work in progress. Whereas the buttons may be pressed, they aren’t but totally useful. In an interview with The Verge, Natalie defined that she plans to design and 3D-print customized components to attach the buttons on to the PCB, making certain correct enter response. She additionally promised to launch a full demonstration as soon as the construct is full.