Design
This Game Boy, Nintendo Switch hybrid is all we want in this world
A retro gaming modder transformed a Game Boy Advance SP into a Switch-like console with docking abilities and Joycon use.
Sometimes a simple question cascades into something much bigger. Can a Game Boy Advance SP be controlled with Joy-Con? This line of thinking is what compelled Tito from Macho Nacho productions to create a Game Boy Advance Switch.
The foundation of the project was hinged on a custom lower shell, which mounted the Joy-Con rails, housed openings for the Switch’s various power cables, and was large enough to contain the Game Boy itself.
The simplest part of the DIY project was removing the SP’s motherboard.
From there, the process involved pre-tinning VIAs, soldering wires to button input VIAs, populating a custom PCB, and much more.
Ultimately the Game Boy Advance x Nintendo Switch-like console allowed Tito to experience the old handheld like a home console, by separating himself from the need to hold the SP at all.
We highly recommend checking out Tito’s full video, which goes into depth about the creation of the hybrid device and its overall benefits/features.