A {hardware} fanatic referred to as @natalie_thenerd has amazed the modding group by changing the not too long ago launched LEGO Sport Boy set into a completely purposeful console able to working actual Nintendo Sport 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 Sport Boy elements.
The LEGO Sport Boy, praised for its devoted design and nostalgic particulars, served as fast inspiration for Natalie. Upon analyzing the mannequin, she observed a gap behind the display meant to carry an ornamental cartridge. This design component sparked the thought to change 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 unique Sport Boy Pocket, together with built-in RAM to avoid wasting house. The result’s a compact board—smaller even than a regular Sport 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 accessible in the marketplace, changing LEGO’s ornamental display components. To suit the digital elements, some unique 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 may 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, making certain correct enter response. She additionally promised to launch a full demonstration as soon as the construct is full.
The unmodified LEGO Sport Boy set stays accessible for buy at $59.99 by means of the My Nintendo Retailer and the official LEGO web site.
