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

A {hardware} fanatic often called @natalie_thenerd has amazed the modding group by changing the not too long ago launched LEGO Recreation Boy set into a totally purposeful console able to operating actual Nintendo Recreation Boy cartridges—with out counting on emulation. The challenge 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 fast inspiration for Natalie. Upon inspecting the mannequin, she seen a gap behind the display screen meant to carry an ornamental cartridge. This design ingredient sparked the concept to switch the toy in order that it might truly play video games.

In line 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 avoid wasting house. The result’s a compact board—smaller even than an ordinary Recreation Boy cartridge—but totally able to studying and operating real Nintendo recreation 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 recreation cartridges. The challenge additionally options what she describes because the smallest show equipment accessible available on the market, changing LEGO’s ornamental display screen elements. To suit the digital elements, some unique LEGO items needed to be eliminated or adjusted.

Though the system can already energy on and skim cartridges, the mod stays a work in progress. Whereas the buttons will be pressed, they don’t seem to be but totally purposeful. In an interview with The Verge, Natalie defined that she plans to design and 3D-print customized elements 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.