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

A {hardware} fanatic referred to as @natalie_thenerd has amazed the modding neighborhood by changing the not too long ago launched LEGO Recreation Boy set into a totally purposeful console able to working 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 trustworthy design and nostalgic particulars, served as fast inspiration for Natalie. Upon analyzing the mannequin, she seen a gap behind the display meant to carry an ornamental cartridge. This design factor sparked the concept to change the toy in order that it may truly play video games.

In response to 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 absolutely able to studying and working 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 challenge additionally options what she describes because the smallest show equipment obtainable in the marketplace, changing LEGO’s ornamental display components. To suit the digital elements, 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 will be pressed, they aren’t but absolutely purposeful. 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, guaranteeing correct enter response. She additionally promised to launch a full demonstration as soon as the construct is full.