This is the mod(ern) way
Handheld gaming is a luxury that many take for granted in the modern age. From our smart phones, to house console hybrids such as the Nintendo Switch, gambling on the move has never been easier. However, Rome was not built in a day, and the console business took a very long time to get the formula for portable gaming right. From battery hungry machines to impractically sized designs, it quickly became evident for pocket sized gambling to be achievable, the appropriate compromises had to be made. It was only when the Nintendo Game Boy made its debut in 1989 that players could eventually play their games both practically and portably, changing the industry as we know it.
Nintendo’s legendary grey brick had many qualities that gave it the advantage over its competitors; longer battery life, a huge library of games and also a comfortable form factor all made it a players favorite travelling companion. Regardless of the Game Boy brand being discontinued, its appeal still resonates throughout gaming today, with enthusiasts developing ways to enhance the experience utilizing modern technology. This guide will take a look at the very best way to experience the Nintendo Game Boy now, from first console alterations to new hardware options.
Choosing the right Game Boy for you
Throughout its life, the Game Boy received various reiterations and redesigns that further improved Nintendo’s original formulation. By making the design more pocket friendly, to adding a splash of color to the graphics, the Game Boy evolved along with tech of the time. The ultimate release of the Game Boy Advance further afield Nintendo’s handheld legacy, adding 32- bit graphics capabilities to the machine, similar in design to the SNES. The Game Boy finally retired from its handheld throne in 2010, meaning that novices have a huge array of models to look at when starting out.
Whilst the original Game Boy is rocky and energy efficient, its screen and absence of any type of screen lighting make it difficult to use today. Whilst display clarity has been solved with the Game Boy Pocket and Color, the display is still rather hard to see without sitting on the surface of the sun. It wasn’t until the launch of the Game Boy Advance SP that Nintendo finally graced its console using a front-lit screen, which vastly improves visibility.
The Game Boy Advance SP is probably the most adapting version of the handheld console; with its backwards compatibility, rechargeable battery and front-lit screen. There has been also an alternative model of the SP, which comes with a stunning back-lit display, but its limited release means it is hard to acquire. The principal complaint about the SP is the form factor — because its clam shell design includes a more cramped button design. This is a thing that the original Advance console design obtained right, with its wide shaped design and traditional sized buttons.
While attributes and design might be an important factor, the price tag may also sway your choice. A first Game Boy on the likes of eBay will set you back about $50, together with the Pocket and Color retaining a similar value. This may not seem too expensive, however, a lot of these consoles have been well loved by rowdy 90’s kids, so be wary of possible flaws and cosmetic flaws.
The Game Boy Advance models have a tendency to go for slightly cheaper, at around $30, based on the status. Rarer models on the other hand can command a higher price, together with all the back-lit SP selling for approximately $70 and the Micro for as large as $120. For a few, the cost attached to getting a nostalgia fix might be somewhat too large. If, however, you are dedicated to experiencing the complete potential of this Game Boy, you may end up exploring the domain of Game Boy customization.
Modifying your Traditional console
Providing that money is not a problem, your Game Boy can be modified to reach its entire potential. Not only are there sufficient parts accessible to revive your tired old console, but you can also resolve fundamental flaws with the original system. A wonderful place to start when changing your Game Boy is by updating its housing, with an alternative shell.
If your Game Boy is looking worse for wear, then you will more than likely want to make it looking minty fresh again. Luckily, there’s a large choice of replacement shells and buttons available that will give your previous console an aesthetic overhaul.
Additionally, this is an extremely affordable mod to begin with if you are new to the scene, together with shells generally costing under $10. These could be gotten in the likes of eBay or AliExpress, with variances in the quality of the plastic. If taking a risk on quality is something that you’d rather avoid, you can always pay a visit to the likes of Deadpan Robot, that specialize in various Game Boy components. Whether it’s for a first Game Boy or a Game Boy Advance, you’ll make certain to find something that speaks to your personality and requirements.
