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 completely 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 speedy inspiration for Natalie. Upon inspecting the mannequin, she seen a gap behind the display meant to carry an ornamental cartridge. This design component sparked the concept to switch the toy in order that it might truly play video games.
Based on 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 typical Recreation Boy cartridge—but absolutely able to studying and working 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 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 might 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 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.
The unmodified LEGO Recreation Boy set stays accessible for buy at $59.99 via the My Nintendo Retailer and the official LEGO web site.
