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

A {hardware} fanatic often known as @natalie_thenerd has amazed the modding neighborhood 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 undertaking was accomplished in lower than a day after the official launch of the LEGO set and integrates genuine Recreation Boy parts.

The LEGO Recreation Boy, praised for its trustworthy design and nostalgic particulars, served as instant inspiration for Natalie. Upon inspecting the mannequin, she observed a gap behind the display screen meant to carry an ornamental cartridge. This design ingredient sparked the concept to change the toy in order that it might truly play video games.

In accordance with Tom’s Hardware, Natalie designed a customized printed circuit board (PCB) that includes a MGB CPU, the identical processor used within the authentic Recreation Boy Pocket, together with built-in RAM to save lots of area. The result’s a compact board—smaller even than a regular 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 undertaking additionally options what she describes because the smallest show equipment out there available on the market, changing LEGO’s ornamental display screen elements. To suit the digital parts, some authentic 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 might 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 elements to attach the buttons on to the PCB, guaranteeing correct enter response. She additionally promised to launch a full demonstration as soon as the construct is full.