Modder Turns LEGO Recreation Boy Into A Absolutely Playable Console Utilizing Unique 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 practical 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 trustworthy design and nostalgic particulars, served as rapid inspiration for Natalie. Upon inspecting the mannequin, she seen a gap behind the display meant to carry an ornamental cartridge. This design factor sparked the thought to change 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 authentic Recreation Boy Pocket, together with built-in RAM to avoid wasting area. The result’s a compact board—smaller even than a regular Recreation Boy cartridge—but absolutely 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 mission additionally options what she describes because the smallest show equipment accessible available on the market, changing LEGO’s ornamental display elements. To suit the digital elements, some authentic 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 aren’t but absolutely practical. 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.

The unmodified LEGO Recreation Boy set stays accessible for buy at $59.99 by the My Nintendo Store and the official LEGO website.

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