How to Mod a Game Boy with Basic Gear

When I was young, I was lucky enough to own an original Game Boy, and over the years, I accumulated quite a few games. Unfortunately, one day, a malicious family member stole nearly everything to sell at who-knows-where, but I managed to save my original GB and, most importantly, Tetris, which is still my favorite game today.

I don’t play it often, but I know that if it ever breaks down, thanks to this project, I’ll be able to fix it easily and even add some really cool new features. After all, who hasn’t dreamed of pimping out their old Game Boy while keeping its timeless original look?

The hack I want to discuss today involves an enhanced display module for the classic Game Boy, designed by a maker named Tobi. What makes his project particularly interesting is that he uses modern components while remaining accessible to hobbyists like us who might not have a professional electronics lab.

The first thing I learned through this project is the fundamental difference between “through-hole” components (those with leads that go through the board) and SMD (Surface-Mount Device) components. If you’ve ever assembled a basic electronics kit, you probably know the former: easy to handle but as bulky as a gaming PC in a Parisian studio.

SMD components, on the other hand, are these tiny chips that look like grains of rice and can bring even the most patient among us to tears. But… well, they are the future. All modern devices use them because they allow for much more compact and efficient circuits. The problem is they’ve long been considered inaccessible to hobbyists.

This is where Tobi’s project becomes really interesting. To upgrade his Game Boy with a new display module based on an RP2350B microprocessor, he uses SMD components but with surprisingly affordable tools:

1. A USB heating plate for solder reflow. It’s basically a small plate that gradually heats to melt the solder evenly. Nothing like the professional stations costing 500 bucks.
2. A Pinecil as a soldering iron. If you don’t know it, it’s a super affordable open-source soldering iron (around €30) that provides performance on par with much more expensive models.
3. A lot (really a lot) of solder flux. Flux is the best friend of the SMD solderer. It improves the flow of the solder and makes it easy to correct mistakes.

The SMD soldering process with these tools is surprisingly accessible once you understand the basics. Here’s roughly how it works:

• Start by applying solder paste to the PCB pads (or pre-tinning them with a soldering iron).
• Carefully place the components with tweezers (steady hands and a good magnifying glass will help).
• Gradually heat the plate until the solder melts and the components magically align in place (it’s almost mystical to see it for the first time).
• Inspect the result and correct any solder bridges with the iron and extra flux.
• Clean everything up and pray to the electronics gods.

What truly impressed me about this project is the choice of the RP2350B microprocessor. Unlike many Game Boy mods that use FPGAs (super flexible but complex programmable chips), the RP2350B offers a good balance between simplicity and power.

FPGAs allow you to recreate the original hardware exactly but come with a learning curve worthy of a doctorate in electronics. The RP2350B, on the other hand, gets the job done with more accessible programming, making it better suited for us eternal newbies.

Another fascinating aspect of the project is how it adds modern features while keeping the original aesthetics of the console. Unlike those mods that turn your Game Boy into a blinking horror, this one stays true to Nintendo’s design while enhancing the gaming experience.

For those who might be tempted to embark on this adventure, here are some tips derived from the project:

• Don’t skimp on the solder flux. Really. It’s your best ally.
• The ideal temperature for reflowing standard SMD components is generally around 235-245°C. Take it slow.
• A magnifying glass or, better yet, a cheap USB microscope can turn the SMD soldering experience from “hellish nightmare” to “pleasant challenge.”
• Start with simple projects before tackling a complete Game Boy modification. Rome wasn’t built in a day, and neither is your first perfect SMD solder.

If you’re curious to see the RP2350B in action, know that it’s a microcontroller based on the ARM Cortex-M0+ architecture that offers excellent performance-to-energy consumption.

So there you have it, times are changing; with a little affordable gear, we can achieve great things, and I think that’s really cool. So if you have a broken Game Boy or if you end up with one that’s completely beyond repair, there might be a way to fix it, or even enhance it, by closely following this project.

Have fun, and if you decide to dive into the adventure, don’t hesitate to share your creations!