Now that you’ve obtained your Game Boy in showroom condition, you are going to want to choose it for a test drive. This will likely draw your attention to the issues with the console’s infamous LCD display. The matter of its lack of light and ghosting has haunted gamers since the consoles launch, naturally motivating the community to come up with a solution through modification.
Including a backlight to your original Game Boy may take the handheld from being a relic of yesteryear to a viable way to match on the move. If you’re striving for the finest original Game Boy encounter, you might also pair your backlight using a bivert mod chip. This clever modification will increase the contrast of your Game Boy’s display, causing a much sharper picture. Backlighting may also be added to the likes of this Game Boy Advance, which can be a fantastic alternative to using the clam shell SP model. There are several different modifications available that might accommodate individual needs, such as rechargeable batteries, which will make certain you’re not lining the Duracell rabbit’s pockets. Your selection of mod will likely come down to how much effort you wish to go to, as well as how much money you want to invest. From audio enhancements to
As such modding projects range from simple disassembly to more complicated electronics soldering, you may be slightly nervous to give it a go. While the internet is full of guides and tutorials, you may not have time or the confidence to function on what is basically handheld gaming’s grandfather. Thankfully, companies such as Deadpan robot will not only provide the parts, but they will also finish the mod to you. At about an extra $30 for the service, you may think that this is fairly pricey, but it’s definitely a good solution for those want to steer clear of DIY solutions. You may also purchase a console straight from Deadpan Robot, already modified, saving you from supplying your personal.
For a few, the energy and money necessary to completely change your Game Boy to a premium experience might appear unnecessary. In a world of emulators and mobile apparatus, an authentic experience usually appeals more to fans and retro gamers alike. If you would like to research the Game Boy catalogue , out of nostalgia or intrigue, you find that investing in contemporary Game Boy compatible devices is the best option.
Alternatives to the real deal
Retro gaming has never been more popular than it is now, which is why many businesses have seized the opportunity to capture the nostalgia of possible customers. The Game Boy and its own formfactor are no exception to this, with several devices and ways to replicate the expertise accessible from the guise of retro tech.
In 2017, Hyperkin released the SmartBoy, a controller attachment for smartphones which essentially transforms your device to a Game Boy. Using the same thought as their Retr0n collection of systems, the SmartBoy uses actual Game Boy cartridges to load games into an emulator, in this instance on a Smartphone. Possessing both cartridge compatibility and physical buttons signifies the SmartBoy will sense very reminiscent of your original Game Boy encounter, with the added bonus of being able to use your phone battery and screen. In the event the inaccuracies of emulation do not bother you, such as potential sound and graphics problems, then this will be a quick and easy way to enjoy the way the system has to offer. Keep in mind though, it might be an inconvenience to use your smart phone battery to power the device.
If you’ve ever browsed Aliexpress or even Wish, you are going to know about the many Game Boy styled hand-held which are typically utilized for emulation. While these can be a cheap and easy way to experience some pocket-sized gambling, quality will vary. One of the most well-known options on such websites has become the GB Boy colour, which is basically a $30 Game Boy Color clone that may use capsules. Despite its slightly cheaper feel, its backlit display is much superior to that of an original console.
Another example of a Game Boy inspired handheld is the Bittboy, an emulation established micro console which will run Game Boy, Game Boy Color, NES and SNES games. The Game Boy inspired formfactor and 2.4-inch backlit screen make for a fantastic experience when using your old catalog of ROM files. While it’s a shame that the console does not support Game Boy Advance titles, this can be compensated for through the support for Nintendo’s classic consoles. At $40, this is a fantastic option for the ones that need a compact device to journey with, but keep in mind that you’ll need to lawfully source your ROM files. Be aware that there are various imitations of the Bittboy on the current market, particularly on Aliexpress and eBay, which are of much lesser quality.
From revitalizing older hardware, to copying the expertise on new tech, the Game Boy remains as important today as it was from the 90’s. It’s a fantastic illustration of how innovation does not age, especially when some of the first systems defects can be addressed. If for nothing else, at least the Game Boy will currently reside long enough for our grandchildren to get confused on why the touch screen is not responding.
